Question Number: 30458

Fitness 5/28/2016

RE: Youth to adult, comp and rec.

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30454

I'd agree that an active centre ref would be close to an active player in distance covered in a game. According to my Fitbit, I cover about 12,000 steps or around 10 km as a player or ref in a full game.

As an AR, it's often less than half that.

The difference is that a ref can often lag a bit in the pace and doesn't have to jump, lunge or (hopefully!) take or give any contact.

On the other hand, a ref is obliged to be close to the ball. Many players can take a bit of a holiday when the ball is far away from them.

I've had days where I've played a game then reffed later in the day. The other way around always feels better.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
Thanks for your input. Playing is altogether much more strenuous than just running. As you say the referee can at times drop off his intensity depending on what is happening in the game. I also think that experience can help a referee to conserve energy by not chasing certain situations.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Barry ,
as a general rule a CR moves up and down the pitch always moving with play so has less standing still time but not as much heavy sprints. Moving more as a midfield player always anticipating to be somewhere where the angle to see is the best. During the 2016 Euro final between Liverpool and Sevilla in Basel the referee actually cramped up and injured himself in overtime and required replacement. I watched the champions match today and felt many of the players as well as the referee ran themselves into a puddle lol

cheers