REFS – Inspiring The Next Generation Of Sport Officials In Europe

It is well known that no sport officials means no sport, and there is a need for a constant pipeline of officials to come into the role to support the continuation of sporting competitions in Europe. The REFS project will inspire the next generation of sport officials (referees, umpires etc.) through improving the engagement of children and young people in sport officiating. The project will aim to improve the image and perception of officiating among children aged 8-13, and enhance recruitment and retention of young people aged 14-20 in officiating roles. The project is the first of its kind in Europe to target children and youth involvement in officiating. A partnership of 9 organisations including sport officiating associations, European and national sport federations, a university, and a national Olympic Committee will begin the project with a comprehensive research phase including desk research, interviews and surveys with young people and sport organisations. Next a consultation phase will seek views from stakeholders across Europe through European and national roundtable discussions. The partners will then develop guidelines and campaign material for the engagement of children and young people in officiating. Material will be implemented and tested in schools/ clubs. A main focus of the project will be on promoting the positive values of sport. Qualities such as integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and respect are integral to the role of the official and can be developed through enhanced engagement of young people in officiating. The project will result in more young people in Europe demonstrating the positive values of sport through engagement with officiating, children having an improved image of the role of the official, and more young people wishing to take up, and remain in, officiating roles which are vital to the ongoing success of sport from grassroots to elite level.