Enhancing performance and optimal wellbeing: Program delivery and evaluation for AFL Umpires

Introduction: Determining how to assist high performance umpires be more productive and successful within their competitive domain is a popular pursuit in sports science. Game-day officiating requires diligence, professionalism, and extensive training; however, this environment may also expose umpires to stressors from outside sources and job-related pressures. Research indicates that umpires are exposed to physical demands and psychological challenges that can impact their health and wellbeing; intense decision making; the ability to perform consistently; a lack of respect and abuse from players and spectators; and the constant rule changes. These factors contribute to umpire stress which may compromise decision-making abilities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to deliver and evaluate a program to a group of umpires that comprised valuable information, education, strategies, and personal and professional experiences which promote positive adaptive behavioural responses to enhance performance and optimal wellbeing. Methods: Eleven Australian Football League Umpires participated in a three-day workshop that taught mental health literacy, raised awareness of the self and others to enhance key factors that influence elite performance and to relate and reflect on experiences in high performance sport. Following the workshop, a one-hour focus group interview was undertaken. An interpretive thematic analysis using inductive and deductive reasoning was used to analyse the data. Results: Analysis of the focus group data indicated that there was; (i) an increase in self-awareness, (ii) an understanding of the importance of emotional intelligence in high performance sport, (iii) a greater understanding of holistic techniques to cope with pressure, (iv) the importance of relationship building and vulnerability in teams and (v) a variety of strategies and techniques to reduce stress and enhance on-field and off-field performance. Discussion: Umpires may be more susceptible to psychological distress. Experiencing high levels of stress while umpiring could lead to negative psychological and somatic effects on the umpires' health. Findings from this study indicate the importance of ongoing education, professional and personal development, and interventions for high performers. These findings can be applied in the realm of professional sport, by providing greater conceptual clarity regarding the importance of continual education and training to shape resource development and to identify support opportunities, strategies, and interventions to enhance holistic health and wellbeing for a unique group of individuals who form an integral part of the game of AFL. Conflict of interest: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.