A Study on the Life of Female Taekwondo Referee

Jeon, Nan-Hee* (Dankook University)

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine various life paths that female Taekwondo referees experience

and explore its meanings. To achieve this purpose, this study targeted seven female Taekwondo

Gyeorugi referees for in-depth interviews. The collected data were analyzed through case records

and inductive category analysis. The study findings are as follows. First: joyful experiences of female

Taekwondo referees were classified into two categories: improvement in professionalism as a referee

and recognition from people. Second, anger-inducing experiences of female Taekwondo referees were

classified into gender discrimination in favor of male referees and grouping among referees. Third,

sorrowful experiences of female Taekwondo referees were classified into two categories: stress from

role conflicts, and those disappointment with compensation. Fourth, pleasurable experiences of female

Taekwondo referees were categorized as getaway from household work and networking with fellow

referees. As previously mentioned, female Taekwondo referees, as a few among the many males

in this role, face a variety of experiences of joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure. Female Taekwondo

referees sometimes live with difficulties and sadness. And it is exposed both inside and outside the

stadium. Nevertheless, female referees are able to persevere because they regard positive experiences

higher than negative ones. Together with a firm faith and sense of duty regarding the sport, they

feel dignity and pride as female referees.

Keywords: female, Taekwondo, referee, life