FUTSAL REFEREES: THE SCIENCE BEHIND THEIR PHYSICAL PREPARATION.

In the profession, refereeing in futsal is not merely about running after the ball and applying the rulebook; it is about immersing oneself in a vertiginous game that demands both physical and mental exertion. The nature of the sport itself characterized by the speed of the ball, the intensity of movement, and the need to make decisions in a matter of seconds puts any referee to the test (Serrano et al., 2021). However, while players are typically the main subject of research studies, the physical fitness of referees and its impact on performance remains a largely unexplored area (Ahmed Hawkar et al., 2017)

For this reason, this study proposes a descriptive and correlational design involving futsal referees from various categories, including professional and amateur levels, ranging from municipal and departmental to national and even international officials. Each referee will undergo recognized physical tests, such as the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, short sprints, an agility and speed test, and the Drop Jump to measure reactive capacity. Furthermore, external load will be recorded using motion tracking devices like GPS and motion analysis via accelerometer during official matches. This approach will allow for a statistical analysis of the relationship between physical condition and referee performance.

Initial studies point toward an interesting analytical framework: according to Kresta et al. (2016), futsal referees push themselves to the limit, running, accelerating, decelerating, and repeating movements constantly. It is no coincidence that those who achieve better results in intermittent endurance and agility exhibit less fatigue and greater precision when making decisions during competition (Castillo et al., 2023). It is as if their well-trained body transforms into a silent ally of their judgment.

In conclusion, this study seeks to provide an integral evaluation profile based on scientific evidence that supports the physical preparation of futsal referees across all categories and levels. Consequently, validated protocols will not only facilitate their training and load management but will also contribute to elevating the quality of their performance and, ultimately, to the professionalization of a role that is both crucial and often invisible within the sport (FIFA, 2024).