League Competition Research Articles

Misconduct among Spanish grassroots soccer players: evidence for their management

ABSTRACT Purpose Identifying antisocial behaviour among child and youth players is crucial for managing and fostering a safe, supportive, and enjoyable sport. This study aimed to describe and analyse the disciplinary sanctions received by players in Spanish grassroots soccer competitions (6-18 years old). Methodology Referee records from 275,844 games across 1,401 league competitions during five subsequent seasons were examined using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test. Findings A total of 53,031 sanctions were documented, primarily mild (93.33%). The most common mild sanctions resulted from card accumulation (41.8%), double warning (24.5%), violent or dangerous play (6.5%), and contemptuous and inconsiderate attitudes towards referees (5.5%). Assaults (3.3%) and insults and serious offences (2.7%) received serious sanctions from referees. Severe sanctions (0.004%) were anecdotal. Furthermore, we found significantly (p < .05) more sanctions in 11-a-side soccer than in 8-a-side, in boys versus girls’ categories, and U18 and U15 boys’ groups compared to younger age categories. Practical implications The strategies adopted for improving sportsmanship should especially target players in the U18 and U15 male categories and those who are repeat offenders. Our findings can be used to guide the prevention and intervention efforts of all institutions and agents with responsibilities in children’s sports education.

Competitive Balance In NBA After Play-In Tournament and New Draft Rule

Sports leagues place significant importance on maintaining competitive balance, as it impacts demand and revenues. In the case of the NBA, efforts have been made to address tanking, a consequence of the reverse order player draft, in order to foster more competitive league, increase demand, and strengthen its economic position. The NBA implemented changes to the draft lottery rule and introduced the play-in tournament with the goal of improving the win rates of underperforming teams. This research aims to assess the impact of these modifications by examining NBA results through a quantitative study and utilising independent samples t-test. The findings indicate that weaker teams have achieved a higher number of wins since the implementation of the regulations. However, most of the results did not reach statistical significance, suggesting that the new regulations have not yet proven to be effective. It is important to note that the impact of these regulations may become more evident over time. Therefore, the study suggests that conducting further research in subsequent seasons would be valuable in order to obtain more reliable results. By doing so, a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of the regulations and their potential long-term implications can be gained.

Training injuries in elite men's senior and academy (Super League) rugby league; an analysis of 224,000 exposure-hours

ObjectivesReport two-years of training injury data in senior and academy professional rugby league. DesignProspective cohort study. MethodsMatch and training time-loss injuries and exposure data were recorded from two-seasons of the European Super League competition. Eleven/12 (2021) and 12/12 (2022) senior and 8/12 (2021) and 12/12 (2022) academy teams participated. Training injuries are described in detail and overall match injuries referred to for comparison only. Results224,000 training exposure hours were recorded with 293 injuries at the senior (mean [95 % confidence interval]; 3 [2–3] per 1000 h) and 268 academy level (2 [2–3] per 1000 h), accounting for 31 % and 40 % of all injuries (i.e., matches and training). The severity of training injuries (senior: 35 [30–39], academy: 36 [30–42] days-lost) was similar to match injuries. Lower-limb injuries had the greatest injury incidence at both levels (senior: 1.85 [1.61–2.12], academy: 1.28 [1.08–1.51] per 1000 h). Head injuries at the academy level had greater severity (35 [25–45] vs. 18 [12–14] days-lost; p < 0.01) and burden (17 [16–18] vs. 4 [4–5] days-lost per 1000 h; p = 0.02) than senior level. At the senior level, the incidence of contact injuries was lower than non-contact injuries (risk ratio: 0.29 [0.09–0.88], p = 0.02). ConclusionsTraining injuries accounted for about a third of injuries, with similar injury severity to match-play. Within training there is a higher rate of non-contact vs. contact injuries. Whilst current injury prevention interventions target matches, these data highlight the importance of collecting high quality training injury data to develop and evaluate injury prevention strategies in training.

