Abstract
Objectives
To determine the effects of rule modification on player movement during matchplay
in junior Australian football (AF).
Design
Quasi-experimental study design.
Methods
Time–motion analysis was used to record variables pertaining to player movement including
total distance covered, high-speed running (HSR) distance (>14.4 km/h) and HSR efforts. GPS data obtained from 145 players (7–12 years) were analysed
across four junior AF leagues and three age group combinations (U8/U9, U9/U10 and
U11/U12). The four leagues were collapsed into two separate conditions (compliant
and non-compliant) based on their adherence to a modified junior sport policy. To
control for the influence of age and physical maturity, a secondary analysis was performed
on an adequately matched U8 subset of data (n = 48).
Results
Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between compliant and non-compliant leagues for age and all player
movement variables, with participants in the compliant leagues achieving less player
movement. Significant differences were also evident between conditions in the U8 subset
in total and relative distance and HSR efforts, with moderate to very large differences
(29–60%) observed for all player movement variables.
Conclusions
Rule modifications limits the extent and intensity of player movement in junior AF
compared to standard playing conditions. The unintended effect of reduced physical
activity with rule modifications should be compensated for with additional activities
wherever possible. League administrators and policy makers should consider the objectives
of rule modifications and weigh up both positive and negative outcomes.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 21, 2017
Accepted:
February 16,
2017
Received in revised form:
February 10,
2017
Received:
June 3,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Sports Medicine Australia.
