Referees raise the pulse

By Mark Chaplin

The next time you watch a UEFA Champions League match, take a moment to assess the speed of the players the game's movement - and then take extra time to think how the referee copes with keeping up with the pace of the action and getting his decisions right, often at a split-second's notice.

Physical demands
As the game has increased in pace over the years, referees have had to adapt their physical training to make sure that their fitness is of the highest standard. UEFA has helped lead the way forward in the drive to help referees prepare physically for their tough assignments.

Expert assistance
The European body holds regular courses for its top referees - such as the recent mid-season gathering in Antibes, France - and works together with Belgian referee fitness expert Werner Helsen, who draws up programmes for the referees to follow, in terms of training and diet.

'Perfect shape'
Physical fitness is now an essential component of a top referee's armoury. "Game speeds have increased dramatically, while players' fitness conforms to the highest standards," Russian official Valentin Ivanov told uefa.com. "Therefore, if you want to meet the requirements of modern football and take charge of matches at the highest level as a referee, you must be in perfect shape."

Enjoyable effort
However, it was clear from speaking to the referees at the UEFA course in Antibes that they enjoy the training opportunities that the football authorities have given them. "Fitness is fundamental today," says Portuguese referee Lucílio Batista. "Every year that passes is more demanding, in both psychological and physical terms - but FIFA and UEFA are going down the right path as far as referee fitness training is concerned."

Thumbs up
Englishman Graham Poll was equally glowing in his appreciation of the footballing authorities' focus on fitness. "Fitness is very well organised [by UEFA], Werner Helsen is a very professional guy," he said. "It's also great to train with guys that you don't get the opportunity to train with very much."

New inspiration
While the top referees are dedicated and disciplined to staying in peak condition, they also welcome the opportunity to experience different things in training sessions. Variety helps stop them from going stale. "It gives us inspiration and motivation to train," explains Norway's Terje Hauge.

Important ideas
Italian referee Pierluigi Collina was well aware that the ideas disseminated at UEFA training camps make a difference. "The UEFA seminar is a very important part of a referee's training programme, and it helps to use different training methods to improve our performance," he said.

Refereeing homework
"I have the advantage of already having worked for a few years with Professor Helsen," concluded Belgian official Frank De Bleeckere. "It's important to have good training exercises [at UEFA sessions], and then you can do these exercises when you get back to your own country."

Keeping pace
Supreme fitness is the essential key for the men with the whistle. And thanks to the help and support they receive from UEFA, refereeing standards in Europe will continue to keep pace with the increasing speed of the game.