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The Effects of Match Congestion on Physical Performance in Football Referees.
- Source :
-
International Journal of Sports Medicine . Jun2022, Vol. 43 Issue 6, p512-518. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- We examined the changes in performance during congested (two matches within a 7-day interval) and non-congested (one match within≥7-day interval) fixtures in 17 elite football (soccer) referees during 181 official matches. External demands comprised 20 GPS-based metrics. Internal load was assessed by heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Compared to non-congested fixtures, referees decreased their running distance at 21–24 km·h−1 (p =0.027, effect size [ES]=0.41) and > 24 km·h−1 (p =0.037, ES=0.28), the number of sprints (p =0.012, ES=0.29), and distance sprinting (p =0.022, ES=0.29) in congested matches. Most play metrics were lower in congested versus non-congested fixtures with low-to-moderate ES. During the 2nd half of non-congested fixtures, referees covered larger distances at low-speed running (p =0.025, ES=0.47). Match congestion due to officiating two matches less than a week apart caused a notable decrease in match running activity in professional football referees, especially at above 21 km·h−1. These data reiterate the need for specific conditioning and post-match recovery strategies in high-level referees to ensure optimal judgment performance favouring the quality of the competition. Governing bodies should take these outcomes into account when designating referees for a match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01724622
- Volume :
- 43
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Sports Medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 157229392
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1594-2739