Analysis of activity patterns, physiological demands and decision-making performance of elite Futsal referees during matches

The aims of this study were to examine Futsal referee match activity profile, decision-making performance and whether these correlate with fitness test performance. Eighteen elite Futsal referees (mean ± SD: age, 34.1 ± 3.2 years) participated. Total distance covered (5943.6 ± 414.7 m: 3374.0 m ball in play) low-, moderate-, high-intensity and sideways running distances were similar to previous research, walking (1741.4 ± 225.1 m) was lower, sprinting (149.0 ± 59.2 m), jogging (754.9 ± 162.5 m) and backwards distances (654.7 ± 149.3 m) were higher. Total distance (3093.5 m vs. 2850.1 m) and average heart rate were higher (p < 0.05) in the first compared to the second half but lactate and session RPE were similar. The proportion of correct decisions decreased in the second half (91.1 ± 14.9% correct vs. 73.3 ± 17.4%, p = 0.002). No correlations were evident between FIFA fitness tests and activity profile but Yo-Yo IET-2 performance and total distance (clock time) were correlated (r = 0.720, p = 0.019). Activity pattern differences compared to previous research could reflect the FIFA rule change (2010) and/or different study populations. Traditional FIFA tests seem less appropriate than intermittent (Yo-Yo IET-2) tests for assessing Futsal referee-specific fitness.