## 4 Discussion  
The study evaluated how the 24-week FIFA 11+ Referees program influenced elite soccer referees' cutting maneuver quality, using the cutting movement assessment score (CMAS). The results indicated an improvement in the quality of movement based on CMAS criteria, particularly at 90\({}^{\circ}\) cutting angles, in the post-test between the FIFA 11+ and control group. This finding aligns with prior research demonstrating the effectiveness of FIFA 11+ programs in enhancing movement quality and reducing injury risks [18]. This underscores the program's focus on core stability, neuromuscular control, and COD exercises [18; 23]. The FIFA 11+ Referees program includes a comprehensive set of exercises targeting strength, neuromuscular control, and COD ability, which are essential for improving physical attributes necessary for optimal performance and injury prevention in referees. Referees frequently perform high-intensity runs and directional changes, placing significant demands on their posterior muscle chain, knees, and ankles. Enhanced muscle strength, particularly in the core, lower limbs, and posterior chain, provides a solid foundation for stability and power. Stronger muscles are better equipped to absorb forces associated with rapid direction changes and high-intensity running, reducing the risk of muscle strains and joint injuries [17]. Improving neuromuscular control is a central objective of the FIFA 11+ Referees program. Neuromuscular control refers to the nervous system's ability to efficiently coordinate muscle activity during movement. The program's exercises emphasize proprioception and motor control, vital for maintaining balance and executing precise movements. Enhanced neuromuscular control reduces the likelihood of improper movement patterns that can lead to injuries [18]. COD training in the FIFA 11+ Referees program focuses on improving the ability to change direction quickly and efficiently while maintaining proper form. COD exercises enhance dynamic balance, reaction time, and the ability to control the body during rapid movements [24]. These improvements are particularly important for referees, who frequently perform high-intensity runs and sudden changes of direction during matches. Better COD ability ensures that referees can perform these movements with greater precision and less risk of injury. The literature indicates that referees, who are often subjected to muscle injuries, experience higher pressure during competitions than in training [25]. Injuries commonly occur in non-dominant limbs, with quadriceps, triceps, and knee injuries being prevalent [25; 26]. Referees' activities involve moderate to high-intensity runs and directional changes, demanding significant knee and ankle usage and posterior muscle chain engagement. Additionally, referees' unique movement patterns, such as back-and-forth runs, increase energy expenditure and muscle activity [2; 6]. Factors like anthropometry, strength, biomechanics, proprioception, and psychology influence injury risks, highlighting the importance of multifactorial training protocols [26]. Programs like the FIFA 11+ improve muscle strength and proprioception and may reduce injury incidence [27; 28]. [PERSON] et al. suggested that cutting movements (CODs) and repetitive and high-speed maneuvers can cause injury due to biomechanical and neuromuscular control deficits [15]. High-risk deficits include wide lateral foot plant distances, hip abduction angles, and increased knee valgus. Addressing these through coaching and feedback is crucial for injury prevention [15; 26]. Moreover, researchers suggested focusing injury prevention protocols on executing quality COD maneuvers at sharp angles, especially in the non-dominant limb [29]. Other studies corroborate the benefits of FIFA 11+ in enhancing neuromuscular control and joint stability, modifying trunk and hip muscle activation [30; 31].