Fitness 4 Referees

Referees require similar fuel mix conditioning to players

The demands on Referees and Touch Judges are growing due to shorter rest periods and increased ball in play during games. Particularly at a professional level, optimal positioning for decision making is vital and this requires a sound level of rugby specific fitness.

A high level of fuel mix conditioning must be supplemented with strength, stability and agility training

The assumption that a Referee's training should be focused purely on aerobic conditioning is incorrect. Although referees do not require explosive power for contact, but they do require strength, agility and speed endurance to successfully meet the demands of their role.

Strength training enhances endurance ability and is a prerequisite for safe and effective
acceleration and agility

A referee specific fitness approach must also consider principles related to age. The average age of a referee is over 30 years, which emphasises the need for joint and core stability.

Joint and core stability are increasingly important
as you pass the age of 30