Question Number: 13712

Fitness 9/9/2006

RE: Rec Under 17

Allie Newkirk of Fairfield, Ohio Americia asks...

Hello my name is allie and i would like to know how much you run in a game because i am over weight and i want to be a referee.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Allie you can expect to run 14-17 kilometers on a 90 minute match. Without that ability the referee is seriously deficient.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Depends on the age and the competitive level of the match. Sometimes I run very little if ball is always in same spot and sometimes I run up to 6 miles or more in a 90 min match.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Hi Allie
I congratulate you are your desire to be a referee. You do run a lot, for sure. However, if you want to change the way you are now and feel better about yourself go take the class to become a referee. Also, set about 90 minutes aside 3 - 5 times each week to go run or bike or some kind of cardiovascular training. Drink a ton of water and stay out of the fast food joints and all you can eat diners. You will shed your pounds, become more fit and more able to keep up with play and will improve your overall health and well-being. One our greatest female FIFA referees started as an "over weight housewife" who just wanted to spend time with her kid at her soccer games. She started training and ultimately became one of the fittest referees (male or female) in the nation -- possibly the world.