Question Number: 25090

Fitness 6/11/2011

RE: Professional

elsa of kahrtum, sudan asks...

i am women international assistant referee and my main problem is fitness teast so how can i solve that problem if it's possible please i need your help please thank you

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Elsa
The only solution is to improve one's fitness in line with the recognised standard. As you know the test is in two parts.
Test 1
6 x 40 m sprint followed by max. 1 minute 30 seconds recovery after each sprint (while walking back to the start)
Reference time is 6.6 seconds for women international referees, 6.4 seconds for women international assistant referees, for each of the 6 fast runs
Test 2
The women international assistant referees must cover 150 m in 35 seconds from the starting position (1). Then they have 45 seconds to cover 50 m, walking (2). On the next whistle, referees must again run 150 m in 35 seconds (3), followed by 50 m walking in 45 seconds (4). The minimum number of laps to be covered is 10.

I have found over the years that what works best for me is to work on my general fitness and then in the weeks leading up to the test I simulate the test on many occasions so that I become accustomed to its demands with the best techniques. It also helps me evaluate where I am at in relation to meeting the required standard . I also on some occasions when I'm feeling stronger push myself beyond the standard. That gives me an edge in that when it comes to the actual test it feels shorter and well within my capability. We have two marathon runners in our ranks and the test is simply a warm up for them!!

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The FIFA fitness test at the professional level requires the correct technique.

The referee should practice the transition from walk/jog to run at the end of the 50 m rest period. The goal is to be at full speed and enter the starting area precisely when the beep alerts. Too late and the test becomes more difficult than it should; too soon is a violation. Practice using the test audio.

Training schedules for referee fitness are published on line by both professional match referee associations. They have a wealth of advice.

In England, http://refworld.com/training_and_fitness
In the US, http://www.refereeassociation.net/training.php

Good luck.