The Ref Stop

Today's BP test

The Ref Stop
Sitting down for 5 minutes will lower the BP significantly. Ask to wait a while if you have to walk in. Always sit down and have your wrist below your heart level. Try to have plenty of sleep the night before, if you can, and don’t talk or do anything while the test is happening. That will give the most accurate reading for you. May be worth ringing the GP they could possibly give you a medication to help/ check manually for the most accurate reading.
 
JamesL said:
I think the NHS standard has changed possibly as this was the first year they did both arms and averaged both out and it was all recorded in the same form. This was boots who were offering the service for NHS (you probably don't remember I asked about the form she gave me to attach to the fa form).
Click to expand...
The only major thing that has changed is that we generally only use electric machines instead of manually. I’ve never done both arms unless there’s an injury to one.
 
Been redoing my tests on a home machine, did 4 on Friday teatime, 2 on the upper of the arm and 2 very slightly lower (because the first was slightly lower and the lowest of the first 3, so wanted to see if it would be lower again and it was, if that makes sense).

Results - lower arm 130/72 and 123/62
Slightly higher - 143/83 and 134/73

Did 4 more at 1015 this morning, 3 on left arm - 128/76, 122/72, 123/65

Right arm - 133/82

This morning was with sitting and resting for 5 minutes.

I'm definitely feeling confident about Saturday now.
 
wazztie16 said:
Been redoing my tests on a home machine, did 4 on Friday teatime, 2 on the upper of the arm and 2 very slightly lower (because the first was slightly lower and the lowest of the first 3, so wanted to see if it would be lower again and it was, if that makes sense).

Results - lower arm 130/72 and 123/62
Slightly higher - 143/83 and 134/73

Did 4 more at 1015 this morning, 3 on left arm - 128/76, 122/72, 123/65

Right arm - 133/82

This morning was with sitting and resting for 5 minutes.

I'm definitely feeling confident about Saturday now.
Click to expand...
Good work! Always make sure the arrow is pointing the right way too. Gives the truest reading.
 
It's a bit strange that they would take such a close reading from an automatic machine.
In hospital if someone's BP is too high or low, the first thing I do is get a manual machine and do it myself to be sure.
 
one said:
For those of us not familiar with this, why do you need a BP test?
Click to expand...

i guess it's more a case of the FA covering themselves incase someone has a heart attack or similar during the test. if they dont ask, refs might turn up totally unprepared and unfit and might push themselves too hard leading to potentially deadly consequences. at least this check does something to try and prevent that
 
one said:
For those of us not familiar with this, why do you need a BP test?
Click to expand...
We indulge in quite a bit of arse covering over here in the UK... The FA are typical in that respect
Personal responsibility and choice is being eroded away. The meaningless BP test is just part of a wider trend IMO
 
Last edited:
Big Cat said:
We indulge in quite a bit of arse covering over here in the UK... The FA are typical in that respect
Click to expand...

i think it's fair enough in this case tbh (despite finding it often tricky to pass the test despite not having a BP issue).

same as having st johns there just in case.
 
es1 said:
i think it's fair enough in this case tbh (despite finding it often tricky to pass the test despite not having a BP issue).

same as having st johns there just in case.
Click to expand...
It would be practicable and more meaningful to get all Refs over the age of 40 to show that they've consulted a Physician. My point being that BP alone is not worth the overall hassle to the Referees or Medical folk. No harm in having St John's there. That's worth it if the volunteers are available

It's the overall trend that leaves me with an eyebrow raised
 
Big Cat said:
It would be practicable and more meaningful to get all Refs over the age of 40 to show that they've consulted a Physician. My point being that BP alone is not worth the overall hassle to the Referees or Medical folk. No harm in having St John's there. That's worth it if the volunteers are available

It's the overall trend that leaves me with an eyebrow raised
Click to expand...
Age cut off is difficult legally and practically I'm not sure it helps.

Surely simpler is we all sign a disclaimer that says we have satisfied ourselves we are fit enough to take the text and absolve the FA and anyone else of any responsibility if we keel over whilst doing it - I can't see any referee having a problem with that. We are not employees, so corporate Duty of Care doesn't apply, That being said, I do think St Johns or some other qualified first aid presence is sensible
 
As a general guide:
  • high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you're over the age of 80)

Risks of high blood pressure​

If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.

Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:
  • heart disease
  • heart attacks
  • strokes
  • heart failure
  • peripheral arterial disease
  • aortic aneurysms
  • kidney disease
  • vascular dementia
Click to expand...
If your BP is high doing a test, it's probably going to be even higher when you're actually refereeing. Really can't see why anyone would have a problem with The FA wanting their referees to decrease their chances of dropping dead during a match.
 
es1 said:
i guess it's more a case of the FA covering themselves incase someone has a heart attack or similar during the test. if they dont ask, refs might turn up totally unprepared and unfit and might push themselves too hard leading to potentially deadly consequences. at least this check does something to try and prevent that
Click to expand...
Big Cat said:
We indulge in quite a bit of arse covering over here in the UK... The FA are typical in that respect
Personal responsibility and choice is being eroded away. The meaningless BP test is just part of a wider trend IMO
Click to expand...
Not convinced. Do you have to give family history of heart problems? Or blood cholesterol level? Both of which are much bigger indicators.

While I agree that it is arse covering, it sounds like they are covering it with one layer of goal nets.
 
  • Like
Reactions: es1
A referee died on a fitness test years ago, I believe from a heart attack, and the blood pressure test requirement came in not long after that. I've spoken to a lot of medical professionals about it when getting the tests done over the years and they have all said it is pretty pointless. High BP is way down the list of things that are likely to kill you during a fitness test, the only hope might be that being forced to take the test alerts someone to a pre-existing condition that you have. But even then a, for example, undiagnosed heart condition isn't going to flag up in a BP test.

But we live in a time of litigation and I can understand why the FA do it.
 
es1 said:
You even breathing?!

At what point could/should they check for a low BP!? Does that even matter!?
Click to expand...
It got questioned by the guy checking them, he didn't think it was possible! That was an average across 2.

No idea what previous tests were to compare against.

According to google I am just about ok (28)
1658773445580.png
 
MattTheRef said:
It got questioned by the guy checking them, he didn't think it was possible! That was an average across 2.

No idea what previous tests were to compare against.

According to google I am just about ok (28)
View attachment 5783
Click to expand...
120/80 is the ‘text book’ standard blood pressure. If you’ve any concerns I’d just book in with the GP to have it checked.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top