A comparison of activity demands between trial matches and in-season matches across multiple teams and seasons in semiprofessional, male rugby league players

Trial matches are frequently used for team preparation in rugby league competitions, making it essential to understand the demands experienced to assess their specificity to actual competition. Consequently, this study aimed to compare the activity demands between pre-season trial matches and early in-season rugby league matches. Following a repeated-measures observational design, 39 semi-professional, male rugby league players from two clubs were monitored using microsensors during two trial matches and the first two in-season matches across two consecutive seasons. Total distance, average speed, peak speed, absolute and relative high-speed running (HSR; > 18 km · h-1) and low-speed running (LSR; 3 m · s-2), and decelerations (total and high-intensity < -3 m · s-2) were measured. Linear mixed models and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to compare variables between match types. Playing duration was greater for in-season matches (p < 0.001, d = 0.64). Likewise, higher (p < 0.001, d = 0.45-0.70) activity volumes were evident during in-season matches indicated via total distance, HSR distance, LSR distance, total accelerations, high-intensity accelerations, total decelerations, and high-intensity decelerations. Regarding activity intensities, a higher average speed (p = 0.008, d = 0.31) and relative LSR distance (p = 0.005, d = 0.31) only were encountered during in-season matches. Despite players completing less volume, the average activity intensities and impact demands were mostly similar between trial and early in-season matches. These findings indicate trial matches might impose suitable activity stimuli to assist players in preparing for early in-season activity intensities

The relationships between physical fitness attributes and match demands in rugby union referees officiating the 2019 Rugby World Cup

NOTE: The Research Bank document is a pre-print/author's manuscript. This means this paper is an early draft before it is submitted to a journal for a formal peer review. The final published version can be found at DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2022.2031527 This study examined the relationships between physical fitness attributes and match demands in lead rugby union referees. Eleven referees underwent anthropometric and fitness assessments (40-m sprint, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, 1.2-km shuttle run) prior to the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Match activities were assessed via global positioning system devices (total distance, high-speed running distance [>5 m·s-1], average speed, and peak intensities over 1-min, 5-min, and 10-min epochs) and heart rate variables were measured using chest-worn monitors (HRmean, summated-heart-rate-zones, time above 90% HRmax). 40-m sprint time was significantly related to maximum speed (P=0.004; r= -0.79) and high-speed running distance (P=0.037, r= -0.63) during matches. Likewise, ∑7 skinfold thickness was significantly correlated with high-speed running distance (P=0.01, r= -0.72). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, 1.2-km shuttle run test, age, and body mass index exhibited non-significant correlations (P>0.05, r= -0.58 to 0.53) with match demand variables. Results suggest it may be pertinent for referees to optimise sprint capacity and body fat composition to execute greater high-speed running volumes and reach higher peak speeds during matches. Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and 1.2-km shuttle run tests are not correlated to specific match activity variables, and thus may not be relevant for monitoring of rugby union referees

The influence of training and competition on sleep behaviour of soccer referees

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to (1) quantify sleep behaviours of soccer referees and (2) compare sleep behaviours between nights before training, before matches, and after matches. Methods: Fourteen professional soccer referees from the A-League (mean±SD; age 34 ± 4 years; sex: 11 males, 3 females) participated in this observational study. Referees’ sleep behaviours were examined using sleep diaries and wrist activity monitors for 31 consecutive nights during the 2018–2019 A-League season. Separate linear mixed models were conducted to assess differences in sleep behaviours between nights before training, before matches, and after matches. Results: On average, referees did not obtain recommended sleep durations across the in-season (mean±SD sleep duration: 6.4 h ± 0.7 h). Referees went to bed later, spent less time in bed, and slept significantly less post-matches compared to pre-training and pre-match nights (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Referees were particularly susceptible to inadequate sleep on nights following training and matches. The findings related to poor sleep behaviours highlight the importance of implementing monitoring systems to understand the sleep behaviours of referees, with further research encouraged to ascertain the efficacy of various sleep hygiene practices to optimise sleep in this population

The validity and reliability of a customized rigid supportive harness during smith machine back squat exercise

