Expectations of Tennis Officials Towards the 32nd Olympic Games: A Qualitative Study Based on the Case of Certified Japanese Tennis Officials

This study aimed to clarify what expectations tennis officials, as natural persons, held regarding their officiating roles in the 32nd Olympic Games. The participants were 1,580 JTA-certified officials affiliated with prefectural tennis associations who agreed to participate in the survey. They were asked to describe their expectations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A qualitative inductive analysis of their responses was conducted, and their expectations were divided into five categories: (1) willingness to participate and contribute, (2) difficulties in participation, (3) efforts towards participation, (4) interaction with the world’s top players and officials, and (5) future expectations. While no previous studies have focused on officials in the context of the Olympics, it became clear that the Olympic stage is a rare opportunity for officials, as well as players, engendering high motivation and strong expectations for participation. On the other hand, it also became evident that the officials have their own challenges and demands.