Level of studies and experience of female football referees and assistant referees in Spain: Women's First Division

The objective of this research was to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of the referees and assistant referees belonging to the first division of women's football in Spain. The sample consisted of 45 women of Spanish nationality (28.11 +/- 4.24 years) and was divided into referees (n=17) and assistant referees (n=28). An ad hoc questionnaire containing 8 items was used and analyzed social, sports and performance variables. The sample is characterized by reaching higher university training (52.94% in female referees and 42.86% in assistant referees) and master's degree (41.18% and 35.71% respectively) compared to professional training (5.88% in female referees and 14.29% in assistant referees). They also showed a mean of 12.35 +/- 6.35 years in soccer refereeing, while the assistant referees showed a mean of 8.82 +/- 4.15 years. In relation to the training sessions, the referees showed 4-5 training sessions, while the assistant referees accumulated a total of 4 sessions per week. The female referees who participated in international matches showed a mean of 13.77 +/- 0.61 years in arbitration, while those who did not participate in international matches had an average of 8.69 +/- 4.12 years. The referees and assistant referees showed high levels of university academic training, evidenced a short experience in the First Division in Women's Soccer. The results show the importance of experience in refereeing performance to reach the highest level in female refereeing.