How to break barriers, set goals and inspire the next generations. Sara Månsson’s journey from player to international referee.
In this week’s blog post, I am writing about Sara Månsson’s remarkable journey from basketball player to international referee, marked by resilience against gender bias and a commitment to mentorship, emphasizing the power of ambition and discipline in achieving success. We’re covering it all, from footloose parenting and pregame rituals to turning dreams into reality and top reeds.
Where It All Began
Starting with where it all began. I dive into the remarkable journey of Månsson, a native of Lund, from a university town that she’s called home since childhood. Sara’s passion for basketball started at the age of 11, a relatively late start by contemporary standards in a world where specialization often occurs at a much younger age. However, she persisted, sharpening her skills on the court until her mid-20s. Reflecting on her transition, Månsson recounts, “During this time, when I was playing on the women’s team we had to coach and/or ref at the same time and that’s where I got interested in the referring part.”
This pivotal experience ignited her curiosity in officiating. Månsson’s drive and ambition has been constant throughout her life, as she remarks, “Generally, I’ve been very ambitious since I was young when it comes to both school and basketball. I’ve always wanted to feel accomplished or more so good at what I am doing.”
“My WHY builds on wanting to become better and constantly stepping outside of my comfort zone.” – Sara Månsson
Her dedication to improvement is evident, as she shares, “I have put a lot of time into becoming good and better at what I am doing.” Thus, when the time came to transition from playing to officiating, Månsson embraced the change effortlessly, driven by her innate desire for excellence. “So, when I decided to stop playing and wanted to start focusing on referring, it came very naturally for me to want to become better,” she explains, encapsulating her unwavering commitment to growth and mastery in every way.
A Journey of Self-Driven Excellence: External Pressure
Throughout Månsson’s journey, the absence of external pressure stands out as a defining factor. Reflecting on her upbringing, she recalls, “There was never any pressure on me from anyone in my life.” This supportive environment, characterized by her parents’ unwavering encouragement, allowed her intrinsic motivation to flourish. “All they wanted for me was to pass all my subjects in school, and that made them happy.”
Central to her path is steadfast willpower and ambition, traits instilled in her since childhood. “I’ve always had a willpower and a level of ambition that has been very high ever since I was a child,” she acknowledges. These qualities have been pivotal in her determined quest for excellence, particularly evident in her dedication to mastering her skills in refereeing. Månsson’s unwavering commitment to improvement is evident as she emphasizes, “I’ve put so much time into my referring and trying to get better in so many different ways,” underscoring her tireless efforts to evolve and excel. Thus, Månsson’s journey is not solely defined by talent and opportunity but equally by her spirit and unwavering dedication to personal growth.
The WHY: Månsson’s Path to Self-Discovery and Resilience
Månsson’s journey illustrates a tenacious pursuit of self-improvement and a willingness to push beyond her comfort zone. “My WHY builds on wanting to become better and constantly stepping outside of my comfort zone,” she explains, highlighting her profound sense of purpose. This intrinsic drive is fueled by her passion for progress, as she finds joy in being part of sports at the highest level. “What I find the most fun in basketball is seeing the progress,” she reflects. Despite challenges, such as managing mistakes in her transition from player to referee, Månsson embraces a growth mindset, focusing on learning and resilience.
Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills in the face of error, stating, “To manage coaches and players after making a mistake is important, and sometimes the best thing to do is to admit that you’ve made a mistake.” This journey towards acceptance has been transformative for Månsson, as she acknowledges, “Considering I’m a perfectionist, this has taken some time to come to this point of realization – that it is totally fine to admit that I’ve made a mistake.” Ultimately, she emphasizes the invaluable lesson of learning from mistakes, a principle that echoes far beyond the realm of basketball and holds significance for us all.
How To Push Boundaries, Stay Composed & Confidence in Officiating
In navigating high-pressure moments on the court, Månsson maintains composure and a realistic perspective. Reflecting on the importance of experience, she notes, “The more I ref, the more experience I get in dealing with different situations.” She acknowledges the inevitability of some calls facing resistance, attributing it to human error factors and varying interpretations of rules.
“Pick a few things you want to work on and focus on one at a time, there’s no reason to do everything at the same time because it won’t work.” – Sara Månsson
Showing and making calls confidently is crucial in officiating, as Månsson learned firsthand: “If I have made a call, that’s the decision, and the call is made.” Emphasizing the importance of confidence and decisiveness among referees. Mistakes are part of the game, and to manage them effectively, Månsson has adopted a great strategic approach: “I can’t walk around and think about it during the game, I have to keep moving forward.” This tactic highlights Månsson’s resilience and commitment to continuous improvement, displaying adaptability and focus in challenging circumstances.
