Whatever level of football you operate in, clubs and players expect you, the referee, to be able to keep up with play. They expect to see you moving freely around the field of play. They expect you to be in a good position to see infringements. That means being as close to an incident as possible so you can sell your decision to the players and gain credibility. Because the players see you close to play they accept your decision and so your control is enhanced. Keeping control of the game is what the players want from you. Once you accept the role of referee it is your responsibility to attain and maintain a level of fitness appropriate to the level at which you referee.

The modern game is faster than in years past. The players are fitter, and the Laws of the Game have changed to encourage the ball to be played more quickly (e.g. goalkeepers releasing the ball). As you progress, so the demands made up on you and your body increase. Part of your match preparation is to ensure your body is up to the task. If you wish to progress beyond Level 5 the passing of a fitness test is mandatory.

The Football Association wants every referee to have the opportunity to participate in organised fitness training sessions within an acceptable distance of home or work. All over the country there are now over 120 groups of referees who meet regularly to train together under the guidance of a Fitness Training Leader. To find out where your nearest referee's fitness group meets, check the list and contact the Fitness Leader for details.

To add a bit of 'spice' to your training, why not go in for one of The FA's Fitness Awards? These awards are based on the 12-minute run and the further you go the higher your award. Any referee at any level can go in for these awards.

Are you fit enough to do justice to the games you referee? To make sure, join a referee's fitness group near you.

Vernon Crew

Click here for your local Fitness Leaders...

Fitness Leaders - North East England
Fitness Leaders - North West England
Fitness Leaders - Central and Eastern England
Fitness Leaders - London and South East England
Fitness Leaders - South and South West England