A research on sprint and vertical jump capabilities of professional football league referees in Turkey

OBJECTIVE Nowadays soccer is being played faster than before. It is getting increased soccer player's speed. It is so important for soccer referees capabilities of speed, quickness and quick strength to keep up with playing tempo. The purpose of this research was study speed, vertical jump, age, training age and levels of level referees. METHODS This research was made on all levels of football referees (556) in Turkish Professional leagues in 2005-2006- season. 30 meter speed test were measured 1 meter from behind line by photocell with 0,01 sensitivity. Vertical jump test were measured by jump meter steadily. Average of arithmetical and value of standard deviation of age, training age, height, weight, speed and vertical jump of soccer referees: RESULTS Corelation and anova results between ages, levels, training ages and vertical jump, speed of soccer referees Level C was faster than assisting level C. It was observed that younger referees with high training age were faster and higher in vertical jump. As a result, younger referee is with high training ages have beter speed and vertical jump capabilities. There was a statistically significant relation in a research on sprint capabilities of different level soccer referees in Ankara (Kayisoglu and Koz) Speed of referees is very important in 105x68 meter soccer field. Sprint capabilities of referees can not be thought independently from sprint capabilities of soccer players. Soccer players avarage of 30 meter sprint capability in Turkey is 4,00-4,22 second (Taskin, 2006). DISCUSSION There was a weak, negative and significant relation between age and vertical jump. As age increased, vertical jump values decreased. There was a positive, weak and significant relation between age and sprint capabilities. As age increased, sprint values increased. Vertical jump values according to different levels. Level B has lower jump level compared to level C and assisting level C. Level C has a higher jump level compared to assisting level C. Speed values according to different levels. Level B is slower than assisting level C and faster than level C. Sprint and vertical jump capabilities of soccer refrees are significant in choosing refrees and determing their levels.