The football referee. Charged with controlling the players and
enforcing the laws of the most popular and passionate game on the
planet, they are often alone and always outnumbered. They ply their
trade in the face of competitive athletes and a partisan crowd, all
desperate to sway judgments in their favour. Along with players and
coaches, they are the only people who can influence the result of a
football match, yet despite such importance, there are many questions.
- Are referees influenced by the crowd?
- Do referees favour the home side?
- Do 'big name' players and managers get treated differently?
- Are referees arrogant?
- Why would anyone want to be a referee?
- Do we really trust the referee?
- Do we neglect the mental health of referees?
- How can a referee prepare psychologically for a game?
In Blowing the Whistle: The Psychology of Football Refereeing, these
questions, and more, are answered.
Meticulously researched and written by leading authority Stuart
Carrington, a multitude of views from the terraces, the media, academic
studies, and referees themselves are brought together to bust myths and
shine a light on the misunderstood, rarely appreciated, and often
vilified individuals who are central to the beautiful game. Vital
lessons from psychology are explored to ensure no stone is left unturned
in finally understanding: what is it really like to referee a football
match?
