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Popkin CA, Fortney TA, Padaki AS, Rogers AJ, Trofa DP, Lynch TS, Tuominen M, Stuart MJ. Injuries to Ice Hockey Referees and Linesmen: A Survey of International Ice Hockey Federation Officials. Orthop J Sports Med 2022; 10:23259671221117504. [PMID: 36105655 PMCID: PMC9465570 DOI: 10.1177/23259671221117504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ice hockey referees and linesmen are at risk for musculoskeletal injuries because of the lack of protective equipment and contact with players, sticks, pucks, the ice surface and boards. Purpose To quantify and analyze injuries reported by officials of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods A 61-question survey tool was designed by an interdisciplinary team to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries experienced by ice hockey officials. This survey was administered to 600 active IIHF referees and linesmen. Only completed survey responses were included in the statistical analysis. Continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-tests, while categorical data were assessed utilizing chi-square tests. Results Of the 600 surveys administered, 264 surveys were completed by officials from 45 countries (44% response rate). Of the respondents, 72% were male, and 28% were female, with a mean age of 31.1 ± 5.8 years. Officiating experience averaged 11.4 ± 6.0 years (6.3 ± 4.5 years with the IIHF). A total of 295 injuries were reported by 55% of the officials. Injuries occurred more frequently during games compared with training, and officials who worked year-round had more total injuries than those who took time off (P = .03). The most common injuries involved the wrist and hand (n = 64 [22%]), head and face (n = 58 [20%]), and the knee (n = 47 [16%]). Wrist and hand trauma included 23 fractures. Knee and shoulder injuries were most likely to require surgery compared with other body areas (P < .001); 30 officials underwent surgery because of an acute knee injury (10%). Injury prevention activities were effective at reducing injuries (P = .04). Conclusion Most ice hockey officials experienced musculoskeletal injuries during their career. The risk of trauma to the wrist and hand can possibly be reduced via equipment modifications including protective gloves. A greater emphasis should be placed on injury prevention programs and time away from officiating competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Popkin
- Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas A Fortney
- Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ajay S Padaki
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew J Rogers
- Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Massachusetts General Brigham, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David P Trofa
- Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Sánchez MLM, Oliva-Lozano JM, García-Unanue J, Krustrup P, Felipe JL, Moreno-Pérez V, Gallardo L, Sánchez-Sánchez J. Association between Fitness Level and Physical Match Demands of Professional Female Football Referees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710720. [PMID: 36078434 PMCID: PMC9518354 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the physical demands for elite female referees during competitive matches and to evaluate the relationship between match performance and fitness levels. Seventeen female elite field referees were fitness-tested (29.0 ± 5.2 (SD) years, 163.8 ± 6.7 cm, 54.0 ± 5.1 kg, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) performance 1610 ± 319 m) and were analysed during a total of 187 football matches. Global positioning systems (GPS) were used in this research. The physical demands were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the second half of matches compared to the first half. Regarding the acceleration-related variables, the female referees revealed a higher number of high-intensity actions in the first half compared to the second half. However, higher low-intensity demands were observed for the females referees in the second half compared to the first half in the total number of accelerations (ACC) (~70.48 n; ES = 0.61; p < 0.05) and decelerations (DEC) (~71.11 n; ES = 0.62; p < 0.05); total number of ACC in zone 1 (~85.27 n; ES = 0.70; p < 0.05) and DEC in zone 1 (Z1) (~83.98 n; ES = 0.71; p < 0.05); and distance covered accelerating and decelerating in Z1. The distance covered in YYIR1 and the performance in the repeated sprint ability test correlated with the physical demands during matches for female football referees (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study described the physical performance profile of female football referees and differences between the first and second halves of matches were observed. The results of this study revealed positive correlations between intermittent exercise fitness levels, the repeated sprint ability performance and match performance in female football referees, and thus this information can be implemented in their training plan designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Martín Sánchez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Calle Tajo, s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Peter Krustrup
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jose Luis Felipe
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Calle Tajo, s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno-Pérez
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 San Joan, Spain
| | - Leonor Gallardo
- IGOID Research Group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45004 Toledo, Spain
| | - Javier Sánchez-Sánchez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Calle Tajo, s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
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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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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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Al Attar WSA, Bizzini M, Alkabkabi F, Alshamrani N, Alarifi S, Alzahrani H, Ghulam H, Aljedaani E, Sanders RH. Effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ Referees Injury Prevention Program in reducing injury rates in male amateur soccer referees. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:1774-1781. [PMID: 33914964 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Fédération International de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ Referees Injury Prevention Program (FIFA 11+ Referees Program) is a structured warm-up program specially designed to prevent injuries in soccer referees. However, its effectiveness has yet to be fully documented in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ Referees Program in reducing injury rates among soccer referees. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Two hundred male amateur soccer referees (mean ± SD age, 31.6 ± 4.1 years) participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed the FIFA 11+ Referees Program as a warm-up during training sessions at least twice a week, and the control group performed their usual warm-ups. The participants were followed up for one season. The outcome measures were the incidence of overall injury, initial injury, recurrent injury, injury mechanism, and injury severity (primary), and the rate of adherence to the intervention program (secondary). RESULTS A total of 24 injuries were reported among 100 referees in the control group in 16 606 h of exposure (1.45 injuries/1000 exposure h), and a total of nine injuries were reported across 100 referees within the experimental group in 17 834 exposure h (0.50 injuries/1000 exposure h). The Injury Risk Ratio (IRR) was 0.35 (95% CI 0.26-0.45). CONCLUSION The results indicated that the FIFA 11+ Referees Program effectively reduced injuries in the experimental group by 65% compared to the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesam Saleh A Al Attar
