How key opinion leader characteristics influence women’s participation in soccer referee training

Introduction Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) framework, this study developed a theoretical model linking key opinion leader (KOL) characteristics,perceived value, perceived fit, participation intention, and participation behavior to examine how key opinion leaders influence women’s participation in soccer referee training. Methods Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, yielding 744 valid responses. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap analysis were used to test the proposed hypotheses and mediating effects. Results The results showed that KOL characteristics were positively associated with both perceived value and perceived fit, which were, in turn, positively associated with women’s participation intention. Participation intention further has a positive influence on actual participation behavior. However, the direct path of KOL characteristics, perceived value, and perceived fit on participation behavior are not significant, suggesting that women’s participation behavior is primarily shaped through the formation of participation intention. Bootstrap results further confirm that perceived value and perceived fit significantly mediate the relationship between KOL characteristics and participation intention, with 95% confidence intervals excluding zero. Discussion This study extends the application of SOR theory to women’s sports participation and soccer refereeing, offering a new perspective on the psychological mechanisms underlying women’s engagement in referee training.The findings also provide practical implications for soccer governing bodies seeking to improve female referee training systems, strengthen the role of influential role models, and promote the sustainable development of women’s soccer refereeing.