This study examined the physical demands experienced by top-class assistant referees
during high-standard football matches. Computerized match analyses and heart rate
recordings were performed on 18 international assistant referees during the FIFA Confederations
Cup 2005. Total distance covered averaged 5752±554 m, of which 34% was covered at
a high-intensity (>13 km·h−1). Sidewards movements represented 30% of total match distance. Both total distance
(r=0.67; P<0.01) and high-intensity activities (r=0.52; P<0.05) were related to the
displacements of the ball in the same match. The distance covered by high-speed running
in this tournament was 255% greater (P<0.001) than that covered during the under-17
World Championship 2003. Mean heart rate during the game was 140±11 b·min−1 (78±4% HRmax). Mean heart rate during a 5-min interval of the match was related in part (r=0.31;
P<0.001) to the amount of high-intensity activities performed within the same match-period.
The results of this study show that the physical demands imposed on assistant referees
are influenced by the movements of the ball and the standard of the competition.
2D-analysis - association football - ball displacements - high-intensity activities
- heart rate
