Assessing tackle performance using a novel collision sport simulator in comparison to a “live” one-on-one tackling drill

It is necessary to study the rugby tackle as it is associated with successful performance outcomes and is responsible for the majority of contact injuries. A novel collision sport simulator was developed to study tackle performance. The main aim of this validation study was to assess tackle technique performance between two different conditions: simulator versus a standardised one-on-one tackle drill previously used to assess technique. Tackling proficiency was assessed using a list of technical criteria. Mean scores, standard deviations and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. Mean overall score for dynamic i.e. running simulator tackles was 7.78 (95%CI 7.58–7.99) (out of 9) or 87% (standard deviation or SD±8.94), and mean overall score for dynamic “live” tackles was 7.85 (95%CI 7.57–8.13) (out of 9) or 87% (SD±9.60) (effect size = 0.08; trivial; p > 0.05). Mean overall score for static i.e. standing simulator tackles was 7.45 (95%CI 7.20–7.69) (out of 9) or 83% (SD±10.71), and mean overall score for static “live” tackles was 8.05 (95%CI 7.83–8.27) (out of 9) or 89% (SD±7.53) (effect size = 0.72; moderate; p < 0.001). The simulator replicates dynamic tackle technique comparable to real-life tackle drills. It may be used for research analysing various aspects of the tackle in rugby and other contact sports.     

Dynamic balance performance varies by position but not by age group in elite Rugby Union players – a normative study

This cohort study aimed to provide normative Y Balance Test scores for an elite Rugby Union population, while investigating the effect player age groups (senior/under-20), playing positions (forwards/backs) and anthropometrics (height and body mass) had on performance. Two-hundred and sixty-one elite male under-20 (n = 50) and senior (n = 211) players completed baseline Y Balance Test during the 2015/2016 season. One-way ANCOVA and post-hoc t-tests were used to investigate the effect playing position, player group, height and weight had on performance. The cohort was then stratified into groups (age group and/or playing position), and normative percentiles were presented. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in Y Balance Test performance between playing positions, when controlling for age group. This difference did not remain when controlling for player body mass. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that backs had a longer normalised reach distance, with medium-large and small-medium effect sizes for the under-20 and senior cohorts respectively. The one-way ANCOVA analysis suggests that this difference is likely due to the larger differences in player body mass between forward and back playing positions. The normative values presented in this paper may be used by clinicians and researchers to aid injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.     

Fast food,fizz, and funding: Balancing the scales of regional sport organisation sponsorship

Tobacco, alcohol and gambling-related sport sponsorships have faced widespread scrutiny due to a critical consciousness that questions the alignment of unhealthy products and damaging addictive behaviours with a healthy activity such as sport. The purpose of this study was to explore how a public health agenda may influence rugby union organisations in their negotiation of sponsorship relationships with food and beverage companies. Interviews with a purposeful sample of New Zealand regional rugby organisation managers reveal the potential influence of emergent threats about government-regulated restrictive sponsorship measures on the delivery of community and youth sport. Findings indicate that many regional rugby organisations depend on sponsorships to fund required and desired activities. In addition, some organisations in more rural regions of New Zealand not only contend with the difficulty of securing sponsorships, but fear that criticism of, and impending restrictions on, fast-food and beverage companies are likely to have detrimental consequences for the provision of rugby.     

中西方身体观与英式橄榄球身体文化的逻辑关系研究

本文采用文献资料、逻辑梳理等方法,对中西方身体观与英式橄榄球身体文化的逻辑关系进行研究。经研究发现:中国身体观受中国传统文化道家的影响逐渐建构成"天人合一、顺其自然"的和谐发展观,而西方身体观则受古希腊奥运会和身体与精神的二元对立的影响,西方以协调且富有力量的身体为荣,并力求超越自我,与阻止身体达到完美的一切障碍进行斗争,逐渐形成外在竞争和自我突破的身体观。而英式橄榄球以激烈的身体对抗为基础,逐渐建构成肉搏、团队、超越性身体文化,这种身体文化与中国身体观的发展逻辑相向而行,但却与西方身体观的发展逻辑不谋而合,同时这也是阻碍我国橄榄球发展的关键因素之一。在此,我国应该推广及普及英式橄榄球运动,以英式橄榄球运动为渠道,促进中西方身体观的交流与融合,使中西身体观各美其美,美美与共。     

