Objectives Video-based decision-making training is considered a promising intervention to enhance the decision-making skills of football referees. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to validate the effectiveness of video-based training and evaluate its overall impact on improving referees` decision-making skills, providing a scientific basis for the optimization and innovation of referee training methods. Method A systematic search was performed across four electronic databases (EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined using the PICOS framework. Relevant literature was independently screened, and key information was extracted. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and statistical analyses were conducted using CMA 3.0 software. Result Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 163 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed that video-based training significantly improved referees` decision-making skills (Hedges` s g = 1.718, 95% CI [1.058, 2.377], P < 0.001, t2 = 0.464). The overall risk of bias across the included studies was assessed as low to moderate, indicating a generally reliable methodological quality. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the overall effect size. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates that video-based decision-making training is an effective and practical intervention for significantly enhancing the decision-making skills of football referees. Its convenience and cost-effectiveness make it an essential supplementary training tool for referees. However, the findings are limited by factors such as the small sample size of included studies, incomplete descriptions of participant characteristics, and insufficient gender representation. Future high-quality research is needed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of video-based training across referees of different levels and genders.
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