Tough experience that has helped her become stronger
Månsson acknowledges the mental challenges referees face, recalling moments of self-doubt and distraction during games. Reflecting on such instances, she admits, “There are some games that I have in the back of my head where I think – What could I have done better?” One particular game stands out, where she felt mentally unprepared due to external pressures, revealing, “I’m not mentally there today, and it was one of my first games in Superettan and on top of that, my first season in the league.”
Juggling doctoral studies alongside officiating exacerbated the strain: “During this time, I had a lot going, a lot of things that were taking much of my energy, like my Doctorate studies, and it was hard for me to leave the stress outside of the court.” Determined to overcome these challenges, she began seeking effective coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of being fully present and engaged in the game.
Behind the Whistle: Confidence and Gender Equality
“I want people to look at me as a referee. We have the same right to be there as the males, gender doesn’t matter, you’re there because of your skills.” – Sara Månsson
When it comes to projecting confidence on the court, Månsson shares a surprising insight with a smile, saying, “Sometimes, I can feel like refereeing is a little bit like acting. When we step on the court, we put on that referee hat. So, it is very easy for me to step into that role when I step on the court.” This reveals the nuanced nature of confidence, suggesting that external appearances can influence internal feelings.
Månsson internationally draws inspiration from conversations with fellow female referees, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in officiating: “Speaking with other female referees, and the importance of being there as a female on that stage. We have the same right to be there as the males, gender doesn’t matter, you’re there because of your skills.” Refusing to be defined solely by her gender, Månsson argues, “I want people to look at me as a referee,” highlighting her desire to be recognized for her capabilities and expertise above all else.
The Importance of Trust: Gender Dynamics & Teamwork
When addressing gender-based treatment in officiating, Månsson offers a nuanced perspective. While she acknowledges experiencing both positive and negative aspects, such as players and coaches not always directing complaints toward her, she also expresses frustration, “I can feel a little bit of frustration because it was me who made the call. Come to me and talk about the call I made, not to my male colleague.”
Transitioning into her second year in Herrligan (top Swedish Men’s league), Månsson notes a gradual shift in dynamics, “The more I meet the players and interact with them, the easier it gets to have conversations.” Emphasizing the importance of trust and connections in officiating, she underscores the significance of interpersonal relationships. Sara stresses the need to practice and cultivate these connections, recognizing it as a crucial skill in building connection with players, regardless of the setting or circumstance, “But this is something we have to practice.”
“Of course, we have to find a common level to set and ref through it during the game but we don’t have to be best friends off the court. As long as we trust that the other colleague can do their job and we do our job.” – Sara Månsson
Pre-Game Rituals: Månsson’s Winning Formula
Preparing for games is a ritual Månsson approaches with a blend of ease and humor. “Game preparation is important for everyone, no matter what role you have on the court,” she asserts with a chuckle. Månsson shares her routine, highlighting the importance of physical activity to clear her mind: “You know there are those that sit and listen to music,” she quips, gesturing as if she were nodding along to hardcore rap, “But that’s not really me. What’s important for me is to try to get out for a walk before the game to get some fresh air because I sit a lot on trains when I travel to the games.”
The walk not only wakes her body up but also helps her to “mentally be there” during the game. However, when feeling particularly unfocused, Månsson turns to meditation to center herself: “When I feel very absent or unfocused, then I tend to meditate just to focus,” she explains. Månsson finds solace in guided meditation through Headspace, finding it suits her well: “I do my meditation through Headspace, and that’s working for me. It is guided meditation and fits me well.” Emphasizing the brevity of her practice, she remarks, “I only do it for 10 minutes, it doesn’t have to be long.” This insight into Månsson’s game preparation underscores the importance of both physical and mental readiness in officiating.
An Impact Beyond The Whistle
Sports have profoundly shaped Månsson on a personal level, fostering invaluable leadership qualities and enhancing her communication and problem-solving skills. Reflecting on their impact, she affirms, “I’ve gained extremely good leadership qualities, especially when it comes to people management, communication, problem-solving, and just a simple thing as standing in front of people and comfortably talking have all been great skills that I’ve learned thanks to sports.”
Amidst these reflections, her face lights up with pride when I ask her about her fondest memory. “Yes, I do have one that’s imprinted in me,” she shares. “It was a Herrligan game in Borås last year, and there was a dad and his daughter sitting courtside, and when I walked into the gym, he pointed at me and said to his daughter – Look, a female referee is refereeing the men.” This encounter filled Månsson with a sense of pride and purpose, realizing her role as a role model for aspiring referees, particularly young girls. Despite the charm, Månsson cherishes this simple yet profound moment of recognition: “Indeed, it’s amazing to stand in front of a big crowd and become the referee of the year, get that recognition, but just the fact that a dad in Borås is sitting courtside and acknowledging what I am doing, that was very special.”
