Rugby Union Referees Research Articles

Effect of Match Schedule Density on Self-Reported Wellness and Sleep in Referees During the Rugby World Cup.

To examine the effect of match schedule on self-reported wellness and sleep in rugby union referees during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Following an observational design, 18 international-level male referees participating in the 2019 Rugby World Cup completed a daily questionnaire to quantify wellness status (sleep quality, mood, stress, fatigue, muscle soreness, and total wellness) and sleep characteristics (bedtime, wake-up time, and time in bed) from the previous night across the tournament. Linear mixed models and effect sizes (Hedges gav) assessed differences in wellness and sleep characteristics between prematch and postmatch days surrounding single-game and 2-game congested match schedules (prematch1, postmatch1, prematch2, and postmatch2 days). During regular schedules, all self-reported wellness variables except stress were reduced (gav = 0.33-1.05, mean difference -0.32 to -1.21 arbitrary units [AU]) and referees went to bed later (1.08, 1:07h:min) and spent less time in bed (-0.78, 00:55h:min) postmatch compared with prematch days. During congested schedules, only wellness variables differed across days, with total wellness reduced on postmatch1 (-0.88, -3.56AU) and postmatch2 (-0.67, -2.70AU) days, as well as mood (-1.01, -0.56AU) and fatigue (-0.90, -1.11AU) reduced on postmatch1 days compared with prematch days. Referees were susceptible to acute reductions in wellness on days following matches regardless of schedule. However, only single-game regular match schedules negatively impacted the sleep characteristics of referees. Targeted strategies to maximize wellness status and sleep opportunities in referees considering the match schedule faced should be explored during future Rugby World Cup competitions.

Impossible Perfection: A Storytelling Reflection

This storytelling reflection article presents the psychological preparation of elite Rugby Union referees in the buildup to competition through a creative nonfiction story. Based on data from 15 individual referee interviews, we present referee experiences of psychological preparation through a co-created, creative nonfiction story titled Impossible Perfection. The primary aim of this article is to contribute to understanding about the lived experiences of refereeing at the elite level and in particular the role of psychological preparation in elite referee performance, by showcasing Impossible Perfection in full. Second, we present research team reflections on the key themes woven throughout Impossible Perfection and elaborate on what these themes may communicate about the experiences of elite referees. Finally, we comment on the utility of creative nonfiction as a method and reflect on its efficacy for investigating elite referees.

Analysis of referee in-game interactions with players and other officials in professional Rugby Union

ABSTRACT This study utilises qualitative methods to explore the behaviours of rugby union referees in order to inform the development of a pedagogical tool that can be used to develop communication of rugby union referees. Effective communication is a critical part of a rugby union referee’s performance, yet there is a dearth of literature surrounding this area of rugby union referee development. Participants included professional IRFU referees (n = 6) with experience both at domestic league levels as well as at an international level. Audio footage from professional games (n = 18) was analysed and transcribed verbatim. Raw quotes were categorised as meaning units and a total of nine communicative behaviours were devised: (1) Preventative Instruction, (2) Command, (3) Explanation, (4) Organisational, (5) Acknowledgement, (6) Game Management, (7) Informative, and (8) Consultation. Results reveal various types of key communicative behaviours employed by rugby union referees throughout a game, depending on the situation presented in front of them. The findings of this study reveal the importance of selecting the most effective type of communication in any given situation. Uncovering such behaviours will enhance the development and assessment of rugby union communication skills through a pedagogical framework in order to improve on-field performance.

