Key result
Match play linked to ~326% higher injury rates versus training for football referees, primarily affecting lower legs.
Cohort (n=74)
Absolute Event Rate: 19.6% vs 4.6%
Soccer referees experience a high incidence of muscular and tendon injuries, particularly in the lower leg, during matches and training.
Elevated match injury rates warrant targeted prevention in referees; observational data leaves open efficacy of interventions in trials.
BACKGROUND: Despite the crucial role of referees in a soccer match, few researchers have targeted the injury profile of referees in their studies. Understanding the incidence, nature, and pattern of injuries could provide important information for educational and preventative efforts at the international level. HYPOTHESIS: The incidence rate and patterns of acute injuries to official referees of the Iranian Premier Football League during the 2009-2010 season are similar to those reported among referees in short-term international competitions such as FIFA World Cup. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Demographic data for 74 referees, including 30 main referees and 44 assistant referees, were collected at the beginning of the season. To record injuries and refereeing time, weekly contact was made by a physician. RESULTS: In total, 102 injuries were reported by referees during the football season. The incidence rates of injuries among referees during training and matches were 4.6 and 19.6 injuries per 1000 hours, respectively. Muscular and tendon injuries were found to be the most common type of injury, and the most common site of injury was the lower leg followed by the hip and groin. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are consistent with similar prospective studies evaluating injuries to referees over the course of a short-term tournament. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings provide a base for suggesting possible preventive recommendations in future studies.
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Kordi et al. (2013) conducted a cohort in Healthy (Football referees) (n=74). Football refereeing (matches) vs. Training was evaluated on Incidence rate of injuries per 1000 hours. Football referees experienced injury incidence rates of 19.6 and 4.6 per 1000 hours during matches and training, respectively, with muscular and tendon injuries of the lower leg being most common.
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