Intermatch variation of match activity in elite Italian soccer referees.
The aim of this study was to examine how match activities, specifically high-intensity activity (HIA; activities performed at speeds faster than 18.1 km x h(-1)), vary among matches in elite soccer referees, because variations in match performance can potentially guide physical conditioning regimens for these referees. Fourteen Italian soccer referees were observed during 65 first-division matches a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 times each. For comparison, shorter matches (SM) and longer matches (LM) for each referee were identified. Mean (+/-SD) SM and LM total distances were 10,949 +/- 1,095 m and 12,303 +/- 666 m (p < 0.001), respectively. SM and LM were not different in term of duration (p > 0.05). During LM, referees spent 44% less time standing still (p < 0.01) and covered 10% more distance at low intensity than they did in SM (p < 0.05). No HIA variation was observed between SM and LM (p > 0.05). For the elite referee, work rate is increased without affecting HIA.
Castagna
Carlo
C
Italian Soccer Federation, Rome, Italy. carlocastagna@teknosport.com
Abt
Grant
G
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011336:Probability; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology