Fundamentals of Fitness

Successful umpiring is dependent on being in the best possible position in relation to the play from which to adjudicate. It is therefore extremely important that the umpire has maximum concentration and awareness in order to apply the correct interpretation of the laws.

In football most of the action occurs around where the ball is or will be located. Modern football is based on moving the ball quickly and the boundary umpire must be physically conditioned to keep up with the game. It has been proven beyond doubt that as a person becomes physically fatigued their concentration level drops. The higher the level of fatigue the greater the drop in concentration.

The better conditioned an umpire is for the physical requirements and demands of the game, the greater their resistance to fatigue. This means that concentration can remain at a high level for all of the game.

Umpires need to be physically fit so as to enable them to:

• Consistently maintain the best possible position in relation to play from which to adjudicate.
• Resist the effects of fatigue and maintain optimum concentration levels.

Preparation for umpiring football requires that umpires be physically conditioned to jog, run and sprint to the upper demands made upon them by the game so that there is the least possible build-up of fatigue.

Physical fitness leads to a number of physiological changes that improve athletic performances. These physiological changes are specific to the training that is carried out for any given sport or activity. The most appropriate method for determining those areas and levels of fitness necessary, is to look at the physical demands made by an activity on the performer. The following areas of fitness are specific to umpiring and should be the basis of training.

Aerobic Endurance

This is the ability of the muscles to repeat a sub-maximal effort, over a period of time, where oxygen intake is greater than or equal to consumption. The oxygen is used to produce energy which allows you to maintain the effort for a considerable time.

Anaerobic Endurance

This physical capacity is used when repeating a near maximum effort over a period of time, where oxygen consumption is greater than intake (running, sprinting). As the amount of oxygen available is less than required your body cannot produce enough energy to maintain work for more than short periods of time. Hence you fatigue very quickly.

Agility

Is the ability to change direction quickly while travelling at speed (avoiding players, moving sideways then backwards, then forwards).

Flexibility

The range of motion around a joint or series of joints. The development of flexibility is necessary for the prevention of injuries such as muscular tears and strains.

The more highly developed the above areas of fitness are, the better prepared the umpire is to meet the physical demands of the game and to resist fatigue. It has been shown by many athletes, in a variety of sports, that physical fitness can partially make-up for a lack of ability and lead to success.

For more information on fitness and training, see our coaching section.