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Castagna C, Krustrup P, Mohr M, Póvoas S. Enhancing match official performance: a forward-thinking approach for football evolution. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38126873 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2293843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The future of football demands more from players and referees due to heightened match intensity and frequency. To optimize performance and health, collaboration among sport scientists, coaches, and medical staff is crucial. However, match officials often lack the same support as elite players, hindering their development. Granting professional status to referees, implementing evidence-based training, and adopting gender-inclusive methods are vital. Coping with future challenges requires better career support and economic conditions for officials, along with research to enhance their performance and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Castagna
- Fitness Training and Biomechanics Laboratory, Technical Department, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Coverciano (Florence), Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Carlo Bo Urbino University, Urbino, Italy
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Krustrup
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Magni Mohr
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center of Health Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Susana Póvoas
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
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Martinho DV, Field A, Rebelo A, Gouveia ÉR, Sarmento H. A Systematic Review of the Physical, Physiological, Nutritional and Anthropometric Profiles of Soccer Referees. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:72. [PMID: 37561241 PMCID: PMC10415246 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of soccer referees is widely accepted by international soccer organizations and governing bodies, although there is little research summarizing and appraising the literature on soccer referees. The aim of this study was to systematically review the information related to physical demands, nutrition and physiological profiling of soccer referees. METHODS Conforming with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searches of three electronic databases (Web of Sciences, PubMed and Scopus) were conducted on 24 April 2022. The following search terms were used: (Soccer OR football AND refer*) AND (physical OR physiolo* OR load* OR "body composition" OR "fat mass" OR "fat free mass" OR "body size" OR "nutrition*" OR "nutritional assessment" OR "nutritional intake" OR "macronutrient*" OR "micronutrient*"). The inclusion criteria of the manuscripts written in English were that articles with male and/or female soccer referees and included relevant data concerning performance, physical testing, nutrition, body composition, body size and/or physiology of soccer referees. The tools developed by the National Institute of Health were used to assess risk of bias according to the study design. RESULTS In total, 110 manuscripts were included in the present review. Match activities of soccer referees and assistant referees are not comparable. Variation in performance is influenced by competitive level and competitive schedules. Additionally, match performance is often used to validate field protocols. The associations between match indicators and field protocols were not constant across the included studies, particularly in short-maximal tests. An age decline in physical performance was not conclusive. Body size did not discriminate between referees and assistant referees, as well as referees of different competitive levels. Few studies focused on nutritional guidelines among referees, particularly exercise energy expenditure. Energy intake was comparable across studies, but referees did not follow the daily dietary recommendations. Aerobic output was frequently assessed, and it was not comparable to the values for soccer players. CONCLUSIONS Although there are decreases in the running profiles of older referees, they maintain the same distances from the ball, and thus, age per se should not be used to define participation at the international level. The assessment of physical fitness warrants future consideration given the levels of fatigue that are apparent at the end of matches. In order to attain ideal levels of body composition, future studies need to provide guidelines for daily energy expenditure and nutritional intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol was published in INPLASY (International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) with the registration number 202280052 and https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2022.8.005 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo V Martinho
- University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Adam Field
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - André Rebelo
- CIDEFES, Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física e Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
- COD, Center of Sports Optimization, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Élvio R Gouveia
- Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra, Portugal
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Ilhan A, Muniroglu S, Rakıcıoğlu N. Effect of body composition on the athletic performance of soccer referees. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e66. [PMID: 37396457 PMCID: PMC10307644 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition plays an important role in improving sports performance. The present study aimed at nutritional assessment and examined the relationship between athletic performance and body composition in soccer referees at different levels. The study participants were 120 male soccer referees. 5, 10 and 30 metres (m) sprint tests to measure speed and cooper test for physical fitness were applied in the referees. Participants were divided into two groups as city and class soccer referee. The anthropometric measurements, excluding fat mass (FM) (%), were higher in class referees. Fat mass (%) differences (14⋅1 ± 4⋅28 v. 12⋅3 ± 4⋅41) were statistically significant (P < 0⋅05). Daily energy and nutrient intakes were similar. The inadequacy percentages of energy, vitamin A and calcium were the highest (29⋅2, 30⋅0 and 34⋅2 %, respectively). It was found that a negative significant correlation between FM% and cooper test score (P < 0⋅01; r = -0⋅35), a positive significant correlation between FM% and 5, 10 and 30 m sprint test scores (P < 0⋅01, r = 0⋅38; P < 0⋅01, r = 0⋅38 and P < 0⋅01, r = 0⋅48, respectively). Similarly, there was a negative significant correlation between waist circumference (WC) and cooper test score (P < 0⋅01; r = -0⋅31), a positive significant correlation between WC and 5, 10 and 30 m sprint test scores (P < 0⋅01, r = 0⋅33; P < 0⋅01, r = 0⋅40; P < 0⋅01, r = 0⋅33, respectively). Nutritional recommendations for soccer referees should be made specific to the individual, considering body composition, training intensity and match frequency by a dietician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azad Ilhan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University, Sıhhıye 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Surhat Muniroglu
