The Relationship between the Number of Spectators with Salivary Cortisol and Performance of the Soccer's Referee

The current research is intended to study the relationship between the numbers of the spectators with salivary cortisol and performance evaluation of the referees at Iranian soccer premier league. The statistical sample includes 15 male referees (2008-2009) who participated. Their salivary cortisol levels were completed in 3 stages (a day before، before، and end of the match). The numbers of the spectators from the officials of the stadium and match supervisors، an evaluation sheet for referees'' performances were obtained from match supervisor. The data was analyzed by using Pearson''s test، dependent t and variance analysis with repetitive measures. The results shown there wasn''t a meaningful relationship between the number of spectators and the cortisol levels before and after the match. There was a negative meaningful relationship with performance In addition; there was a positive meaningful relationship between the performance and cortisol level after the match. There was a negative meaningful relationship between referees'' experiences and cortisol level before the match. Also، the results indicated that salivary cortisol increased significantly after the match as compared to other stages. There is a need to sport psychology science for learning the coping stress''s strategies.