Does physical fitness level affect soccer referee's performance?

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to: a) report the physical demands of brazilian soccer referees during official matches and, b) assess if the level of fitness interferes in the referees' performance. The referees were examined during official games (n = 21) of the 2009 Rio Grande do Norte Soccer Federation Championship. The referees (n = 11) mean age was 36.3 ± 6.3 years. Match analysis parameters (distance covered, speed and heart rate) were assessed during official matches. The referee performance evaluation was conducted by an official member of Rio Grande do Norte Soccer Federation. The average match distance covered was 10.50 ± 0.35 km. The average speed and maximum speed were 6.43 ± 0.26 km/h and 19.84 ± 1.56 km/h, respectively. Heart rate analysis revealed the intermittent nature of the referees' activities. The HRav and HRmax were 162.77 ± 7.44 bpm and 182.22 ± 7.72 bpm, respectively. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.517; p < 0.05) between VO2max and distance covered on the second half. VO2max was also correlated with the maximum speed (r = 0.506; p < 0.05). The fat mass was negatively correlated with maximum speed on the second half (r = -0.471; p < 0.05). Regarding referee performance, it was observed a positive correlation between VO2max and referee evaluation score (r = 0.530; p < 0.05). On the other hand, fat mass was negatively correlated to referee evaluation score (r = -0.496; p < 0.05). The results present herein suggest that soccer referees were submitted to a high level of physical demands during the match. The results also indicate that soccer referees' fitness level can interfere in their performance.