Relationships among field-test measures and physical match performance in elite-standard soccer referees

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which measures derived from the new FIFA referees fitness tests can be used to monitor a referee's match-related physical capability. Match-analysis data were collected (Prozone®, Leeds, UK) from 17 soccer referees for 5, s=1.7 FA Premier League matches per referee during the first four months of the 2007/08 season. Physical match performance categories were: total distance covered; high-intensity running distance (speed >5.5 m·s -1 ); and sprinting distance (>7.0 m·s -1 ). The tests involved a repeated 40-m sprint test followed by a 150-m interval test. Interval test heart rate load was correlated to match total distance covered (r=-0.70, P=0.002) and high-intensity running (r=-0.57, P=0.018).Fastest 40-m sprint was related to total distance covered (r=-0.69, P=0.002), high-intensity running (r=-0.76, P=0.000) and sprinting distance (r=-0.75, P=0.001) and mean time for the 40-m sprints was related to total distance covered (r=-0.70, P=0.002), high-intensity running (r=-0.77, P=0.000) and sprinting distance (r=-0.77, P=0.000). The referees with the 'best' interval test heart rate load and 40m fastest produced the best physical match performances. However, only the 40-m test and in particular the 40m fastest sprint time showed appropriate construct validity for the physical assessment of soccer referees.

Applicability of a Change of Direction Ability Field Test in Soccer Assistant Referees

“…This was accomplished requiring a number of field tests aiming to evaluate AR repeated sprint ability (6x40m sprints) and intermittent high intensity endurance (30-40") before top-competitions (36). These tests although significantly stressing the physiological characteristics of the AR possess low face validity as per distance considered and exercise mode used (36).…”

Análise do modelo de avaliação física aplicado aos árbitros de futebol pela FIFA

“…The use of this test letus verify the increase of aerobic and anaerobic fitness ofthe referee. According to Weston et al (6) , after a physical training program with high intensity exercise sessions, the YoYo intermittent recovery testwas more sensitive to measure the anaerobic fitness increase-the same observation made by Krustrup and Bangsbo (40) .…”

“…The analysis of the investigations involving soccer referees in the scientific literature make us conclude that despite the changes proposed by FIFA in its physical tests battery, the current evaluation model does not meet the movement demands t which the referees are submitted (10,40) . An important principle which has been neglected in the designing of physical tests for referees both in the former and current models, is that they should be closer to the activity to be assessed and reflect the real situation of the practiced activity.…”

Análisis Comparativo de la Composición Corporal de Árbitros de Fútbol de Brasil y Uruguay

“…La edad promedio de los árbitros de este estudio (Tabla I), no presentaron diferencia estadísticamente significativa, siendo inclusive semejante la edad de árbitros involucrados en otros estudios, como los árbitros griegos 36,3 ± 4,5 años, (Rontoyannis et al), de árbitros italianos 37,6 ± 3,4 años (Castagna & D´Ottavio 2001) de árbitros portugueses 37 ± 6,6 años (Rebelo et al, 2002) de árbitros brasileños 38,9 ± 38 (Da y de los árbitros ingleses 40 ± 5.1 (Weston et al, 2009). Algunos estudios afirman que los árbi-tros de fútbol son en promedio, de 10 a 15 años más viejos que los jugadores de elite de ese deporte, en donde la edad tendría un efecto negativo en el estado físico (Weston et al, 2004).…”