Misconduct of Spanish grassroots soccer coaches through referees’ reports: Variability by match format, age category, sex, and severity

This study aimed to describe and analyse the disciplinary sanctions received by grassroots soccer coaches in the Valencian Community (Spain) over five seasons. Specific objectives included determining the influence of format (8-a-side or 11-a-side), age (U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, and U18), sex category (male or female), and sanction severity (mild [one to four matches] or serious [five matches to a full season]). A study was conducted based on referees’ records from 275,844 games played in 1401 league competitions during five subsequent seasons between 2014 and 2019 in Valencia (Spain). A total of 3563 sanctions were recorded by matchday referees, with the majority being minor offences (92.93%) and most being imposed on 11-a-side soccer coaches (87%). The most frequent reasons for sanctions pertained to protests to referees (28%); dismissal due to double reprimands (26.40%); contemptuous and inconsiderate attitudes towards referees, including insults and threats (19.53%); and direct sending-offs (8.84%). Significantly more mild sanctions were found than serious ones, with more sanctions emerging in the 11-a-side soccer than in the 8-a-side soccer and the men's category compared to the women's category. Finally, we found significantly more sanctions in the U18 men's category compared to all other younger age categories and in the U15 men's category compared to the U7, U9 and U9-U11 female categories (p &lt; .05).

Sports failures and stock returns between rationality and emotionality: Evidence from the UEFA Champions League

The paper explores the relationships between sports performance and financial performance in football, with a focus on the UEFA Champions League competition games. Conducting an Event Study Analysis on games of eighteen listed football companies taking part in the UEFA Champions League from 2006, the paper finds that the exit from the competition produced a negative statistically significant impact on the stock returns of listed football companies. A double, mixed and contrasting effect co-exists: the rational and the emotional (sentiment). On the one hand, investors rationally evaluate the sports failures by considering the teams' realistic chances of success. On the other hand, certain emotional aspects are important in investors' decisions. The emotional part is also present in variables originally expected to be rational.

Meta-analysis of the effects of VAR on goals scored and home advantage in football

Video assistant referee (VAR) has been introduced to elite football (soccer) to avoid clear and obvious mistakes, especially for goal scoring situations. Some literature has reported on VAR’s impact on the game across particular league competitions. The current study meta-analysed data across two seasons (pre-VAR and post-VAR) from 20 competitions ( n = 9076 matches; men’s domestic leagues and both men’s and women’s international tournaments) to examine the overall impact that VAR initially had on number of goals scored, and the extent of inter-competition heterogeneity. A secondary aim was to determine any VAR-associated reduction in home advantage for goals scored, mean result direction and match closeness. Findings demonstrated that there were no overall statistically significant nor meaningful differences between pre and post-VAR seasons/competitions for total number of goals scored per match. Similarly, there were no VAR-associated reductions in home advantage in terms of goals scored, mean result direction and closeness of match outcome. There was moderate heterogeneity for some comparisons, and VAR lessened inter-competition variance for number of goals scored and match score closeness. Implications of findings are discussed. As the largest VAR-focused study and the first to use meta-analytic approach, the current findings are the most comprehensive and definitive to date.

The results of the performances of Ukrainian athletes at the international competitions of the premier karate league

