Factors that Affect Retention of Sport Officials

Abstract

The purpose of this synthesis is to examine previous research on factors that affect sport officials’ intention to continue officiating. There is currently a shortage of sport officials across several sports worldwide, especially at the amateur level. The studies examined within the critical mass discovered common factors that positively and negatively affect sport official retention. Having a passion for the game, the social aspect of officiating and the perceived lack of organizational support were recurring themes that were cited as affecting sport officials’ intention to continue. Previous research recommended how officiating associations could improve their recruitment and retention of sport officials. However, future research should examine if these recommendations positively affect the retention of sport officials.