FIFA regulations on referee fitness testing

The physical test is one of the most important tests for referees if they want to be the main referee in professional tournaments.

FIFA referee Alireza Faghani officiated the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG - Photo: Reuters

A fit referee in a FIFA match must adhere to strict physical and ethical standards. These standards include passing regular fitness tests, maintaining a neat, professional appearance and upholding the laws of the game with integrity and fairness.

The official fitness test for football referees usually consists of two tests. Test 1: Continuous Sprint Ability (RSA), which assesses the referee's ability to perform continuous sprints over a distance of 40m. According to the regulations, referees must run 40m x 6 times.

Test 2: Interval test, which assesses the referee's ability to perform a series of high-speed runs over a distance of 75m interspersed with 25m walking intervals. The time between the end of test 1 and the start of test 2 is a maximum of 6 to 8 minutes. The tests must be conducted on an athletics track (or natural/artificial football pitch if there is no running track).

In particular, male and female referees have specific time limits. Dutch Referee Blog revealed: male international referees and category 1 referees must run 75m in a maximum of 15 seconds and walk 25m in a maximum of 18 seconds.

According to VFF, the content of the Vietnamese referee test is carried out according to FIFA standards. Specifically, referees must participate in two tests including a 40m x 6 speed run according to regulations; a speed endurance run, a 40-time 75m test with rest, and a 25m walk. The assistant referees participate in the following tests: Coda Test - running 5 times 30m and additional tests similar to the referees. Before entering the physical test, all referees were examined by the VFF Medical Board and confirmed to be in good health.

Referees must pass a FIFA fitness test at least once a year. It is recommended that all fitness tests be conducted by a qualified fitness trainer. A fully equipped ambulance is required during the testing session. Referees are also advised to eat meals containing complex carbohydrates before and after the match, with only light snacks allowed 1-2 hours before the match.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-quy-dinh-cua-fifa-ve-kiem-tra-the-luc-trong-tai-20250804224941284.htm