Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine how match activities, specifically high-intensity activity (HIA; activities performed at speeds faster than 18.1 km[middle dot]h 21), vary among matches in elite soccer referees, because variations in match performance can potentially guide physical conditioning regimens for these referees. Fourteen Italian soccer referees were observed during 65 first-division matches a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 times each. For comparison, shorter matches (SM) and longer matches (LM) for each referee were identified. Mean (6SD) SM and LM total distances were 10,949 6 1,095 m and 12,303 6 666 m (p < 0.001), respectively. SM and LM were not different in term of duration (p > 0.05). During LM, referees spent 44% less time standing still (p < 0.01) and covered 10% more distance at low intensity than they did in SM (p < 0.05). No HIA variation was observed between SM and LM (p > 0.05). For the elite referee, work rate is increased without affecting HIA. Verf.-Referat