"Exploring the Relationship between Satisfaction with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) System and Fans’ Social Identity: The Mediating Effects of Analytical Enjoyment and Attitude toward Referee-Assistive Technology in Iranian Volleyball"

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original research papers

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education, Adib Mazandaran Institute of Higher Education

2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, BG.C., Islamic Azad University, Bandar Gaz, Iran

3 Master's degree in Physical Education graduate

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the structural relationship between Iranian volleyball fans’ satisfaction with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and their social identity, considering the mediating roles of analytical enjoyment and attitude toward technology in decision-making. The statistical population comprised volleyball fans attending matches of the Iranian Premier Volleyball League in 2023.
Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, a total of 384 fans participated in the study. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires on fan satisfaction with VAR, social identity, analytical enjoyment, and attitude toward technology. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and structural equation modeling (SEM), were applied.
Results: The results indicated a positive and significant relationship between fan satisfaction with VAR and social identity through the mediating role of attitude toward technology.
Conclusion: Since this type of performance has made this type of system an important component of the game, and sports fans feel good about it and consider it one of the most important elements in the process of holding a match, this sense of identity towards the technology has led to its emergence and further expansion in the sports industry Also, study found that fans' sense of close identification with their team is enhanced by decision-aiding technology, as it limits opportunities to discuss why their team may have been unfairly treated in certain match situations. Video referee assistance helps support accurate decisions by reducing controversial elements in the game of volleyball, which improves and changes fan perceptions of match refereeing

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Journal of Advanced Sport Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 May 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 16 May 2026

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