Scott, BR, Dascombe, BJ, Delaney, JA, Elsworthy, N, Lockie, RG, Sculley, DV, and Slattery, KM. The validity and reliability of a customized rigid supportive harness during Smith machine back squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res 28(3): 636-642, 2014- Although the back squat exercise is commonly prescribed to both athletic and clinical populations, individuals with restricted glenohumeral mobility may be unable to safely support the bar on the upper trapezius using their hands. The aims of this study were to investigate the validity and reliability of a back squat variation using a rigid supportive harness that does not require unrestricted glenohumeral mobility for quantifying 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Thirteen young men (age = 25.3 ± 4.5 years, height = 179.2 ± 6.9 cm, and body mass = 86.6 ± 12.0 kg) with at least 2 years resistance training experience volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects reported to the lab on 3 occasions, each separated by 1 week. During testing sessions, subjects were assessed for 1RM using the traditional back squat (session 1) and harness back squat (HBS; sessions 2 and 3) exercises. Mean 1RM for the traditional back squat, and 2 testing sessions of the HBS (HBS1 and HBS2) were 148.4 ± 25.0 kg, 152.5 ± 25.7 kg, and 150.4 ± 22.6 kg, respectively. Back squat and mean HBS 1RM scores were very strongly correlated (r = 0.96; p ≥ 0.001). There were no significant differences in 1RM scores between the 3 trials. The test-retest 1RM scores with the HBS demonstrated high reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93-0.99), and a coefficient of variation of 2.6% (95% CI = 1.9-4.3). Taken together, these data suggest that the HBS exercise is a valid and reliable method for assessing 1RM in young men with previous resistance training experience and may be useful for individuals with restricted glenohumeral mobility. © 2014 National Strength and Conditioning Association

Physical demands of international lead rugby union referees

The aim of this case study was to examine the speed and distance demands of lead rugby union referees, during the 2011 rugby world cup and compare this to existing data from elite players, and sub-elite referees. Global positioning system data was collected during 19 matches from the 2011 rugby world cup from 4 male professional rugby referees. The standardised differences and associated effect sizes (ES) were calculated for the total distance and the distance travelled in six different speed zones. The referees covered more distance than the sub elite referees, with large differences in total distance and ‘jogging’ (6.1-12.0 km/h); moderate differences in ‘medium’ (14.1-18.0 km/h) and ‘high’ (18.1-20 km/h) intensity run; small differences in ‘walk’ (0.1-6.0 km/h) and ‘low’ intensity run (12.1-14.0 km/h); and a trivial difference in ‘sprint’ (≥20.1 km/h). The referees covered more distance than the profession players, with an extremely large differences in ‘stride’ (13.7-18.0 km/h); very large differences in ‘cruise’ (9.7-13.7 km/h) and ‘high’ (18.0-19.8 km/h) intensity run as well as total distance covered; a large difference in ‘jog’ (5.8-97. km/h); a moderate difference in ‘sprint’ (>19.8 km/h); and a trivial difference in ‘walk’(0-5.8 km/h km/h). The information presented can help inform conditioning coaches that target speed zones up to sprinting (greater than 20 kmhr -1) and distances within the zones reaching up to 7400m need to be considered when developing specific programs for international lead rugby referees. Further, based on the data analysed in this study, rugby referees require a specific prescription of physical activity to meet the extra speed and distance demands compared to both professional rugby players and sub-elite rugby referees

Examining the skill involvements of under-16 rugby league players during a small-sided game and match-play

© The Author(s) 2016. This study investigated the correlations between the skill demands of an 'on-side' small-sided game (SSG) and match-play in under-16 junior rugby league players. Fifteen Harold Matthews players undertook a SSG (10 vs. 10 on a 68 m by 40 m playing surface for 3 min) in the week leading up to round 6 of their competitive season. The frequency of skill involvements (i.e. offensive, defensive and total) was manually coded using a specific criterion. The defensive and total skill involvements were significantly higher per minute of play in the SSG when compared to match-play. A significant, very large, positive correlation was observed between offensive and total skill involvements during a SSG and offensive skill involvements during a match (r(s) = 0.80, p < 0.01; r(s) = 0.71, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant correlations were evident for defensive skill involvements during SSG and match-play. Overall, it appears that the selected SSG provided players with ample opportunity to practice match-specific skills. In addition, the transfer of these opportunities seems confined to offensive rather then defensive skills