Thinking about becoming a soccer official

[huh?]

I've never clocked it, but my initial reaction was that you should be able to run 3 miles or so nonstop without difficulty if you are going to be a hs official and do a good job. if you cannot, consider doing lower level and/or younger age groups. it is good to see r2c's numbers confirm that

I hope it worked out for you to get involved, and i hope you can find some sort of decent mentor to help your learning progression.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by huh?

I've never clocked it, but my initial reaction was that you should be able to run 3 miles or so nonstop without difficulty if you are going to be a hs official and do a good job. if you cannot, consider doing lower level and/or younger age groups. it is good to see r2c's numbers confirm that

I hope it worked out for you to get involved, and i hope you can find some sort of decent mentor to help your learning progression.

He did not say non-stop or 100% running.

[huh?]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

He did not say non-stop or 100% running.

No, he did not say non stop, or at 100%.

However, if a person cannot run for 3 miles or so, continuously, at a base pace, he is unlikely to be able to move well enough to officiate a varsity level HS game between two decent or better teams.

To be very good, I would suggest interval work, not simply 3 miles at a base pace. Just like players, a referee should be fit enough that his fitness does not become a drag on his decision making. with fatigue often comes slow or poor decision making. if an official knows this, but is not fit enough to move well for the entire 80 minutes, as needed, he will likely sacrifice some of his movement along the way - and miss being in a good position to make a decision.

Players get subs, officials do not, and this 24-30 minutes (8-10 minute miles) of continuous running is really not much in comparison to the demands of officiating a hs aged game. yea, you can get by with much less as an official, but the poster said he wants to be good at what he does, and not give less than what the student athletes deserve. imo, this is it.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by huh?

No, he did not say non stop, or at 100%.

However, if a person cannot run for 3 miles or so, continuously, at a base pace, he is unlikely to be able to move well enough to officiate a varsity level HS game between two decent or better teams.

To be very good, I would suggest interval work, not simply 3 miles at a base pace. Just like players, a referee should be fit enough that his fitness does not become a drag on his decision making. with fatigue often comes slow or poor decision making. if an official knows this, but is not fit enough to move well for the entire 80 minutes, as needed, he will likely sacrifice some of his movement along the way - and miss being in a good position to make a decision.

Players get subs, officials do not, and this 24-30 minutes (8-10 minute miles) of continuous running is really not much in comparison to the demands of officiating a hs aged game. yea, you can get by with much less as an official, but the poster said he wants to be good at what he does, and not give less than what the student athletes deserve. imo, this is it.

OK. Just that I can't run 3 miles continuously. As long as I get up to 1 1/2 miles before the season, have no trouble covering HS V & JV double-headers, usually covering more of the field than most dual officials.

[huh?]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

OK. Just that I can't run 3 miles continuously. As long as I get up to 1 1/2 miles before the season, have no trouble covering HS V & JV double-headers, usually covering more of the field than most dual officials.

You know, I guess I discount the dual system because I dislike it. There is no doubt less running involved there, and one can probably make it work out fine. We see more 3 man systems in my parts of the country, and my thoughts are tailored toward that.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by huh?

No, he did not say non stop, or at 100%.

However, if a person cannot run for 3 miles or so, continuously, at a base pace, he is unlikely to be able to move well enough to officiate a varsity level HS game between two decent or better teams.

To be very good, I would suggest interval work, not simply 3 miles at a base pace. Just like players, a referee should be fit enough that his fitness does not become a drag on his decision making. with fatigue often comes slow or poor decision making. if an official knows this, but is not fit enough to move well for the entire 80 minutes, as needed, he will likely sacrifice some of his movement along the way - and miss being in a good position to make a decision.

Players get subs, officials do not, and this 24-30 minutes (8-10 minute miles) of continuous running is really not much in comparison to the demands of officiating a hs aged game. yea, you can get by with much less as an official, but the poster said he wants to be good at what he does, and not give less than what the student athletes deserve. imo, this is it.

This is getting scary. I agree with everything you wrote here!

[huh?]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

This is getting scary. I agree with everything you wrote here!

aaaaaaggggggghhhhhhhhhh