Sources and Magnitude of Perceived Psychological Stress in High School Volleyball Officials

Abstract

Research has indicated that sporting officials experience perceived psychological stress from a variety of sources. The reported magnitude of that stress has been mixed depending on the sport. The present study examined the sources and magnitude of perceived psychological stress among 353 American high school volleyball officials in a midwestern state. Principal component analysis witih varimax rotation identified four factors: fear of failure, time pressure, interpersonal conflict, and fear of physical harm. 57% of the officials reported “none” or “very little” stress associated with volleyball officiating. Recommendations for further research are discussed.