Abstract:

The aim of this study is to compare the cognitive flexibility and spatial anxiety levels of referees and assistant referees according to their experiences. A total of 280 soccer referees, 36 female and 244 male referees between the ages of 18-45, actively working as referees, participated in the study voluntarily. In order to determine the cognitive flexibility and spatial anxiety levels of the referees, the Cognitive Flexibility Scale, developed by Martin and Rubin (1995), adapted to Turkish by Altunkol (2011), and the Spatial Anxiety Scale, which was adapted into Turkish by Dursun (2010) developed by Lawton (1994) were used, respectively. As a result of statistical analysis; compared to referees who worked in matches for less than 1 year, the level of cognitive flexibility of the referees who worked in the matches between 6-10 years was found to be high due to the difficulty levels of the matches, the fact that the matches were played in a very fast atmosphere, and they faced quite complex decision-making processes in matches. A significant positive correlation was found between the cognitive flexibility level of the referees and the classification status. It was found that when the experience of refereeing and classification increased, the level of cognitive flexibility increased, and the level of spatial anxiety decreased. As a result; It can be said that improving parameters related to cognitive processes in the training of the referees with having different experience level is very important in terms of resolving very complex positions in the match and making correct decisions.

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