Behind the whistle: understanding mental performance in elite ice hockey officiating

Abstract

Officiating elite sport requires focus, confidence, arousal regulation, and decisive decision-making. Thus, mental skills use and training seems imperative for elite sport officials. However, little research has examined mental skills acquisition and use among sport officials. This study explored ice hockey officials’ use of mental skills. A pragmatic paradigm guided the study. 10 elite ice hockey officials participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis. Results showed varying levels of mental skill use, with pre-performance routines, self-talk, visualization, and goal setting being the most common. Specific processes behind skill implementation were identified. Few participants received formal training to acquire their mental skills; instead, they learned from past athletic experiences and peers. All respondents acknowledged the critical role of mental skills in elite sport officiating and advocated for organizations to provide formal educational opportunities, especially early in officials’ careers. The findings highlight the importance of mental skills for elite sport officials and lack of formal mental skills training. This shortfall could prevent sport officials from reaching their full potential. I have offered recommendations for sport officiating organizations including the implementation of early education programs, formal training opportunities, and recommendations for continued organizational support.