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Moen C, Andersen TE, Clarsen B, Madsen-Kaarød G, Dalen-Lorentsen T. Prevalence and burden of health problems in top-level football referees. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 7:131-138. [PMID: 35430956 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2055782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Top-level football referees take decisions during strenuous physical activity, and often under great mental pressure. Despite their central role in a football match, little is known about referees' health problems, particularly in female referees. AIM To investigate the prevalence and burden of health problems in female and male top-level referees. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHOD Fifty-five Norwegian male and female top-level referees reported health problems (injuries and illnesses) in pre-season and during the 2020 competitive season, using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H2). RESULTS We recorded data for 49 weeks with a compliance of 98%. On average, 34% (95% CI 31-36%) of referees reported at least one health problem each week, and 20% (95% CI 19-22%) reported substantial health problems. Female referees reported more health problems than male referees, and on-field referees reported more health problems than assistant referees. Gradual-onset injuries were most prevalent and caused the greatest absence from training and matches, whereas illnesses represented only a small portion to the overall burden of health problems. The injury incidence was three injuries per athlete-year (95% CI 2.5-3.5) and 11 injuries per 1000 match hours (95% CI 7-18). The illness incidence was 1.4 illnesses per athlete-year (95% CI 1.1-1.8). Injuries to the lower legs and feet represented the highest burden of health problems. CONCLUSION Top-level referees, especially females, reported a high prevalence of health problems. Gradual-onset injuries to the lower leg and foot represented the highest injury burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Moen
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Einar Andersen
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian FA Sports Medicine Clinic, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ben Clarsen
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Disease Burden, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Torstein Dalen-Lorentsen
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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Influence of Football Match-Play on Isometric Knee Flexion Strength and Passive Hip Flexion Range of Motion in Football Referees and Assistant Referees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211941. [PMID: 34831696 PMCID: PMC8625078 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of officiating a football (soccer) match on isometric knee flexion strength and passive hip flexion range-of-motion (ROM) in referees and assistant football referees. Twelve referees (25.3 ± 3.3 years) and twenty-three assistant referees (25.1 ± 4.8 years) underwent measurements on isometric knee flexion strength and passive hip flexion ROM before and after officiating an official football match. Referees’ and assistant referees’ running patterns were monitored during the match using GPS technology. In comparison to pre-match values, referees reduced their isometric knee flexion strength (−12.36%, p = 0.046, Effect size [ES] = −0.36) in the non-dominant limb, while no significant differences were reported in the dominant limb (−0.75%, p = 0.833, ES = −0.02). No effect of the match was found in hip flexion ROM values in dominant (−4.78%, p = 0.102, ES = −0.15) and non-dominant limb (5.54%, p = 0.544, ES = 0.19). In assistant referees, the pre-to-post-match changes in isometric knee flexion strength (dominant limb −3.10%, p = 0.323, ES = −0.13; non-dominant limb −2.18%, p = 0.980, ES= 0.00) and hip flexion ROM (dominant limb 1.90% p = −0.816, ES = 0.13; non-dominant limb 3.22% p = 0.051, ES = 0.23) did not reach statistical significance. Officiating a match provoked a reduction in isometric knee flexion strength in the non-dominant limb of football referees, while no differences were reported in assistant referees.
