1
|
Albaladejo-García C, Caballero C, Asencio P, Moreno FJ. Acute effects of a vigorous-intensity warm-up on response suppression and decision-making of football referees. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:1081-1089. [PMID: 39077984 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2383071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the acute effect of physical exercise simulating a standard pre-competitive warm-up on the response suppression and decision-making of football referees. Thirty-four referees (n = 17 - regional level; n = 17 - national level) participated in the study. A Stop-Signal Task (SST) and a decision-making video test were used to evaluate the referees' perceptual-cognitive functions. The findings revealed that the vigorous aerobic exercise acutely impacted basic cognitive functions, as indicated by decreased reaction time and decreased choice accuracy. However, higher-order cognitive functions such as response suppression and decision-making did not exhibit significant changes post-exercise. Based on these results, there is no evidence to suggest that a vigorous-intensity warm-up is likely to favour response suppression and decision-making factors in the initial phases of the game. National referees showed superior response suppression abilities (shorter stop-signal reaction times and lower probability of responding to the stop-signal) than regional referees, indicating that higher-level referees possess enhanced perceptual-cognitive skills, likely influenced by their experience. Further studies are required to determine whether these variables can be acutely improved through physical exercise. In this regard, our results suggest the need for alternative strategies in pre-competitive referee warm-ups if aiming to improve perceptual-cognitive skills in the initial phases of the game.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Albaladejo-García
- Sport Research Centre, Sport Sciences Department, Universiad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Carla Caballero
- Sport Research Centre, Sport Sciences Department, Universiad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Neurosciences Research Group, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Spain, Alicante, Spain
| | - Pablo Asencio
- Sport Research Centre, Sport Sciences Department, Universiad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco J Moreno
- Sport Research Centre, Sport Sciences Department, Universiad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kittel A, Elsworthy N, Spittle M. The Effectiveness of Above Real Time Training for Developing Decision-Making Accuracy in Australian Football Umpires. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2023; 94:64-72. [PMID: 34904910 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2021.1939843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an above real-time video-based training intervention on Australian football umpire decision-making skill. Methods: Three groups completed two testing sessions, either side of a five-week, video-based training intervention either in real time (100% speed), above real time (150% speed) or control (no training) condition. Testing included two parts: resting included 25 video clips 10 of Australian football match footage, presented in real time with participants resting; exercise included a separate 25 clips also presented at real time, during a 10 × 300 m run test. Tests were repeated within two weeks following training. Results: Decision-making accuracy significantly improved (p = .043) for the real time training group in the exercise test. There were no improvements in control or above real-time training groups in the exercise test. No significant differences were observed for decision-making accuracy in the 15 resting test for all groups. Conclusion: Above real-time video may not develop decision-making skills more effectively than real-time video for amateur Australian football umpires. For this cohort, the faster presentation of video may result in the umpires missing important perceptual cues. Real-time video-based training appears to be more beneficial for amateur officials than 150% above real-time speed.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pizzera A, Laborde S, Lahey J, Wahl P. Influence of physical and psychological stress on decision-making performance of soccer referees. J Sports Sci 2022; 40:2037-2046. [PMID: 36175198 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2127516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Soccer referees have to make quick and accurate decisions while experiencing physical stress (i.e., fatigue) and psychological stress (i.e., pressure from the crowd). Researchers have examined the influence of physical and psychological stress on skilled referees' decision-making performance separately; however, referees usually experience both types of stress simultaneously. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of both physical and psychological stress on skilled and less-skilled soccer referees' decision-making performance. To simulate the physical and psychological stress during a game, 25 referees were asked to make foul decisions while running on a treadmill and/or being exposed to auditory stress. Referees were more physically fatigued in the physical and psychologically stressed in the psychological stress condition. However, this only negatively influenced their decision-making performance in the video test during the submaximal physical stress condition, when compared to the resting condition. The results also indicate that the experienced referees learned to cope with fatigue and psychological stress regarding their cognitive processes. The effects seem to be differentially detrimental, depending on the league level of refereeing, but also whether physical and psychological stress are induced separately. The study protocol could help referees train in a simulated learning environment, besides on-field games.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pizzera