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Department of Coaching Education, Ankara University, Ankara 06830, Turkey
| | - Neslişah Rakıcıoğlu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University, Sıhhıye 06100, Ankara, Turkey
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Martin-Sanchez ML, Oliva-Lozano JM, Garcia-Unanue J, Felipe JL, Moreno-Pérez V, Gallardo L, Sánchez-Sánchez J. Physical demands in Spanish male and female elite football referees during the competition: a prospective observational study. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 6:566-571. [PMID: 36342831 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2145015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the physical demands of elite male and female field referees in match play and compare the physical demands between male and female football referees in the competition. METHODS Match data were collected from 36 elite football referees (19 males and 17 females) during a total of 409 football matches. Electronic performance and tracking systems based on global positioning systems (GPS) were used in this research. RESULTS Male referees experienced significantly greater physical demands (p < 0.05) in men league than female referees in women league for total distance, explosive distance, high-intensity breaking distance, total of sprints, sprinting distance, high-speed running distance, high-speed running actions, maximal speed, total of accelerations and decelerations, maximal acceleration and deceleration, acceleration/deceleration. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, strength and conditioning coaches should consider these gender differences in match demands to maximize the fitness-fatigue response of the referees since this may lead to a better performance during the decision-making process in the competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Martin-Sanchez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,IGOID Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Garcia-Unanue
- IGOID Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Felipe
- IGOID Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno-Pérez
- Sport Research Center, Miguel - Hernandez University of Elche, Alicante, Spain.,Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel - Hernandez University of Elche, San Joan, Spain
| | - Leonor Gallardo
- IGOID Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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Sánchez MLM, Oliva-Lozano JM, García-Unanue J, Krustrup P, Felipe JL, Moreno-Pérez V, Gallardo L, Sánchez-Sánchez J. Association between Fitness Level and Physical Match Demands of Professional Female Football Referees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710720. [PMID: 36078434 PMCID: PMC9518354 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the physical demands for elite female referees during competitive matches and to evaluate the relationship between match performance and fitness levels. Seventeen female elite field referees were fitness-tested (29.0 ± 5.2 (SD) years, 163.8 ± 6.7 cm, 54.0 ± 5.1 kg, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) performance 1610 ± 319 m) and were analysed during a total of 187 football matches. Global positioning systems (GPS) were used in this research. The physical demands were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the second half of matches compared to the first half. Regarding the acceleration-related variables, the female referees revealed a higher number of high-intensity actions in the first half compared to the second half. However, higher low-intensity demands were observed for the females referees in the second half compared to the first half in the total number of accelerations (ACC) (~70.48 n; ES = 0.61; p < 0.05) and decelerations (DEC) (~71.11 n; ES = 0.62; p < 0.05); total number of ACC in zone 1 (~85.27 n; ES = 0.70; p < 0.05) and DEC in zone 1 (Z1) (~83.98 n; ES = 0.71; p < 0.05); and distance covered accelerating and decelerating in Z1. The distance covered in YYIR1 and the performance in the repeated sprint ability test correlated with the physical demands during matches for female football referees (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study described the physical performance profile of female football referees and differences between the first and second halves of matches were observed. The results of this study revealed positive correlations between intermittent exercise fitness levels, the repeated sprint ability performance and match performance in female football referees, and thus this information can be implemented in their training plan designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Martín Sánchez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Calle Tajo, s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Peter Krustrup
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jose Luis Felipe
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Calle Tajo, s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno-Pérez
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 San Joan, Spain
| | - Leonor Gallardo
- IGOID Research Group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45004 Toledo, Spain
| | - Javier Sánchez-Sánchez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Calle Tajo, s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
