Physical demands of elite Rugby League referees, part two: heart rate responses and implications for training and fitness testing.
The purpose of this study was to assess whether any characteristic patterns of heart rate (HR) responses could be identified in National Rugby League (NRL) referees (n= 6) during matches played in the 2001 season. The data have been plotted and discussed, in order that exercise program planning practitioners may gain improved understandings of the physiological requirements for referees. Some specific training suggestions have also been made.


METHODS
The HR was recorded every five seconds throughout six competition NRL matches; using a heart rate monitor with a built-in memory.


RESULTS
The specific magnitudes of referees' HR mean values varied between individuals, possibly due to specific game intensities, referee fitness, and age. All referees however exhibited similar HR response patterns; characterised by frequent (13-20 per match) large transient upward and downward shifts (>20 beats.minute(-1)). Periods of elevated HR extended for between five sec and eight min at a time, and were further characterised as a typical cyclic wave of HR elevation and recovery (ranging from 99.2+/-12.4 beats.minute(-1) to 176.5+/-11.8 beats.minute(-1) [mean +/-95% CI]), with a work to rest ratio of 2:1. Steady state HR was not achieved at any time during any match.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the present study, taken together with a recent motion analysis, indicate that Rugby League refereeing is a highly intermittent, variable intensity activity. Significant anaerobic contribution to performance appears likely. It is suggested that training and fitness assessment of athletes should reflect their specific demands; some specific recommendations have therefore been provided.
Kay
B
B
Centre for Rehabilitation, Exercise and Sport Science, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Gill
N D
ND
D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*