It is almost World Cup time, and that means I will have no idea which team will win or why this sport over any other mesmerizes the entire world---except the United States. From what I have seen, it certainly is filled with some of the most fit athletes on the planet.
However, according to research, it is the referees that actually run more than anyone else on the pitch (upwards of 12 miles per game). To make sure these officials can keep up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, FIFA instituted a strict policy, which I have quoted from an article:
In 2007, FIFA ramped up its referee training by launching its Refereeing Assistance Program to prepare the candidates for 2010.
Because referees have to keep up with the speed of the game, they are subjected to two fitness tests to mimic the action on the soccer field. They are given the tests multiple times.
The first fitness test requires speed. A referee runs 40 meters six times. Each of the six sprints needs to be completed in 6.2 seconds for a male referee. He is allowed 1 minute and 30 seconds between each sprint.
The second test examines the referee's stamina in repeated high-intensity runs. He must run 150 meters in 30 seconds, and then must walk 50 meters in 35 seconds. This is repeated 20 times, which equals 10 laps around a track field. Assistant referees have less strict standards.
I think I will be trying this out in the next week to see how I do. I think I better bring a bucket.
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