Examining the role of the social psychology theory of social exchange in Asian elite soccer and futsal referees

The aim of this research was to investigate the role of the social psychology theory of social exchange in elite football and futsal referees in Asia. The statistical population of this research included the elite football and futsal referees of Asia in both male and female divisions who were in the elite list of Asian referees (N=317). According to the number of elite soccer and futsal referees in different groups, sampling was the total number and all the members of the statistical community were selected as samples, and finally 292 questionnaires were complete and were subjected to final analysis. In order to collect data, a questionnaire made by the social exchange researcher was used. The results showed that the average component of understanding of organizational support in judges is significantly higher than the average and the component of social support is significantly lower than the average. Also, a positive and significant relationship was observed between organizational support and social support of Asian elite football and futsal referees with age and experience of refereeing. On the other hand, there was a significant difference among the judges between organizational support and social support based on gender, and finally, the dimensions of organizational support and social support are important in the opinion of the judges, respectively. Based on this, in the theory of social exchange, social and organizational support in referees can become a basis for better performance and decision-making in them.