The objective of this article is to reflect on the sport science research
findings related to decision making and decision-making errors in sports
officials (judges, umpires, referees). Specifically, we reflect on the
mechanisms that have been discussed as influential in leading to these
errors, and the responses to these errors. We present the general view
that officials are human information processors both vulnerable to, and in
some cases benefitting from the limitations of their system. We advocate
that most cases of errors are due to missing information and uncertainty
pertaining to the judgment, and that rather than removing information,
where possible, more certainty, and/or more information should be
provided. This article also bridges the science with informal practices,
highlighting the ways in which more certainty and information are naturally
sought and provided in sports officiating.