Browsing by Person "Easton, Chris"

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Decision-making accuracy of soccer referees in relation to markers of internal and external load
(2024-02-23) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath B.; Easton, Chris; Glover, Andrew J.; Arthur, Rosie
Data related to the paper: McEwan, G.P., Unnithan, V.B., Easton, C., Glover, A. J., and Arthur, R (2024). Decision-making accuracy of soccer referees in relation to markers of internal and external load. European Journal of Sport Science. (preprint) https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/13682
Decision-making accuracy of soccer referees in relation to markers of internal and external load
(Wiley, 2024-03-18) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath B.; Easton, Chris; Glover, Andrew J.; Arthur, Rosie
This study examined the relationships between the decision-making performances of soccer referees and markers of physiological load. Following baseline measurements and habituation procedures, 13 national-level male referees completed a novel Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS) whilst simultaneously adjudicating on a series of video-based decision-making clips. The correctness of each decision was assessed in relation to the mean heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (V̇E), perceptions of breathlessness (RPE-B) and local muscular (RPE-M) exertion, and running speeds recorded in the 10-s and 60-s preceding decisions. There was a significant association between decision-making accuracy and the mean HR (P=0.042; VC=0.272) and RR (P=0.024, VC=0.239) in the 10-s preceding decisions, with significantly more errors observed when HR ≥90% of HRmax (OR, 5.39) and RR ≥80% of RRpeak (OR, 3.34). Decision-making accuracy was also significantly associated with the mean running speeds performed in the 10-s (P=0.003; VC=0.320) and 60-s (P=0.016; VC=0.253) preceding decisions, with workloads of ≥250 m·min-1 associated with an increased occurrence of decisional errors (OR, 3.84). Finally, there was a significant association between decision-making accuracy and RPE-B (P=0.021; VC=0.287), with a disproportionate number of errors occurring when RPE-B was rated as “very strong” to “maximal” (OR, 7.19). Collectively, the current data offer novel insights into the detrimental effects that high workloads may have upon the decision-making performances of soccer referees. Such information may be useful in designing combined physical and decision-making training programmes that prepare soccer referees for the periods of match play that prove most problematic to their decision-making.
Development and validation of the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ): Towards a better understanding of the training practices of soccer match officials [Oral Presentation]
(European College of Sport Science, 2019-09-03) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath; Easton, Chris; Arthur, Rosie
INTRODUCTION As the training of soccer referees is typically self-led, direct observation and monitoring of training is seldom possible (1). Consequently, relatively little information currently exists on the training practices of soccer referees (2). Efficacious and accessible methods of monitoring referee training are therefore required. Accordingly, we sought to develop and validate a novel measurement tool, termed The Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ), for assessing the training practices of soccer referees. METHODS To develop and validate the RTAQ, we employed a systematic multi-stage process: 1) item generation; 2) assessments of content and face validity; and 3) assessments of criterion validity (3). In stage 1, we generated items based upon a review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with a sample of refereeing experts (n = 8). In stage 2, items were assessed for content and face validity by a sample of referees and academics experienced in questionnaire design (n = 6), with the content validity index (CVI) calculated (4). In stage 3, a sample of referees (n = 25) completed the RTAQ and subsequently recorded a detailed 7-day training diary. Additionally, we obtained objective estimates of physical training activity through heart rate data which was used to corroborate the self-report data of the training diaries. RESULTS Following stage 1, we constructed the preliminary RTAQ to include items pertaining to: 1) general training information (16 items); and 2) specific-training practices (66 items). In stage 2, content validity was confirmed for 66 items (CVI ≥ 0.78) with 16 items being deemed invalid (CVI < 0.78). We used participant feedback, alongside content validity indices, to discard or revise problematic items. In stage 3, estimates of training activity derived from the training diaries and heart rate monitors were found to be strongly related (r > 0.96; P < 0.001). Additionally, negligible mean biases, moderate 95% LOA, and significant correlations were observed for most items with those exhibiting insufficient agreement (11 items) subsequently excluded or modified as per participant feedback. CONCLUSION The present results provide initial evidence that the RTAQ is a valid and reliable means of acquiring insight into the training practices of soccer referees. The development of a self-report measure in the form of the RTAQ will provide practitioners and researchers with a practical means of monitoring the training practices of soccer referees.
