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2.6k

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It is just a measure of fitness, there has to be some way of measuring it. At L5 to 4 the fitness tests are run by county FAs and they just don't have the resources or enough volunteers to be able to administer the FIFA style fitness tests.
 
Look at it another way. Whilst it's certainly not the best way to prove you ARE fit to ref at that level (though, as Rusty says, it is the most cost effective) it's pretty conclusive proof that you're not fit enough to ref at that level if you fail it ....
 
Whilst not directly linked to refereeing its a good test of cardiovascular endurance which shows some degree of fitness level.
 
Has anyone got a 'training schedule' for the 2.6k in 12-mins?
Also, what are the 2 x sprints and how are they tested - before/after 2.6k?
 
I had this exact worry last season after lockdown took it's toll.

I couldn't do it. As someone who had been fit all their life and had passed it the previous year (all be it the 2.4k), I was actually worried that I wouldn't pass it.

I went on regular 5k runs, think one day on, one day off, match days count as a day on. You need time for your body to recover.

Test yourself for the 2.4k / 2.6k every 2 weeks. You'll notice improvements.

As for the sprints I can't comment but when I did mine for promotion no-one failed and they were quite easy as you do get time to recover from the run.

I've kept this up for over a year and I'm now the fittest I've ever been. The main thing is once you've got it you have to maintain it as it will help you in your games and if you want to move up you won't have to get in shape again.
 
The 2.6km in 12 mins (or less) test basically equates to being able to run at 7.5 minute mile pace for no more than 12 mins.

Frankly, if you're under 35, not overweight and have any aspirations to get beyond Level 5, it should be a doddle. If it's not, then perhaps refereeing at Level 4 or above is not for you. :cool:
 
The 2.6km in 12 mins (or less) test basically equates to being able to run at 7.5 minute mile pace for no more than 12 mins.

Frankly, if you're under 35, not overweight and have any aspirations to get beyond Level 5, it should be a doddle. If it's not, then perhaps refereeing at Level 4 or above is not for you. :cool:
I was last century! :)
 
Frankly, if you're under 35, not overweight and have any aspirations to get beyond Level 5, it should be a doddle. If it's not, then perhaps refereeing at Level 4 or above is not for you. :cool:

Agree, I'm getting dangerously close to 50 and I can still breeze the Cooper test even without doing any training for it, still usually cover 2.9 to 3km. If I can do it at my age, and with an injury record that makes Darren Anderton look like he had an injury free career, there is no excuse for anyone, especially not after the right amount of training.
 
Agree, I'm getting dangerously close to 50 and I can still breeze the Cooper test even without doing any training for it, still usually cover 2.9 to 3km. If I can do it at my age, and with an injury record that makes Darren Anderton look like he had an injury free career, there is no excuse for anyone, especially not after the right amount of training.
It helps if you're a smaller/slighter chap though. If you're 6" 3 with a fairly large frame, these tests get interesting as the years extend much beyond 40
 
Just to be clear on this subject. I'm in favour of the Copper Test and the standard required. I'm not in favour of seeing Referees appointed to games that they're not fit for.
It's a bit of a bummer for me because I took to the whistle a bit late in life and I've been injured with this badly slipped disc since January. To make matters worse, I slightly tore my hamstring in the affected leg soon after returning to exercise. The two injuries were linked, I'm certain. I'm just over 16 stone and 6'3' so my BMI is higher than it ought to be, even though I carry the weight well 🍔
So whilst I reckon 2.4k is doable fairly soon, 2.6k is asking a bit given the time I have before the tests. It's a bummer, cos I'd have pished it maybe 5 years ago. If I have to stay at Level 5 for a year, it's no great loss because I didn't feel like I got the normal 6-to-5 experience last year due to the absence of County Cups, some League Cups and the blessed injuries. I have limited experience of working with NARs for example
I don't drink anything like I used to, but I also find it difficult to stay off the ale 🍻
We'll see how it goes
 
The Cooper test is good as a general guide to overall fitness, but it’s not necessarily a good indicator of refereeing fitness.
 
It is a good guide for Level 4 refereeing fitness in my opinion.

No matter how fit a referee thinks they are, if they can't pass the Cooper test then they simply aren't fit. Certainly not enough to be operating at 4 and above.
 
It is a good guide for Level 4 refereeing fitness in my opinion.

No matter how fit a referee thinks they are, if they can't pass the Cooper test then they simply aren't fit. Certainly not enough to be operating at 4 and above.
Especially since that now covers step 5 too (I'm aware it did in some areas before).
 
Agree, I'm getting dangerously close to 50 and I can still breeze the Cooper test even without doing any training for it, still usually cover 2.9 to 3km. If I can do it at my age, and with an injury record that makes Darren Anderton look like he had an injury free career, there is no excuse for anyone, especially not after the right amount of training.
2.9/3k with no training? I think that makes you the exception, not the rule 😘😂
 
Approaching 50..... 2.6K is pretty much excellent... easily top 10%.... but then a huge number rarely get off their backsides... and they ain't Reffing Step 5

And I happen to think The Cooper Test is an excellent method of judging fitness to Referee at that level
 
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It is a good guide for Level 4 refereeing fitness in my opinion.

No matter how fit a referee thinks they are, if they can't pass the Cooper test then they simply aren't fit. Certainly not enough to be operating at 4 and above.
True, but it simply doesn’t replicate all of what a referee has to do during a match, I.e. sprints, sudden changes in direction etc.
 
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