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Szymski D, Opitz S, Pfeifer C, Rupp M, Angele P, Alt V, Krutsch W, Krutsch V. High injury rates and weak injury prevention strategies in football referees at all levels of play. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 32:391-401. [PMID: 34657335 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Football referees need other physiological requirements on field than football players and are affected by different types of injury. The absence of referees may result in canceled matches, so special focus should be placed on injury prevention through specific training programs for referees. This study retrospectively analyzed injury occurrence and prevention strategies for German football referees at the different levels of play over one season. Data were collected by means of seasonal injury reports based on the consensus statement of injury definition and data collection. Of the 923 participating referees, 91 (9.9%) played at the professional level, 151 (16.3%) at the semi-professional, and 681 (73.8%) at the amateur level. 86.2% (n = 796) were men and 13.8% (n = 127) women. Referees at the amateur level showed the highest injury incidence (3.14/1000 h football) compared to referees at the semi-professional (1.92/1000 h; p < 0.001) and professional level (1.01/1000 h; p < 0.001). Most referees at the amateur (n = 372; 56.4%) and semi-professional level (n = 46; 31.3%) conducted warm-up programs of <10 min, whereas the mean warm-up duration of professional referees was >11 min (n = 75; 82.4%). Although running and stretching exercises were common among referees during warm-up, preventive exercises focusing on coordination and trunk muscles were less frequent, especially among amateur referees (jumping: 15.9%; strengthening: 9.7%; balance exercises: 7.9%). Injury incidence was highest at lower amateur levels, which thus has specific need for injury prevention. Appropriate training exercises to prevent injuries of referees were weak at all levels of play, especially the lack of strength, plyometric, and balance exercises in training and warm-up programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Szymski
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Opitz
- Department of General Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian Pfeifer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Rupp
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Angele
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Volker Alt
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Werner Krutsch
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,SportDocs Franken, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Volker Krutsch
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
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Moreno-Pérez V, Madruga-Parera M, Romero-Rodríguez D, Sanchéz-Sanchéz J, Felipe JL, Marcè-Hernández L, Recasens-Sarrà E, Del Coso J. Eccentric Hamstring Muscle Strength during Home Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Football Competition Resumption in Professional Football Referees: A Prospective Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9737. [PMID: 34574662 PMCID: PMC8471918 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a major disruption for professional football leagues that has affected the physical preparation of both football players and referees. In Spain, health authorities decreed home confinement for eight weeks, supressing the normal training routines of professional referees. After home confinement, referees had four weeks to retrain as the national football league was set to resume matches to complete the 11 games remaining. The aim of the present investigation was to assess changes in eccentric hamstring muscle strength during football competition suspension/resumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 21 professional football referees (mean ± SD, age: 33.4 ± 5.1 years; height: 182.4 ± 5.0 cm; body mass: 75.1 ± 4.4 kg). Eccentric hamstring muscle strength was measured with the Nordic hamstring exercise at four time points. During home confinement, referees presented the lowest value of bilateral eccentric muscle strength (300 ± 14 N). Eccentric muscle strength increased by 13.2 ± 3.7% one week after the end of home confinement (339 ± 16 N; p = 0.001, effect size (ES) = 2.8) and remained stable before the first match (343 ± 17 N; p = 0.001, ES = 3.1) and after the end of the national league (328 ± 13 N; p = 0.001, ES = 2.0). In summary, home confinement produced detraining effects in professional football referees associated with hamstring muscle weakness. In this regard, strength-based activities with body loads may be insufficient to avoid muscle weakness and other means (e.g., weights) may be necessary to maintain muscle strength. However, the 4-weeks retraining period was sufficient to resolve hamstring muscle weakness induced by the restrictions of home confinement. This information may be helpful in the case of future sport competition suspension or home quarantine due to new waves of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Moreno-Pérez
- Sports Research Center, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Alicante, Spain;
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Marc Madruga-Parera
- Physical Therapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.-P.); (D.R.-R.)
- FC Barcelona Second Team, Sport Performance Area, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- reQ, Return to Play and Sports Training Center, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.M.-H.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Daniel Romero-Rodríguez
- Physical Therapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.-P.); (D.R.-R.)
- FC Barcelona First Team, Sport Performance Area, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Sanchéz-Sanchéz
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.S.-S.); (J.L.F.)
- Comité Técnico de Árbitros (CTA), Real Federación Española de Fútbol, 28230 Las Rozas, Spain
| | - José Luis Felipe
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.S.-S.); (J.L.F.)
