Physical demands of elite Rugby League referees, part two: heart rate responses and implications for training and fitness testing

Physical Demands of Refereeing Rugby Sevens Matches at Different Competitive Levels

Sant'Anna, RT, Roberts, SP, Moore, LJ, and Stokes, KA. Physical demands of refereeing rugby sevens matches at different competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The aim of this study was to compare the physical demands of officiating across different competitive levels in rugby sevens. An observational design was used involving 27 referees (26 men and 1 woman, age: 27 ± 6 years, body mass [mean ± SD]: 78.5 ± 9.3 kg, and height: 179 ± 5 cm). Global Navigation Satellite Systems data were collected across a total of 114 matches during 5 separate rugby sevens tournaments played in England-between May and July 2018-categorized into 4 competitive levels: (a) international, (b) professional, (c) semiprofessional, and (d) amateur. Compared with referees officiating at the international, professional, and semiprofessional levels, referees officiating at the amateur level covered less total (p < 0.001) and relative distance (p < 0.001). In addition, these referees covered more distance walking and jogging (p < 0.001). Amateur referees also completed fewer sprints (p = 0.006), repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIEs) per game (p < 0.001), and spent longer between RHIEs (p = 0.015). Finally, for the amateur referees, the duration of the longest repeated high-intensity bout (i.e., worst case scenario) was lower (p < 0.001), with less distance covered (p < 0.001) and fewer high-intensity accelerations (p < 0.001). Refereeing rugby sevens is therefore more physically demanding at higher competitive levels, particularly in terms of high-intensity efforts. The results provide vital information for practitioners involved in the physical preparation of rugby sevens referees.

Physiological and Movement Demands of Rugby League Referees: Influence on Penalty Accuracy

Research into the physiological and movement demands of Rugby League (RL) referees is limited, with only 1 study in the European Super League (SL). To date, no studies have considered decision making in RL referees. The purpose of this study was to quantify penalty accuracy scores of RL referees and to determine the relationship between penalty accuracy and total distance covered (TD), high-intensity running (HIR), and heart rate per 10-minute period of match play. Time motion analysis was undertaken on 8 referees over 148 European SL games during the 2012 season using 10-Hz global positioning system analysis and heart rate monitors. The number and timing of penalties awarded was quantified using Opta Stats. Referees awarded the correct decision on 74 ± 5% of occasions. Lowest accuracy was observed in the last 10-minute period of the game (67 ± 13%), with a moderate drop (effect size = 0.86) in accuracy observed between 60-70 minutes and 70-80 minutes. Despite this, there were only small correlations observed between mean heart rate, TD, HIR efforts, and penalty accuracy. Although a moderate correlation was observed between maximum velocity and accuracy. Despite only small correlations observed, it would be rash to assume that physiological and movement demands of refereeing have no influence on decision making. More likely, other confounding variables influence referee decision-making accuracy, requiring further investigation. Findings can be used by referees and coaches to inform training protocols, ensuring training is specific to both cognitive and physical match demands.

Impact of several matches in a day on physical performance in Rugby Sevens referees

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of several matches per day on running performance and cardiovascular stress in referees during a national Rugby Sevens championship.

METHODS

Seven referees, who refereed 3 matches/ day, were monitored by GPS during 21 matches.

RESULTS

Referees' movement patterns were relatively stable from the 1st to the 2nd match, although a substantial decrease was observed in the 2nd match for maximal and average sprint distance. A substantial decrease in the number of sprints, maximal speed, walking, distance covered at medium intensity, total and >14 km/h distance covered per minute was observed in the 3rd match in comparison with the 2nd. Compared with the 1st match, in the 3rd game referees showed a substantial decrease in maximal and average sprint distance, total walking at medium intensity, distance covered >14 km/h, and high-intensity running distance. Referees exhibited a substantial decrease in average heart rate (HR), percentage of time at >70%HRmax, and percentage of time at >90%HRmax in the 2nd match compared with the 1st. Referees' HR responses were relatively stable from the 2nd to the 3rd match except for the HR zones of 71-80%HRmax and 81-90%HRmax and performance-efficiency index (Effindex). Substantial differences were observed in the 3rd match compared with the 1st in average HR, 81-90%HRmax, >90%HRmax, and Effindex.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of reduced overall running performance and pronounced reduction in high-intensity running performance during the last match in Rugby Sevens referees refereeing 3 matches in the same day.

A survey of referee participation, training and injury in elite gaelic games referees

Background

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. 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.

Methods

A 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.

Results

The 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.

Conclusion

Participation 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.