The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysis

Abstract Objectives Video-based decision-making training is considered a promising intervention to enhance the decision-making skills of football referees. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to validate the effectiveness of video-based training and evaluate its overall impact...

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Main Authors: Rui Zhou, Xiaocen Hao, Pei Deng, Danyang Li, Yingzhe Song, Yeqin Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-01046-6
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author Rui Zhou
Xiaocen Hao
Pei Deng
Danyang Li
Yingzhe Song
Yeqin Zhang
author_facet Rui Zhou
Xiaocen Hao
Pei Deng
Danyang Li
Yingzhe Song
Yeqin Zhang
author_sort Rui Zhou
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objectives Video-based decision-making training is considered a promising intervention to enhance the decision-making skills of football referees. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to validate the effectiveness of video-based training and evaluate its overall impact on improving referees’ decision-making skills, providing a scientific basis for the optimization and innovation of referee training methods. Method A systematic search was performed across four electronic databases (EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined using the PICOS framework. Relevant literature was independently screened, and key information was extracted. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and statistical analyses were conducted using CMA 3.0 software. Result Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 163 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed that video-based training significantly improved referees’ decision-making skills (Hedges’ s g = 1.718, 95% CI [1.058, 2.377], P < 0.001, τ2 = 0.464). The overall risk of bias across the included studies was assessed as low to moderate, indicating a generally reliable methodological quality. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the overall effect size. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates that video-based decision-making training is an effective and practical intervention for significantly enhancing the decision-making skills of football referees. Its convenience and cost-effectiveness make it an essential supplementary training tool for referees. However, the findings are limited by factors such as the small sample size of included studies, incomplete descriptions of participant characteristics, and insufficient gender representation. Future high-quality research is needed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of video-based training across referees of different levels and genders.
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spelling doaj-art-387a90acc6c64dc187907fa2f59df2502025-08-20T03:46:11ZengBMCBMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation2052-18472025-07-0117111210.1186/s13102-024-01046-6The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysisRui Zhou0Xiaocen Hao1Pei Deng2Danyang Li3Yingzhe Song4Yeqin Zhang5Capital University of Physical Education and SportsCapital University of Physical Education and SportsChina Football College, Beijing Sport UniversityUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingCapital University of Physical Education and SportsChina Football College, Beijing Sport UniversityAbstract Objectives Video-based decision-making training is considered a promising intervention to enhance the decision-making skills of football referees. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to validate the effectiveness of video-based training and evaluate its overall impact on improving referees’ decision-making skills, providing a scientific basis for the optimization and innovation of referee training methods. Method A systematic search was performed across four electronic databases (EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined using the PICOS framework. Relevant literature was independently screened, and key information was extracted. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and statistical analyses were conducted using CMA 3.0 software. Result Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 163 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed that video-based training significantly improved referees’ decision-making skills (Hedges’ s g = 1.718, 95% CI [1.058, 2.377], P < 0.001, τ2 = 0.464). The overall risk of bias across the included studies was assessed as low to moderate, indicating a generally reliable methodological quality. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the overall effect size. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates that video-based decision-making training is an effective and practical intervention for significantly enhancing the decision-making skills of football referees. Its convenience and cost-effectiveness make it an essential supplementary training tool for referees. However, the findings are limited by factors such as the small sample size of included studies, incomplete descriptions of participant characteristics, and insufficient gender representation. Future high-quality research is needed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of video-based training across referees of different levels and genders.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-01046-6Video-based trainingDecision-making skillsFootball refereesMeta-analysis
spellingShingle Rui Zhou
Xiaocen Hao
Pei Deng
Danyang Li
Yingzhe Song
Yeqin Zhang
The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysis
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Video-based training
Decision-making skills
Football referees
Meta-analysis
title The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysis
title_full The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysis
title_fullStr The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysis
title_full_unstemmed The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysis
title_short The impact of video-based training on football referees' decision-making skills: a systematic review and meta analysis
title_sort impact of video based training on football referees decision making skills a systematic review and meta analysis
topic Video-based training
Decision-making skills
Football referees
Meta-analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-01046-6
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