A recent study reveals that 85% of Quebec’s minor field hockey referees have experienced verbal abuse, with 22% reporting frequent incidents. Additionally, 45% have faced threats or physical violence. This disturbing trend impacts referee retention negatively. Researchers suggest that addressing the issue requires multifaceted solutions, including organizational support, community backing, and resilience development among officials. Recommendations include effective reporting procedures, awareness campaigns, and opportunities for networking and training to improve the overall referee experience and safety.
“Ost… de bitc… à marde.” This phrase heard in an arena on Tuesday night is not isolated. Most referees have faced similar insults during their careers.
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Alarmingly, a recent study indicated that 85% of minor field hockey officials in Quebec have encountered verbal abuse, with 22% reporting it occurs frequently. Additionally, 45% have experienced threats or physical violence, as revealed by a report from Pôle sports HEC Montréal.
As Eric Brunelle, the director and founder of Pôle sports and a professor at Université de Montréal, points out, “In the general working class, around 14% of employees have faced verbal violence, and only 2% have encountered physical violence.”
To investigate the growing shortage of referees, researchers concluded that violence significantly contributes to referees stepping away from the sport. This finding emerged from a survey involving 811 officials out of 3,033, conducted between January and May of this year.
The urgency of the situation prompted nearly a third of Quebec’s minor field hockey referees to respond.
“Yes, violence is a direct factor affecting referee retention, but its impact unfolds over time,” noted Dominic L. Marques, a research associate at Pôle sports, emphasizing that the detrimental effects of aggression are toxic and harm victims’ well-being and self-esteem.
Three Related Topics
The initial phase of this research program outlined 15 recommendations and actions targeting three key areas to lessen the negative repercussions faced by referees: enhancing organizational support, nurturing the referee community, and fostering referee resilience.
Brunelle emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach: “Focusing solely on the rules or solely on the community won’t yield effective results. We must address all three aspects simultaneously for meaningful change.”
Resilience
According to the researchers, resilience requires more than simply downplaying violence. “It entails recognizing the severity of situations and being equipped with coping mechanisms for effective management,” argued Marques.
Many referees mistakenly believe they are resilient by claiming they can endure abuse. “That’s not resilience; it’s merely resistance. It’s an easy trap to fall into,” Brunelle remarked.
Stéphane Auger, Hockey Québec’s new general manager, asserted that resilience includes self-evaluation. “Experiencing a bad game is inevitable; it’s happened to me,” he stated.
A Bigger Team
In response, Hockey Québec has expanded its refereeing structure from one to six employees, including four coordinators to improve communication with regional officials. “Referees will no longer operate in isolation; they will have channels for communication and support,” Auger explained.
Moving forward, Pôle sports plans to explore other sports and engage with referees who have left the profession, focusing particularly on underrepresented groups, including women.
The 15 Recommendations
To Strengthen Organizational Support
1. Develop effective procedures to encourage reporting of abuse and violence, ensuring appropriate interventions and sanctions.
2. Launch awareness campaigns.
3. Provide resources like employee assistance programs and industrial psychologists.
4. Embrace empathetic leadership that offers support.
5. Recognize and reward referees for their contributions.
6. Create training and career advancement opportunities.
To Support the Referee Community
1. Encourage social interaction among referees.
2. Offer networking, coaching, sponsorship, and mentoring opportunities.
3. Establish communal spaces like clubrooms for socialization.
4. Broaden the refereeing network to the provincial level.
To Promote Referee Resilience
1. Cultivate a culture of open communication for reporting abuse and seeking assistance.
2. Enhance socialization opportunities and communal spaces for referees.
3. Create an environment where referees feel valued and supported.
4. Provide training and development programs.
5. Offer resources such as employee assistance programs and counseling services.