- Department of Performance Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sylvain Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Lahey
- Department of Performance Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Patrick Wahl
- Department of Exercise Physiology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Effect of Exercise Intensity on Psychomotor Vigilance During an Incremental Endurance Exercise in Under-19 Soccer Players. Motor Control 2022; 26:661-676. [PMID: 36007879 DOI: 10.1123/mc.2022-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of an incremental resistance test on psychomotor vigilance in 16 soccer players under-19 years old (age 16.42 ± 0.85 years). Borg 15-point subjective perception of effort scale, the psychomotor vigilance task test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test were used. Four evaluation sessions were conducted with different intensities of efforts (30%-40%, 60%-75%, 80%-90%, and 100%) on different days (counterbalanced order). A repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed in the reaction time of the psychomotor vigilance task. The results showed that participants responded faster during efforts between 80% and 90% of maximal oxygen uptake (501.20 ± 70.77 ms). From that threshold, the players decreased their performance through a longer reaction time (601.23 ± 85.05 ms; p value < .001). The main findings were that the reaction time performance was worse at the lowest and highest effort conditions (5 and 17 km/hr, respectively). This fact helps to focus on the importance of designing and proposing training tasks with medium-high efforts to provoke optimal reaction times in young soccer players.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bloß N, Loffing F, Schorer J, Büsch D. Impact of psychological and physical load on the decision-making of top-class handball referees. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2022.2061323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Bloß
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Florian Loffing
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Schorer
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Büsch
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Decisions and reasonings of top-class handball referees under physical load. GERMAN JOURNAL OF EXERCISE AND SPORT RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12662-021-00794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCorrect decision-making under physical load is a central challenge for referees in sports games. Handball referees are assumed to make both a decision (calling a foul or no foul) and to call its reasonings (type of foul, punishments). However, the impact of physical load on these two aspects has not been differentiated so far. Here, in two studies, we aimed to investigate the hypothesised impact of physical load on both referees’ decisions and reasonings. To this end, N = 66 (study 1) and N = 73 (study 2) top-class handball referees performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test combined with a video-based decision-making test. Referees’ decisions improved from initial to medium physical load and they deteriorated under maximal physical load in study 1, whereas in study 2 the quality of the decisions was constant across physical load conditions. The percent of correct reasonings decreased from initial to medium physical load in study 1, whereas the opposite pattern was found in study 2. In both studies, reasoning performance did not change from medium to maximal physical load. Moreover, referees demonstrated better endurance performance in study 2 than in study 1. Despite some methodological limitations (e.g. familiarisation with the experimental setup in referees who participated in both studies), the present findings tentatively indicate that a well-trained endurance capacity may support referees’ decision-making, i.e. to make correct decisions and reasonings. Specifically, enhanced endurance capacity may lead to lower subjectively perceived fatigue, resulting in larger cognitive capacities that may facilitate referees’ decision-making.
Collapse
|
7
|
Senécal I, Howarth SJ, Wells GD, Raymond I, Mior S. The Impact of Moderate and High Intensity Cardiovascular Exertion on Sub-Elite Soccer Referee's Cognitive Performance: A Lab-Based Study. J Sports Sci Med 2021; 20:618-625. [PMID: 35321134 PMCID: PMC8488827 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2021.618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soccer referees represent a specialized population who are required to perform decisional or perceptual tasks during physical exertion. Recent studies have demonstrated that submaximal acute exercise has a positive impact on cognitive performance. However, less is known about the impact of more strenuous exertion on cognitive performance. This study assessed the effect of moderate and maximal intensity exercise exertion on a cognitive performance in sub-elite soccer referees. Twelve experienced soccer referees (4 female, 8 male) were recruited. Data were collected on 2 separate days. Baseline fitness level was assessed by a standardized aerobic capacity test (VO2max Test) on Day 1, along with practice trials of the Stroop Color Word Test (Stroop Test) for evaluating cognitive performance. On Day 2, cognitive performance was assessed before, during, and after an incremental intensity exercise protocol based on the Fédération International de Football Association (FIFA) referee fitness test. Relative to results obtained at rest performance on the Stroop Test improved at moderate exertion and at maximal exertion during the modified FIFA fitness test (F = 18.97, p = .005). Mean time to completion (in seconds) of the interference Stroop task significantly improved (p < .05) between rest and moderate exertion [-3.0 ± 3.0 seconds] and between rest and maximal exertion [-4.8 ± 2.6 seconds]. In summary, we observed that cognitive performance was found to improve when sub-elite soccer referees performed moderate and maximal exercise relative to results obtained at rest. It is possible that referees focus their attention to improve goal-oriented processing in the brain during physical exertion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Senécal
