The Ref Stop

Collina Masterclass

So i've finally watched the whole of this, and a tad disappointed with the final bit about fitness, so they're saying if your not looking like an athlete/player then you'll not get on in the game, regardles if your quick enough and good enough, just because your not 8 stone soaking wet??
i was told this when i talked about what i'd like to do with my career (if you can call it that at 37) i said i'd like to get to level 4 if i could, commence loud sucking in of breath, you'll never get level 4 being that big simon, despite being fit enough. Dont get me wrong i do need to work on my fitness and weight, but never have been told i've not been up with play or missed anything because i wasnt fit enough.
So what is the point of carrying on when the people at the top are clearly saying you'll never get to a decent standard?
 
The Ref Stop
Svenny, depends on your definition of a good standard. Can you get to Level 4 if you're a bit overweight and don't 'look' exceptionally fit? Yes, you can. (Btw, I have no idea of your size/fitness levels, basing response merely on your post!)
I think what Collina was saying is that you can't reach the top level where the players are perfect, finely-honed athletes if you aren't the same. If you've ever seen Supply league football, you'll know that, with exceptions of course, a lot of the players aren't finely-honed, incredibly fit specimens. If you can pass the L4 fitness test, then you're fit enough for the FA's standard of L4 referees!
 
There is definitely a need to both be fit and appear fit to hit the top-most level. In fact, they consider such things as how you run (your gait etc) when making decisions on whether to invite you to the top level. By the time you get up to that level, it gets very difficult to make selections because all of the officials have approximately equal knowledge of the laws of the game and, by and large, are very good at other technical aspects of refereeing so it's got to come down to something.
 
Agree with the above posts. Svenny - have a look at Brendan Malone - certainly does not have the best physique, but has done well for himself, now doing Championship games I believe.
 
I agree to an extent, but there are exceptions. Ideally, every ref would be super fit and appear that way, but look at Phil Dowd; he's struggled with his fitness at times but has reffed consistently well at the top level for a number of years. Not looking like an athlete hasn't held him back.

Of course appearing to be fit is important, but it shouldn't be the be all and end all.
 
Even Dowdy had to lose weight this past year. He'd failed the fitness test (twice) and looked horrendously out of shape.
He lost weight and then, unsurprisingly, was refereeing to the best level he'd ref'd in years!

In regards to Bugsy @drahc, he is very much an exception to the rule. A super referee, who is significantly fitter than he looks, but who's always struggled to keep weight off
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top