Studying the results of the participation of karate athletes of different age categories in international competitions is a significant argument in the development of karate. Studying the results of the participation of Ukrainian karate players in the championships of Ukraine, Europe and the World to identify directions and tasks for the further development of karate. Purpose: to establish indicators of the performance of Ukrainian karatekas at the competitions of the Premier Karate League (WKF version) during 2018−2022. Methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of data, analysis of documentary materials, methods of mathematical statistics. The research used the method of analysis of documentary materials for the analysis of protocols, provisions, regulations of competitions. Analyzed during 2018-2022: Premier League: 2018 – Istanbul, Dubai, Paris; 2019 – Paris, Dubai, Rabat, Shanghai, Tokyo, Moscow, Madrid; 2020 – Paris, Dubai, Salzburg, Rabat, Madrid; 2021 – Lisbon, Baku, Morocco, moscow; 2022 – Fujikura, Matosinshos, Rabat, Baku, Los Angeles. The results were studied in the weight categories -60, -67, -75, -84, 84+ among men; -50, -55, -61, -68, 68+ among women. The results. Participating in Premier Karate League competitions is important for athletes as it allows them to gain rating points and improve their position in the WKF World Ranking. The most successful Ukrainian athletes at the Premier League competitions are A. Terlyuga (-55 kg) and S. Horuna from Lviv (-75 kg). They regularly choose prize places at these competitions, including gold medals. Ukrainian athletes in the -50 kg weight category also performed successfully: K. Kryva; -61 kg. A. Seryogin and O. Sholokhova; D. Shostak (from Lviv); -68 kg H. Melnyk; +68 kg A. Stepashko, was repeatedly awarded the prize-winner of the Premier League competition. only that man in weight categories -75 kg - A. Zaplitny; -84 kg V. Chobotar and +84 kg R. Talibov, also choose prize places at the most accepted regular competitions. Conclusions. The training of karate athletes is a multi-component system, all parts of which are in complex interaction. During the years 2018–2022, representatives of Ukraine systematically take prize places in the most prestigious and ranking series of competitions of the Premier Karate League.

The Efficiency of Romanian Players, Compared Between the Two National Competitions: Romanian Cup and National League, During the 2021-2022 Season

Premises: Completing this kind of research is making it easier to gather, process and analyse these types of data to create a database that would house all the information related to the players' behaviour and tendencies and help coaches take objective decisions in real time during games. Subject of research: All data and analysis were completed based on three Romanian players, part of the U-BT Cluj-Napoca basketball team, during the 2021-2022 season, and their performance in both the Romanian Cup and the National League competitions. Method: The research was completed based on main and relevant reference points from the already published literature. Data collection was done through examination and recording of key parameters specific to the game of basketball. The subsequent analysis of data was completed utilizing statistical and mathematical methods. Hypothesis: Documenting and understanding the various tendencies within their play for the members within the team are critical for a coach to be able to make robust decisions. Comparing and studying the player's performances and results in competition games allows for a better, realistic appreciation of each player's contribution and role within the team, which in turn makes the coach’s decisions optimal. Results: The statistics for the young Romanian players (U23) – shooting percentages, offensive and defensive rebounds, interceptions, blocks, assists, turnovers, points scored are presented and analysed. Based on that, a comparative model was completed regarding the performance of the Romanian players in the respective two national competitions: Romanian Cup and National League, that have different rules related to number and presence of Romanian players in the game, throughout the game. In the Romanian Cup, the rule says that each team must play with two (2) Romanian players on the field for the entire game, of which at least one is under 23 years old, compared to the National League where the rule says that each team should play with at least one (1) Romanian player on the field the entire game, and additionally the player should be under 23 years old during the 1st and 2nd quarter and the 2nd quarter. Conclusion: Observing, recording, processing, and analysing data/statistics of the game provides the coach with objective data which he can use to better know the players, the overall evolution of the team and thus make more correct decisions during games. The comparative analysis of the data shows that, in the Romanian Cup, the players have a better game performance, due to the more playing time compared to the National League, where the playing time is reduced by half. By adopting the rules used in the Romanian Cup, the efficiency of young players increases, thus contributing to raising the value of the team and implicitly to increasing the value of native players for representative teams. Keywords: basketball, players, men, Cluj-Napoca, Romanian Cup, National League.

