Self-Control, Ego-Depletion, and Performance in Soccer Referees

Soccer referees are challenged by physiological, professional, and mental demands which require them to exercise self-control for optimal performance. We applied the strength model of self-control (e.g., Baumeister, Bratslavsky, Muraven, & Tice, 1998) to examine the relationship between self-control strength and performance. Sixteen Israeli soccer referees (M age = 30.06 yrs, SD = 7.38) representing several professional levels and experience completed a trait self-control scale. Then, over 2-4 matches each, they completed measures of daily hassles prior to the match and state self-control prior to and after the match. Personal, situational and performance indices were also collected. Data were analyzed using several statistical procedures, including hierarchical linear modeling. The referees exhibited higher levels of trait self-control compared with professional soccer players and the general population. Their state self-control scores were also high. A noticeable decrease (10% or more) in state self-control strength was evident in almost half of the matches. Experience of daily hassles and travel time to the match were related to lower pre-match self-control. Ego depletion was associated with self-reported match difficulty and was negatively related to self-rated match performance. These findings are in line with previous studies and the strength model of self-control. Practitioners should support referees in planning match day routines to maintain self-control strength, considering aspects pertaining to sleep, nutrition, and stress. Practitioners should also teach referees self-control skills. Referee Unions can assist referees in decreasing daily hassles prior to challenging matches, by announcing match allocation much earlier, so referees can plan their work schedule. Also, by providing car services and even accommodation to referees who need to travel over a long distance.