Recently we spoke with Dr. Noel Brick a lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at Ulster University
Dr. Brick’s new study about the correlation between mental health difficulties and abuse of referees has caught headlines recently with the study noting how 94.29 percent of 438 referees surveyed have experienced verbal abuse, with an alarming 23.06 percent reporting physical abuse.
“We have done some research in the past, mostly with athletes and coaches. One of the things that came out of that research is the lack of work being done with referees. A real lack of research of what refs experienced in terms of abuse in their roles.”
“One of the things we surveyed was verbal and psychical abuse and we asked them questions about how that impacted in their mental health, well-being, and intentions to leave referring. There are quite high figures and worrying figures.”
Delighted that our study, "The Impact of Verbal & Physical Abuse on Distress, Mental Health, & Intentions to Quit in Sports Officials" (Referees) is now published. Summary & recommendations in image.
— Dr Noel Brick (@noelbrickie) August 15, 2022
Brief: We surveyed Gaelic games officials & showed that abuse in games… 1/2 pic.twitter.com/z5cIGQ5uQl
Hear the full interview with Dr. Noel Brick on Scoreline Extra below:
Since the findings were released it seemed to have become the topic of the week and raised its head again on Camán Caint, our camogie podcast. In a wide-ranging conversation on the podcast, analyst Áine Fahey had strong words to say, especially about the treatment of female referees. You can hear that conversation in full and get a preview of all of this weekend’s games on the latest edition of Camán Caint.
Related: Kilkenny camogie championships round 2 recap and previewing round 3’s games
We have previously spoken to a host of referees in relation to the abuse received from the sideline, such as David Gough. David, who got to referee the drawn game between Dublin & Kerry in the 2019 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, spoke for over an hour about his career, personal life & more
Listen to that Clash Act episode below:
