The evolution of referees: speed tests, data, psychologists and superfoods

PGMO puts its officials through their paces on the Costa Blanca and offers an insight into what goes on off the pitch“Three, two, one,” comes the countdown from Francis Bunce, a senior sports scientist at the referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), before he blows the whistle to kick off the much-anticipated maximal aerobic speed (Mas) test. It is 8.53am at the La Finca resort on the Costa Blanca, about 30C and the warm-up has very much been and gone. This a six-minute all-out run. “They call it Mas because at the end you’re just praying for it to finish,” says a smiling Keith Hill, one of the referee coaches observing the session with Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer.Part of Webb wishes he had a time machine, so he could teleport here a minibus of referees at their peak in 2003, when he joined the Premier League list, to witness the evolution of training. Now they run approximately 12km a game and use technology such as Playermaker, straps that attach to boots and can read running gaits, track how quickly officials change direction and identify injuries. Scott Ledger, who has been an assistant referee on more than 500 Premier League games, is wearing boots fit for the occasion, Adidas Copa Mundials decorated with the Spanish flag. This is day three of a five-day pre-season camp but the Mas is the main event from a physical perspective. Continue reading...

Comments

Football news

Ella Toone reveals her nan died on morning of England’s Euro 2025 final win vs Spain

Metro

England hero Ella Toone reveals hidden family heartbreak she suffered just hours before the Lionesses won the Euro 2025 final as she pens emotional message

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

GASS IS SHEER CLASS! New Rangers star Djeidi Gassama will strike fear in the hearts of Scottish Premiership defenders, predicts Ibrox team-mate Max Aarons

about 2 hours ago

RB Leipzig interested in signing Man Utd star in Benjamin Sesko swap deal

Metro

Euro 2025 victory parade: The Lionesses gave us a world of joy and the celebrations proved certain men do not speak for all

about 7 hours ago

Forest sign Switzerland winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna

Independent

Comments

Football news

Ella Toone reveals her nan died on morning of England’s Euro 2025 final win vs Spain

Txiki Begiristain leaves role as Manchester City director of foootball

Lionesses midfielder Ella Toone reveals grandmother died on morning of Euro 2025 final

Sheffield Wednesday players refuse to play friendly as wages are late again

Luke Shaw makes bold claim for Manchester United’s upcoming season: ‘The aim is to win the Premier League’

Lucas Paqueta eager to ‘play with a smile’ again as he is cleared of spot-fixing

Max Aarons explains what Rangers have already done under Russell Martin that makes him sense success

Hidden Jahmai Simpson-Pusey Celtic transfer 'clause' raises eyebrows as Sweden international scouted by Hoops

Hibs vs Midtjylland LIVE score and goal updates as David Gray names unchanged team for Europa League return

Djeidi Gassama leaves Rangers teammates 'pleasantly surprised' as hype escapes Ibrox dressing room

Conor Coady to Rangers transfer delay cleared up as preferred destination revealed amid Wrexham interest

Txiki Begiristain: Influential Man City director departs after 13 years

Liverpool move for Alexander Isak raises stakes for Arsenal amid Eberechi Eze chase

Rob Holding: Crystal Palace defender departs for Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids

Mikel Arteta sends defiant message to Arsenal fans after Tottenham defeat

Alexander Isak's 'nuclear option' if Newcastle REFUSE to sanction Liverpool transfer

Lewis Hamilton says what he really thinks as Ferrari confirm future F1 plans

Benjamin Sesko swap deal suspicions as Man Utd 'accept huge price drop'

West Ham star reveals what has changed under Graham Potter this summer

England hero Ella Toone reveals hidden family heartbreak she suffered just hours before the Lionesses won the Euro 2025 final as she pens emotional message

GASS IS SHEER CLASS! New Rangers star Djeidi Gassama will strike fear in the hearts of Scottish Premiership defenders, predicts Ibrox team-mate Max Aarons

RB Leipzig interested in signing Man Utd star in Benjamin Sesko swap deal

Hansi Flick rates Marcus Rashford’s performance for Barcelona as Lamine Yamal and Jesse Lingard swap shirts

Bukayo Saka injury latest after Arsenal defeat to Spurs

Ella Toone reveals her grandmother died on morning of Euro 2025 final

Viktor Gyokeres’ underwhelming debut shows why Arsenal need him so much

Premier League winner odds: Premier League 25/26 title odds

A new monthly print edition for all LFC fans is on sale now

Celtic announce VIP guest to unfurl league flag as legend makes rare Parkhead return

Arsenal get triple boost as Arteta provides Gabriel, Timber and Calafiori injury update

West Ham: Lucas Paqueta verdict leaves FA with a bloody nose and raises key questions

Thomas Frank provides Dominic Solanke injury update after Tottenham striker misses win over Arsenal

Jesse Derry: Chelsea hold off European competition to land young Crystal Palace star

Nicolas Jackson breaks silence on Chelsea future and Manchester United transfer links

Rasmus Hojlund vows to fight for his place as Man Utd linked with Benjamin Sesko

The options available to Alexander Isak as he trains at former club amid transfer speculation

Viktor Gyokeres makes Arsenal debut but can’t prevent friendly loss to rivals Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham targeting loan move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha

Nottingham Forest sign Switzerland winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna

FPL tips 2025/26: 30 players you should consider signing including Palmer, Wirtz and Gyokeres

West Ham: Lucas Paqueta releases statement after being cleared of betting charges

Rangers see Champions League rivals Plzen force fixture to be axed

Celtic transfer news as fresh David Strelec claim emerges amid 'lucrative' Josh Brownhill offer

Lucas Paqueta verdict confirmed as West Ham and FA release statements

Three things we learned from Tottenham win over Arsenal as Spurs display new set-piece threat

Three things we learned from Arsenal defeat to Tottenham as Mikel Arteta tests new tactic

Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham: First glimpse at Viktor Gyokeres as Christian Norgaard shows worth

Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham: Viktor Gyokeres makes Gunners debut as Spurs secure friendly win

Tottenham player ratings vs Arsenal: Mohammed Kudus adds to excitement on encouraging day

Rasmus Hojlund sends clear message to Man Utd transfer target Benjamin Sesko

Tottenham open talks for Bayern Munich star after Arsenal transfer approach

Euro 2025 victory parade: The Lionesses gave us a world of joy and the celebrations proved certain men do not speak for all

Forest sign Switzerland winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna

Unai Emery makes Ollie Watkins claim amid Man Utd transfer speculation

Chelsea offer Man Utd two players in deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho

Viktor Gyokeres set to make Arsenal debut after being named in squad to face Spurs

Liverpool would never hesitate to sign someone if given the chance – Arne Slot

Raging Hotline callers crank Rangers heat up on Russell Martin as Celtic pranksters hit the giggles

Ruben Amorim hints at possible Rasmus Hojlund exit amid Benjamin Sesko transfer rumours

Arsenal vs Tottenham live: Team news and line-ups with Viktor Gyokeres set to make debut