The physical attributes of amateur rugby union referees in South Africa

Abstract: Rugby is a physical contact game contested by two teams with 15 field players each. To match the demands of a rugby game, players are required to have an adept level of physical fitness, including aerobic capacity, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. The purpose of the game is to outscore one’s opponent by means of tries, conversions, penalties and drop goals. The laws of the game are set out by World Rugby and updated to make the game safer and more attractive to watch. These laws are implemented during matches by referees. For the referees to successfully apply these laws, they are required to formally acquire sanctioned referee qualifications to officiate at various playing levels. Moreover, that are expected to keep up with the pace of the players to adjudicate the game in front of them. Their ability to maintain this effort is largely determined by their physical preparedness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the physical attributes (Anthropometry, Aerobic capacity, Agility) of amateur rugby union referees of inland provinces in South Africa. A total of 82 referees (age: 26.5 ± 6.4 years; stature: 177.3 ± 6.8cm; body mass: 79.1 ± 14.7kg) were assessed with an exact testing battery. The physical test battery incorporated tests to assess anthropometry, flexibility, muscle endurance, agility and aerobic capacity. The results from the physical battery indicated that participants were fit and adequately prepared to perform the physical demands of rugby. Specifically, rugby referees reported low body fat percentage values (10.9 ± 3.2%), good flexibility (30.8 ± 9.5cm) moderate muscle endurance push-ups (39.1 ± 5.5 repetitions) and isometric plank holds (144.8 ± 39.8s), standing broad jump (2.1 ± 0.3m), good agility (Illinois agility test: 17.2 ± 3.8s) and refined aerobic capacity (estimated VO2max: 61.8 ± 11.0 ml/kg/min). A two-way unbalanced ANOVA was performed for all referees’ attributes between qualification levels (levels 1–4) and union affiliations (three affiliations) at a significance level at p