Sport Ireland launches first ever survey exploring behaviours towards sports officials
Sport Ireland has launched the first ever survey exploring behaviours toward sports officials in Ireland.
Players, coaches and spectators who have encountered a sports official at a competition/game over the past season are invited to take part in the survey.
Michael McGeehin, Sport Ireland Director of Coaching, said: “Officiating is a valued and vital part of sport – without officials we just wouldn’t be able to play the games we all love so much. At Sport Ireland we’re committed to providing officials with the tools, support, and recognition they deserve.
“This survey is a key part of Sport Ireland’s plan to address the growing challenges facing officiating, including declining numbers, an ageing workforce and increasing levels of abuse from players and spectators.”
The first part of this research involves a survey of experiences of various behaviours toward sports officials. It features questions about experiences of behaviours toward officials and includes both negative behaviours (eg, abuse) and positive behaviours (eg, praise, thanks).
It also asks questions about views regarding sports officials and actions to reduce negative behaviours towards them.
Clare Dowdall, Sport Ireland Officials Development Manager, said: “The first step in our plan to transform and elevate the role of officiating in Irish sport was the launch of our Technical Officials Development Plan 2025–2027. Now with this survey we’re gathering information that will guide our next steps to promote a safe, respectful; environment for technical officials and implement a national respect campaign . We’re proud to be taking the lead in coordinating the first national approach to rebuilding, supporting, and safeguarding the officiating community.”
To take part in this research, you can access the survey here Respect The Official Coach/Athlete/Spectator Survey.
The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
It is open to players, coaches, or spectators who have encountered a sports official at a competition/game over the past season.
Once the survey is completed the research and stakeholder input will be developed into actionable insights to help develop a national respect campaign to address the issues raised through the Sport Ireland Respect the Officials working group.
About the survey
Responses to this survey will be anonymous and confidential. All data will be stored in compliance with GDPR principles. The survey features some questions about behaviours toward sport officials. This includes behaviours you have witnessed or demonstrated and includes both negative behaviours (eg, abuse) and positive behaviours (eg, praise, thanks).
You must be older than 18 years to take part in this survey.
The survey will be conducted by University Of Ulster.