Positive Behavior Management: Assessment of Rugby Referees in Children Sport

Katarzyna Płoszaj, Wiesław Firek, Paweł Gąsior and Ewa Malchrowicz-Mośko
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Katarzyna Płoszaj: Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, 00-968 Warsaw, Poland
Wiesław Firek: Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, 00-968 Warsaw, Poland
Paweł Gąsior: Department of Physical Education and Sport, Podhale State College of Applied Sciences in Nowy Targ, ul. Kokoszków 71, 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland
Ewa Malchrowicz-Mośko: Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences, Eugeniusz Piasecki University of Physical Education in Poznań, 61-871 Poznań, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-12

Abstract: During children’s sports competitions, the referees play a special role. The referees are expected to be able to identify behavioral problems (of players, coaches, and fans), applying specific techniques to prevent negative behavior of players. Adapting these actions to the specifics of the group or individuals is crucial in providing a safe educational environment that promotes child development. The main objective of this research was to assess the quality of referees’ interactions with players in terms of positive behavior management and proficiency during rugby matches of children aged 6–12 years. Twenty-three rugby referees officiating matches organized by the Polish Rugby Union in Poland participated in the study. The research used the Referee–Players’ Interaction Assessment Scoring System tool. Additionally, referee–player interactions were recorded with a GoPro 8 camera along with audio from a wireless intercom. The significance of differences between the ratings for each indicator was tested by chi-squared test, while a non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the mean ratings of positive behavior management and proficiency . The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare differences between assessments of experienced and inexperienced referees. The observations showed that referees were rated significantly higher in the proficiency dimension than in positive behavior management dimension. Nevertheless, both ratings represent an average level of quality of interactions with the players. The referee’s experience did not determine the quality of his or her interactions with the players in the specific dimensions. The following conclusion was drawn from the research: referees should be trained in the methods and techniques for managing player behavior and should act to prevent the occurrence of negative behavior, by presenting clear and understandable expectations to players before the match and using preventive measures.

Keywords: referee; sport official; rugby; children sport; educational practice; pedagogical function (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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