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Physical fitness is far more important for soccer refs than basketball.
While I'm not saying that it is not needed in basketball, it is obviously a different type of movement. More quick bursts over short distances and many stoppages of play are the norm for basketball, while soccer requires a much greater level of endurance. Plus you have to throw in the outdoor weather conditions.
FIFA is not messing around anymore when it comes to match fitness. They were rather embarrassed by the Chinese female who had to pull out of the Women's Olympic final in Athens prior to the extra time periods due to heat exhaustion.
There is an additional requirement that FIFA refs be not older than 45 for international competitions.
The teams of refs from the same country or region started with the 2004 European Championship. I thought then that it was a good idea. I'm not sure if this concept is being used in the qualifiers for the WC. I went to Salt Lake for the US v. Costa Rica match last Saturday and the officials were from four different countries (although they are all part of the CONCACAF region and certainly all speak Spanish).
Referee: Carlos Batres (GUA)
1st Asst.: Hector Vergara (CAN)
2nd Asst.: Jose Diaz Ramirez (MEX)
Fourth Official: Roberto Salazar (PAN)
However, for the US v. Panama match played tonight all four were Canadians:
Referee: Mauricio Navarro (CAN)
1st Asst.: Simon Fearn (CAN)
2nd Asst.: Zoran Kristo (CAN)
Fourth Official: Silvio Petrescu (CAN)
[Edited by Nevadaref on Jun 9th, 2005 at 06:15 AM]
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