Francesca Merola is currently studying a MSc. in Sports Science (with Physiology) at the University of Chester. The 28 year old student recently carried out research towards her Masters Degree dissertation during a match at Alyn Park between Mold Alex reserves and Lex XI reserves.

Read on for the details and objectives of her study.....

As you may be aware over the last three decades the activity profile and physiological demands of football are well documented and almost exclusively concerned with players, whereas research into the physiological demands of football refereeing is limited with only a few studies examining the movement pattern and physiological strain of football referees during competitive games.

Since the 1980’s the research into demands has increased as the importance of referees who are capable of high aerobic capacities has become imperative for world soccer organisations such as FIFA and your organisation. Referees are expected to keep up with play, whatever its tempo, and maintain alertness throughout the game.

This proposed study will use the latest ‘field-based’ technology in obtaining distances covered; Global Positioning System (GPS). The use of GPS will enable a detailed account of the movement patterns of referees; where the distance and speed of movement can be obtained to show the level and type of activity undertaken. GPS is used to calculate the position of an individual and determines the velocity of subject movements and tracks the position and heart rate. In regards to football research is limited with even fewer studies conducted with referees. Laboratory based testing will determine the physiological capacities of participants through several protocols.

My proposed study is concerned with outlining the work-rate demands of refereeing at regional level and monitoring physiological responses of referees during matches.

The aim of this research project is to:

Examine and analyse the work rates of NEWRA referees in order to produce a physiological profile into the demands that football places on referees. This will be done by analysing the movement patterns of participants using the GPS and heart rate monitors will record the physiological strain placed on referees. This is undertaken with the notion that a better understanding of these demands will aide in the prescription of training intensities, modes and overall improve the fitness of referees which could have a positive impact on the decisions they make during a game.

Identify whether or not a specific intermittent test can be devised in order to effectively assess the physical performance of referees during a football game based on the findings of this study. Research has also shown that there is a varying scope of physical attributes that make up the work rates and therefore physical capacities of referees and so data from this study could also be used in the prescription of specified training programmes.

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Francesca Merola.