MIES (Switzerland) – As the road to Berlin gets closer, the physical training for the officiating team is stepping into high gear. With the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments coming up, the focus is on making sure referees are just as fit as the players on the court.

While knowing the rules, techniques, game and staying focused are vital, the speed of modern basketball requires a high level of physical conditioning. Leading this work is Alejandro Vaquera, FIBA Referee Fitness Services Global Coordinator, who has put a clear plan in place to make sure referees are ready for the high energy of the qualifiers.

A Clear Six-Week Plan

The preparation is focused on the upcoming Qualifiers, which lead into the World Cup in Berlin this September. To get ready, the FIBA Referee Fitness Team created a 6-week training plan designed to help referees reach their best shape at exactly the right time.
"The main objective is to ensure all referees arrive at the qualifiers in optimal physical condition," says Vaquera. "We have to manage this alongside their busy schedules. Right now, many of these referees are working 2–3 games per week in their own countries or in international leagues. Officiating those games is the best type of training they can do, so our plan is built to support that work, not make them too tired."

New Focus: Recovery and Strength

This year, the FIBA Referee Fitness Team has introduced new steps to improve the program. Instead of just focusing on running, the new plan emphasizes three main areas:
Injury Prevention: 
Specific exercises to help referees stay healthy and avoid getting hurt.

Strength Training: 
Building the muscle and balance needed for the quick moves required during a game.

Recovery Strategies: 
A stronger focus on how referees rest and recover between games to stay sharp.
By adding these steps into the 6-week plan, the FIBA Referee Fitness Team can manage the physical load carefully. The goal is to improve performance while making sure referees don't feel worn out when the tournament begins.

Keeping the Standard High

As basketball becomes faster and more athletic, the work done in the gym and during rest time becomes even more important. For the 44 referees chosen for the Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, Lyon-Villeurbanne, Istanbul, and San Juan, this physical training plan is the foundation of their success.
With the 6-week plan now moving forward, the officiating crews are on track to meet the physical demands of the world stage, ensuring they are always in the right spot to make the right call.

FIBA