Using Mobile 360° Video as a Tool for Enhancing Sport Referee Performance: A Case Study

Many new video-based technologies (e.g., eye trackers, point-of-view camera) have been integrated into sport referee performance monitoring and training. Mobile 360° video (an omnidirectional video-capture tool affixed to the referee during their performance using a chest harness) provides moving images recorded from a first-person perspective. This case study explored rugby union referees’ and referee coaches’ engagement with mobile 360° video during a viewing of another referee’s performance. Using an other-confrontation interview approach, referees’ and referee coaches’ cognitive activity (interests, concerns, noticing, and knowledge) while viewing mobile 360° video was elicited and studied. Participants experienced heightened immersion in the situation, as well as enhanced discovery and noticing behavior, and they constructed different types of embodied and corporeal knowledge. Using a rugby union setting, this occurred through enhanced perceptual involvement provided by mobile 360° video for reflection on referee positioning and movement, contextual inference about decisions, and sensitivity to player cues and interactions. This study provides preliminary evidence for the utility and acceptability of mobile 360° video as a pedagogical innovation in referee training to enhance referees’ decision making, game management, and reflexivity. Limitations, challenges, and applications of immersive mobile 360° video as a pedagogical tool in rugby union refereeing and other sports are discussed.

Comparing the Yo-Yo intermittent and Bronco tests and their associations with match demands among amateur rugby union referees

This study compared the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) and Bronco tests among amateur rugby referees and examined whether the results of these tests were associated with actual match demands. Sixty-seven (65 male, 2 female; 30 ± 11 years; 77.4 ± 13.1 kg; 175 ± 8 cm) amateur rugby referees participated. Match demands were assessed using Global Navigation Satellite System technology and heart rate (HR) recordings. Significant correlations (all p < 0.05) were found between the YYIR1 and Bronco test results ( r: −0.88). The YYIR1 test was significantly correlated with match demands including total ( r: 0.56) and high-intensity ( r: 0.70) distance covered, maximal speed reached ( r: 0.73), and the number of high-intensity accelerations ( r: 0.54) and sprints ( r: 0.68) completed. Furthermore, YYIR1 test maximum HR was significantly correlated with maximum HR ( r: 0.72), average HR ( r: 0.54), and internal load ( r: 0.55) during match play. In contrast, the Bronco test was only significantly correlated with match demands including maximal speed reached ( r: −0.68) and the number of high-intensity accelerations ( r: −0.61). Moreover, Bronco test maximum HR was significantly correlated with maximal ( r: 0.84) and average HR ( r: 0.73) during match play. The results suggest that while the YYIR1 and Bronco tests might both be efficient tools to guide training prescription, the YYIR1 test might be as the more valuable test to assess match fitness in rugby referees.

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

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationships between physical fitness attributes and match demands in lead rugby union referees. Eleven referees underwent anthropometric and fitness assessments (40-m sprint, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, 1.2-km shuttle run) prior to the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Match activities were assessed via global positioning system devices (total distance, high-speed running distance [>5 m·s−1], average speed, and peak intensities over 1-min, 5-min, and 10-min epochs) and heart rate variables were measured using chest-worn monitors (HRmean, summated-heart-rate-zones, time above 90% HRmax). Forty-metre sprint time was significantly related to maximum speed (P = 0.004; r = −0.79) and high-speed running distance (P = 0.037, r = −0.63) during matches. Likewise, ∑7 skinfold thickness was significantly correlated with high-speed running distance (P = 0.01, r = −0.72). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, 1.2-km Shuttle Run Test, age, and body mass index exhibited non-significant correlations (P > 0.05, r = −0.58 to 0.53) with match demand variables. Results suggest it may be pertinent for referees to optimise sprint capacity and body fat composition to execute greater high-speed running volumes and reach higher peak speeds during matches. Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and 1.2-km shuttle run tests are not correlated to specific match activity variables and thus may not be relevant for monitoring of rugby union referees.

Sources of Stress and Refereeing Experience of Active Kenya Rugby Union Referees

Background: Rugby referees have for a long time volunteered to officiate matches in Kenya yet refereeing as an activity is stressful. Objective: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design to investigate the impact of the experience of the active rugby union referees in Kenya on the sources of stress affecting them. Method: A Sources of Officiating Stress Questionnaire (SOSQ) (Voight, 2009) was used to collect data from all referees(n=80) who actively refereed matches during the 2016 / 2017 Kenya Rugby Union season. The independent variable tested in the questionnaire was experience of the referees, whereas the dependent variables were sources of stress. Results: Referees with an experience of between 5 to 10 years encountered stress from most of the sources (Mean= 3.17, SD=0.62) whereas those with an experience of between 10 to 20 years encountered stress from the least of the sources (Mean=2.93, SD=0.60). Findings indicated that there was a significant mean difference in sources of stress across refereeing experience (F-statistic =2.175, p=0.009). Conclusion: It was concluded that all active referees experienced stress from different sources despite their years of experience.