Development and validation of the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ): Towards a better understanding of the training practices of soccer officials
(Routledge, 2020-08-10) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath; Easton, Chris; Arthur, Rosie
To develop and assess the validity of the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ), a systematic process was employed: 1) item generation; 2) assessments of content and face validity; and 3) assessments of criterion validity. In stage 1, items were generated following semi-structured interviews with an expert panel (n = 8). Following content analyses, the RTAQ was developed and comprised 3 primary sections (12 sub-sections) assessing: 1) attributes perceived to underpin soccer officiating performance; 2) general training information; and 3) specific training practices. In stage 2, the preliminary RTAQ was assessed for content and face validity by a sample of experts (n = 6). Based upon the content validity index (CVI), content validity was confirmed for 8 sub-sections (CVI ≥ 0.78) with 5 sub-sections being deemed invalid (CVI < 0.78). Various amendments were carried out in accordance with participant feedback. In stage 3, the RTAQ was completed by a cohort of officials (n = 25) who subsequently recorded a detailed training diary. Negligible mean biases, wide 95% LOA, and significant Pearson correlations were observed between the RTAQ and training diaries for most training activities, suggesting the RTAQ holds promise as a useful and effective alternative of acquiring insight into the training practices of soccer officials.
Interval running with self-selected recovery: Physiology, performance, and perception
(Routledge, 2018-05-29) McEwan, Gary; Arthur, Rosie; Phillips, Shaun M.; Gibson, Neil V.; Easton, Chris
This study (1) compared the physiological responses and performance during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session incorporating externally regulated (ER) and self-selected (SS) recovery periods and (2) examined the psychophysiological cues underpinning SS recovery durations. Following an incremental maximal exercise test to determine maximal aerobic speed (MAS), 14 recreationally active males completed 2 HIIT sessions on a non-motorised treadmill. Participants performed 12 × 30 s running intervals at a target intensity of 105% MAS interspersed with 30 s (ER) or SS recovery periods. During SS, participants were instructed to provide themselves with sufficient recovery to complete all 12 efforts at the required intensity. A semi-structured interview was undertaken following the completion of SS. Mean recovery duration was longer during SS (51 ± 15 s) compared to ER (30 ± 0 s; p < .001; d = 1.46 ± 0.46). Between-interval heart rate recovery was higher (SS: 19 ± 9 b min−1; ER: 8 ± 5 b min−1; p < .001; d = 1.43 ± 0.43) and absolute time ≥90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) was lower (SS: 335 ± 193 s; ER: 433 ± 147 s; p = .075; d = 0.52 ± 0.39) during SS compared to ER. Relative time ≥105% MAS was greater during SS (90 ± 6%) compared to ER (74 ± 20%; p < .01; d = 0.87 ± 0.40). Different sources of afferent information underpinned decision-making during SS. The extended durations of recovery during SS resulted in a reduced time ≥90% HRmax but enhanced time ≥105% MAS, compared with ER exercise. Differences in the afferent cue utilisation of participants likely explain the large levels of inter-individual variability observed.
Prior knowledge of the grading criteria increases Functional Movement Screen scores in youth soccer players
(National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2018-07-17) Bryson, Anthony; Arthur, Rosie; Easton, Chris
We sought to determine whether familiarity with the grading criteria of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) impacted the outcome score in elite youth soccer players. Thirty-two trained male youth soccer players (aged 17 ± 1 years) participated in a randomized control trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to evenly sized control and experimental groups, who each completed the FMS on 2 separate occasions. Subjects in the experimental group were provided the FMS grading criteria between their first and second screens. Time-synchronized video footage was used to grade the FMS using standardized criteria. Structured interviews were then conducted with selected subjects (n = 4) in the experimental group to establish athletes' perception of the FMS. The experimental group had a large increase in overall FMS score from the first to the second screen in comparison with the control group (Δ2.0 ± 1.0, p < 0.001, d = 1.3). Scores for the deep squat, hurdle step, and rotary stability tests components of the FMS all increased in the experimental group in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis of the interview data suggested that the subjects in the experimental group improved their understanding between good and poor technique during the FMS. These findings support the notion that FMS scores are influenced by awareness of the grading criteria. As a consequence, the FMS may not be suitable for objectively predicting injury in youth soccer players.
