| This action research project explored the influence of game environment factors on Division II women's basketball referees working within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Pregame and postgame surveys developed by the researcher were completed by 25 males and 3 females (N = 28) during one institution's home conference basketball season. Upon completion of the conference basketball season, data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Paired-samples t tests were used to determine any significant increases or decreases in responses of referees' perception of game environment factors between pregame and postgame surveys. The findings of the study revealed that game environment factors such as gender or reputation of the coach, the win-loss record of the teams, or crowd noise including noise from the student section have little effect on a referee's decision making. Results of this study provide insightful information for game management personnel as well as coaches, athletes, and referees. The findings of this study are beneficial for anyone who is looking to create a more positive game environment for the student-athlete, coach, referee, and spectator. |