- Division of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Canada
| | - Samuel J Howarth
- Division of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Canada
| | - Greg D Wells
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, The University of Toronto & Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
| | | | - Silvano Mior
- Division of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Redman K, Steel K, Kelly V, Siegler J. Effects of a Rugby League Match Simulation on Decision-Making in Elite Junior Rugby League. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35:1972-1980. [PMID: 30664109 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Redman, K, Steel, K, Kelly, V, and Siegler, J. Effects of a rugby league match simulation on decision-making in elite junior rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1972-1980, 2021-The paucity of research on decision-making in Rugby league within the context of a match, and the potential for age and playing experience to influence decision-making ability, warrants further investigation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of a simulated rugby league match on decision-making in elite junior rugby league players. Twenty male junior rugby league players (age 15.9 ± 0.9 years, body mass 87.3 ± 14.3 kg, height 1.82 ± 0.07 m, playing experience 10.2 ± 2.4 years) completed a match simulation protocol that replicated the physiological demands of an elite junior rugby league match. Decision-making performance was measured prematch, midmatch, and postmatch simulation through a reactive agility test and video-based temporal occlusion task. Upper- and lower-body neuromuscular measures as well as ratings of perceived exertion were obtained before decision-making assessments to quantify fatigue. A 2-way mixed analysis of variance with Bonferroni corrections was used to assess changes during the simulation, and significance was accepted at p < 0.05. The main finding of this study was despite observing a decline in neuromuscular function during the match simulation protocol (countermovement jump declined 1.9 ± 0.6 cm [95% confidence intervals 0.4-3.5]; p < 0.05), this decline did not significantly affect decision-making performance (reactive agility test [p = 0.58]; temporal occlusion [p = 0.88]). These results suggest elite junior rugby league players are capable of sustaining performance during a progressively fatiguing match simulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellyanne Redman
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Performance Science Department, Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia ; and
| | - Kylie Steel
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia ; and
- The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Bankstown, Australia
| | - Vincent Kelly
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Performance Science Department, Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason Siegler
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia ; and
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kittel A, Larkin P, Elsworthy N, Spittle M. Transfer of 360° virtual reality and match broadcast video-based tests to on-field decision-making. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2020; 5:79-86. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2020.1802506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aden Kittel
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Australia
| | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Australia
- Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nathan Elsworthy
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Michael Spittle
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Internal and External Demands in Basketball Referees during the U-16 European Women's Championship. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183421. [PMID: 31540097 PMCID: PMC6765851 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The use of advanced technology to study the energy demands of sport participants during actual sport competition is an important current research direction. The purpose of this study was to identify the physiological, internal, and external demands placed on basketball referees using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, in relation to the period of the game. (2) Methods: The sample was comprised of nine international referees, and the data collection took place during the Women’s EuroBasket Sub-16 championship. Internal and external load were assessed through the inertial device WIMU PROTM, using UWB technology in order to quantify the effort exerted by each referee. The internal load was examined in relation to each individual’s heart rate (HR). The external load included the kinematic variables accelerations (Acc), decelerations (Dec), Acc/min, Dec/min, distance covered, steps, maximum speed (Vmax), average speed (Vavg), and speed zones, as well as the neuromuscular variables impacts (Imp), PlayerLoadTM (PLTM), PLTM/min, Metabolic Power (PMet), and PMet/min. (3) Results: The results exposed that referees work around 62% HRmax and spend more than 80% of the match at intensities between 0–12 km/h. The first period was the period in which the greatest work demand was experienced in relation to these neuromuscular outcomes (11.92 PL; 3.61 Met; 277 Impacts). The results revealed a diminishment of internal and external demands on the referees over the course of the game. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of monitoring and quantifying the workload of basketball officials, because doing so would allow for the establishment of individualized performance profiles that could be designed with the purpose of benefiting referee performance during games. The use of inertial devices allows for the objective quantification of referee workload under competitive circumstances.
