Fear, Anger, and Loneliness: Emotional Pain and Referee Attrition in English Grassroots Football

in Sociology of Sport Journal

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Paul A. Potrac Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

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Edward T. Hall Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom

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Adam J. Nichol Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ssj.2021-0052
Keywords:
role identity; role exit; social interaction; match officials
First Published Online:
25 Oct 2021
In Print:
Volume 39: Issue 3
Page Range:
298–308
Restricted access

This interpretive study provides original insights into the socioemotional experiences that contributed to referee attrition in English grassroots football. Data were generated using an online survey (n = 251) and in-depth interviews (n = 20) with former referees. Using complementary symbolic interactionist and relational conceptualizations of identity, social interaction, and emotional pain, the analysis addressed the participants’ interpretations of their problematic encounters with the various significant others (e.g., coaches, managers, players, spectators, and administrators) that comprised their respective social networks in grassroots football. Importantly, the participants described several emotionally painful issues related to match day environments, disciplinary proceedings, and deployment and development processes that simultaneously coexisted alongside and exacerbated one another. The findings present important implications for those individuals and governing bodies who are responsible for referee retention.

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