JOB DEMANDS AND RESOURCES: ANALYZING THE TRIPLE-MATCH PRINCIPLE IN SOCCER REFEREES

Using the Demand-Induced Strain Compensation Model, this study examined the role of job demands and resources in relation to perceptions of vigor, mental well-being and perceived health of soccer referees. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 1113 soccer referees in the United States. Due to challenges adapting the measures for soccer referees, the triple-match principle could not be tested. A series of hierarchical multiple regressions showed that the interaction of job demands and resources related to the outcomes of vigor, mental well-being, and perceived health in this population. In the case of vigor and mental wellbeing, optimal levels of the outcome were reported when there were high demands coupled with high resources. Findings partly confirm one of the hypothesis’ that mental well-being and perceived health will be predicted by the balance of job demands and resources. These findings indicate that this could be a model that could also be applied to this occupation. Furthermore, they indicated the need for further research examining mental wellbeing in this population. The findings can help guide future research in looking at the referee population which in turn can give information to referee governing bodies in enacting programs to better prepare and support their referees. However, significant caution should be made when generalizing the findings of this study due to the measures utilized.