학교스포츠클럽 리그대회 참여가 중학생의 회복탄력성과 학교생활적응에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of participation in a school sports club league competition on middle school students' resilience and adjustment to school. For this study, we surveyed 371 middle school students who were involved in school sports clubs about their resilience and adjustment to school, Frequency analysis, one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression, and correlation analysis were performed on the survey results. The results of the study showed that participation in school sports club league competitions had a significant effect on middle school students' resilience and adjustment to school. In addition, the resilience of middle school students who participated in school sports club league competitions had a significant effect on school adjustment. These results suggest that school sports club league competitions should be utilized to promote school adjustment among middle school students.

Sailing league problems

AbstractWe describe a class of combinatorial design problems which typically occur in professional sailing league competitions. We discuss connections to resolvable block designs and equitable coverings and to scheduling problems in operations research. We in particular give suitable boolean quadratic and integer linear optimization problem formulations, as well as further heuristics and restrictions, that can be used to solve sailing league problems in practice. We apply those techniques to three case studies obtained from real sailing leagues and compare the results with previously used tournament plans.

EVALUATION STUDY MENPORA CUP WOMEN’S U-17 TIERED LEAGUE COMPETITION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 2019 Menpora Cup Women’s U-17 Tiered League Competition Program. This study used a qualitative technique with an evaluation approach using the Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP) model. The method of collecting data is triangulation using questionnaires, interviews, document studies and observation. The result of the research show that in: (1) Context Evaluation: has a very strong legal basis and government policy, with good intentions and goals, but not yet targeted. (2) Input evaluation: participants, organization, financing and committee have not been carried out properly and need to be improved in accordance with the development of the Menpora Cup Women’s U-17 tiered league competition every year. (3) Process Evaluation: sporting competition rules that must always be updated in accordance with football developments, competition implementation still needs to be maximized properly. (4) Product Evaluation: increasing public participation and interest in organizing the Menpora Cup Women’s U-17 tiered league competition every year, the role of the media in publication and promotion of sports to the community is increasingly being expanded, and efforts to find potential sports athletes from the community that need to be developed optimized. However, athletes’ achievements have not contributed much to world-class achievements.

Understanding elite rugby league players’ experience of collision, effective contact coaching techniques, and player contact psychology: A focus group study

ABSTRACT The current study performed a series of online focus groups to understand elite rugby league players’ experiences of collision. Eighteen rugby league players comprising different playing positions from four teams were recruited to participate in a series of online focus groups, via the Microsoft Team’s platform, facilitated by a moderator. Players were competing in Europe’s elite rugby league competition, the European Super League (ESL), during the 2021 season. All focus group data were transcribed, coded and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis guide to ensure robust exploring, interpreting and reporting through pattern-based analysis. The findings are split into five key themes: 1) the three-man tackle – the perceived optimal defensive strategy with simultaneous contact, 2) not all collisions are the same; matchplay events change the collision intensity, 3) bracing and blindsiding – two factors that influence experiences of collision and concussion, 4) coaching philosophies and orientations, 5) psychological readiness for collision. Collision sports have an inherent risk of injury; however, in some players’ subjective experiences, there are collision types that have a greater association with risk or intensity (blind-sided collisions or long closing distances). It is essential that future research comprehends the effects of these collision types and the further themes.

Countermovement Jump Performance in Elite Senior Male Kabaddi Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the peak power and relative peak power output between raiders and defenders in professional kabaddi players using the counter movement jump test. Method: A total of 16 professional male kabaddi players, evenly split into 8 raiders, and 8 defenders with an average kabaddi experience of 6 years (aged 22.5 ± 3.1 years, height 175.1 ± 6.3cm and weight 78.7 ± 0.5kg) participated in this study. A counter movement jump test on a force platform was performed to determine their power output values along with their whole-body composition analysis. All players have played in national, international, or pro league competitions. During their 8-week pre-season camp in September–October 2022, these athletes trained and were tested at Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary, India. Results: The results indicated that there is no significant difference in peak power output with respect to a Kabaddi player’s playing position or training age. But a significant positive correlation (p=0.039) was established between lean body mass and relative peak power output. Conclusion: The current study suggests that peak power production from the countermovement leap test may be a good way to measure explosive leg power in kabaddi athletes. Kabaddi raiders and defenders have similar vertical jump height, peak power, and relative peak power. Years of kabaddi experience did not affect countermovement jump test variables. According to the study, all kabaddi players have similar physiological demands.

