What is it about?
This study explores how previous experience in sport—as a player or coach—shapes how handball referees deal with perfectionism and fear of failure. It shows that referees with a sporting background are better equipped to manage the pressure of making mistakes. The research also finds that female referees tend to experience stronger negative reactions to imperfection than their male counterparts.
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Why is it important?
Referees face constant public scrutiny and must make rapid decisions under pressure. These psychological demands can affect their mental health and performance. By understanding the role of past sporting experience, this study offers insights into how referees’ resilience can be strengthened, leading to better performance and well-being. It supports the development of psychological training programs tailored to referees’ specific challenges.
Perspectives
More research is needed to explore these patterns in other sports and competition levels. It is also important to develop and test psychological support programs—such as training in emotional regulation or coping with mistakes. Sport organizations should recognize the mental health needs of referees and integrate this understanding into education and support structures.
Manuel Gómez-López
University of Murcia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Perfectionism and fear of failure, according to sporting experience. A referee handball study, Frontiers in Psychology, May 2025, Frontiers,
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1542416.
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