The physical attributes of sub-elite rugby union referees of inland provinces in South Africa.

The purpose of the on-field referee is to implement the laws of the game. For the referee to do this successfully, he is required to keep up with the pace of play. The aim of this study was to determine the physical attributes of sub-elite rugby union referees of inland provinces in South Africa. A total of 82 referees (age: 26.5 ± 6.4 years; stature: 177.3 ± 6.8 cm; body mass: 79.1 ± 14.7 kg) were assessed with a reliable testing battery. The participants showed a refined aerobic capacity (VO2max: 61.8 ± 11.0 mL·min-1·kg-1) and good agility (Illinois Agility Test: 17.2 ± 3.8 s). A two-way unbalanced ANOVA was performed for all referees' attributes between qualification levels (levels 1-4) and union affiliations (three unions) at a significance level of p<0.05. The results yielded significant differences across the three unions in age (p=0.002), Yo-Yo distance (p=0.0001), aerobic capacity (p=0.0001), plank time (p=0.0001) and agility (p=0.027). Similarly, differences were reported across the four qualifications in aerobic capacity (p=0.0001) and agility (p=0.037). These differences may be due to the diverse training programmes offered by the various unions. Additionally, an increased level of physical fitness may occur when progressing up the qualification levels.

Rugby union referees' physical and physiological demands across different competitive levels.

The purpose of this study was to compare the match demands of officiating 15-a-side rugby union at different competitive levels. Data was collected using Global Navigation Satellite Systems from 21 referees during 82 competitive rugby union matches across three different competitive levels: 1) professional; 2) semi-professional; 3) amateur. Compared with referees at the professional and semi-professional levels, referees at the amateur level covered less total distance (P=0.005). Additionally, these referees covered less distance jogging, and at low and medium intensity (all P<0.05), and had less time between repeated high-intensity efforts (P<0.001). Furthermore, compared with referees at the semi-professional and amateur levels, referees at the professional level had a higher sprint duration and covered more distance sprinting (all P<0.05), and achieved a higher maximal speed during the longest repeated high-intensity effort or "worst-case scenario" (P=0.026). The professional level referees also displayed a lower average heart rate (P<0.001), spent a higher percentage of time at <60% HR<inf>max</inf> (P<0.001), and a lower percentage of time between 71% and 80% HR<inf>max</inf> (P=0.004). Finally, external and internal load were strongly correlated for referees at the semi-professional level only (r=0.75, P<0.001). Overall, the findings demonstrate that refereeing 15-a-side rugby union is more physically demanding at higher competitive levels, particularly in terms of high-intensity efforts. The results provide important information for practitioners involved in the physical preparation and training of rugby union referees.

On-field movements, heart rate responses and perceived exertion of lead referees in Rugby World Cup matches, 2019

ObjectivesQuantify the on-field movements, heart rate and perceived exertion (RPE) of lead referees during Rugby World Cup matches. DesignDescriptive, observational. MethodsOn-field movements (distance, average speed, high-speed running [>5ms−1]), heart rate and RPE of 11 lead referees were assessed during 29 Rugby World Cup (Knockout and Pool) matches. Average speed and heart rate were assessed using rolling average methods (1–10min epochs). Linear mixed models and Cohen’s effect size (d) were used to compare match variables between Pool and Knockout matches. ResultsReferees covered on average 6674±566m (65.8±6.3mmin−1), with 586±290m in high-speed running. Mean heart rate was 146±9 beatsmin−1, summated-heart-rate-zones was 235±36AU, and sRPE load was 577±205AU. A large reduction (d=1.40) in high-speed running distance and moderate reductions in average speed over 1 (d=0.81) and 2min (d=0.83) epochs were found during Knockout, compared to Pool matches. Differences between Pool and Knockout matches on other measures of referee movement, heart rate and RPE were trivial. ConclusionsThis is the first investigation to examine the effect of competition stage on rugby union referees on-field performance. Individual and match contextual factors may explain the reduction in high-speed running during Knockout matches, however more detailed examination of the factors influencing referee performance is required for greater insight into the key performance indicators in rugby union. Nonetheless, these data provide practitioners with knowledge to assist in preparation of rugby union referees for future Rugby World Cup competitions.

