EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED STRESS LEVELS OF SOCCER REFEREES AND THEIR DECISION-MAKING SKILLS

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose: Football is one of the most popular and passionately followed sports worldwide. Proper management and the ability to make fair and accurate decisions are crucial factors that determine the quality and reliability of football. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine the relationship between perceived stress levels of soccer referees and their decision-making skills. Method: The study group of the research consisted of 135 football referees (mean age 28.32±4.36) randomly selected using the random sampling method, with ages ranging from 20 to 35. In addition to a personal information form created by the researcher for data collection purposes, the "Perceived Stress Level Scale," adapted into Turkish by Eskin et al. (2013), and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire I-II (MDMQ I-II), developed by Mann et al. (1998) and adapted into Turkish by Deniz (2004), were used. The hypotheses formulated in the scope of the research were tested using independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: When the data obtained from the research were examined according to the gender variable, it was found that there was no difference in the perceived stress level scale sub-dimensions and decision-making styles according to gender (p>0.05). On the other hand, a significant relationship was found between decision-making styles scale total score and sub-dimensions (self-esteem, cautious, procrastinator, avoidant, and panicky) (p<0.05), and it was also determined that there was a significant relationship between the perceived stress level scale total score and sub-dimensions (inadequate self-efficacy and stress/discomfort perception) (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the research, a relationship was found between the decision-making styles and the perceived stress levels of the football referees included in the study.