[LimeyRef]

As a FIBA referee in Europe we have had this version of the test for one year now.

It is basically a VO2 max test or, a 'bleep test'. Used normally it is maximum and and progressive - meaning that you are supposed to run it until you cannot make the bleeps on each turn - it gives you a level of fitness )ie your personal maximum).

As mentioned one lap is 20 metres. Normally you run between two cones, or lines and as you run, you make your turns on the bleepn (from a pre-recorded tape or CD). The number of bleeps per minute increases, so that in the first minute you can just about walk it, but with every passing minute, the number of bleeps increase.

Beacuse of the turns, it actually affects your legs more than your lungs, and it is only a 10 minute run. You are allowed to be 'late' on two turns, on the third if you arer late (it beeps before you turn) you are failed. Equally arriving early is not acceptable!!

Many officials in Europe find the last 2/3 minutes the hardest - Maybe this is psychological - But a good prcatice is to run say, the last 6 minutes, then the last 7 minutes, and so on, building up so eventaully you start at the beginning, but practice running the hardest part, and proving to yourself that you can do it.

During the season, many of us practice this once a week or maybe three times per month, practice does help.

European referees must complete this test twice per season, Pre- and Mid-. Failure to complete means you sit out. We also have to sit a rules test once per year.

When I got my international licence at 25, I had to run 108 laps, as it used to be staggered on age - less laps for older referees - This is because it is also a physiological test, testing your 'general level of fitness' based on your age.

It won't tell if you can officiate, but it will tell if you are generally fit. Having said that, there is of course a direct correlation between an official being tired, and making poor decisions,

I remember being at the Nationwide Camp many years ago and explaining the test to two NBA refs who were on the staff, who thought it was a crock........However, as they wanted to officiate the Olympics/World Champs, I think they went out and trained!

Lastly until a few years ago, most pro games in Europe were 2PO, most or the better leagues are now 3PO, as are the main FIBA Championships - Olympics will be, Europeans will be in September, and many of the U18, U20 events will be as well.

One last thing, do it on a CD version, we used a tape, and tapes stretch real quick. You end up running almost 11 minutes before you know it, but at a slower pace, which is easier!!!