Elite Gaelic Football Research Articles

An expected shot outcome model for points in elite Gaelic football

ABSTRACT This study develops a logistic regression model to predict the likelihood of scoring a point in Gaelic football based on shot characteristics. A total of 3537 shots from 67 elite inter-county games in 2019 are analysed. The findings indicate that shot distance, pressure, type (open play/dead ball), side and team level are significant predictors in the model with shots from open play significantly less likely to result in scores than shots from dead ball situations. Pressure is found to be a key to the model with the model indicating that taking a shot under high pressure as compared to low pressure is similar to taking the shot from approximately 9 m further away. Also, interaction effects between shot type and distance, type and angle, and side and method are found to be significant with the outcome that shots from the left side of the field with the right foot are most likely to be successful. The variation in the difference between expected and actual scores for games is found to be similar across team levels.

Predictive analysis of ratings of perceived exertion in elite Gaelic football.

This study aimed to compare the predictive accuracy of absolute and relative external load indices (ELI) across three machine learning models, and predict the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of elite Gaelic football players using ELI, personal characteristics, wellness scores, and training workloads. ELI and related variables were collected from 49 elite Gaelic football players over three competitive seasons resulting in 1617 observations. ELI included total distance, high speed running distance (≥ 4.72 m · s-1), and number of accelerations and decelerations (n ± 3 m · s-2), expressed in both absolute and relative terms. Variables related to personal characteristics, wellness scores, and training workloads were also included. Data were analysed using decision tree, random forest (RF), and bootstrap aggregation (BS) models. The RF model had the highest predictive accuracy using absolute and relative ELI only, at 54.3% and 48.3%, respectively. Total and relative distance were the strongest predictors of RPE in the RF model, accounting for 38.8% and 27.9% of the normalised importance. The BS model had the highest accuracy at 67.0% and 65.2% for absolute and relative ELI when performed in conjunction with the related variables, respectively. The current models demonstrate potential to predict RPE and subsequently optimise training load in Gaelic football.

Competitive level differences in the activity profile of elite Gaelic football referees

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare the activity profile of elite Gaelic football referees (GFR) between the National Football League (NFL) and the All-Ireland Championship (AIC), and across the four divisions of the NFL and three phases of the AIC. Match activity data was collected during 125 NFL and 201 AIC games using 10-Hz global positioning system technology from 41 elite GFR. Game duration, total distance, very low-speed movement (<0.70 m·s−1), walking (≥0.70–1.65 m·s−1), low-speed running (≥1.66–3.27 m·s−1), moderate-speed running (≥3.28–4.86 m·s−1), high-speed running (≥4.87–6.48 m·s−1), very high-speed running (≥6.49 m·s−1) distance, and peak running speed were compared between competitions. Games in the AIC were longer than in the NFL (ES = 0.59) but the total distance was similar between the NFL (119.6 ± 9.5 m·min−1) and AIC (122.6 ± 8.4 m·min−1, ES = 0.11). No other differences were found between the NFL and AIC or across the four divisions of the NFL and three phases of the AIC, except for a higher peak running speed during the All-Ireland Series (6.93 ± 0.52 m·s−1) than the All-Ireland Qualifiers (6.65 ± 0.46 m·s−1, ES = 0.35). This information can be used to design specific conditioning programmes to ensure optimal physical development of GFR at all competitive levels.

A transition game? A comparative analysis of possession usage following turnovers in elite Gaelic football

ABSTRACT Almost half of all possessions in elite Gaelic football originate from turnovers. However, understanding of what constitutes a successful possession following a turnover is limited. This study provides the first comprehensive performance profiles for closely contested Senior men’s intercounty knockout championship matches (final score deficit, ≤6 points), and characterises successful possessions following a turnover. Twenty-nine knockout matches from the 2020 and 2021 All-Ireland Senior Football Championships, including 1,257 possessions following a turnover, were analysed. Statistical differences between winning and losing performances were identified using paired sample t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) and Wilcoxon signed ranked tests (p ≤ 0.05). Binary logistic regression was used to model possession outcome following a turnover. Findings revealed that winning teams were significantly superior to losing teams in securing and retaining possession and demonstrated greater efficiency and productivity in converting possession into scores. Binary logistic regression identified possession duration and the number of attacking phases per possession as the most significant predictors of possession outcome. Prolonged possessions consisting of fewer attacking phases also resulted in a greater score return. These findings enhance existing theoretical understanding of the nature of possessions in Gaelic football and may have practical implications for coaches and performance analysts.

