Getting in Shape to Ref

[bbref]

New to being a ref. Will begin classes next week. Just wondering what workout regimen or ideas to get in top shape. I have been doing suicides backwards, forwards and sideways. Also do a couple of power yoga classes per week as well as a couple of days of tennis for 1-1/2 hours.

Any ideas would be very helpful.

Thanks!

[Splute]

Just a note: Suicide does not promote a healthy ref..... TV, couch, donuts... maybe. Based on your current regimen I can certainly see why you are concerned about NOT being in shape.

[Jurassic Referee]

Elbow pulls are de rigeur.

[Adam]

Geez. Anyone can ref when they're in shape. It takes a man to do it with 30 extra pounds.

[CLH]

Run, run, and run. That's best thing you can do for this profession. That's what we do out there, run! There is no excuse for not being able to RUN. So, the best advice I can offer you, is run! Make sense? Gotta run....

CLH

[Mark Padgett]

Lock yourself in a closet and listen to an endless loop tape of howler monkeys screeching for hours at full volume. This will get you prepared to listen to coaches.

Oh yeah, practice putting your hands in the shape of a T. I'd recommend doing that at least 500 times. That should get you ready for your first quarter.

[zebraman]

Originally Posted by bbref

New to being a ref. Will begin classes next week. Just wondering what workout regimen or ideas to get in top shape. I have been doing suicides backwards, forwards and sideways. Also do a couple of power yoga classes per week as well as a couple of days of tennis for 1-1/2 hours.

Any ideas would be very helpful.

Thanks!

What you are doing sounds reasonable. I lift weights and do cardio (bike or climber) year-round and I still get a little joint-sore for the first couple games of the season. There is no substitute for running.

[miltdawg55]

Originally Posted by bbref

New to being a ref. Will begin classes next week. Just wondering what workout regimen or ideas to get in top shape. I have been doing suicides backwards, forwards and sideways. Also do a couple of power yoga classes per week as well as a couple of days of tennis for 1-1/2 hours.

Any ideas would be very helpful.

Thanks!

I would echo what has already been said about running, with one little caveat. Make sure you add some sprints to your workout regimen, because you'll be doing a lot of starting & stopping and if your body is prepared for it you'll be sore. Good Luck!

[Mark Padgett]

Oh yeah - I almost forgot the most important thing -

MEDS!

[Mark Dexter]

You need cardio to build up endurance, so get outside or get on the treadmill.

I do agree that you should work some sprints in, too - basketball reffing is a lot of running 30 meters, stopping for a few seconds, then running 30 meters the other direction.

[socalreff]

In the offseason for me there's no substitute for playing basketball. A lot of the same movements as officiating times 10.

[Back In The Saddle]

Don't be practicing running backward, you might be tempted to do it during a game. Next time brandon89 is around, ask him what happens to refs that backpedal during games.

[budjones05]

Its not really about keeping in shape, but just getting prepared to know your rule books....watch a lot of games by good officials. There is really nothing you can do, but study. Thats how you prepare for a season

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by budjones05

Its not really about keeping in shape, but just getting prepared to know your rule books....watch a lot of games by good officials. There is really nothing you can do, but study. Thats how you prepare for a season

So...I'm just wasting my time in the gym? I should really be home memorizing the rule book?

[Splute]

P.S. I tried this method.... (reading the rule books 3 times before camp and NO running). Not a good idea for the body. I blew out my Quads... took two weeks to recover and I missed some valuable taping and instruction by not being able to Ref the scrimmages.

Running for endurance and sprints for real life on the floor.... unless Nike has new improved shoes that makes us run faster, jump higher and always make the right call..... ? two out of three?