Training practices and perceptions of soccer officials: Insights from the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ)
(SAGE, 2022-07-07) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Vish; Easton, Chris; Arthur, Rosie
This study sought to: 1) document the multifaceted training practices of soccer officials in relation to their role and officiating category; and 2) explore the association between the officials’ training practices and perceptions of the attributes pertinent to optimal performance. Field (FRs) and assistant (ARs) referees at officiating categories 1-3 (n=173) with the Scottish Football Association were invited to participate in this national cross-sectional study. Using the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ), officials reported the volume and type of training engaged in during a 2-week in-season period. Respondents’ perceptions of the skills pertinent to performance were also explored using a 7-point Likert scale (1=not at all important; 7=extremely important), with the frequency in which they trained these skills assessed using a 5-point Likert Scale (1=less than once a month; 5=more than once a week). Ninety-one responses were received, representing a 52.6% response rate. Irrespective of their role or level of professional attainment, the officials’ training was focused mostly on physical conditioning, with significantly less time apportioned to decision-making (P<0.001; ES=1.28), psychological (P<0.001; ES=1.47), and technical (P<0.001; ES=1.23) skills training. Meanwhile, although decision-making and psychological skills were rated as “very important” to “extremely important” amongst both FRs and ARs, officials purposefully trained these skills “less than once a month”. The present study provides important new insights into the training practices engaged in by soccer officials. As accurate decision-making is at the forefront of soccer officiating, enhancing the exposure of match officials to match-related decision-making during training should be considered a priority for future research.
Validity and reliability of physiological and perceptual responses during a treadmill-based Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS) [Oral Presentation]
(European College of Sport Science, 2021-09) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath; Easton, Chris; Glover, A. J.; Arthur, Rosie
Validity and reliability of the physiological and perceptual responses elicited during a novel treadmill-based Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS)
(Springer, 2023-02-12) McEwan, Gary; Unnithan, Viswanath B; Easton, Chris; Glover, Andrew J; Arthur, Rosie
Purpose: This study explored the validity and reliability of the physiological and perceptual responses elicited during a novel treadmill-based Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS). Methods: Following the collection of baseline measures and habituation procedures, eight sub-elite soccer referees completed a single trial of the SRS whereby measures of heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V̇O2), blood lactate concentrations ([La-]b), and differential ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained. Referees’ HR responses were also monitored during a series of competitive matches (5 match observations per referee). For the reliability aspect of the investigation, eight well-trained males with soccer playing experience and a comparable physiological profile were initially habituated, and thereafter completed three separate trials of the SRS during which the reliability of the selected outcome variables were ascertained. Trials were separated by 3-7 days and performed under standardised conditions. Results: No differences were evidenced between the SRS and match play in relation to measures of mean HR (P=0.444; ES=0.29), peak HR (P=0.074; ES=0.74), or HR-based training impulse (P=0.498; ES=0.25). Additionally, no systematic differences were detected between reliability trials for any of the measured outcome variables (P≥0.293), whilst good levels of reliability were observed for measures of mean HR (ICC=0.94; CV=3.1%), peak HR (ICC=0.93; CV=2.2%), HR-based training impulse (ICC=0.95; CV=10.0%), mean V̇O2 (ICC=0.95; CV=2.6%); [La-]b (ICC≥0.89; CV≤11.5%), and differential RPE (ICC≥0.94; CV≤15.1%). Conclusion: The SRS represents a valid and reliable protocol that closely replicates the physiological and decision-making demands of soccer refereeing.