DEVELOPING A COMPETENCY PROFILE FOR LEVEL 1 HANDBALL REFEREES: AN EVIDENCE-BASED EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK INTEGRATING KNOWLEDGE, PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS

Abstract

This quantitative study constructed an empirically validated competency profile for Level 1 handball referees in Malaysia by examining three key domains technical knowledge, physical fitness, and psychological skills. Using a descriptive-developmental design, data were collected from certified referees registered under the Malaysia Handball Federation (MAHF). Three validated instruments were employed: (a) the PSIS-R5 questionnaire to assess psychological skills, (b) an IHF-based rules test for technical knowledge, and (c) the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to measure physical fitness. Reliability analysis yielded Cronbach’s α values above .85 for all domains. Descriptive and inferential statistics indicated strong positive relationships among knowledge, fitness, and psychological skills (r = .81, p < .001). Multiple regression revealed that psychological skills exerted the strongest influence on overall refereeing competence (β = .58, p < .001), followed by knowledge (β = .44, p < .001) and physical fitness (β = .39, p < .001). The model explained 68 percent of the variance in referee competence (R² = .68). These findings emphasize that officiating excellence depends on a balanced integration of cognitive, physiological, and emotional dimensions. The proposed competency framework offers practical guidance for referee education, certification, and performance evaluation within Malaysian and international contexts.