Analysis of the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of Brazilian elite soccer referees

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the physical aptitude level of elite professional referees from Paraná and Piauí. In order to do it, the physical tests that form FIFA’s battery of tests were used. The sample was composed by referees from the Federação Paranaense de Futebol (Federation of Soccer from Paraná) and from the Federação Piauiense (Federation from Piauí). The sample was composed by 27 referees from Paraná and 10 referees from Piauí, accredited by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol – CBF (Brazilian Confederation of Soccer – CBF). FIFA’s standard battery of tests is: a 12 minute run, two 50 meter sprints, two 200 meter sprint, both applied in an alternated way. The average obtained during the 12 minute run was 2818 + 163.48 meters. The referees ran 50 meters in 7.12 + 0.28 s and in the 200 meter sprint in 29.99 + 1.56 s. The data analysis indicated that in absolute terms the referees from Paraná presented better results in all the physical tests. Therefore, they would be more physically fit to referee national level matches.