Thinking clearly under pressure: Understanding and enhancing decision making in football video assistant referees

This is a full-time, funded PhD opportunity in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is open to both Home and Overseas students. Please note that only Home fees will be covered – eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.

This opportunity provides an annual stipend of the research council minimum rate (set by UKRI) of £19,237 for 2024/25.

PROJECT CONTACT

Dr Greg Wood ([email protected] )

PROJECT ADVERT

Video assistant referee (VAR) decisions occur at critical game incidents and require accurate and timely decisions under intense scrutiny. However, little is known about expertise in this context. Additionally, to enhance decision accuracy, match officials should undergo role-specific decision-making training, yet current training methods are limited particularly in the context of VAR.

This project forms part of an exciting new research and innovation partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

This fully funded PhD provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate study within Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, which is equipped with state-of-the-art sport science testing facilities, while also gaining first-hand industry experience and mentorship from professional match officials and support staff at the PGMOL.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aims of this fully funded PhD are to first quantify expertise in VAR decision-making and highlight constraints that undermine this process (such as time, technology, and psychological stress).

We then aim to test training interventions designed to enhance this decision-making process under the intense pressure of real match scenarios. 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT

Essential

• A first or upper second-class BSc honours degree in sport and exercise science, sport psychology, psychology, or another related discipline
• An ability to critique and analyse scientific evidence, methodology and data
• An ability to interpret and communicate complex data in terms that are easily understood by a variety of audiences
• An ability to maintain records and the organisation of data files using Microsoft Excel
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Desirable

• An MSc in sport and exercise science, sport psychology, psychology, or another related discipline
• Experience of refereeing in football or sport
• Other accreditations commensurate to the role (such as BASES accreditation)
• Industry experience within the sport and exercise sciences working in an applied manner
• A proficiency in using statistical and/or analytical software packages such as SPSS, R, Tableau, and Power BI

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should contact Dr Greg Wood ([email protected]) for an informal discussion. Additional project fees are £2,000.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sport and Exercise Science (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal (supplementary information) form and CV addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to [email protected].

Closing date 15 July 2024.

Expected start date October 2024.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-GW-2024-SA-PGMOL