Approaching flexible production with planning methods

AbstractFlexible production systems are becoming more and more important for the industry. Higher requirements for flexibility in the production process demand further improvements in regards to flexible automation. In this perspective, the RoboCup Logistics League competition was designed to provide a testbed for dynamic production domains. The related challenges range from robust navigation over manipulation to efficient production scheduling. In this paper, we provide an update on how the team GRIPS approches the flexible production challenge using modern planning methods. This includes a new long-term planning and scheduling strategy as well as a hierarchical structure which further develops such plans into Behavior Trees.

O.5.1-7 Travel patterns and CO2 emissions of recreational league play in football and handball in Germany - an explorative study

Abstract Purpose Recreational sports are commonly recommended for their health-enhancing effects. But broadening the perspective on planetary health raises the question of how they impact the environment. While there is a body of evidence on the impacts of professional sports on planetary health, there is currently a lack of studies investigating the sustainability of grassroots level sports, in particular team sports in recreational leagues. This study set out to explore travel patterns in different recreational leagues in the sports of football and handball in Germany. Methods We derived data including club location and game schedules for amateur football and handball teams in the region of Erlangen, Germany, from official websites of sport federations. Using google maps, we calculated the travel distances for every match-up in season 2022/23 and highlighted the distribution of teams in divisions by mapping. Results Even on a low recreational level, significant travel distances are accrued by teams over a season. In general, playing in a more competitive league results in longer travel distances for football teams. On average, women teams cover longer travel distances compared to men’s teams. Playing handball results in more travel compared to playing football. The current set-up of divisions can be improved to limit travel distances. Conclusions Despite some limitations (e.g., number of included divisions or difficulty translating the distances into CO2 emissions), this investigation sheds light on the environmental impact of recreational league play. The sheer number of sports teams suggests the importance of investigating recreational league play and supporting sport federations to optimize game schedules to limit travel emissions. Funding Source The study was not funded.

Incidence of concussion in men's Super League, Championship, and Academy rugby league matches between 2016 and 2022

ObjectivesTo quantify the incidence of concussion and compare between playing levels in male rugby league. DesignRetrospective cohort. MethodsBetween 2016 and 2022, medically diagnosed concussions in Super League, Championship, and Academy competitions were reported to the Rugby Football League via club medical staff. Anonymised data were analysed using generalised linear mixed-effects models by season, month, and between competitions. ResultsOverall, 1403 concussions were identified from 104,209 player-match hours. Concussion incidence for Super League, Championship, and Academy was 15.5, 10.5, and 14.3 per 1000 player-match hours, respectively. Championship concussion incidence was significantly lower than the Super League (p < 0.001) and Academy (p < 0.001). No significant differences were identified between years for Super League (range: 13.3 to 18.8 per 1000 player-match hours) and Championship (range: 8.4 to 12.1 per 1000 player-match hours). In Academy (range: 9.6 to 20.5 per 1000 player-match hours), concussion incidence was significantly greater in 2021 compared to earlier years (2016, p = 0.01 and 2017, p = 0.03). No significant differences were identified between months for any competition. ConclusionsThe incidence of concussion is greater in Super League and Academy compared to the Championship. Academy concussion incidence has increased over time. Different factors between and within competitions, such as changes to medical standards and knowledge, could have influenced the identification and diagnosis of concussion.