The Effects of a Weighted Football Intervention on Ball Velocity of a Standard Football Place-Kick among Elite Gaelic Football Goalkeepers: A Single-Subject Designed Study.

Weighted football place-kicking acutely enhances the ball velocity (BV) of subsequent standard football place-kicks. However, there is a dearth of research examining the long-term effects of such interventions, with less evidence in existence among elite athlete cohorts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the individual effects of a 4 week, eight-session weighted Gaelic football intervention on BV of standard Gaelic football place-kicks among six elite male Gaelic football goalkeepers. This research design was based on a pre-, mid-, post-, and retention-test design. A linear mixed model analysis was employed, with time and participants as fixed effects, and the number of place-kicks per testing session as a random effect. Post hoc tests revealed significant changes in BV for five of the six participants (p < 0.05), with three participants experiencing significant BV increases from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found between post-test and retention-test. The remaining three participants experienced no significant BV differences from pre-test to post-test and retention-test. These findings suggest that a weighted football place-kicking intervention can be a time-efficient means of maintaining and enhancing BV and, thus, kick distance, among elite goalkeepers during pre-season and in-season phases.

The epidemiology of back injuries in elite Gaelic football athletes: An 8-year prospective study

ObjectivesTo describe the epidemiology of back injury in elite male Gaelic football athletes between 2008 and 2016. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingInjury data from the National GAA Injury Surveillance Database. ParticipantsElite male Gaelic football athletes. Main outcome measuresIncidence of injury as a rate per 1000 h of exposure. Results38 datasets were analysed. Out of a total of 1606 time-loss injuries, 76 were back injuries (4.73%, 95% CI 3.80%–5.88%). The incidence of back injuries in match play was 1.72 (CI 95% 1.21 to 2.45) and in training was 0.2 (CI 95% 0.14 to 0.28) injuries per 1000 h of exposure. The majority of back injuries (63.16%, CI 95% 51.93–73.12) were new, as opposed to recurrent (35.53% CI 95% 25.7–46.74). Most back injuries were acute (51.32%, CI 95% 40.29–62.22), compared to chronic (31.58%, CI 95% 22.23–42.7) or overuse (11.84%, CI 95% 6.36–21.00). The majority of back injuries occurred during non-contact player activities (n = 60, 78.94% CI 95% 68.50–86.60). ConclusionsBack injury rates in Gaelic football are similar to soccer and Australian football but less than rugby union. Further research is needed to understand the factors leading to the onset and recurrence of back injury in Gaelic football athletes.

The Association between Pre-season Running Loads and Injury during the Subsequent Season in Elite Gaelic Football.

The aim of this study was to determine if the quantity of running load performed in pre-season affects the incidence of injury in elite Gaelic footballers. It was hypothesized that a greater quantity of running loads completed will reduce the incidence rate of injury. A cohort of elite male Gaelic football players (n = 25) was prospectively monitored throughout one full season. This longitudinal study involved the collection of GPS data and injury data. Participants were retrospectively divided into two groups and assigned to a high (HTL, completed >50% of pre-season sessions, n = 13) or low (LTL, completed <50% of pre-season sessions, n = 12) training load group based on the percentage of pre-season sessions completed. Data for total distance, PlayerLoad™, meters covered at running speeds (4.0–4.84 m/s), meters covered at high running speeds (4.85–6.39 m/s), meters covered at sprint speeds (>6.4 m/s) and high-intensity running meters (high-speed running meters and sprint meters combined) were collected during all sessions. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was completed to understand the variation of external training load data across the different phases of the season. A series of repeated measures of ANOVA were subsequently completed to understand the variation of external training load data across seasonal phases within the training groups. Although the LTL group had a higher incidence rate of non-contact injuries (large effect size) per 1000 h of exposure in each phase of the season, statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference (F = 4.32, p = 0.173, partial η2 = 0.684, large) between the HTL (14.9 ± 4.17/1000 h) and the LTL (24.5 ± 7.36/1000 h) groups. Additionally, the HTL group was able to sustain greater running loads in the competitive phases of the season compared to the LTL group, total distance (F = 8.10, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.299, large), high-speed running distance (F = 8.74, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.304, large) and high-intensity running distance (F = 7.63, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.276, large). Furthermore, players who complete a greater proportion of running loads in pre-season may alter their body composition levels to more optimal levels, which in turn may reduce the risk of injury while also helping increase or maintain performance-related fitness markers such as aerobic fitness.

