[UAOA IRN Webinar] Beyond the Whistle: Abuse, Social Media and the Changing Experiences of Sport Officials

You are invited to the October edition of the UAOA IRN Webinar Series. In this month’s webinar Dr Tom Webb (Coventry University) will present findings from work on sports officials and online abuse. Find out more about the UAOA IRN here.

Abstract

Abuse of sport officials is a persistent problem across sports and levels of competition, but social media has changed its reach, visibility and potential impact. Officials may now experience hostility not only during competition, but beyond the stadium through online platforms, where criticism and abuse can extend into their personal lives, affect their families and shape their relationship with the sport.

Drawing on ongoing research with sport officials, including studies of football and professional rugby union referees, this webinar examines how face-to-face and online abuse are experienced and understood. It considers the cumulative nature of abuse, its relationship with mental health and wellbeing, and the ways in which social media can make abuse increasingly difficult to contain within the sporting environment. The webinar will also consider how gender and other aspects of identity can shape experiences of abuse, alongside the importance of organisational culture and support.

Using research findings alongside recent high-profile cases involving sport officials, the webinar will explore what the changing nature of abuse means for officials and for the organisations responsible for supporting and protecting them.

Biography

Dr Tom Webb is an expert in the global management, leadership, operational environment and working practices of sport officials. He has published extensively on the subject of sport officials, including 3 books and over 45 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Tom has worked with a number of high-profile sporting organisations such as FIFA, UEFA, English FA, Dutch FA (KNVB), French FA (FFF), Italian Football Federation (FIGC), European Handball, Rugby Football Union, Welsh Rugby Union, Irish Rugby Union, Lawn Tennis Association and World Netball, amongst others. Tom’s research focuses on abuse, aggression and maltreatment of sport officials, the mental health and well-being of sports officials, recruitment and retention and the governance and careers of sport officials.