Understanding the effect of finger–ball friction on the handling performance of rugby balls

Handling errors are often seen in professional rugby games and even more so in amateur rugby. This paper analyses the problem of ball mishandling using high-speed video footage of passes and a bespoke finger friction rig. The high-speed video analysis showed that when the ball is caught, often there is a fluctuating movement of the fingers over the surface of the ball. It also showed that the fingers move over the surface of the ball when the ball is thrown, confirming that the dynamic friction is a good measure of how easily a ball can be handled. Rugby ball surface samples were used, on a finger friction rig, to assess the coefficient of friction between the finger and the balls. The currently manufactured balls displaying the highest coefficients of friction in clean, dry conditions were the design with square, ‘sharp’ pimples and also the design with a mixture of small and large pimples. The most consistent ball across wet and dry conditions was the ball with round, large, densely populated pimples. It was also shown that when water is added to the surface of the ball or finger, there was little variation in performance between the ball varieties.     

抢花炮运动的文化价值

本文采用文献资料、比较分析等研究方法,通过抢花炮的起源探寻,从历史发展的文化背景中,挖掘抢花炮运动的文化价值。     

Developing rugby in interwar Romania: the case of provincial cities and towns

ABSTRACT

The growth in interest for the historical analysis of sports in Romania has lately been focusing more on general issues or on the major sports (for instance, football). As a result, despite its early apparition in Romania (1913), and its development in comparison with other Central European countries, Rugby has been completely ignored. The aim of this article is to analyze the ways in which the development of the sport was attempted in Interwar Romania. This is a case study focused on the efforts to popularise rugby in the towns outside of Bucharest, the capital of Romania. These efforts were administered in a combination of two ways: the propaganda rugby matches in different cities and the organisation of rugby teams in provincial cities and were based more on individual actions rather than the coordinated action of the Romanian Rugby management of those times. The conclusions emphasise the minor success of this initiative, contextualising it in the rugby and sports’ condition in Interwar Romania.     

Blaming Bill Gates AGAIN! Misuse,overuse and misunderstanding of performance data in sport

Recently in Sport, Education and Society, Williams and Manley argued against the heavy reliance on technology in professional Rugby Union and elite sport in general. In summary, technology is presented as an elitist, ‘gold standard’ villain that management and coaches use to exert control and by which players lose autonomy, identity, motivation, social interactions and expertise. In this article we suggest that the sociological interpretations and implications offered by Williams and Manley may be somewhat limited when viewed in isolation. In doing so, we identify some core methodological issues in Williams and Manley's study and critically consider important arguments for utilising technology; notably, to inform coach decision-making and generate player empowerment. Second, we present a different, yet perhaps equally concerning, practice-oriented interpretation of the same results but from alternative coaching and expertise literature. Accordingly, we suggest that Williams and Manley have perhaps raised their alarm prematurely, inappropriately and on somewhat shaky foundations. We also hope to stimulate others to consider contrary positions, or at least to think about this topic in greater detail. More specifically, we encourage coaches and academics to think carefully about what technology is employed, how and why, and then the means by which these decisions are discussed with and, preferably, sold to players. Certainly, technology can significantly enhance coach decision-making and practice, while also helping players to optimise their focus, empowerment and independence in knowing how to achieve their personal and collective goals.     

The effects of a rugby playing season on cervical range of motion

Abstract

Rugby players have a reduced active cervical range of motion (ACROM) mid-season compared with age-matched controls. This is most evident in rugby forwards, who have ACROM similar to patients with acute whiplash. This study aims to show if the change in ACROM over an entire rugby season (pre-, mid-, and end of season) shows a pattern of decline. A cross-sectional study of 22 rugby players (11 backs aged 24.9 ± 1.3 years; 11 forwards aged 24.5 ± 1.1 years) from elite English Premiership clubs had their cervical range of motion measured for flexion, extension, left and right side flexion, plus left and right rotation with a cervical range of motion device. The percentage change between start to mid-season, mid- to end of season, and start to end of season were calculated. Group means were compared for absolute ACROM (degrees) and percentage change over the season. The percentage change indicated a decrease in ACROM over the rugby playing season, with most of the decrement occurring in the second half of the season. Most of the relative change was observed in right lateral flexion, while rotation did not change significantly. In conclusion, ACROM declines throughout the playing season, which requires attention in terms of training and rehabilitation.