title: Medical, morphological and functional aspects of Greek football referees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to investigate state of health, morphological and functional profile of football referees (Rs).
  
  
  METHODS
  A prevalence study.
  
  
  METHODS
  188 Greek active male Rs of A, B, C and D football divisions have been evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Standard clinical-instrumental and anthropometric methods were used. Appropriate functional tests were used for evaluation of visual performance, physical condition and mental ability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age, height, weight, and BMI were 36.3 +/- 4.5 years, 177.4 +/- 5.7 cm, 81.6 +/- 7.8 kg, and 25.9 +/- 2.1 kg.m-2 respectively. 64% and 6% were overweight and obese respectively. In 27.2% resting blood pressure exceeded upper normal limits. Active (41.5%) and former smokers (17.0%) were identified. Visual acuity and colour discrimination were defective in 2.4% and 0.7% respectively. Stereo depth perception deficiently in 7.1%. Compared to international standards, Rs' mean scores in the 6 physical condition field tests were found satisfactory. All Rs were found efficient in the agility test, two-thirds in the maximal and prolonged speed tests and half of them in the endurance test. Relatively more Rs of A and B divisions were found fit as compared to Rs of C and D divisions. Average IQ score was 112.5 +/- 11.1, while about 90% and 34% of the Rs' IQ score was > or = 100 and > or = 120 respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Average male Greek football R is an apparently healthy, young to middle aged, rather overweight, and functionally efficient. The great majority of Rs of A and B divisions appear better trained and somewhat better functional than Rs of C and D divisions.
authors.affiliation: Hellenic Sports Research Institute, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Rontoyannis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stalikas
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sarros
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vlastaris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003117:Color Vision Defects / Q000503:physiopathology; D003867:Depth Perception / Q000502:physiology; D006115:Greece; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology; D012916:Soccer / Q000193:education / Q000502:physiology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology