This study aimed to determine the levels of psychological pressure control among referees of the Iraqi Premier Volleyball League and to examine its relationship with officiating performance. It also sought to compare psychological control across demographic and professional variables. Using the Psychological Pressure Control Questionnaire for Volleyball Referees (PPCQ), which covers emotional regulation, cognitive control, coping strategies, and self-confidence/efficacy, the findings indicated a relatively high overall level of psychological control (mean = 3.74, SD = 0.38). The self-confidence/efficacy dimension scored highest (mean = 3.82). Correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations between all psychological control dimensions and both decision accuracy and officiating consistency, alongside negative associations with reported errors (p < 0.01). This indicates that referees with stronger psychological control perform more accurately and consistently while committing fewer errors, supporting prior research. Furthermore, psychological control improved with greater years of experience, higher levels of officiating education, and older age, highlighting the role of experience and maturity. Based on these results, the study recommends developing specialized psychological training programs, promoting advanced officiating education, and leveraging senior referees' experience. Future research is encouraged to explore the influence of psychological control on other officiating aspects.
Abdul-Razzaq et al. (Wed,) studied this question.