Innovation and Technology in Sport
SeyedReza Hosseini; Amin Khatibi; Tahereh Azmsha
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the attitudes of fans and referees toward the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Iranian Football Pro League.
Methodology: This study was applied in terms of its purpose and employed a descriptive-survey design for data collection. The statistical ...
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Objective: This study aimed to analyze the attitudes of fans and referees toward the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Iranian Football Pro League.
Methodology: This study was applied in terms of its purpose and employed a descriptive-survey design for data collection. The statistical population comprised two groups: the fan group included all supporters of Iranian Pro League teams during the 2023–2024 season, aged 11 to 58 years; the referee group comprised all referees certified by the Football Federation, aged 18 to 63 years. Using random sampling, 224 fans and 121 referees were selected to complete the questionnaire. The research questionnaire was developed based on the findings of previous studies and, following the confirmation of face and content validity by experts and reliability through Cronbach’s alpha test (α=0.738), was distributed electronically among the research population. After examining the data distribution using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis, using SPSS software.
Results: The overall mean attitude of fans toward the use of VAR was significantly more favorable than that of referees (P<0.05). This difference in attitude was more pronounced in two factors: match quality and attractiveness, and the future prospects of the VAR system.
Conclusion: In general, it can be stated that although both groups hold a positive attitude toward the use of VAR, fans possess a more favorable perspective on this technology. One possible reason for the referees’ lower level of enthusiasm may be the loss of control and decisiveness in decision-making, as they are sometimes compelled to reverse their initial on-field call. Factors contributing to the greater interest among fans include the inherent suspense in the review process and its unpredictability, which can instantly alter the outcome of a match.
Behzad Izadi; Hiva Badzohre
Abstract
Objective: Sports spectatorship is one of people's favorite pastimes. Besides attending games in person, sports fans use a wide variety of social media keep up with their favorite teams that leads to more identification and self-esteem. So, the purpose of this research was design a model for determining ...
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Objective: Sports spectatorship is one of people's favorite pastimes. Besides attending games in person, sports fans use a wide variety of social media keep up with their favorite teams that leads to more identification and self-esteem. So, the purpose of this research was design a model for determining Relationship football fan identification and collective self-esteem based on social media. Methodology: The research method was descriptive and survey that data were gathered through questionnaire. The statistical population was consisted the fans of Teraktorsazi football club in a match with the team of Qatar Lekhwiya Sports Club that the number 248 were selected randomly. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to analyze the data. Results: Results indicated that social media usage effect positively on fan identification (β= 0/88). Also, fan identification affect significantly on collective self-esteem (β= 1.03). Conclusion: Sports fans use social media to achieve and maintain their positive social identity through intergroup differentiation from rival teams and manage their feelings and self-esteem through associating with a successful team.