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mario Bizzini
- Human Performance Lab, Schulthess Clinic, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Fahad Alkabkabi
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser Alshamrani
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud Alarifi
- Department of Physical Therapy, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam Alzahrani
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Ghulam
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Aljedaani
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ross H Sanders
- Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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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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7
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Body Fat Assessment in International Elite Soccer Referees. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020; 5:jfmk5020038. [PMID: 33467254 PMCID: PMC7739222 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk5020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Soccer referees are a specific group in the sports population that are receiving increasing attention from sports scientists. A lower fat mass percentage (FM%) is a useful parameter to monitor fitness status and aerobic performance, while being able to evaluate it with a simple and quick field-based method can allow a regular assessment. The aim of this study was to provide a specific profile for referees based on morphological and body composition features while comparing the accuracy of different skinfold-based equations in estimating FM% in a cohort of soccer referees. Forty-three elite international soccer referees (age 38.8 ± 3.6 years), who participated in the 2018 Russian World Cup, underwent body composition assessments with skinfold thickness and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Six equations used to derive FM% from skinfold thickness were compared with DXA measurements. The percentage of body fat estimated using DXA was 18.2 ± 4.1%, whereas skinfold-based FM% assessed from the six formulas ranged between 11.0% ± 1.7% to 15.6% ± 2.4%. Among the six equations considered, the Faulkner's formula showed the highest correlation with FM% estimated by DXA (r = 0.77; R2 = 0.59 p < 0.001). Additionally, a new skinfold-based equation was developed: FM% = 8.386 + (0.478 × iliac crest skinfold) + (0.395 × abdominal skinfold, r = 0.78; R2 = 0.61; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 2.62 %; p < 0.001). Due to these findings, national and international federations will now be able to perform regular body composition assessments using skinfold measurements.
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8
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Schenk K, Bizzini M, Gatterer H. Exercise physiology and nutritional perspectives of elite soccer refereeing. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28:782-793. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Schenk
- Department of Sport Science; University of Innsbruck; Innsbruck Austria
- Pro Motus; Bolzano/Bozen Italy
| | | | - H. Gatterer
- Department of Sport Science; University of Innsbruck; Innsbruck Austria
- FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence; Innsbruck Austria
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9
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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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11
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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: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [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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13
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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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14
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Blake C, Sherry J, Gissane C. A survey of referee participation, training and injury in elite gaelic games referees. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2009; 10:74. [PMID: 19545401 PMCID: PMC2713203 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-10-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 06/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Referees in Gaelic games are exposed to injury risk in match-play and training. Little is currently know about the degree of exposure or the prevalence of injury in this group. The aim of this study was to determine the time commitment to refereeing and training in elite-level Gaelic referees and to establish, for the first time, point and period (past 12 months) prevalence of Gaelic games injury in these officials. Methods A retrospective survey was posted to the complete list of 111 male referees who officiated in elite-level competition in Gaelic football and hurling at the end of the 2005 competition season. Data were summarised using percentages with 95% Confidence Intervals. Results The response rate was 80% (n = 89). Mean age was 42 ± 6 years, ranging from 28–55 years. Forty eight percent were football referees, 25% were hurling referees and 27% refereed both football and hurling. Most referees (69%) officiated at 3–4 games weekly (range 1–6) and most (62%) trained 2–3 times per week (range 1–7). Fourteen percent (n = 12) were currently injured (95% CI 9–21%). Annual injury prevalence was 58% (95% CI 46 to 70%) for football, 50% (95% CI 33 to 67%) for hurling and 42% (95% CI 27 to 58%) for dual referee groups. Sixty percent of injuries were sustained while refereeing match play. The majority (83%, n = 40) were to the lower limb and the predominant (56%, n = 27) injury mechanism was running or sprinting. The most prevalent injuries were hamstring strain (n = 12, 25% of injuries) and calf strain (n = 9, 19% of injuries). Injury causing time off from refereeing was reported by 31% of all referees (95% CI 24 to 40%, n = 28), for a median duration of 3 weeks. Conclusion Participation in official duties and training is high in elite Gaelic games referees, despite the amateur status of the sports. Gaelic games injury is common in the referee cohort, with lower limb injury predominating. These injuries have implications for both the referee and for organisation of the games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Blake
- UCD School of Physiotherapy and Performance Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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