| By: |
Dohmen, Thomas (University of Bonn);
Sauermann, Jan (SOFI, Stockholm University) |
| Abstract: |
This paper surveys the empirical literature on the behavior of referees in
professional football and other sports. Referees are typically appointed by a
principal to be impartial, especially when unbiased referee judgment is vital
for the accomplishment of the principal's objective. Answering whether
referees make biased decisions and understanding the causes that lead referees
to digress from their principal duty of impartiality is therefore fundamental
from a theoretical point of view. At the same time, assessing the prevalence
and origin of referee bias is germane to various domains of life. Referee bias
is particularly relevant in sports, where partial decision-making can
determine competition outcomes, which can have strong repercussions on
athletes' careers and supporters' well-being. |
| Keywords: |
favoritism, referee bias, social pressure |
| JEL: |
D8 L83 |
| Date: |
2015–02 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8857&r=spo |