Officiating at the highest levels of sports demands peak physical condition, and female referees are no exception. A recent viral video showcased by Sophie Dennington, a national refereeing manager with the Football Association (FA), has highlighted the incredible fitness levels required to be a top-flight official in soccer, also known as football. This article explores the fitness demands on female referees and the paths they take to reach the top of their profession.
The Demands of Top-Flight Officiating
Being a referee at any level requires a specific skillset including:
- A quick change of speed.
- Fast heart rate recovery.
- Cognitive fitness.
Elite referees cover an average of 11 to 12 kilometers per game. High-intensity activity accounts for 4-18% of the total distance. Sprinting accounts for 1-8% of the total distance. During a match, referees make over 500 changes in direction, mostly between 30 to 60 degrees. All this activity results in an average heart rate that is 85% of their max.
Fitness Tests for Referees
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) requires referees to pass a fitness test at least once a year. The official FIFA fitness test for football referees consists of two tests:
- Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA): Measures the referee’s ability to perform repeated sprints over 40 meters.
- Interval Test: Evaluates the referee’s capacity to perform a series of high-speed runs over 75 meters interspersed with 25-meter walking intervals.
Specific Requirements
- The time between the end of Test 1 and the start of Test 2 should be a maximum of 6 to 8 minutes.
- Tests are to be performed on an athletics track or a natural/artificial football field. Athletic spikes are not allowed.
- It is recommended that all fitness testing be conducted by a qualified physical instructor, and it is mandatory that a well-equipped ambulance is present for the entire testing session.
Standards for Men and Women
Reference times vary for men and women, with further distinctions based on referee category (International/Category 1, Category 2, and Lower Categories).
Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) – 6 x 40m sprints:
- Men
- International and Category 1: maximum 6.40 seconds per trial
- Category 2: maximum 6.50 seconds per trial
- Lower Categories: maximum 6.60 seconds per trial
- Women
- International and Category 1: maximum 6.40 seconds per trial
- Category 2: maximum 6.50 seconds per trial
- Lower Categories: maximum 6.60 seconds per trial
If a referee fails one trial out of the six, they are given a seventh trial immediately after the sixth. Failure of two trials out of seven results in failing the test.
Interval Test – 40 x 75m run / 25m walk intervals:
- Men:
- International and Category 1: maximum 15 seconds per 75m run and 18 seconds per 25m walk.
- Category 2: maximum of 15 seconds per 75m run 20 seconds per 25m walk.
- Lower Categories: maximum 15 seconds per 75m run and 22 seconds per 25m walk.
- Women:
- International and Category 1: maximum 17 seconds per 75m run and 20 seconds per 25m walk.
- Category 2: maximum 17 seconds per 75m run and 22 seconds per 25m walk.
- Lower Categories: maximum 17 seconds per 75m run and 24 seconds per 25m walk.
The Importance of Strength and Flexibility
Beyond cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility are crucial. Referees make numerous changes in direction during a match, requiring supple ankles, knees, and hips. Strength training helps prevent joint and muscular issues.
How to Become a Referee
Becoming a qualified referee typically involves these steps:
- Contacting the Local Football Governing Body: Contact the referee development officer at your local County FA.
- Completing a Referee Course: Complete the FA Referee Course, which includes online learning on the Laws of the Game and face-to-face training. You must also complete online safeguarding training.
- Gaining Practical Experience: Officiate matches at various levels, such as youth or grassroots football games.
Female Referees in Professional Sports
While refereeing has historically been male-dominated, more women are entering the field.
- In 1991, three female referees worked in a tournament organized by FIFA.
- By 1994, FIFA appointed four female referees to the international FIFA list.
- The number of female referees has increased significantly, from 26 in 1995 to approximately 350 today.
Notable Female Referees
Several female referees have broken barriers and achieved significant milestones:
- Violet Palmer: First female referee in the NBA (1997).
- Sarah Thomas: First full-time female NFL official (2015) and first to officiate a Super Bowl (2021).
- Stéphanie Frappart: First female to referee a French Ligue 1 match, a major men’s European match (UEFA Super Cup), and a UEFA Champions League match. She also led an all-female referee team in a men’s World Cup match.
- Salima Mukansanga: First woman to referee the Africa Cup of Nations (2022).
- Bibiana Steinhaus: First female referee in Bundesliga history (2017-18).
Challenges Faced by Female Referees
Despite progress, female referees still face challenges, including:
- Sexism and Discrimination: Questioning of their qualifications and attacks on their gender identity.
- Increased Scrutiny: Mistakes are often attributed to their gender rather than their ability.
The Future of Female Officiating
The increasing visibility and success of female referees are inspiring more women to enter the profession. Organizations like UEFA are actively working to increase the number of female referees through initiatives like the “Be a Referee!” campaign.
The fitness levels demonstrated by female referees like Sophie Dennington underscore the dedication and athleticism required to succeed in top-flight officiating. As the number of female referees continues to grow, their impact on the sport will undoubtedly be significant, promoting inclusivity and inspiring future generations.