Singular value decomposition entropy of the standing matrix for quantifying competitiveness of soccer leagues

Singular value decomposition entropy of the standing matrix for quantifying competitiveness of soccer leagues

End-to-End Approach for Autonomous Driving: A Supervised Learning Method Using Computer Vision Algorithms for Dataset Creation

This paper presents a solution for an autonomously driven vehicle (a robotic car) based on artificial intelligence using a supervised learning method. A scaled-down robotic car containing only one camera as a sensor was developed to participate in the RoboCup Portuguese Open Autonomous Driving League competition. This study is based solely on the development of this robotic car, and the results presented are only from this competition. Teams usually solve the competition problem by relying on computer vision algorithms, and no research could be found on neural network model-based assistance for vehicle control. This technique is commonly used in general autonomous driving, and the amount of research is increasing. To train a neural network, a large number of labelled images is necessary; however, these are difficult to obtain. In order to address this problem, a graphical simulator was used with an environment containing the track and the robot/car to extract images for the dataset. A classical computer vision algorithm developed by the authors processes the image data to extract relevant information about the environment and uses it to determine the optimal direction for the vehicle to follow on the track, which is then associated with the respective image-grab. Several trainings were carried out with the created dataset to reach the final neural network model; tests were performed within a simulator, and the effectiveness of the proposed approach was additionally demonstrated through experimental results in two real robotics cars, which performed better than expected. This system proved to be very successful in steering the robotic car on a road-like track, and the agent’s performance increased with the use of supervised learning methods. With computer vision algorithms, the system performed an average of 23 complete laps around the track before going off-track, whereas with assistance from the neural network model the system never went off the track.

Physical Performance and Mobility Tests Using Telehealth: A Feasibility Study With Athletes.

Physical performance tests (PPTs) and mobility tests have been widely used in sports rehabilitation. However, the feasibility of PPTs and mobility tests via telehealth is unknown. To verify the feasibility of PPTs and mobility tests to assess athletes via telehealth. This is a feasibility study. Athletes enrolled in a sports team or club for at least 2years and with previous enrollment in a competitive league were recruited through advertisements on social media. The athletes included in this study (mean age = 25.9y, from different sports) performed a battery of PPTs and mobility tests for the lower-extremity or upper-extremity and trunk, according to their sport modality. The feasibility was assessed with recruitment, success, and dropout rates. In addition, athletes' perceptions of easiness, satisfaction, and safety during the lower-extremity or upper-extremity and trunk PPTs and mobility tests were assessed. Seventy-three athletes were included, between January and April 2021: 41 were allocated tothe lower-extremity and 32 to the upper-extremity and trunk PPTs and mobility test, according to their sports modality. The overall dropout rate was 20.55%; >89% of the athletes agreed that the PPTs and mobility tests via telehealth were easy to perform, >78% were satisfied, and >75% felt safe during the assessments. This study indicated that these 2 batteries of performance and mobility tests via telehealth are feasible to assess the lower and upper-extremities, and the trunk of athletes, considering the adherence, athletes' perception of easiness, satisfaction, and safety.

Monitoring the physical demands of training in Rugby League: The practices and perceptions of practitioners

ABSTRACT The physical demands of elite sport are often monitored with the aim of making evidence-based decisions to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. However, there is limited evidence in rugby league of the monitoring practices and perspectives of practitioners. This study provides a cross-sectional view of practices and perspectives of rugby league practitioners engaged in monitoring the physical demands of training. Practitioners from the Super League, Championship and National Rugby League competitions completed an online survey. Questions related to the tools and measures used to monitor training, along with perceptions of monitoring effectiveness. ‘Enhancing performance’ was considered the most important factor for monitoring training demands with most practitioners using some form of time motion analysis (e.g. GPS) or accelerometers. Nearly all practitioners combined objective external measures of exercise intensity with subjective measures, of which RPE was most common. The monitoring parameters considered most useful were running metrics (high-speed running, total distance covered, and the number of accelerations). Findings suggest that current practices are mostly supported by evidence from research. There was a preference for internal load monitoring tools that are quick and simple, such as RPE. The extent to which training load was monitored was lesser in some Championship teams compared to those in the other competitions, which might be explained by discrepancies in funding and access to players.