León (Mexico) – The U17 Women's Basketball World Cup in Mexico demands not only athleticism from the young players but also peak physical condition from the referees who officiate the games. Recognizing this, FIBA has implemented a comprehensive fitness program to prepare referees for the challenges on the court. We were talking to FIBA Global Fitness Coordinator, Alejandro Vaquera.

Since May, referees have been engaged in a demanding training schedule focused on building strength, speed, endurance, mobility, and preventing injuries. To track their progress, they were equipped with Polar watches and H10 devices, monitoring their training sessions and games. Three fitness tests were conducted throughout the preparation phase, with data uploaded for analysis.

The Pre-Competition Camp (PCC) plays a crucial role in fine-tuning the referees' training and introducing newcomers to the program. It also serves as an opportunity to assess body composition, ensuring referees are in optimal physical shape.

As the tournament progresses, referees will continue to wear Polar Team Pro devices during games. These devices provide real-time feedback on their internal and external demands, including heart rate, speed, distance covered, and acceleration. This data will be analysed to evaluate performance and update the fitness profiles of elite referees in top-level competitions.

 

FIBA's commitment to the physical preparation of its referees underscores the organization's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of officiating in international basketball. The rigorous fitness program ensures referees are well-equipped to handle the demands of the U17 Women's Basketball World Cup, contributing to fair and accurate officiating throughout the tournament.

FIBA