07-10-2009, 07:00 PM
I had a discussion with a local-league ref today. The problem may be that the top flight refs, although they do have hard targets to meet in terms of running, such as 40m sprints in minimal time, shuttle runs against the clock (beep tests) and distance running, etc. are not fit in terms of football matches and the way their are played.
What I mean is that for a referee (and to compare, a central midfielder) in a top-flight game, the distance needed to cover is not in bursts, but is continuous. That means the ref will be hard-pressed to actually cover the distances needed to adequately keep up with play at all times. The ball moves much faster and is moved quicker by the players. This makes the refs' jobs much more difficult.
The answer is to ensure the refs are as fit as the players. You look at some of the refs and while they might be fitter than the average man (or woman), they are not as fit as the 20-something footballers they are controlling. Some of the refs are carrying a little (or a lot) extra weight around with them and simply cannot attain the levels realistically needed. The fitness levels of 40-somethings, as hard as they try, just can't match up.
Instead of calling SAF to book over his comments, they should hold their hands up and say, yes, we are not as fit as the players, but we do take this profession seriously and will look to work with the managers to improve.
One thing refs should consider is get into position earlier and rest when they get there. That is what we try to teach the kids and it seems to work.
SAF is, once again, actually right with his comments. For once, I'm not sure if this is something that should have been aired in the public domain, though. It's difficult, though, as there are cameras and reporters everywhere and will pick up on the slightest thing and run with it.
What I mean is that for a referee (and to compare, a central midfielder) in a top-flight game, the distance needed to cover is not in bursts, but is continuous. That means the ref will be hard-pressed to actually cover the distances needed to adequately keep up with play at all times. The ball moves much faster and is moved quicker by the players. This makes the refs' jobs much more difficult.
The answer is to ensure the refs are as fit as the players. You look at some of the refs and while they might be fitter than the average man (or woman), they are not as fit as the 20-something footballers they are controlling. Some of the refs are carrying a little (or a lot) extra weight around with them and simply cannot attain the levels realistically needed. The fitness levels of 40-somethings, as hard as they try, just can't match up.
Instead of calling SAF to book over his comments, they should hold their hands up and say, yes, we are not as fit as the players, but we do take this profession seriously and will look to work with the managers to improve.
One thing refs should consider is get into position earlier and rest when they get there. That is what we try to teach the kids and it seems to work.
SAF is, once again, actually right with his comments. For once, I'm not sure if this is something that should have been aired in the public domain, though. It's difficult, though, as there are cameras and reporters everywhere and will pick up on the slightest thing and run with it.