Collapse
|
11
|
Using 360° virtual reality as a decision-making assessment tool in sport. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22:1049-1053. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
12
|
Riiser A, Andersen V, Sæterbakken A, Ylvisaker E, Moe VF. Running Performance and Position is Not Related to Decision-Making Accuracy in Referees. Sports Med Int Open 2019; 3:E66-E71. [PMID: 31428673 PMCID: PMC6697522 DOI: 10.1055/a-0958-8608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess if running performance is related to decision-making accuracy in referees. We also investigated the relationships between movement, position, decision-making and time of infringement. The study included 347 free kicks and penalties awarded during all 15 home field matches for one team in the Norwegian top league. Movement and position were measured by a radio-based positioning system, and two external experts analysed the video clips. The referees made the correct decision in 98% of the assessed foul situations. There were no associations between the correctness and running speed at the time of the infringements or total distance accumulated during the 30 s prior to the infringement (p>0.08). Decision-making accuracy was not associated with the referees’ position in relation to the infringements (p=0.82) or the area where the infringements occurred (p=0.28). Most foul play incidents were sanctioned in the central area of the field (84%) where the distance to the infringements was shorter (13.4 m, 95% CI 12.8–14.0) than in the lateral areas (21.9 m, 95% CI 20.4–23.4). Norwegian top referees were practically always right when they interfered, possess the necessary fitness to avoid fatigue that would influence decision-making accuracy, and maintain adequate positional ability throughout the matches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amund Riiser
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Campus Sogndal, Norway
| | - Vidar Andersen
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Campus Sogndal, Norway
| | - Atle Sæterbakken
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Campus Sogndal, Norway
| | - Einar Ylvisaker
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Campus Sogndal, Norway
| | - Vegard Fusche Moe
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Campus Sogndal, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Spencer K, Paget N, Farley ORL, Kilding AE. Activity Profile of Elite Netball Umpires During Match Play. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 34:2832-2839. [PMID: 31268992 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spencer, KN, Paget, N, Farley, ORL, and Kilding, AE. Activity profile of elite netball umpires during match play. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2832-2839, 2020-The study aimed to determine activity profiles of officials in elite netball. Physical demands of Load·min (au) representing accumulated accelerations by triaxial accelerometers during matches and exercise-to-rest ratio were measured using global positioning systems (Catapult, MinimaxX S4). Physiological demands were quantified by estimated equivalent distance and heart rate (HR) (MeanHR, percentage HRpeak, and HRzones) and movement variables (frequency, mean time, and percentage of total time) were coded using Sportscode Elite (Version 10, Hudl, Lincoln, Nebraska). Differences were analyzed by periods (Q1-Q4). Load·min (au) (M = 407 ± 66) significantly varied with time (F [3, 55] = 3.42, p = 0.02) and the highest percentage of exercise-to-rest performed in Q1 (21 ± 5%). Estimated equivalent distance (3,839 ± 614 m) varied significantly with time (F [3, 56] = 3.18, p = 0.03), the umpires spent longest duration of time (35%) in HRzone 3 (75-85% of HRpeak). Mean HR significantly decreased with time (p < 0.01; Q1 [157 ± 13], quarter 2 [156 ± 12], and Q4 [153 ± 14]). Umpires spent 77% in rest-recovery ratio movements and 23% of time exercise-to-rest ratio. In summary, netball umpiring is characterized by intermittent, short, high-intensity activity (sprinting, sidestepping, and turn to change direction), with increasing periods of rest-recovery (walking and standing).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Spencer
- Performance Analysis Research Group.,Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ); and.,School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha Paget
- School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Oliver R L Farley
- Performance Analysis Research Group.,Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ); and
| | - Andrew E Kilding
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ); and.,School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Corrigan SL, Dwyer DB, Harvey B, Gastin PB. The influence of match characteristics and experience on decision-making performance in AFL umpires. J Sci Med Sport 2018; 22:112-116. [PMID: 29958839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of match characteristics and elite level umpiring experience on the decision-making performance of umpires in the Australian Football League (AFL). DESIGN Cross Sectional Study. METHODS All decisions from the 2014 AFL home and away season made by 32 male AFL field umpires (age 33.1±5.0years, AFL umpire experience 122±105 matches) were classified by a panel of four expert umpire coaches into correct, missed and unwarranted categories. The 8001 decisions were then further categorised based on the match time, score differential, field location, home ground advantage, match attendance and elite level umpiring experience. Chi-square with standardised residuals and two-way analysis of variance were used to analyse the data. RESULTS Higher elite level umpiring experience and a larger score differential at the time of the decision resulted in improved decision-making accuracy. Home ground advantage, attendance and match time did not influence the decision-making performance of umpires. Impact averse decisions occurred in the back line of play, with umpires tending to be conservative with decisions that may impact the score. CONCLUSIONS Decisions that have an increased influence on an umpire's decision-making performance include score differential and elite umpiring experience. Implications on umpiring performance regarding the venue, attendance and the duration of a match were not apparent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Corrigan
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Australia.
