Effect of maximal aerobic power on match performance in elite soccer referees

The aim of this study was to verify whether referees' maximal aerobic power could influence competitive match exercise intensity. Eight elite-level referees (mean +/- SD age, 37.6 +/- 3.4 years) were each observed during 2 Serie A matches (n = 16), and the mean of each match activity was used for analysis. Match activities were monitored with encoder-equipped cameras. .V(O)(2)max was assessed under field conditions with a portable device during a progressive multistage protocol. The .V(O)(2)max of each subject was expressed in absolute terms (.V(O)(2)max(ab), L.min(-1)), relative terms (.V(O)(2)max (rel), ml.kg(-1).min(-1)), and independent from body mass (.V(O)(2)max (ind), ml.kg(-0.75).min(-1)). Significance was set at p < or = 0.05 for all measurements. Total distance covered during the match correlated significantly with .V(O)(2)max (ind) (r = 0.77) and .V(O)(2)max (ab) (r = 0.87). .V(O)(2)max (ind), .V(O)(2)max (rel), and .V(O)(2)max (ab) correlated negatively (p < 0.05) with the time spent standing still during the match (r = -0.90, -0.85, and -0.86, respectively, p < 0.05). During the first half of the match, referees with higher levels of .V(O)(2)max (rel) (r = 0.93, p < 0.05) and .V(O)(2)max (ind) (r = 0.90, p < 0.05) were able to cover more distance at medium intensity. In the second half of the match, medium-intensity distance and low-intensity time correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with .V(O)(2)max (ab) (r = 0.76) and .V(O)(2)max (rel) (r = 0.75), respectively. The results demonstrate the positive influence of .V(O)(2)max in determining both the total amount of distance covered and the exercise intensity during a game. Higher levels of .V(O)(2)max may provide referees the opportunity to be more active and therefore closer to the action on the field during the game.