Author(s): BALLA, J., SELENICA, R., QUKA, N., BOÇI, E., Institution: SPORT UNIVERSITY OF TIRANA, Country: ALBANIA, Abstract-ID: 218

INTRODUCTION:
Sports referees are subjected to intense physical as well as mental challenges during a game. Lifestyle variables, such as training, exercise, and diet, may affect the feelings of fatigue, recovery, and preparedness of the referees. These self-reported measures may serve as early signs of biological stress, including oxidative stress, which is important for both performance and long-term health.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study included (n = 123) football referees who completed questionnaires on structured training participation, exercise habits, diet, and supplement use. Dependent variables were self-rated physical fitness, fatigue during matches, and recovery time. ANCOVA models controlled for age and years of experience, while logistic regression examined predictors of structured program participation and high perceived fitness. Spearman correlations explored relationships among lifestyle behaviors, training, and functional outcomes.
RESULTS:
Participation in structured training programs and higher self-rated nutrition were associated with better perceived physical fitness (ANCOVA: Structured Program F = 5.55, p = 0.02; Self-Rated Nutrition F = 7.74, p = 0.006). Logistic regression further showed that more years of exercise experience significantly predicted high self-rated fitness (OR = 2.32, p = 0.045), while exercise duration and intensity were not statistically significant predictors. Spearman correlations revealed that higher perceived fitness was modestly associated with greater match-related fatigue (Rho = 0.269, p = 0.003), reflecting that referees with better fitness may sustain higher workloads. Additionally, lower match-related fatigue was linked to faster recovery times (Rho = 0.235, p = 0.009), indicating efficient post-match recovery among less fatigued referees. Although fruit and vegetable intake and other lifestyle factors showed positive trends, these did not reach statistical significance. Overall, referees engaging in structured programs and maintaining better nutrition reported superior physical preparedness and functional responses during matches, suggesting potential early indicators of biological stress that could be further explored through experimental biomarkers such as oxidative stress measures.
CONCLUSION:
Structured training programs and healthier dietary practices are linked to superior perceived preparedness in referees. More years of exercise experience further support functional fitness. Self-reported fatigue, recovery, and preparedness provide practical early indicators of biological stress, including oxidative stress, that could inform monitoring strategies and targeted interventions. These findings lay the groundwork for future experimental studies integrating biomarkers to better understand the impact of lifestyle on referee health and performance.