Epidemiology of Injury in Elite and Amateur Soccer Referees: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The epidemiology of injury in soccer has traditionally focused on soccer players, rather than match officials. Although injury data on referees exist, no comprehensive review has summarized injury profiles in this population.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of injury epidemiology in elite and amateur soccer referees, focusing on injury rates, types, locations, severity, and causes.

Methods

PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, covering their entire history up to 19 April 2025 were searched. This review included prospective and retrospective studies reporting injury incidence or prevalence among football match officials, with a study period of at least one season. Studies needed to specify injury defini

SUBMITTER: Alimoradi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12628465 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature