Abuse of Sports Officials and Spectator Enjoyment: A New Zealand Perspective Research Completed

Title

Abuse of Sports Officials and Spectator Enjoyment: A New Zealand Perspective

Lead Author

Jan Charbonneau , Ron Garland

Organisation(s)

Massey University, University of Waikato

Publication Year

2011

Publisher

Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy 2011 Conference

Contacts

Jan Charbonneau.

Massey University.

E-mail: j.charbonneau@massey.ac.nz

 

 

Abstract

Organised sport relies on independent and unbiased officials and officiating. Scrutiny of performance and questioning of decisions is the norm with New Zealand sports officials well aware of this public scrutiny (SPARC, 2003). While the crucial role of officials is widely acknowledged, little research has been conducted in New Zealand about public perceptions of sports officials. Anecdotally, officials appear to get harsh treatment on the field of play, in the media and by fans. This study researched spectator behaviours and attitudes towards sports officials by exploring the extent to which questioning and scrutiny of sports officials is considered “acceptable” and, if “excessive”, whether it detracts from spectator enjoyment.

 

Keywords:

abuse, sports officials, spectator enjoyment

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December 13, 2013