| | - Dan B Dwyer
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Australia
| | - Briana Harvey
- AFL Umpiring Department, Australian Football League, Australia
| | - Paul B Gastin
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kittel A, Elsworthy N, Spittle M. Incorporating perceptual decision-making training into high-intensity interval training for Australian football umpires. J Sports Sci 2018; 37:29-35. [PMID: 29846131 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1480257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
Existing methods for developing decision-making skill for Australian football umpires separate the physical and perceptual aspects of their performance. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of incorporating video-based decision-making training during high-intensity interval training sessions, specific for Australian football umpires. 20 amateur Australian football umpires volunteered to participate in a randomised control trial. Participants completed an 8-week training intervention in a conditioning only (CON; n=7), combined video-based training and conditioning (COM; n=7), or separated conditioning and video-based training (SEP; n=6) group. Preliminary and post-testing involved a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-YoIR1), and 10x300m run test with an Australian football specific video-based decision-making task. Overall, changes in decision-making accuracy following the intervention were unclear between groups. SEP was possibly beneficial compared to COM in Yo-YoIR1 performance, whereas CON was likely beneficial compared to COM in 10x300m sprint performance. There was no additional benefit to completing video-based training, whether combined with, or separate to physical training, suggesting that this was not an optimal training method. For video-based training to be an effective decision-making tool, detailed feedback should be incorporated into training. It is recommended that longer conditioning and video-based training interventions be implemented to determine training effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aden Kittel
- a Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Nathan Elsworthy
- b School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences , Central Queensland University , Mackay , Australia
| | - Michael Spittle
- a Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Larkin P, Mesagno C, Berry J, Spittle M, Harvey J. Video-based training to improve perceptual-cognitive decision-making performance of Australian football umpires. J Sports Sci 2017; 36:239-246. [PMID: 28282740 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1298827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Decision-making is a central component of the in-game performance of Australian football umpires; however, current umpire training focuses largely on physiological development with decision-making skills development conducted via explicit lecture-style meetings with limited practice devoted to making actual decisions. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of a video-based training programme, aimed to provide a greater amount of contextualised visual experiences without explicit instruction, to improve decision-making skills of umpires. Australian football umpires (n = 52) were recruited from metropolitan and regional Division 1 competitions. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group and classified according to previous umpire game experience (i.e., experienced; less experienced). The intervention group completed a 12-week video-based decision-making training programme, with decision-making performance assessed at pre-training, and 1-week retention and 3-week retention periods. The control group did not complete any video-based training. Results indicated a significant Group (intervention; Control) × Test interaction (F(1, 100) = 3.98; P = 0.02, partial ῆ2 = 0.074), with follow-up pairwise comparisons indicating significant within-group differences over time for the intervention group. In addition, decision-making performance of the less experienced umpires in the intervention group significantly improved (F(2, 40) = 5.03, P = 0.01, partial ῆ2 = 0.201). Thus, video-based training programmes may be a viable adjunct to current training programmes to hasten decision-making development, especially for less experienced umpires.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Larkin
- a Faculty of Health , Federation University Australia , Ballarat , Australia
| | - Christopher Mesagno
- a Faculty of Health , Federation University Australia , Ballarat , Australia
| | - Jason Berry
- b Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Michael Spittle
- b Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia.,c College of Sport and Exercise Science , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Jack Harvey
- a Faculty of Health , Federation University Australia , Ballarat , Australia
| |
Collapse
|