Referee Howard Webb is heading into the second half of the season knowing that once the busy festive and January periods are over, fitness levels need to be and generally are at their highest.
Whilst officials such as Webb are now full-time and in training between games, the number of matches that they are involved in naturally keeps their fitness levels high, which is important in the modern-day game.
“The demands placed upon referees now are higher than at any other stage in the sport and if you watch old footage of games from 15 years ago, you can undoubtedly see a marked difference in the pace of the game,” Webb explained to TheFA.com
“So our fitness levels have to match that. We could be needed to make a big decision in the 89th minute of the game at one end of the field and then be making another big decision 30 seconds later at the other end.
“If you’re not fit enough to cope with that, then you’re found wanting. We are strictly monitored and given training regimes that we have to do and naturally fitness levels change as the season goes along.”
With officials taking charge of up to three games in the space of a few days over the Christmas spell and then the traditionally hectic month of January following straight on, it’s as much a testing time for referees as it is for the players.
Webb’s packed 2008 schedule saw him in action over the summer too, as England’s representative at the European Championship Finals in Austria and Switzerland and then he was straight back into domestic action soon after, so he was given a few rare days off last month.
“It’s a busy time of the year for all of us, but I was quite fortunate this season that I had a day off on Boxing Day and there were no games on New Year’s Day either,” he revealed.
“So after a busy few months being involved in the Euros last year, I took the opportunity to have a few days off.
“That was quite unique and a nice change, but whilst many other people don’t have to work during Christmas and New Year, in the football industry it’s a busy time.
“It’s unique to this country because overseas they look at us with a bit of a wry smile that we’re working harder than at any other time!
“But the games have bigger crowds and that means more revenue for the clubs and the TV viewing figures are high too, therefore I understand the reasons why that period is such a congested one.”
It’s now back into the regular routine for Webb, with league, cup and European games to officiate and that’s how he prefers it.
“I think all referees like to get into their rhythm and regular games helps that,” he said.
“The second half of the season often sees a lot of teams with outstanding games to play, so it can be easier to get into the routine of doing often two matches a week.
“And of course that helps you to keep as fit as you need to be.”
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