Emotional intelligence of referees in the Iraqi Premier League in football

Abstract

The research aims to: 1) adapt the emotional intelligence scale for football referees developed by Al-Yaqoubi et al. (2011), and 2) identify the level of emotional intelligence among referees in the Iraqi Premier League. The research sample was selected randomly, consisting of 160 referees from the referee community used for construction, representing 40% of the total community, and 100 referees from the study sample used for application, representing 20% of the total community, and 10 referees for the pilot study.The exploratory study represents a percentage of (2.5%) of the total community. In light of the discussion of the results, the study concluded with two findings: 1. The emotional intelligence scale was adapted for the referees of the Iraqi Premier League in football. 2. The level of emotional intelligence for the referees of the Iraqi Premier League in football was at a (moderate) degree. The researchers recommended: 1. Paying attention to the emotional intelligence of football referees at all levels due to its significant importance in the success of referees in leading matches.2. Conduct similar research and studies on referees of other team sports.  
3. Organize training courses that focus on developing metacognitive processes of emotional intelligence.  
4. Support referees' interest in metacognitive mechanisms of emotional intelligence during officiating.