Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Through a lens of the Knowledge Gap Theory of Mass Communication and the consideration of Media Framing Theory, this research examined the demographics of soccer referees in the Western Kentucky Soccer Officials Association, in addition to the leading motivations for beginning, continuing, and leaving their officiating vocation. With the knowledge of the aforementioned, this paper aimed to lay the groundwork for a strategic communication plan in the officiating community that addresses the alarming trend that is a lack of certified referees in youth athletics. The data was collected through online surveys that were distributed to active referees in the Western Kentucky Soccer Officials Association. While individuals identified many motivations, results suggested that the theme of enjoyment in affiliation or the “love of the game” is far and away the leading reason for referees to both begin their careers and continue their careers, as the study reveals that intrinsic motivation is extremely significant for officials. Further, referee abuse is the leading reason that referees have pondered walking away from the game. Finally, while the reasons are still unknown, the demographic portion of the research did communicate that the respondents generally belonged to the higher socioeconomic classes of society. They were also predominantly and disproportionately white, exclusively male, and held advanced educational degrees at a higher rate than the general population. Higher household incomes and a median age that would be considered by most as middle-aged were also themes that emerged, while most had played soccer competitively at a minimum of the high school level.

Year manuscript completed

2021

Year degree awarded

2021

Author's Keywords

Referee, Soccer, Mass Communications, Demographics, Motivations, Media

Dissertation Committee Chair

Bellarmine A. Ezumah

Thesis Advisor

Bellarmine A. Ezumah

Committee Chair

Bellarmine A. Ezumah

Committee Member

Melony A. Shemberger

Committee Member

Dave Gesler

Document Type

Thesis

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