Self-Confidence from Theory to Practice: A Case Study with Elite Soccer Referees

International Congress for Applied Sport Psychology

(29-30th Jan 2008 – Tehran)

Ian Maynard PhD, C. Psychol, F.BASES, F.AASP- Professor of Sport Psychology

English Elite Soccer Referees

Overview1. Some Definitions2. Basic Theoretical Underpinnings3. Some New Research Findings4. Into Practice

- Activity 1/2: Sources and Erodersof Confidence

- Activity 3: Performance Accomplishments

- Activity 4/5/6: Countering

Definition (Efficacy)"A generative capability in which cognitive, social,

emotional and behavioural sub-skills must be organised and effectively orchestrated to serve in numerable purposes" (Bandura, 1997)

" The performers perception of their ability to succeed in a given situation at a given time" (Hardy et al. 2001)

" To know I will cope" (Howard Webb, PGMOL SG, 2007)

Efficacy - TheorySources of self-efficacy ( Bandura, 1997)

1) Enactive Mastery Experiences2) Vicarious Experience3) Verbal Persuasion4) Physiological and Emotional

States5) Imaginal Experiences

(Maddox 1995)

Enactive Mastery Experiences(the most influential)

"The more times you go through a routine successfully, then you are going to feel more confident about going through the performance on the day"

James May (Elite Gymnast)

Vicarious Experience

" Refers to information derived from seeing oneself perform successfully through video footage or visualisation, and/or seeing others perform the skill in question."

(Hardy et al, 2001)

Imaginal Experiences" People can generate efficacy beliefs by

imagining themselves behaving successfully or unsuccessfully in an anticipated performance situation"

(Maddox, 1995)

"Effective actual modelling, symbolic modelling or self-modelling (imagery), all enhance efficacy beliefs and performance"

(Bandura, 1997)

Verbal Persuasion" Verbal Persuasion refers to persuasive

techniques used by either the performer or significant others to manipulate the behaviour of the performer"

(Hardy, 2001)

" Of particular importance is the nature of an athlete's own self-persuasion, via self-talk"

(Feltz & Riessinger, 1990)

Physiological and Emotional States

"Refers to somatic information conveyed by physiological and emotional states –however, this information refers to the performers perceptions of their controlof emotional arousal, as opposed to their actual physiological state"

(Hardy et al, 2001)

"Control the Controllable"

Some New FindingsHays, K, Maynard, I, Thomas, O & Bawden, M. (In Press). Sources and Types of confidence identified by World ClassPerformers. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology.

1) Preparation2) Performance Accomplishments3) Coaching4) Innate Factors5) Social Support6) Experience7) Competitive Advantage8) Self-Awareness9) Trust

New Findings (continued)Gender Differences:

- Males; Outcome or a combination of outcome and process goals

- Females; A combination of performance and process goals

- Males; Winning- Females; Good personal performances- Males (Debilitators) - Injury, illness and poor

performance- Female (Debilitators) – Poor performance, poor

preparation, coaching, pressure and expectations, psychological factors and injury

Effective Interventions (Content)

1. Imagery2. Self-talk3. Physiological and Emotional

control skills; e.g. Applied Relaxation (somatic); Cognitive Restructuring / Countering (cognitive)

4. Routines5. What If's6. Positive Feedback from

Important others - e.g. the Assistant Referees, Coach, Assessor/Observer, Players and Managers. (Verbal, Video or Performance Profiling - Handout)

Effective Interventions(Principles)

1. Widen range of sources of efficacy (should not be dependent on one or two sources)

2. Self-Efficacy needs to be tested, robust and ready (a skill) during the preparation stages (long-term)

3. Be aware of Gender differences

4. Needs tend to be idiosyncratic(hence use on ideographic approach)

Theory and Research into Practice

"Building the Bubble"(handout)

Activity 1: Highlight factors that give you confidence before you go out to referee a match.

Activity 2: Highlight factors that erode your confidence when preparing for a game

Activity 1 and 2 – Feedback(Howard Webb - PGMOL - Select)Builders:

Reflecting on 'big' matches successfully negotiatedPrevious successful performances at the venueBeing in good formPositive comments; players, managers and assistant referees.Being well up the merit tableFeeling physically good prior to the matchStuck well to my pre-match routineHaving no specific issues with either team from previous matches

Debilitators:Being in a run of games where mistakes have been madeLow in the merit tableBad previous experience at the venue or with the teams/managersNegative feedback from mentor/supervisorNot feeling 100% physically

Activity 3 – Performance Accomplishments

Strengths:- Good man management- Presence- Physical fitness and

movement

Improvements:- I have become mentally

stronger- Calmer and more

relaxed in my movement- More experience

Achievements:- Under 20 World Cup (2007)

- 90 Premier League matches

- I have refereed 'big matches'

Preparation:- I am in excellent physical shape- Good pre-match instructions =

good team spirit- I am always 'up for the fight'

Edge:- I have a good reputation in the game- I have increasing experience of 'big

games'- Physical Size/Statue/Fitness

My goals:- Process Goals

- To focus at the start of each half

- To stay strong but calm and keep talking

- Outcome Goals - Euro 2008- FA Cup Final- Q1/Q1

Activity 4/5 and 6(Countering)

Negative Thoughts (Practical)• This game is too big for me

• I will get a poor mark

• I have to be on my toes for the next three days (Observers in Europe)

Thank you for listening