Author Identifier
Corey Wilson: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5465-152X
Mark Scanlan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1462-0855
Colin S. Doherty: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3589-7490
Oliver R. Barley: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8543-9818
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science
Volume
13
Issue
1
First Page
80
Last Page
87
Publisher
Australian International Academic Centre PTY LTD
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Abstract
Background: This investigation examined internal and external load associated with umpiring semi-professional Australian Rules football, an area of limited research. Objective: This exploratory quantitative study recruited 39 field umpires (Age: 25.2 ± 6.8 y, Body Mass: 74.6 ± 7.9 kg, Height: 178.9 ± 7.4 cm) from the Western Australian Football League (WAFL). Each participant was assessed in one match only. Methodology: External measures (total distance [TD], floating distance [FSD], high-intensity running distance [HSD]) and internal measures (blood lactate [BLa], heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) were collected during 22 matches, of the 2023 WAFL season. Data collection was performed before, during, and after the match and significance was set at p = < .05. Results: TD (13,027.6 ± 1332.9 m) had significant reductions between Q1 and Q2 (p = 0.029), and Q4 (p = 0.003). FSD (10,411.7 ± 888.6 m) had no significant differences. HSD (1,717.8 ± 613.6 m) had significant reductions between Q1 and Q2, Q3, Q4 (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001). RPE (14 ± 2) had significant reductions between Q1 and Q2 (p = 0.013), Q3 (p < 0.001), and Q4 (p < 0.001). BLa was lowest in Q4 (3.3 ± 1.6 mmol/L). Conclusion: This study highlights significant physical demands on umpires, suggesting associations between match progression, TD, HSD, RPE, and BLa, potentially influencing training protocols and talent identification.
DOI
10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.13n.1p.80
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Wilson, C., Scanlan, M., Doherty, C. S., & Barley, O. R. (2025). Investigating the internal and external load associated with umpiring semi-professional Australian Rules football. International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science, 13(1), 80-87. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.13n.1p.80