Perceptual-cognitive expertise when refereeing the scrum in rugby union

ABSTRACTCompared to sports performers, relatively little is known about how sports officials make decisions at a perceptual-cognitive level. Thus, this study examined the decision-making accuracy and gaze behaviour of rugby union referees of varying skill levels while reviewing scrum scenarios. Elite (n = 9) and trainee (n = 9) referees, as well as experienced players (n = 9), made decisions while watching ten projected scrum clips and wearing a mobile eye-tracker. Decision-making accuracy and gaze behaviour were recorded for each scrum. The elite and trainee referees made more accurate decisions than the players, and differences in gaze behavior were observed. The elite and trainee referees displayed lower search rates, spent more time fixating central-pack (i.e., front rows, binds, and contact point) and less time fixating outer-pack (e.g., second rows) and non-pack (e.g., other) locations, and exhibited lower entropy than the players. While search rate failed to predict decision-making accuracy, the time spent fixating central-, outer-, and non-pack locations, as well as entropy, were significant predictors. The findings have implications for training perceptual-cognitive skill among sports officials.

Physical demands on elite lead rugby union referees

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the physical demands on elite rugby referees by measuring match duration and some key global positioning system (GPS) metrics such as distance covered, heart rate, speed and metabolic power and to assess whether physical demands changed during the course of the match (first half vs. second half). Physical profile data and GPS metrics were collected from 17 elite referees during 205 matches. Mean match duration was 98 min and distance covered was 6 826 m. Referees produced 5% more metabolic power during the first half of a match (mean: 6.2 W/kg) compared to the second half. Referees spent 27% of the time in the “work zone” (speed 4.1 m/s and above). During a match, referees spent 46.8% of the time below 80% HRmax. Mean numbers of high-speed accelerations, decelerations and sprints/surges were approximately 20% lower during the second half. Comparison of between-individual and within-individual variation of referee physical performance suggests that referees generally performed consistently. Factors such as referee experience and increased rates of substitution might contribute to the reduced power measures during the second half. The results from this investigation can contribute to the development of lead rugby referee-specific physical conditioning programmes.

Maximum ball in play demands for sub-elite Rugby Union referees in domestic club rugby

Purpose: Rugby union referee research has reported the game demands for whole game averages and comparisons between each half and 10 minute periods. No study has reported the movement game demands for the maximum ball in play time for referees. The purpose of this study was to quantify the maximum ball in play (Max BiP) demands termed “worst case scenario” (WCS) of sub-elite rugby union referees using 10Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Method: Movement demands of ten (n = 10) sub-elite referees across 27 matches, played during the 2017/18 All Ireland League Division 1, was calculated using 10Hz GPS units. The total distance covered (m), relative distance (m.min -1 ), percentage time in 6 velocity zones, were reported across the whole match, 1 st half, 2 nd half, 10minute periods and the maximum ball in play time using paired sample t-tests. Cohen’s d effect sizes were reported. Results: The maximum ball in play time was reported to be 172 ± 71 sec. The relative distance during Max BiP (107.9 ± 22.54 m.min -1 ) was significantly higher (p 7.01 m.s -1 ). Conclusion: The results of this study quantifies the Max BiP movement demands for a sub-elite rugby union referee which are higher than those reported in whole game averages, 1 st & 2 nd halves and some 10min periods. These results provide sports scientists with the worst case scenario demands and can allow for these demands to be replicated in training with those experienced in matches.

