A Video-Based Training Method for Improving Soccer Referees’ Intuitive Decision-Making Skills

We present a video-based online training-tool (SET, for Schiedsrichter-Entscheidungs-Training, in German) for improving soccer referees’ decisions. We assume that referees’ decision-making in contact situations mainly relies on intuitive processing. For improving intuitive decisions, feedback on the correctness of decisions is essential; explanations are not required (Hogarth, 2008 Jendrusch, G. 2002. Probleme bei der Bewegungsbeobachtung und -beurteilung durch Kampf-, Schieds- und Linienrichter [Judges’, referees’, and linesmen's difficulties in the perception and evaluation of movements]. Psychologie und Sport, 9: 133–144. [Google Scholar]). Referees participating in SET watch videos, make decisions, and receive feedback. Evidence of the training's effectiveness was obtained in two experiments with soccer players and expert referees. Immediate feedback on the correctness of decisions without further explanations was sufficient for increasing decision accuracy. Results illustrate that SET is a promising tool for complementing referees’ training.