The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has kickstarted preparations for the 2025–26 football season with its elite and national referees undergoing mandatory fitness assessments throughout July. The testing, being conducted across three centres—Gwalior, Kolkata, and Chennai—is designed to align domestic refereeing standards with those set at the international level.
The men’s fitness test mirrors FIFA’s global benchmarks for match officials. Referees must complete six timed 40-metre sprints within six seconds, followed by a gruelling series of 40 repetitions of 75-metre runs, each to be finished within 15 seconds, with just 18 seconds of rest between runs. These drills simulate the physical demands faced by referees during high-intensity match situations.
Alongside the running tests, elite match officials are also subject to Body Fat Composition assessments. This is part of a broader initiative by the AIFF to ensure lifestyle management and physical conditioning are on par with international standards—elements now seen as essential for modern officiating.
AIFF Chief Refereeing Officer Trevor Kettle underlined the importance of these standards in maintaining credibility and professionalism on the pitch. “The professional game requires match officials to meet stringent fitness standards, and they are held fully accountable if they fail to meet our requirements,” he said.
Kettle also emphasised the need for a cultural shift among referees, not just in training but also in lifestyle choices. “Additionally, I am driving all match officials to maintain an athletic appearance, which necessitates a cultural shift in lifestyle management, including diet, nutrition, and strength and conditioning training,” he added.
The high-intensity nature of the fitness testing is intentionally challenging. “The fitness test, particularly the 40 high-intensity runs, is demanding, but those with the necessary physical and mental strength, which is crucial during matches, usually succeed,” Kettle explained.
These evaluations form a critical part of the AIFF’s effort to raise the bar for Indian refereeing, ensuring that officials are well-prepared for the increasing pace and complexity of modern football. The focus on discipline, athleticism, and accountability is expected to play a key role in enhancing the overall standard of officiating in the country’s top-tier competitions.
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