Physical and Physiological Demands of Elite Rugby Union Officials.

To examine the movement and physiological demands of rugby union officiating in elite competition. Movement demands of 9 elite officials across 12 Super Rugby matches were calculated, using global positioning system devices. Total distance (in m), relative distance (in m·min-1), and percentage time spent in various speed zones were calculated across a match. Heart-rate (HR) responses were also recorded throughout each match. Cohen d effect sizes were reported to examine the within-match variations. The total distance covered was 8030 (506)m, with a relative distance of 83 (5)m·min-1 and with no differences observed between halves. Most game time was spent at lower movement speeds (76% [2%]; <2.0m·s-1), with large effects for time spent >7.0m·s-1 between halves (d = 2.85). Mean HR was 154 (10)beats·min-1 (83.8 [2.9]%HRmax), with no differences observed between the first and second halves. Most game time was spent between 81%HRmax and 90%HRmax (40.5% [7.5%]) with no observable differences between halves. Distances covered above 5.1m·s-1 were highest during the first 10min of a match, while distance at speeds 3.7 to 5m·s-1 decreased during the final 10 min of play. These findings highlight the highly demanding and intermittent nature of rugby union officiating, with only some minor variations in physical and physiological demands across a match. These results have implications for the physical preparation of professional rugby union referees.

Recognition and knowledge of on-field management of concussion amongst english professional, semi-professional and amateur rugby union referees

Objectiveto investigate the knowledge and practice of Rugby Union referees regarding the recognition and management of concussion in English professional and semi-professional rugby.Designemail survey questionnaire.SettingEnglish Rugby Union Premiership, Championship and National Leagues.ParticipantsAll 180 actively practicing referees in England in the Premiership, Championship and National Leagues.Outcome measuresActual and perceived knowledge of concussion, and subjective confidence in diagnosing concussion.Main results22 referees with an average age 34.77 years (Range 26-49 SD 6.13) and returned surveys. The referees’ level of officiating ranged from Premiership (Level 1) to regional games (Level 8) with the highest proportion of referees officiating at Level 1 (31.80%). A high percentage of referees recognised functional disturbances including loss of balance (90%), slurred speech (73%), dizziness (95%) and blurred vision (100%) as signs of concussion. 59.09% rated their knowledge of concussion as average and 18.18%% good or excellent. Overall, 72% of referees felt they could subjectively diagnose concussion, the professional referees were more confident in diagnosing a concussion versus the amateur referees.ConclusionsReferees generally have a good knowledge of concussion and its management although 54.54% have had no previous education. The majority wanted to learn more on the subject (90.90%) but the methods which they are currently using to learn are varied and not standardised. Practical group sessions (59.09%) and online resources (45.45%) were recognised as the most popular method of learning. Further education regarding recognition and on-field management of concussion is recommended for rugby union referees. Future studies should focus on participant information retention after using such resources as HeadCase.Competing interestsNone.

Women Referees’ Experiences Officiating Rugby Union

Five women rugby union referees who officiated in the New South Wales (NSW) suburban rugby union premiership were interviewed about their experiences refereeing men. After a comprehensive analysis of the interview transcripts, four themes emerged around barriers and challenges to women’s participation in officiating, these themes are: 1) Barriers experienced by women rugby union referees; 2) Success in refereeing male rugby union players; 3) Challenges of women participating in refereeing rugby union; 4) Ways to bring about change. The findings imply that there is discrimination and marginalization present in women’s sports officiating at male games which is in line with the literature in women’s sports coaching. The findings also suggest that women have to be superior and elite athletes with a history of success to be appointed to the best male rugby union matches. Support both on and off the field is crucial to the development and success of female referees.