Turning Dreams Into Reality
Dreams fuel Månsson’s voyage, from achieving her dream of refereeing internationally to aspiring for bigger accomplishments. She approaches her goals with a mix of confidence and pragmatism, believing in the power of hard work to transform aspirations into achievements. Reflecting on her path, she explains, “I want to have smaller steps that I am working towards to make the bigger picture realistic.”
Månsson’s disciplined work ethic, honed through her pursuit of a doctorate, underscores her commitment to clear goals and structured steps. Her story serves as a testament to the potential of determination and strategic planning in turning dreams into reality. She credits a significant part of her growth in refereeing to her involvement in the FIBA mentoring program. With a specific mentor and a dedicated sports psychologist, she found the experience “extremely valuable” and “a pivotal step forward” in her career. The program provided a structured plan and personalized strategies, offering insights into various aspects, including coping with mistakes. Månsson expresses, “By having the plan to follow with personalized strategies I was growing like I wanted and in the direction she wished for.“
“I want to have smaller steps that I am working towards to make the bigger picture realistic” – Sara Månsson
Further in our conversation, Månsson stressed the importance of proactive mentorship for Swedish referees, saying, “This is something we could talk about a lot more.” She emphasized the need to set clear goals and strategies, something often overlooked in Sweden. Advocating for structured mentorship programs, she noted, “And I have been addressing this ever since I was part of this mentor program,” highlighting their potential to empower referees at all levels.
Additionally, she suggested incorporating mental strategies at referee clinics, stating, “Maybe we should bring in a sports psychologist that talks about mistakes” to aid in handling pressure moments effectively. Drawing parallels to her business career, she highlighted the utility of breaking down big goals into smaller milestones, stating, “Essentially, this is something that I can use in the business world as well.”
Collaboration and Respect
In navigating the complexities of refereeing, Månsson acknowledges the occasional emergence of “a little bit of a WE against THEM feeling” between coaches, players, and herself, which she finds regrettable. She elaborates, expressing her disappointment, “That is a little sad,” emphasizing that she never approaches a game with a mindset of opposition towards any team.
However, she acknowledges the prevalence of preconceived notions, stating, “This referee is only out here to bust us,” which she aims to challenge and change. Reflecting on dealing with challenging colleagues, she recounts instances where criticism during games has posed significant challenges, noting, “that is very challenging to find your focus again after such a situation.” Despite these challenges, she emphasizes the importance of professionalism and trust within the referee trio, stating, “As long as we trust that the other colleague can do their job and we do our job,” collaborative success is achievable. Ultimately, she underscores the significance of demonstrating trustworthiness and mutual respect among colleagues, asserting, “We have to show that we can be trusted and then try to trust the others.”
Månsson’s Top Tips for New Officials
“You have to take it, put it in the pocket because it doesn’t help that I am focusing on it right there. Done is done.” – Sara Månsson
For aspiring referees, Månsson shares her top advice. She advocates for immersion in officiating, asserting, “First of all, ref a lot of games, it allows you to get a lot of experience. You’ll learn to handle a lot of difficult situations or those that only happen once in a lifetime.” Encouraging bravery, she emphasizes, “Dare to ref and dare to blow the whistle. Dare to put yourself in difficult situations and test the next level, even if it feels uncomfortable. Dare to ask for feedback, that’s super important.” Additionally, she advises, “Pick a few things you want to work on and focus on one at a time, there’s no reason to do everything at the same time because it won’t work.” Lastly, she stresses the often-overlooked mental aspect, asserting, “Work with the mental part too.”
Månssons Top Reads
Delving into Sara Månsson’s literary tastes reveals a diverse array of captivating reads. From the enchanting world of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern to the poignant narrative of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, her favorites span across genres. Additionally, Tara Westover’s memoir “Allt jag fått lära mig” offers profound insights into resilience and self-discovery. Currently, Månsson is engrossed in “Systrarna” by Jonas Hassen Khemiri, a compelling tale that she notes is quickly climbing the ranks of her top reads.
I can’t express my gratitude enough for your willingness to join my blog and open up about your remarkable journey. Your story is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to witness your continued success on the court and beyond. With your unwavering determination and clear vision for the future, you’re setting the bar high for us all. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and passion with us—you’re a shining example of what it means to pursue your dreams with courage and resilience. Here’s to cheering you on every step of the way!
Until next week, find a Sara in your circle and learn something from them.
Sport Psychology for Everyone 