Abstract
BackgroundReferees in Gaelic games are exposed to injury risk in match-play and training. Little is currently know about the degree of exposure or the prevalence of injury in this group. The aim of this study was to determine the time commitment to refereeing and training in elite-level Gaelic referees and to establish, for the first time, point and period (past 12 months) prevalence of Gaelic games injury in these officials.MethodsA retrospective survey was posted to the complete list of 111 male referees who officiated in elite-level competition in Gaelic football and hurling at the end of the 2005 competition season. Data were summarised using percentages with 95% Confidence Intervals.ResultsThe response rate was 80% (n = 89). Mean age was 42 ± 6 years, ranging from 28–55 years. Forty eight percent were football referees, 25% were hurling referees and 27% refereed both football and hurling. Most referees (69%) officiated at 3–4 games weekly (range 1–6) and most (62%) trained 2–3 times per week (range 1–7). Fourteen percent (n = 12) were currently injured (95% CI 9–21%). Annual injury prevalence was 58% (95% CI 46 to 70%) for football, 50% (95% CI 33 to 67%) for hurling and 42% (95% CI 27 to 58%) for dual referee groups. Sixty percent of injuries were sustained while refereeing match play. The majority (83%, n = 40) were to the lower limb and the predominant (56%, n = 27) injury mechanism was running or sprinting. The most prevalent injuries were hamstring strain (n = 12, 25% of injuries) and calf strain (n = 9, 19% of injuries). Injury causing time off from refereeing was reported by 31% of all referees (95% CI 24 to 40%, n = 28), for a median duration of 3 weeks.ConclusionParticipation in official duties and training is high in elite Gaelic games referees, despite the amateur status of the sports. Gaelic games injury is common in the referee cohort, with lower limb injury predominating. These injuries have implications for both the referee and for organisation of the games.
Highlights
Referees in Gaelic games are exposed to injury risk in match-play and training
Nine percent stated that they got their programme from a health centre/gym, 1% from his local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club and 3% reported that they got theirs from sources such as peers, physiotherapists and
The major findings of this study were the amount of refereeing and training that was carried out by elite referees illustrating the professional level of commitment of these individuals to an amateur game, and secondly, the significant Gaelic games related injury burden experienced by this group where the annual prevalence of injury was 58% for football, 52% for hurling and 42% for dual referees
Summary
Referees in Gaelic games are exposed to injury risk in match-play and training. Little is currently know about the degree of exposure or the prevalence of injury in this group. Gaelic football and hurling are the two national games of Ireland, governed by a central body, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) which has international branches in the UK, Europe, North America and Australasia. Both sports involve games of up to 70 minutes, played by 2 opposing teams of 15 players. Gaelic football is played with a round ball, with similarities to AFL, while hurling is played with a stick and ball, similar to field hockey or shinty Both Gaelic football and hurling are high velocity, multidirectional contact sports, which demand sprinting, endurance and quick directional change from both the players and the match referee. Participation ranges from club level competition based primarily within county divisions, to elite inter-county league and championship competitions, Despite near professional training and match schedules at the highest level, these sports continue to retain amateur status
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