Activity profile of elite Gaelic football referees during competitive match play

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the activity profile of elite Gaelic football referees (GFR) and to examine temporal changes between the first and second half and across the four quarters. Global positioning systems technology (10-Hz) was used to collect activity data during 202 competitive games from 23 elite GFR. Relative distance, peak running speed and relative distance covered in six movement categories [very low-speed movement (VLSM) (<0.70 m·s−1), walking (≥0.70–1.65 m·s−1), low-speed running (LSR) (≥1.66–3.27 m·s−1), moderate-speed running (MSR) (≥3.28–4.86 m·s−1), high-speed running (HSR) (≥4.87–6.48 m·s−1), very high-speed running (VHSR) (≥6.49 m·s−1)] were examined during the full game, first and second half, and across the four quarters. The relative distance covered was 122.6 ± 8.4 m·min−1, with 13.1 ± 4.9 m·min−1 of HSR and VHSR. The peak running speed was 6.75 ± 0.49 m·s−1. The relative (ES=0.60), MSR (ES=0.50) and HSR (ES=0.14) distance was higher in the first half than the second half. A higher relative (ES=0.62–0.91) and HSR (ES=0.51–0.61) distance was found in the first quarter than any other period. No differences in HSR distance were found between the second, third and fourth quarters (ES=0.04–0.10). This study provides, for the first time, a detailed insight into the activity profile of elite GFR during competitive games and demonstrates the demanding, intermittent nature of elite refereeing in Gaelic football. This information may be used as a framework for coaches to design training programmes specific to GFR.

Variability and accuracy of body fat estimates using skinfolds and DXA in elite Gaelic football players: a validation study and development of novel prediction equations

Variability and accuracy of body fat estimates using skinfolds and DXA in elite Gaelic football players: a validation study and development of novel prediction equations

How do situational variables, related to shooting, in elite Gaelic football impact shot success?

Analysis of 3926 shots from the 2019 Senior inter-county football championship aims to establish the impact of distance, angle, shot type, method and pressure on shot success. Findings demonstrate that shots from free kicks contribute 20.5% of the total attempts in Gaelic football, with a success rate of 75%, in contrast to 50% success of shots from open play. Moreover, the range from which free kick success is &gt;57.6% accuracy extends to 40 m, while from open play this is passed at a range of 28 m. There were almost twice as many right foot shots (64.4%) compared with the left foot (32.4%), with right foot attempts marginally more accurate. Shots under low pressure were most successful, while those under medium pressure were less successful than those under high pressure, albeit taken from an average distance of 7.5 m closer to the target. A logistic regression model to explore the impact of all variables on shot outcome demonstrates the significance of shot distance, angle and pressure on the kicker, as well as whether shots are taken with the hand or foot. This research provides an important step in understanding the scale of the impact of a range of variables on shot success in Gaelic football while simultaneously providing an initial model to predict the shot outcome based on these variables.

Barriers and Facilitators to Mental Health Help-Seeking in Elite Gaelic Footballers Post-Injury: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Purpose: Injury can exacerbate mental health issues in athletes. However, the prevalence of mental health issues is not equivalent to the rate of professional help-seeking, with reluctance to seek-help acknowledged as one of the greatest obstacles in efficient management of mental health issues. The current study aimed to examine perceived barriers and facilitators to professional mental health help-seeking in elite male and female Gaelic footballers post-injury. Methods: Male (n = 14) and female (n = 12) elite Gaelic footballers, with a history of moderate or severe injury, were recruited to participate in a focus group. Group discussions began with a written task where participants noted perceived barriers to help-seeking followed by a group discussion of these barriers. Following discussion, participants ranked identified barriers in order of those perceived as most important in stopping a player from seeking help when experiencing mental health issues post-injury. All three tasks were repeated for help-seeking facilitators. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed and thematically analyzed. Results: Lack of education, stigma, negative attitudes to help-seeking and accessibility issues were identified as key barriers to help-seeking among elite Gaelic footballers. Education, the attitudes and actions of others and accessibility were perceived as factors facilitating help-seeking. Conclusions: Given the negative psychological responses that can accompany injury, there is a need for facilitation and encouragement of help-seeking among players experiencing mental health issues post-injury. Interventions for reducing the barriers to help-seeking identified in the current study are necessary.

