They are now athletes' - referees prepare for Premier League season
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 9:40 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Top-flight officials from the Professional Referee Group are training full-time to meet the demands of the Premier League. This week, they gathered in Loughborough to prepare for the new season, following a pre-season camp in Spain. Sam Allison and Sam Barrott will officiate upcoming matches, with officials adapting strategies to counteract teams’ increased freshness during games. The physical requirements of officiating have evolved, with officials undergoing rigorous training to ensure they can keep pace with play.
- •Professional referees met in Loughborough for training ahead of the season.
- •Officials undergo full-time training and rigorous fitness regimes.
- •Sam Allison and Sam Barrott are among the officials for upcoming matches.
- •The group has shifted focus to physical capabilities since turning professional in 2001.
- •Training involves tailored plans, GPS technology, and dietary considerations.
- 9:40 AMYahoo Sports — 'They are now athletes' - how do referees get ready for a season?
- 9:40 AMBBC Sport — 'They are now athletes' - how do referees get ready for a season?
"Pre-season camps in Spain and full-time training throughout the season - the rigorous regimes top-flight officials undergo to keep up with the pace of play in the Premier League
"Pre-season camps in Spain and full-time training throughout the season - the rigorous regimes top-flight officials undergo to keep up with the pace of play in the Premier League
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 9:40 AM'They are now athletes' - how do referees get ready for a season?
Pre-season camps in Spain and full-time training throughout the season - the rigorous regimes top-flight officials undergo to keep up with the pace of play in the Premier League
- BBC SportAug 28, 2026, 9:40 AM'They are now athletes' - how do referees get ready for a season?
Pre-season camps in Spain and full-time training throughout the season - the rigorous regimes top-flight officials undergo to keep up with the pace of play in the Premier League
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