ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS OF SOCCER REFEREES IN RELATION TO THEIR PERFORMANCES DURING OFFICIATING IN GHANA

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the physical fitness levels of soccer referees in relation to the performances they exhibit during officiating in Ghana. The cross-sectional survey design was employed to shape the study. The stratified and proportionate multistage sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 65 from the three belts of the country. The physical fitness test results of referees accredited by the RAG were compared with the referees’ officiating performance reports. Data covering the period 2003 to 2005 were utilised. The referees assessed in this study had a mean age of 31.8 (SD, 6.6 years), physical fitness test result of 2875.4 (SD, 178.8 metres), fitness in match of 1.5 (SD, 0.13 marks) out of 2, and officiating performance of 7.5 (SD, 0.62 marks) out of 10.

The data collected were analysed using the SPSS Windows 13.0 of means, standard deviations and percentages. The inferential statistics of Linear Regression and Chi-square were used to test the hypotheses at the .05 alpha level of significance. The results of the study indicated that soccer referees who exhibit significant physical fitness assessment levels perform better when officiating in Ghana, irrespective of their fitness level, age, and the part of the country they come from. Based on this, the RAG is admonished to continue to use the YYIRT to assess referees fitness. This should be organised every quarter at the district and regional levels. Also referees are to select physical conditioning regimens and choose appropriate modes of developing their endurance and fitness. Thirdly the RAG is admonished to review the age limit for referees in line with FIFA’s.