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Jiang J, Ge H, Du L, Gomez MA, Gong B, Cui Y. Impact of Match Type and Match Halves on Referees' Physical Performance and Decision-Making Distance in Chinese Football Super League. Front Psychol 2022; 13:864957. [PMID: 35615178 PMCID: PMC9125187 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.864957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore how Chinese Football Super League (CSL) referees' physical performance and decision-making distance varied according to match type and match halves. Data from 107 matches played by top-4 ranked and bottom-4 ranked teams during 2018-2019 CSL seasons were collected. Level of matches was classified into three groups: (a) upper-ranked (top-4) teams against top-4 teams, (b) top-4 teams against lower-ranked teams (bottom-4), and (c) bottom-4 teams against bottom-4 teams. Two-way ANOVA and Scheirer-Ray-Hare test were used to examine the statistical differences of referees' physical and spatial related distance variables among different match levels and halves. The Euclidean distance to the ball at the following three variables were statistically different among three match types: clearance (p = 0.03,E R 2 = 0.03), running with the ball (p = 0.01,E R 2 = 0.04), and shot off target (p = 0.04,E R 2 = 0.03). In addition, referees' distance to the ball at three events were statistically different between both match halves: pass (p < 0.001, r = 0.69), reception (p < 0.001, r = 0.76), and running with the ball (p < 0.001, r = 0.77). The total running distance was statistically different between both match halves (p = 0.001, d = 0.05). The findings indicated that although CSL referees showed little difference in physical performance when officiating matches of three competitive levels and two halves, distinct rhythms of competitions determined that they needed to adjust running strategies to maintain proper distance to the ball. This study implied that the CSL referees' match performance was affected by the teams' style of play and match status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Jiang
- School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Huanmin Ge
- School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Lida Du
- China Football College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- National Team Administration Department, Chinese Football Association, Beijing, China
| | - Miguel-Angel Gomez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bingnan Gong
- Institute of Physical Education and Training, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Yixiong Cui
- School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- AI Sports Engineering Lab, School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Castagna C, Leguizamón AP, Póvoas SC. Fitness assessment in talented football referees: an academy based longitudinal field-study. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2021; 62:741-748. [PMID: 34156179 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.21.12293-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aim was to profile physical fitness in talented football referees (FR) with performance relevant field-tests across time. METHODS Thirty-eight male FR (age 28±1.5 years, height 178±5.1 cm, body mass 69.0±7.34 kg, body fat 17.2±2.87%) were observed for 15 months. Endurance was assessed with the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) with 5x30m line-sprints with 30s recovery (5x30m). Long sprint endurance (LSA) and change of direction ability (COD) evaluated with novel field-tests. FR was tested six times (every three months) during the study. RESULTS YYIR1 performance showed large increments across testing occasions. Sprint time in the COD largely and significantly decreased across the testing occasions. Very large associations were reported between 5x30m and LSA tests grand mean (r=0.89, 0.78-0.94, P<0.0001). A nearly perfect (r=0.97, 0.94-0.99, P<0.0001) association was observed between 5x30m best sprint and 5x30m grand means. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study revealed ability-related variations in performance across time. The effect of training and competitions on the determinism of physical fitness in refereeing seem plausible. Interestingly, sprint endurance tests shared a very large variance proposing tests interchangeability and mutual physiological demands. This study information provides useful information for the development of sound field-tests batteries in talented FR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Castagna
- Italian Football Referees Association (AIA), Technical Department, Rome, Italy - .,Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Technical Department, Coverciano, Florence, Italy - .,University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy -
| | - Alejo P Leguizamón
- Asian Football Confederation, Refereeing Department, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Susana C Póvoas
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Mascherini G, Petri C, Ermini E, Pizzi A, Ventura A, Galanti G. Eating Habits and Body Composition of International Elite Soccer Referees. J Hum Kinet 2020; 71:145-153. [PMID: 32148579 PMCID: PMC7052701 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Soccer referees are a specific group of the athletes' population whose careers peak from 30 to 45 years old. An athlete's performance is not only determined by physical training but also by a lifestyle, e.g. eating habits. The purpose of this study was to verify current eating habits and resulting body composition of a group of elite international soccer referees. At an international FIFA seminar 60 elite international soccer referees (aged 39.2 ± 4.2 years) were enrolled. A body composition assessment was performed with skinfold thickness and bio impedance analysis, while eating habits were evaluated with a multi-pass 24-hour dietary recall. The body composition showed a normal weight condition with a fat content of 11.4 ± 2.5%. Macronutrients showed a low level of carbohydrates (43.6 ± 5.4%) and a high level of fat (40.0 ± 4.5%). Micronutrients showed a low level of calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iodine, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9. Even though their body composition was within the normal range, the current eating habits of elite international soccer referees did not appear to follow the nutrition guidelines. Therefore, it would be advisable to provide knowledge on nutrition for this particular category of sports subjects, an individualized nutritional plan would be advisable, in order to achieve and maintain better performance and appropriate body composition for their role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Mascherini
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Unit – Department of Experimental and Clinic Medicine – University of Florence, FlorenceItaly
| | - Cristian Petri
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Unit – Department of Experimental and Clinic Medicine – University of Florence, FlorenceItaly
| | - Elena Ermini
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Unit – Department of Experimental and Clinic Medicine – University of Florence, FlorenceItaly
| | - Angelo Pizzi
- Italian Referee Association - Italian Soccer Federation - FlorenceItaly
| | - Antonio Ventura
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Unit – Department of Experimental and Clinic Medicine – University of Florence, FlorenceItaly
| | - Giorgio Galanti
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Unit – Department of Experimental and Clinic Medicine – University of Florence, FlorenceItaly
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