The Effect of a (Cognitive-Behavioral) Guidance Program on Performance of Third-Class Football Referees in Wasit Province

Abstract

The problem statement of the present study revolves around a clear deficiency in the precise legal knowledge of some third-class referees, which negatively impacts their performance on the field. Committing refereeing errors, weakness in decision-making, and managing difficult situations represent prominent forms of such deficiencies, leading to low evaluation scores. To find solutions to this problem, the researcher decided to implement a cognitive-behavioral guidance program on legal knowledge and performance of third-class football referees in Wasit Province.

The present study aims to:

1. Identify the level of effect of the cognitive-behavioral program on the refereeing performance of third-class referees before and after the program's implementation. The results reveal statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-tests in favor of the post-test among members of the experimental group, both in arbitration performance. Significant differences were found among the control group, demonstrating the effectiveness of the cognitive-behavioral guidance program in developing arbitration performance by raising the efficiency of arbitration in both cognitive and behavioral aspects. The study also concludes that the program contributes significantly to improving on-field refereeing performance, including positioning, decision-making accuracy, and emotional control. The present study recommends adopting this type of program in the preparation and development of referees, especially in the early stages of their careers, and integrating psychological and cognitive aspects into the training curricula approved by refereeing committees.