| | - Lluis Marcè-Hernández
- reQ, Return to Play and Sports Training Center, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.M.-H.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Eudald Recasens-Sarrà
- reQ, Return to Play and Sports Training Center, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.M.-H.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Juan Del Coso
- Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Spain
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Vincent HK, Bruner M, Obermayer C, Griffin B, Vincent KR. Musculoskeletal pain in lacrosse officials impacts function on the field. Res Sports Med 2020; 29:486-497. [PMID: 33350867 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2020.1860046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study determined the prevalence of joint pain among lacrosse officials and described the impact of pain thereof on current officiating duties on the field. Members of the US Lacrosse Officials Development Programme were provided with an electronic survey (a 15.7% response rate resulted in N = 1,441 of completed surveys). Pain sites and severity, previous injuries and current impact of musculoskeletal pain on officiating duties were captured. Pain was present in 18.1-40.1% of respondents at the foot, shoulder, back and knee. A total of 437 officials reported diagnoses of osteoarthritis ([OA]; knee 48.7%, hip 10.5%, spine 10.1%, shoulder 8.0%) and 247 reported OA in more than one joint (p < .05). Officials with OA or previous lacrosse-related injuries reported frequent difficulty with running the entire field distance (p < 0.0001), starting and stopping on the field (p < 0.0001), keeping pace (p < 0.0001), focusing on multiple actions of players at once (p < 0.0001), and enjoyment (all p < 0.0001). Musculoskeletal pain is a common, unrecognized issue in this population that interferes with sport officiating functions. Additional study is needed to objectively determine the impact of OA pain and musculoskeletal injuries on measurable performance outcomes on the field and subjective measures of focus, attention and enjoyment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Vincent
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, UF Health Sports Performance Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michelle Bruner
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, UF Health Sports Performance Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Bruce Griffin
- Management Advisory & Compliance Services, Towson University, Sparks Glencoe, MD, USA
| | - Kevin R Vincent
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, UF Health Sports Performance Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Matute-Llorente Á, Sanchez-Sanchez J, Castagna C, Casajus JA. Injuries of a Spanish top-level sample of football referees. A retrospective study. APUNTS SPORTS MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apunsm.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Castagna C, Bizzini M, Leguizamon AP, Pizzi A, Torquati R, Póvoas S. Considerations and best practices for elite football officials return to play after COVID-19 confinement. MANAGING SPORT AND LEISURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2020.1783841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Castagna
- Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Technical Department, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Coverciano, Italy
- Italian Football Referees Association (AIA), Technical Department, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Bizzini
- Schulthess Clinic Human Performance Lab, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Angelo Pizzi
- Italian Football Referees Association (AIA), Technical Department, Rome, Italy
- University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torquati
- Italian Football Referees Association (AIA), Technical Department, Rome, Italy
| | - Susana Póvoas
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Mahdavi Mohtasham H, Shahrbanian S, Khoshroo F. Epidemiology and history of knee injury and its impact on activity limitation among football premier league professional referees. J Inj Violence Res 2018; 10:45-52. [PMID: 29362295 PMCID: PMC5801612 DOI: 10.5249/jivr.v10i1.963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology and history of knee injury and its impact on activity limitation among football premier league professional referees in Iran. METHODS This was a descriptive study. 59 Football Premier League professional referees participated in the study. The knee injury related information such as injury history and mechanism was recorded. Injury related symptoms and their impacts on the activity limitation, ability to perform activities of daily living as well participation in sports and recreational activities was obtained through the Knee Outcome Survey (KOS). RESULTS The results indicated that 31 out of 59 participants reported the history of knee injury. In addition, 18.6%, 22.4% and 81% of the referees reported that they had been injured during the last 6 months of the last year, and at some point in their refereeing careers, respectively. Results further indicated that 48.8% of the injuries occurred in the non-dominant leg and they occurred more frequently during training sessions (52%). Furthermore, the value of KOS was 85 ± 13 for Activities of Daily Living subscale and 90 ± 9 for Sports and Recreational Activities subscale of the KOS. CONCLUSIONS Knee injury was quite common among the Football Premier League professional referees. It was also indicated that the injuries occurred mainly due to insufficient physical fitness. Therefore, it is suggested that football referees undergo the proper warm-up program to avoid knee injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahnaz Shahrbanian
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Kim MC, Hong E. A red card for women: Female officials ostracized in South Korean football. ASIAN JOURNAL OF WOMEN'S STUDIES 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/12259276.2016.1168156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Bizzini M, Dvorak J. FIFA 11+: an effective programme to prevent football injuries in various player groups worldwide-a narrative review. Br J Sports Med 2016; 49:577-9. [PMID: 25878073 PMCID: PMC4413741 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In 2009, FIFA promoted and disseminated the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programme worldwide. Developed and studied by the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC), the programme was based on a randomised controlled study and one countrywide campaign in amateur football that significantly reduced injuries and healthcare costs. Since the FIFA 11+ launch, key publications have confirmed the preventive effects of the programme and have evaluated its performance effects in female as well as male amateur football players. Furthermore, implementation strategies of this prevention programme have also been studied. The goal of this narrative review was to summarise the available scientific evidence about the FIFA 11+ programme. While FIFA continues to disseminate and implement FIFA 11+ among its Member Associations, adaptations of the injury prevention programme for children and referees have been developed and are currently being evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Bizzini
- FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre, and Schulthess Clinic, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jiri Dvorak
- FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre, and Schulthess Clinic, Zürich, Switzerland
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Kordi R, Chitsaz A, Rostami M, Mostafavi R, Ghadimi M. Incidence, nature, and pattern of injuries to referees in a premier football (soccer) league: a prospective study. Sports Health 2014; 5:438-41. [PMID: 24427414 PMCID: PMC3752191 DOI: 10.1177/1941738113481428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the crucial role of referees in a soccer match, few researchers have targeted the injury profile of referees in their studies. Understanding the incidence, nature, and pattern of injuries could provide important information for educational and preventative efforts at the international level. Hypothesis: The incidence rate and patterns of acute injuries to official referees of the Iranian Premier Football League during the 2009-2010 season are similar to those reported among referees in short-term international competitions such as FIFA World Cup. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Demographic data for 74 referees, including 30 main referees and 44 assistant referees, were collected at the beginning of the season. To record injuries and refereeing time, weekly contact was made by a physician. Results: In total, 102 injuries were reported by referees during the football season. The incidence rates of injuries among referees during training and matches were 4.6 and 19.6 injuries per 1000 hours, respectively. Muscular and tendon injuries were found to be the most common type of injury, and the most common site of injury was the lower leg followed by the hip and groin. Conclusion: The results of this study are consistent with similar prospective studies evaluating injuries to referees over the course of a short-term tournament. Clinical Relevance: These findings provide a base for suggesting possible preventive recommendations in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Kordi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ; Noorafshar Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Chitsaz
- Department of Orthopedics, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rostami
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ; Noorafshar Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mostafavi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoodreza Ghadimi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Gabrilo G, Ostojic M, Idrizovic K, Novosel B, Sekulic D. A retrospective survey on injuries in Croatian football/soccer referees. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013; 14:88. [PMID: 23497316 PMCID: PMC3599725 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Injury among soccer referees is rarely studied, especially with regard to differences in the quality level of the refereeing. Additionally, we have found no study that has reported injury occurrence during official physical fitness testing for soccer referees. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, type and consequences of match-related and fitness-testing related injuries among soccer referees of different competitive levels. Methods We studied 342 soccer referees (all males; mean age 32.9 ± 5.02 years). The study was retrospective, and a self-administered questionnaire was used. In the first phase of the study, the questionnaire was tested for its reliability and applicability. The questionnaire included morphological/anthropometric data, refereeing variables, and musculoskeletal disorders together with the consequences. Results The sample comprised 157 main referees (MR; mean age 31.4 ± 4.9 years) and 185 assistant referees (AR; mean age 34.1 ± 5.1 years) divided into: international level (Union of European Football Associations-UEFA) referees (N = 18; 6 MRs; 12 ARs) ; 1st (N = 78; 31 MRs; 47 ARs), 2nd (N = 91; 45 MRs; 46 ARs); or 3rd national level referees (N = 155; 75 MRs; 80 ARs). In total, 29% (95%CI: 0.23–0.37) of the MRs and 30% (95%CI: 0.22–0.36) of the ARs had experienced an injury during the previous year, while 13% (95%CI: 0.05–0.14) of the MRs, and 19% (95%CI: 0.14–0.25) of the ARs suffered from an injury that occurred during fitness testing. There was an obvious increase in injury severity as the refereeing advanced at the national level, but the UEFA referees were the least injured of all referees. The results showed a relatively high prevalence of injuries to the upper leg (i.e., quadriceps and hamstrings) during physical fitness testing for all but the UEFA referees. During game refereeing, the ankles and lower legs were the most commonly injured regions. The MRs primarily injured their ankles. The ARs experienced lower leg and lower back disorders. However, the overall injury rate was equal for both groups, with 5.29 (95%CI: 2.23–8.30) and 4.58 (95%CI: 2.63–6.54) injuries per 1000 hours of refereeing for MRs and ARs, respectively. Conclusion In addition to the reported risk of injury during soccer games, physical fitness testing should be classified as a risk for injury among soccer referees. Special attention should be given to (I) lower leg injuries during games and (II) upper leg injuries during physical fitness tests. A higher physical fitness level and a qualitative approach to training are recognized as protective factors against injury. Subsequent studies should investigate the specific predictors of injuries among referees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gabrilo
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Teslina 6, Split 21000, Croatia
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Weston M, Castagna C, Impellizzeri FM, Bizzini M, Williams AM, Gregson W. Science and Medicine Applied to Soccer Refereeing. Sports Med 2012; 42:615-31. [DOI: 10.2165/11632360-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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