The Psychological Characteristics of Performance Under Pressure in Professional Rugby Union Referees

This study used qualitative methods to explore the stressors, appraisal mechanism, emotional response, and effective/ineffective coping strategies experienced by elite rugby union referees during pressurized performances. Participants included seven male rugby union referees from the United Kingdom (Mage = 27.85, SD = 4.56) who had been officiating as full-time professionals for between 1 and 16 years (M = 4.85, SD = 5.42). Data revealed that the referees encountered a number of stressors, which were appraised initially as a ‘threat’, and elicited negatively-toned emotions. The referees were able to maintain performance standards under pressure by adopting proactive, problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies which managed effectively the stressors and their emotions. However, the use of avoidance-coping, reactive control, and informal impression management were perceived as ineffective coping strategies, and associated with poor performance and choking. Recommendations are offered to inform the psychological skills training of rugby union referees.

The Occurrence of Referee Abuse in Rugby Union: Evidence and Measures Through an Online Survey

Many national governing bodies are experiencing difficulties retaining referees at the grass roots level, especially young referees (Warner, Tingle & Kellett, 2013). Abuse and aggression from players and spectators are the most commonly given reasons for referees leaving. Without consideration of the development, nurturing and management needs of the referee there could be a decline in the participation numbers within the sport. This research paper used an online questionnaire to explore the levels of abuse that rugby union referees are subjected to in the counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire. The results indicated that referees from various levels on the Rugby Football Union’s referee continuum were subjected to a significant level of abuse. The sources of this abuse ranged from the players, coaches and spectators. Furthermore, the research illustrates that the referees believe that there has been an erosion of the ‘core values’ of rugby union specifically indicating a decline in the enjoyment factor of officiating within rugby union and its effect on the retention of referees.

Running Demands and Heart Rate Response in Rugby Union Referees

The aim of this study was to examine the match physical demands and exercise intensity associated with men rugby union refereeing using global positioning system technology. Ten male rugby union referees (age, 37.1 ± 5.9 years; body mass, 83.7 ± 4.8 kg; height, 175.5 ± 6.2 cm) were analyzed 2-4 times during a total of 30 national level matches. The average total distance covered by the referees throughout the game was 6,322.2 ± 564.9 m. As a percentage of total distance, 37.3% (2,356.9 ± 291.3 m) was spent walking, 24.1% (1,524.4 ± 229.4 m) jogging, 10.4% (656.2 ± 130.7 m) running at low intensity, 17.6% (1,110.3 ± 212.2 m) at medium intensity, 5.5% (347.1 ± 27.1 m) at high intensity, and 5.2% (328.1 ± 230.3 m) at sprint. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in running performance was observed between the first and the second halves in the last 3 speed zones. When the total distance traveled during consecutive 10-minute periods was compared, there was a significantly greater distance covered in the first 10 minutes of the game (876.3 ± 163 m) compared with 50-60 minutes (679.8 ± 117.6 m), 60-70 minutes (713.03 ± 122.3 m), and 70-80 minutes (694.2 ± 125.7 m; all p < 0.05). The average heart rate responses were similar (p > 0.05) in the first (157 ± 7 b · min; 85% HRmax) and second half (155 ± 7 b · min; 84% HRmax). This study provides evidence of reduced high-intensity running toward the end of the game. These findings offer important information to design better training strategies adapted to the requirements and demands of rugby union refereeing.

Decision making and decision communications in elite rugby union referees: An inductive investigation

The application of law, combined with contextual judgment and communication have been shown to be essential skills of the elite sports official (Mascarenhas, Collins &amp; Mortimer, 2005). Further, the behaviours that officials demonstrate to communicate decisions to sport participants have important implications for match outcomes and perceptions of fairness (Mellick et al., 2005; Simmons, 2010). The purpose of the present study was to explore the higher-order decision making and decision communication processes of three international rugby union referees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the routines, psychological strategies and processing skills they utilise to meet the decision making demands of the game. Interview data were analysed by means of thematic content analysis providing four core themes related to expert decision making processes and decision communications: corporate theatre, pre-game preparation and post-game analysis, refereeing philosophy and approach, and within-game psychological skills. The results of this investigation will provide practice-based information to inform training interventions as a pedagogic tool to assist pre-elite sport officials in developing higher-order understandings of decision making processes and communication patterns.