Violent Incidents in Greek Basketball. Referees' Perspective on the Theoretical Models of Violence

During the last 30 years a significant body of knowledge has been accumulated around the issue of hooliganism in professional soccer. However, very little has been said about violence in basketball, a sport that has the most incidents of violence after soccer and perhaps handball in Europe. Although an increasing number of violent incidents in basketball are reported in the mass media, research is limited. The sample consisted of 16 top Greek basketball referees, several of whom were distinguished even at an international level. The top referees were interviewed in a hotel prior to matches. The criteria for the choice of leading referees was based on their top refereeing experience (A1 division). Officials provide support for the notion that basketball is hostage to personal interests and is used as a means of pressure for the service of other aims. The theory for the social roots of hooliganism as well as the theory of frustration - aggression provide sufficient explanations for the interpretation of violence in basketball. Under work and family pressures young people become more aggressive and unload their disappointment in the sports ground, which they consider to be a suitable outlet.