Key result
Brazilian soccer referees demonstrate satisfactory physical fitness with a mean VO2max of ~45 ml/kg/min.
Why the study?
It was unclear whether soccer referees working in less prominent regions present the same physical preparation as those from major areas, and no studies had evaluated the physical conditioning and health parameters of CBF referees from Espirito Santo.
Cross-Sectional (n=16)
Soccer referees from Espírito Santo, Brazil, possess satisfactory physical fitness and health parameters comparable to elite international referees.
Regional referees exhibit elite-comparable fitness and low CV risk; supports readiness for national duty but leaves generalizability to other regions open.
Introduction: Studies indicate that the technical/tactical performance of soccer referees can be impacted by physical fitness and state of health. However, although they are routinely invited to take part in matches at national level, it is not yet clearly established whether referees who work in less prominent regions and soccer championships present the same levels of physical, technical and psychological preparation as referees from more important areas, such as the soccer teams of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Within this context, no studies have evaluated the physical conditioning and health parameters of Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) referees who work in Espírito Santo. Objective: To assess the health and physical fitness levels of CBF soccer referees from Espírito Santo. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 16 participants, 6 referees, and 10 assistant referees. The protocol lasted 12 weeks and consisted of the following analyses: general characteristics, body composition, flexibility, and biochemical and cardiorespiratory profiles. Results: The referees all fell under the age range (26 to 41 years) required by CBF and had good body composition and flexibility results. The cardiorespiratory assessment (rest and effort) of the referees indicated satisfactory physical fitness and consequently, low risk for cardiovascular diseases based on resting heart rate (HR) (64 ± 13 bpm), HR reserve (126 ± 18 bpm) and VO2max (45.3 ± 5.7 ml·kg−1·min−1), results similar to those seen in elite international referees. Regarding the biochemical assessment, the parameters analyzed were within the normal range. Conclusion: Despite the fact that referees from the state of Espírito Santo work in a region of lesser national significance and relevance in the soccer domain, they present satisfactory levels of physical fitness and health parameters to act with safety and precision in national competitions. Level of Evidence IV; Type of study: Case series.
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Silva et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy soccer referees (n=16). Physical and health assessment was evaluated on Health and physical fitness levels (body composition, flexibility, biochemical and cardiorespiratory profiles). Brazilian Soccer Confederation referees from Espírito Santo showed satisfactory physical fitness, with a mean resting heart rate of 64 bpm and VO2max of 45.3 ml/kg/min.
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