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Analysis of physical match performance in English Premier League soccer referees with particular reference to first half and player work rates

Weston, Matthew; Castagna, Carlo; Impellizzeri, Franco M.; Rampinini, Ermanno; Abt, Grant

Authors

Matthew Weston

Carlo Castagna

Franco M. Impellizzeri

Ermanno Rampinini



Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of first half activity, overall match intensity and seasonal variation on the physical match performances of English Premier League football referees. Match analysis data was collected using the Prozone match analysis system from 19 full-time professional referees during a total of 254 matches in the 2004-2005 season. Physical match performances were classified into three separate categories: 1, total distance covered (TD); 2, high-intensity running distance (running speed>5.5m/s, HIR); 3, average distance from infringements (DI). Using these match activity variables the influence of first half TD and HIR distances on second half activities and also the influence of players' match activities upon the referees' physical match performances were examined. The main finding of the present study was that the physical match performances of the referees were partly related to those of the players, in that the referees' HIR correlated with players' HIR (r=0.43, p<0.0001, n=212). Furthermore, first half TD and HIR distances were found to be related to second half coverage in referees (r=0.47 and r=0.52, respectively, p<0.001, n=254). These results demonstrate a need to assess the overall match intensity prior to examining the physical match performance of the referee. Further examination is required as to whether reduced physical performances in the second half of matches are a consequence of referee fatigue, tactical strategies on behalf of the referee or reduced player match activities resulting in a slower tempo of match.

Citation

Weston, M., Castagna, C., Impellizzeri, F. M., Rampinini, E., & Abt, G. (2007). Analysis of physical match performance in English Premier League soccer referees with particular reference to first half and player work rates. Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine Australia, 10(6), 390-397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2006.09.001

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 2007-12
Journal JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT
Print ISSN 1440-2440
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Issue 6
Pages 390-397
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2006.09.001
Keywords Association football; Match analysis; Fatigue; Intermittent exercise
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/423654
Publisher URL https://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(06)00221-0/abstract