An inductive analysis of intramural ice hockey officiating: A case study.

Abstract

This project attempted to develop an accurate portrait of one case of intramural ice hockey officiating because a better understanding of this phenomenon was needed. Various sources of evidence were utilized over a 2 year period, including: semi-structured interviews, stimulated recall interviews, non-participant observation, a systematic observation instrument, document analysis and validation interviews. The depth and completeness of the results was directly attributable to the novel methodology which was used. The findings revealed both congruencies and contrasts to the existing literature on sport officials. This research supported previous findings related to the role of the official, invoking the spirit of the rules, and using discretion. Among the discrepancies, the most striking difference was related to the stress often attributed to sport officiating which was not revealed in this case. This research revealed the multidimensional nature of intramural ice hockey officiating and also exposed the difference between officiating theory and reality.