The influence of opposition quality on team performance indicators in elite Gaelic football

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to assess if opposition quality influences the technical performance of lower-ranked Gaelic football teams. Over a three-year period (2016–2018), nine teams from Tier 3 were assessed on their technical performance levels over 50 matches. Teams were split into three groups according to team rating determined objectively using the Elo Ratings System for Gaelic football (Tier 1 (n = 14) (>1500 points, highest ranking), Tier 2 (n = 17) (1200–1499 points) and Tier 3 (n = 19) (<1200 points)). Teams in Tier 3 are of the same ranking as the “lower ranked teams”. A series of 1-Way ANOVA’s examined differences in technical performance comparing the lower ranked teams to all 3 tiers, where both significance and effect size were considered. There was a non-significant difference found when comparing the lower ranked teams with all three tiers for all variables (all P > 0.05). For both successful hand-passes (ƞ2 = 0.140) and long kick-outs lost (ƞ2 = 0.213), all tiers had a large effect. Between tiers, long kick-outs lost (d = 1.77) was the only large effect noted and occurred when the lower ranked teams played Tier 1 teams. The current study gives an insight to coaches of what parameters in the game are influenced by the opposition.

Identification of movement categories and associated velocity thresholds for elite Gaelic football and hurling referees

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to generate movement category velocity thresholds for elite Gaelic football (GF) and hurling referees using a two-stage unsupervised clustering technique. Activity data from 41 GF and 38 hurling referees was collected using global positioning system technology during 338 and 221 competitive games, respectively. The elbow method was used in stage one to identify the number of movement categories in the datasets. In stage two, the respective velocity thresholds for each category were identified using spectral clustering. The efficacy of these thresholds was examined using a regression analysis performed between the median of each of the velocity thresholds and the raw velocity data. Five velocity thresholds were identified for both GF and hurling referees (mean ± standard deviation: GF referees; 0.70±0.09, 1.66±0.19, 3.28±0.41, 4.87±0.61, 6.49±0.50 m·s−1; hurling referees; 0.69±0.11, 1.60±0.25, 3.09±0.52, 4.63±0.58, 6.35±0.43 m·s−1). With the exception of the lowest velocity threshold, all other thresholds were significantly higher for GF referees. The newly generated velocity thresholds were more strongly associated with the raw velocity data than traditional generic categories. The provision of unique velocity thresholds will allow applied practitioners to better quantify the activity profile of elite GF and hurling referees during training and competition.

Anthropometric and performance profile of elite Gaelic football players comparing position and role

There is currently no information available on the variation in anthropometric and performance characteristics of starters and non-starters in elite Gaelic football. The aim of the current study was to determine if variations exist for elite male Gaelic football players with respect to position and playing role (starter or non-starter). One-hundred-and-sixty-two footballers from six elite teams underwent anthropometric and performance assessments. Players were categorised into six positional groups (goalkeeper, full back, half back, midfield, half forward and full forward) and two playing role groups (starter and non-starter). A significant position × role interaction was observed for Yo-YoIRT1 distance (p = 0.031, pη2 = 0.078), with starters covering a greater distance in all positions when compared to non-starters (all p < 0.05), except for half backs. Goalkeepers covered a significantly lower Yo-YoIRT1 distance compared to all other positions (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35), while half backs completed a significantly greater distance compared to full backs (p = 0.014, pη2 = 0.35) and full forwards (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35). Starters had a significantly greater CMJ height (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.082) and CMJ PP (p = 0.001, pη2 = 0.08) compared to non-starters. This research is the first of its kind within Gaelic football to provide anthropometric and performance values with respect to playing role. The data obtained may aid coaches to individualize training regimes to enhance role-specific preparation for competitive match-play.

Exploring Sports Nutrition Knowledge in Elite Gaelic Footballers.

Nutrition intake plays a crucial role in improving athletic performance, enhancing adaptations to training, and augmenting recovery from exercise. However, research has reported that Gaelic footballers consistently fail to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations. Sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) can influence the dietary intake of athletes, and therefore has the potential to have a significant impact on athletic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the current level of SNK in elite Gaelic footballers (n = 100). An online version of the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) was used to assess sports SNK. The overall mean SNK scores for Gaelic footballers and practitioners were 47.6 ± 12.3% and 78.1 ± 8.3%, respectively. There were no differences in knowledge between age groups, education level or divisional status. The top three sources of nutrition information identified by participants were team dietitian/nutritionists (84.0%), athletic trainers/strength and conditioning coaches (73%), and social media (37%). The results show that there is a major gap in the SNK of Gaelic footballers, while practitioners demonstrated a promising SNK, that could support Gaelic footballers. There is a need for development of interventions and knowledge transfer partnerships, including more effective methods of educating Gaelic footballers and translating sports nutrition principles to players. Developing appropriate nutritional education strategies using online resources and mobile applications could help to improve nutritional knowledge and practice of Gaelic footballers.

Evaluation of nutrition knowledge in elite and sub-elite Gaelic football players

ABSTRACT Nutrition knowledge is a key factor for consideration when evaluating the dietary intake of athletes. Positive associations have been established between higher nutrition knowledge and improved quality of dietary intake. Given the negative impact poor nutrition can have on performance and training adaptation, further investigation into athletes’ nutrition knowledge is warranted. Inadequacies in Gaelic football players dietary intake have been observed however, no assessment of nutrition knowledge has been reported. This study examined players knowledge and compared results by playing level, education level, and history of nutrition education. An online survey was disseminated to a sample of male Gaelic football players (n = 152, mean age = 24.5 ± 5.9). This included 68 club (sub-elite) and 84 inter-county players (elite). Total score was 44.3 ± 12.7%, classified as “poor” and lower than previous findings from similar sports. There were no differences between playing level, however when grouped by education level those with master’s degree scored higher by 9.9% in comparison to leaving certificate (upper secondary) (P= 0.009, d = .805). Those with previous nutrition education also demonstrated higher scores by 12.5% (P<.001, d = 1.096). The evidence presented highlights that Gaelic football players may benefit from evidence-based nutrition education interventions.

Quantifying the Training and Match-Play External and Internal Load of Elite Gaelic Football Players

The current investigation quantified the training and match-play load of elite Gaelic football players across a two-season period using global positioning system technology (GPS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and sessional rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Total weekly workload variables were collected across GPS, RPE, and sRPE across thirty-six elite Gaelic footballers (mean ± SD, age: 26 ± 5 years; height: 177 ± 8 cm; mass: 81 ± 7 kg) from one elite squad during a two-season observational period. External training load variables included: Total distance (m), High speed running (m; ≥ 17.1 km·h−1), Sprint distance (m; 22 km·h−1), Accelerations (n), Average metabolic power (W·kg−1), High-power distance (m; ≥ 25 W·kg−1). Internal load variables included: sRPE and RPE. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to understand the differences in loading patterns across phases, position, and week types when significant main effects were observed a Tukey’s post hoc test was applied and standardized effect sizes were calculated to understand the practical meaning of these differences. When total weekly loading across phases was considered total load was significantly greater in club 1 and provincial 1 with these phases showing the highest loading for players when compared to all other phases (p ≤ 0.001; ES: 2.95–7.22; very large). Furthermore, in-season 1 was greater for total loading when compared to in-season 2 and both championship phases (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 0.47–0.54; small). Total distance in training was greater during preseason 1 when compared to all other phases of the season (p ≤ 0.001; ES: 2.95–7.22; very large). During the in-season period, training based total distance was higher during provincial 1 when compared to other phases with similar trends across all measures (p ≤ 0.005). Finally, a positional profile for load measures was observed, with weekly context (match or non-match) having an impact on the internal and external loading players experienced across phases. The current data provide useful information for practitioners on the training periodization currently present within the elite Gaelic football training process. Specifically, the data provide positional profiles of loading across weekly and segmented phased of an elite Gaelic football season. These data can increase understanding as to the periods of increased and decreased loading across different phases of an elite Gaelic football season, while providing a framework for future analysis concerning Gaelic football periodization.

Is the metabolic power paradigm ecologically valid within elite Gaelic football?

