Psychological and Physical Safety of a Football Referee During a Game Event
Helkamo, Mats (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121536323
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121536323
Tiivistelmä
According to the European Football Federation (UEFA), 98% of European referees have faced referee abuse. The numbers are similar in Sweden, where referees in 22 of 24 regions have faced abuse (Sundberg, 2020). The exact number for Finland is not available, but according to various sources, it is at a similar level.
The aim of this thesis is to examine the psychological and physical dimensions of referee safety during grassroots-level football match events in Finland. The objective is to improve understanding of the factors that influence referee safety and to identify areas where practical measures could strengthen the overall safety environment. By highlighting the most significant challenges and proposing development actions, this thesis seeks to contribute to making grassroots football safer for referees and the broader football community.
This thesis mainly benefits the Football Association of Finland, which holds the final responsibility regarding domestic football, but also everyone who participates in grassroots football. This thesis researches the current situation regarding the issue from the referees' point of view.
A survey was distributed to various referee associations to gain an understanding of the extent and nature of the problem. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain more in-depth qualitative information regarding referees’ thoughts, perceptions, and personal experiences of abuse. Combining these two approaches provided a more comprehensive view of the issue and strengthened the validity of the research findings.
Based on the research conducted, the problem is also relevant in Finland, as the vast majority of referees have experienced abuse. While the fields still feel safe to referee on, the situation can be clearly improved with minor changes. It is recommended that the organizing body provides clear education and assigns a person responsible for the atmosphere during the event. Also, the disciplinary body is asked to review the magnitude of sanctions, as they are perceived as too lenient. Everyone participating in the event is responsible for maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere, regardless of their role.
The aim of this thesis is to examine the psychological and physical dimensions of referee safety during grassroots-level football match events in Finland. The objective is to improve understanding of the factors that influence referee safety and to identify areas where practical measures could strengthen the overall safety environment. By highlighting the most significant challenges and proposing development actions, this thesis seeks to contribute to making grassroots football safer for referees and the broader football community.
This thesis mainly benefits the Football Association of Finland, which holds the final responsibility regarding domestic football, but also everyone who participates in grassroots football. This thesis researches the current situation regarding the issue from the referees' point of view.
A survey was distributed to various referee associations to gain an understanding of the extent and nature of the problem. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain more in-depth qualitative information regarding referees’ thoughts, perceptions, and personal experiences of abuse. Combining these two approaches provided a more comprehensive view of the issue and strengthened the validity of the research findings.
Based on the research conducted, the problem is also relevant in Finland, as the vast majority of referees have experienced abuse. While the fields still feel safe to referee on, the situation can be clearly improved with minor changes. It is recommended that the organizing body provides clear education and assigns a person responsible for the atmosphere during the event. Also, the disciplinary body is asked to review the magnitude of sanctions, as they are perceived as too lenient. Everyone participating in the event is responsible for maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere, regardless of their role.