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There is a strong correlation between your appearance and physical fitness and whether you’re accepted as an official. Height, weight, cleanliness and body language all play roles. If you don’t look like you belong on the field or court, you are likely to have more problems than an official who looks the part.

Physical Fitness

If you want to have an excellent chance to make the right call you need to be in the right place.  Knowing the rules, knowing where to be and how to get there are equally important.  There is no substitute for good health and a feel for the game.  Being out of position is the first step in missing the call. 

Recognising when you are out of position [and this will happen] and what to do in those situations is a key to avoiding the missed call or inadvertent whistle when you didn’t see the foul. And you are more likely to be in the right place at the right time if you are physically able to get yourself there as the play is happening. If players train to remain active for an 80 minute game, then you need to respect that effort by putting in the time yourself.

Exercise is also one of the best techniques to attain mental toughness. In addition to boosting self esteem, endurance and energy, physically fitter means mentally tougher. When you exercise, you are training your body to take stress and recover from it. When you’re in shape, you process the stress hormones of adrenaline much better and recover faster.

On this site you will find resources that will support you in getting and staying fit, preventing injury, improving your diet and generally being healthy so you can officiate to the best of your ability.


Download Getting Fit and Staying Fit (PDF, 27 KB)

Download Warm Up, Cool Down and Stretch (PDF, 28 KB)

Download Nutrition (PDF, 125 KB)

Download Rest and Recovery (PDF, 23 KB)

Download Injury Prevention (PDF, 24 KB)

Download Understanding and Improving Sleep (PDF, 35KB)

Download Stretches for Running and Walking (PDF, 100 KB)

Download Working Out Your Fitness Plan (PDF, 36 KB)

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Updated | 14 Dec 2007.

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