Masters Degree Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12504/103

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Browsing Masters Degree Dissertations by Subject "Anthropometry"

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    Assessment of anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness of selected football referees versus FIFA recommended standards
    (Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2025-09) Onyango, Gilbert
    Football refereeing requires precise anthropometric indicators and a high level of physical fitness to ensure effective refereeing on the field and accurate decision-making. FIFA has now established clear standards for referee selection and performance evaluation. Still, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding whether the current populations of referees in regions like sub-Saharan Africa meet these international standards. This study aimed to assess the anthropometric and physical conditioning of selected football referees in Northern Uganda and evaluate their compliance with FIFA's recommended standards. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 59 football referees (57 males and 2 females) from the Northern Region Football Association. Anthropometric data included height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Physical performance was assessed using FIFA's official criteria: The repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) test (6 × 40m sprints) and the Interval Test (40 × 75m runs with 25m walking rests). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with independent t-tests used to test the hypotheses at an alpha level of 0.05. Participants ranged from 20 to 42 years old (mean: 29.41 41 ± 5 5.68 years), with 96.6. 3.4% male and 3. 4% female. Findings show that most referees (89. 8%) officiated at the regional level, and 78. 0% were at level three, with an average experience duration of less than five years. Anthropometric profiles showed a weight ranging from 51. 30 to 86. 86.10 kg (mean: 65.34 ± 7.93 kg), heights from 1.55 to 1.87 meters (mean: 1.72 ± 0.074 m), and BMIs from 18. 20 to 29. 29.30 kg/m ² (mean: 22 25 ± 2 2.68 kg/m ²). The BMI distribution indicated that 81. 3% of referees were within the normal weight range, 6. 8% were underweight, and 11. 9% were overweight. In terms of physical fitness, 91. 3% passed the RSA test, and 80.4% passed the Interval Test. Independent tests revealed no statistically significant differences between successful and unsuccessful referees regarding BMI in either the RSA (t(57) =- 0.31, p = 0.196) or the Interval Test (t(57) =- 0.02, p = 0.988). The anthropometric profile of the Northern Uganda referees indicates that most fall within normal BMI ranges. Although sprint performance was excellent, with 91. 91.3% compliance, aerobic endurance performance was less optimal at 80. 80.4% compliance. The analysis suggests that referees possess basic skills that can be further developed through targeted training, particularly in cardiovascular endurance. These findings provide baseline data for evidence-based referee development initiatives in the region.