title: Changes in a top-level soccer referee's training, match activities, and physiology over an 8-year period: a case study.
abstract: Athlete case studies have often focused on the training outcome and not the training process. Consequently, there is a dearth of information detailing longitudinal training protocols, yet it is the combined assessment of both outcome and process that enhances the interpretation of physical test data. We were provided with a unique opportunity to assess the training load, physical match performance, and physiological fitness of an elite soccer referee from the referee's final season before attaining full-time, professional status (2002) until the season when he refereed the 2010 UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup finals. An increased focus on on-field speed and gym-based strength training was observed toward the end of the study period and longitudinal match data showed a tendency for decreased total distances but an increased intensity of movements. Laboratory assessments demonstrated that VO2max remained stable (52.3 vs 50.8 mL·kg-1·min-1), whereas running speed at the lactate threshold (14.0 vs 12.0 km·h-1) and running economy (37.3 vs 43.4 mL·kg-1·min-1) both improved in 2010 compared with 2002.
authors: Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences, School of Social Sciences & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Weston
authors: Warren
authors: W
authors: Gregson
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Castagna
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Breivik
authors: Franco M
authors: FM
authors: Impellizzeri
authors: Ric J
authors: RJ
authors: Lovell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013663:Teaching
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid