Reflections of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) System in Turkish Football: Opinions of Şırnak Youth and Sports Personnel

The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes of the personnel working at the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports in Şırnak towards the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in Turkish football. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach within a descriptive research model. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 222 personnel, including 86 females and 136 males, working in different positions. As data collection tools, a demographic information form developed by the researchers and the “Attitude Scale Towards the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) System in Turkish Football” developed by Kayhan et al. (2020) were used. The scale consists of four sub-dimensions: enjoyment, fairness, continuity, and knowledge level. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25, and independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied. The findings revealed that participants’ attitudes towards the VAR system showed statistically significant differences across certain sub-dimensions based on demographic and behavioral variables. Significant differences were particularly observed in the sub-dimensions of fairness and knowledge level according to variables such as gender, age, and marital status. In contrast, differences in the enjoyment sub-dimension were generally limited. In conclusion, the VAR system is not only a technical application but is also perceived differently depending on individuals’ knowledge levels, demographic characteristics, and interest in sports. Accordingly, it is recommended to increase awareness and provide more information to stakeholders in order to enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of the VAR system.