Estresse e Coping de Árbitros de Futebol no Teste Físico FIFA

Abstract

Soccer referees seem to feel the impact of stress in their performance, especially in situations that define their success at soccer, such as the FIFA Fitness Test, which determines the physical aptitude of the professional to perform in state and national tournaments. Coping strategies determine the perception of stressful situations and the consequent way of facing them. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the FIFA Fitness Test on the stress and coping levels of soccer referees, which perform at the state and at the national level (FMF – Soccer Federation of Minas Gerais; and CBF – Brazilian Soccer Federation, respectively). 42 referees of FMF and 17 of CBF answered to The Perceived Stress Scale, which assess distress and coping, before and after the FIFA Test. At the pre-test, the CBF referees showed a major number of physical tests, weekly trainings and years of experience, and higher coping (p < 0,05). Controlling for initial differences, CBF and FMF referees were not significantly different on coping and distress after the test. Given the partial confirmation of the hypothesis, it is suggested to conduct further research in the area that includes the evaluation of the type of coping strategy used and personality characteristics.