title: Competitive-level differences in Yo-Yo intermittent recovery and twelve minute run test performance in soccer referees.
abstract: The aim of this study was to examine yo-yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo test) and 12-minute run test (12MRT) performances in experienced soccer referees of different competitive levels. Three groups (n = 14 each) of experienced Italian soccer referees officiating in the first (series AB, top-level), third (series C, medium-level), and fourth (series D, low-level) division, were randomly submitted to the 12MRT and the Yo-Yo test during 2 testing sessions, 48-hours apart. 12MRT performances were 3,000 +/- 112 m; 2,894 +/- 99 m; and 2,896 +/- 171 m for top-level, medium-level and low-level referees, respectively (p > 0.05). In the Yo-Yo test, the top-level, medium-level, and low-level referees covered 1,874 +/- 431 m; 1,360 +/- 172 m; and 1,272 +/- 215 m, respectively. The test performances of top-level referees in the Yo-Yo test was significantly different from those scored by medium-level and low-level referees (p < 0.05). After the Yo-Yo test, blood lactate concentrations (BLC) were higher in the medium-level and low-level referees compared with the top-level referees (p < 0.05). The results of the present study show that the Yo-Yo test and not the 12MRT can discriminate endurance performance in experienced elite level soccer referees. With respect to its discriminative and match performance validity, the Yo-Yo test may be considered a relevant field test to assess endurance preparedness for experienced soccer referees and a useful tool in talent selection.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. carlocastagna@teknosport.com
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Castagna
authors.forename: Grant
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Abt
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: D'Ottavio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012916:Soccer / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid