The physical condition of elite Spanish referees: Longitudinal study (2008 - 2011)

Abstract

The aim of this study were to analyze the evolution of the tests made to the RFEF´s referees, in a retrospective way and to analyze the results obtained in the tests from April 2008 to November 2011. The sample was 20 elite spanish referees, with ages between 31.14 and 41.5 years, with an average age of 36.01 years (± 3.09). The tests analyzed were speed trials (6x40m, resting 1´30´´ between repetitions) and a agility test. The first data was taken in the months of March or April (moment 1), July or August (moment 2) and November (moment 3). The materials used were electronic photocells Racetime 2, cones and laptop for unloading and registering data. The statistic used was the test of Kolmogorov-Smirnof to verify the normality of data, and ANOVA of repeated measures to verify the differences (p<0,05) between moments 1, 2 and 3. There are significant differences in both tests between moment 1 of season 2008/09, in comparison with the other seasons. Significant differences were also observed at certain times and tests. There are significant improvements in the results obtained in both tests, from 2008 to the present time. The general and specific training of the elite Spanish referees and the high expectancy of professional football, are able to maintain or to improve their physical condition.