To examine the association between the metabolic power paradigm during training and match-play and objective aerobic fitness measures within elite Gaelic football players. Twenty-five elite Gaelic football players completed objective physiological testing for VO2max, vVO2max, Peak treadmill Velocity (PTV), Running economy (RE) and selected blood lactate concentrations of 2 mmol L−1 (S2) and 4 mmol L−1 (S4). Aerobic testing was performed at the start of the season and at the halfway point of the season. Training and match-play running performances were recorded across the period with global positioning system technology (GPS; 4-Hz; VX Sport, Lower Hutt, New Zealand). Instantaneous raw velocity data were obtained from the GPS and exported to a customised spreadsheet which provided estimations of total distance (m), high-speed running distance (m; 17 km h−1), very-high-speed running distance (m; 22 km h−1), total accelerations (n), acceleration distance (m), peak and mean velocity (km h−1). Furthermore, changes in velocity were analysed which allowed for the assessment of the metabolic power paradigm during these training and match-play events. Players average metabolic power (Pmet; W Kg−1) observed to have a large association with VO2max (r = 0.76–0.88) and velocity at VO2max (r = 0.72–0.91) in training and match situations. Interestingly, peak treadmill velocity showed a moderate association with training and match-play high metabolic power distance (r = 0.56–0.76). Large associations were observed between high power distance during match and training categories and velocity at VO2max (r = 0.76–0.89). Furthermore, high power distance was observed to have a large association with peak treadmill velocity (r = 0.72–0.91) in training and match situations with lactate variables showing a small to moderate association with metabolic power variables. The current investigation is the first to provide evidence towards the ecological validity of the metabolic power paradigm to assess aerobic fitness within elite Gaelic football. Practitioners should consider the association between aerobic fitness and specific metabolic load paradigm variables within their monitoring system as a potential means to understand the impact of training plans within elite Gaelic football players.

Understanding the association between external training load measures and injury risk in Elite Gaelic football.

The current investigation examined the association between external training load variables and injury risk within elite Gaelic football. Workload and injury variables were collected from thirty-seven elite Gaelic footballers (mean±SD age of 24.2±2.9 years) from one elite squad across a two-season observational period. External training load variables included total distance (m), High speed running (m; ≥17.1 km·h-1), Sprint distance (m; 22 km·h-1), Accelerations (n), Average metabolic power (W·kg-1), high-power distance (m; ≥25 W·kg-1). Cumulative 1- weekly, 2-weekly, 3-weekly and 4-weekly training loads; acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR) was analysed across specific distributions of low, moderate and high loading with respect to a reference group of the measure quantified. General estimating equations were utilized to understand the association of these variables with injury risk. Strong associations (AUC>0.50) were observed amongst models developed for one weekly loading for relative distance, average metabolic power and high-power indices with similar trends observed for two, three and four weekly which showed a strong positive association within injury risk for all external loading metrics (AUC>0.50), with average metabolic power, and high-power distance showing the strongest association across the three-four week loading scales (AUC>0.60). When the ACWR was considered for external load measures these showed a positive linear association with injury risk (AUC>0.50). When intensity measures were considered relative distance showed an associated risk for injury across one and two-weekly models but not three and four weekly models. When odds risk association was considered a consistent trend towards moderate loading across external loading measures was apparent within the observed cohort. The current investigation reports for the first time the injury association for external loading measures within elite Gaelic football. Data show that a range of measures are associated with increased or decreased injury risk depending on the loading scheme applied by coaches within elite Gaelic football.

Ecological validity of self-reported wellness measures to assess pre-training and pre-competition preparedness within elite Gaelic football

The current investigation aimed to examine the ecological validity of self-reported wellness questionnaires, and specifically ‘Readiness to Train’ (RTT) as an indicator of pre-training and pre-competition preparedness within elite Gaelic football players. Thirty-seven (n = 37) elite male Gaelic football players (age 26 ± 4; height 181 ± 15 cm, weight 86 ± 4 kg) were recruited for the current study which took place during the 2017 competition season. Participants were monitored using global positioning system technology (GPS; 10-Hz; STATSports Viper Pod; STATSports; Newry, UK) and a self-reported questionnaire (Metrifit, Health, and Sport technologies, Ireland) to provide measures of internal load (RPE; sRPE) external load (GPS variables) and wellness questionnaire (Likert scale: 1–5 response) response to training loads. Results showed that irrespective of the model that the percentage RTT prior to training or match-play was not associated with and running performance measures. Activity type (p ≤ 0.0001), muscle soreness (p ≤ 0.0001), sleep quality (p ≤ 0.0001), and sleep duration (p ≤ 0.0001) all effected subsequent running performance during training and match-play. Furthermore, post hoc analysis showed that specific GPS variables and accumulated training load across specific time durations impacted RPE and total internal training load. Our results indicate that RTT is a poor measure of pre-training and competition preparedness, with individual sub-scales of wellness more appropriate to measure preparedness within Gaelic football players. Practitioners should pay close attention to fluctuations in sleep quality, sleep duration, and muscle soreness when planning training loads. Also, accumulated training loads impact players running capacity and perception of RPE highlighting the importance of longitudinally planning within the Gaelic football training process.