An Assessment of Adherence to Blood Pressure Regulations among Nigerian Elite Football Referees with Standard Characteristics

Abstract

Hardening and thickening of the arteries due to high blood pressure or other factors can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other complications such as aneurysm, heart failure, kidney problems, eye problems, metabolic syndrome, changes with memory or understanding, dementia among others. For any individual or referee who suffers from any of the above listed complications may fail to function well and this will in turn affects performance generally. It will be suicidal for a referee who is a critical stakeholder in the game of football to be unhealthy in this aspect. The main purpose of this study was to assess Nigeria Elite Football Referees' physiological performance requirement with Standard Characteristics. Physiological performance requirements compared were resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Two (2) research purposes and questions were tested at .05 level of significance. The subjects of the study consist of 40 active grade one, premier and FIFA referees from Nigeria who are currently officiating in all Nigeria Leagues, CAF and FIFA competitions. Data collected were analysized using descriptive and one sample t-test statistics. The results obtained from the analysis of data revealed that, there was a significant difference between blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) of Nigerian elite football referees with the standard characteristics. Based on these it was recommended among others that, Nigerian Football Referees’ committee should select referees who are healthy, the referees should be encouraged to continue checking and maintain their health status before, during and after the Football season. In conclusion, attention of the Nigeria Football Federation and Nigeria (Football) Referees' Association were drawn to those areas where improvements were needed.