Despite the widespread abuse of sport officials, there is no research on the long-term impact of this type of workplace violence on the health of referees. We will examine the relation between exposure to workplace violence (i.e., being abused as a referee) and health outcomes in Canadian referees.
Planned Impact
Our research aims are consistent with the World Health Organization’s public health objectives for the prevention of interpersonal violence in all settings and across all forms. This strategy starts with surveillance and the identification of risk and protective factors, followed by the development and evaluation of interventions, which are in turn, implemented. To reduce this form of violence in Canada, we need a clear account of the issue at hand so that priorities can be set, awareness raised, programmes designed and implemented, and policies developed. Unfortunately, when it comes to the abuse of referees, the little we know is how it impacts adults in Europe in the immediate, but not in the long-term. Thus, we do not have a clear understanding of this issue and its influence on Canadians.
Benefits of this Research
Our team has prioritized systematic knowledge mobilization activities to ensure that our research findings are meaningful to the full range of potential end-users and leads to measurable changes in evidence-based practice and policy.
In collaboration with our partners, we will work to ensure the findings from this study reach target audiences to help effect change and lead to safer working environments for youth referees in soccer, with application to all sports in Canada.