Impact of contextual factors on match demands experienced by elite male referees during international basketball tournaments

Abstract

We aimed to assess the cardiovascular responses and locomotory demands of male referees during diverse elite, international, basketball matches, and to investigate the influence of moderating factors (competition sex, level and stage) on these demands. Cardiovascular and locomotory responses were monitored in 123 elite, male referees while officiating 283 basketball sessions (preparation until match end), during group and playoff stages, of women's and men's FIBA Continental and World Cups at senior and youth level. The total and average session distance and velocity were ~4740 m, 19.0 m•min -1 and 2 km•h -1 . Referees experienced an average relative HR of 60-65% maximum HR with ~85% of each session spent within the very light to moderate HR categories. The average session relative HR was significantly greater for men compared to women competition, during senior compared to youth sessions, and for the group compared to the playoff stage sessions. Mean distance covered was significantly greater during senior and men compared with youth and women sessions. Elite, international male basketball referees experienced moderate cardiovascular load accompanied with intermittent locomotor activities during international sessions when accounting for all occupational activities. International competitions are more demanding for referees based upon competition sex, level and stage.

Do you even exercise, ref? Exploring habits of Spanish basketball referees during practice and matches

“…When examining anthropometric measurements, our findings indicate that the mean body mass index values in our sample were lower than those documented in prior studies. Notably, these earlier studies revealed that elite male basketball referees often displayed above-normal weight ranges ( Rupčić et al, 2011 ; Bonganha et al, 2013 ; Suárez Iglesias et al, 2021 ). The reason for this difference is unclear but could be due to the current trend of body image ideals for men valuing a muscular, low body fat physique ( Robinson & Lewis, 2016 ).…”

“…A second noteworthy result is that a significant fraction of Spanish basketball referees chose aerobic and strength conditioning over speed and flexibility training. Regarding the predominance of aerobic activities, basketball referees require adequate training to maintain cardiovascular fitness because of moderate cardiovascular load during competitions ( Leicht, 2004 ; Suárez Iglesias et al, 2021 ) and compromised aerobic performance with age ( Nabli et al, 2019 ), especially when they reach the peak of their careers (first-time candidates for a FIBA Referee License have to be 35 years of age or younger, with the age limit for the license being around 50–55 years) ( FIBA, 2021 ). Furthermore, our sample typically engaged in strength training and sprints.…”

“…This underscores the importance of pre-match preparation for optimal performance across competitive levels ( Anshel, 1995 ; de Paula, da Cunha & Andreoli, 2021 ). Elite referees seem to be more aware of establishing match-day routines, which may be due to the demands of top competition and access to standardized warm-up procedures ( Suárez Iglesias et al, 2021 ). Altogether, developing education programs for sub-elite and regional referees to implement competition routines would benefit referee organizations.…”

Effects in Sleep and Recovery Processes of NESA Neuromodulation Technique Application in Young Professional Basketball Players: A Preliminary Study

“…Typically, the team observed a day of rest following each match within their microcycles (the period between official games or matches). However, during the fourth week, the team transitioned into playoffs-a climactic phase involving a final contest or series of contests to determine the victor among tied contestants or teams [22].…”

Application of the video-tutorial "Challenge for Referees" in sports training of young basketball referees for the game season

“…Refereeing activity in basketball is characterized by a varied set and specific nature of working actions. The professional activity of an arbitrator requires special versatile preparedness [1][2]. Poor physical fitness affects the mechanics of the referees' movements on the court, the correct choice of place, affects the increase in the number of errors.…”