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Report two-years of training injury data in senior and academy professional rugby league. Prospective cohort study. Match and training time-loss injuries and exposure data were recorded from two-seasons of the European Super League competition. Eleven/12 (2021) and 12/12 (2022) senior and 8/12 (2021) and 12/12 (2022) academy teams participated. Training injuries are described in detail and overall match injuries referred to for comparison only. 224,000 training exposure hours were recorded with 293 injuries at the senior (mean [95 % confidence interval]; 3 [2–3] per 1000 h) and 268 academy level (2 [2–3] per 1000 h), accounting for 31 % and 40 % of all injuries (i.e., matches and training). The severity of training injuries (senior: 35 [30–39], academy: 36 [30–42] days-lost) was similar to match injuries. Lower-limb injuries had the greatest injury incidence at both levels (senior: 1.85 [1.61–2.12], academy: 1.28 [1.08–1.51] per 1000 h). Head injuries at the academy level had greater severity (35 [25–45] vs. 18 [12–14] days-lost; p < 0.01) and burden (17 [16–18] vs. 4 [4–5] days-lost per 1000 h; p = 0.02) than senior level. At the senior level, the incidence of contact injuries was lower than non-contact injuries (risk ratio: 0.29 [0.09–0.88], p = 0.02). Training injuries accounted for about a third of injuries, with similar injury severity to match-play. Within training there is a higher rate of non-contact vs. contact injuries. Whilst current injury prevention interventions target matches, these data highlight the importance of collecting high quality training injury data to develop and evaluate injury prevention strategies in training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This crossover trial compared the effects of varying feedback approaches on sprint performance, motivation, and affective mood states in female athletes. Methods: Eligibility criteria were being competitive female athletes, where participants completed sprint tests in 4 randomized feedback conditions on grass, including augmented feedback (sprint time; AUG-FB), technical feedback (cues; TECH-FB), a competition-driven drill (CDD) sprinting against an opponent, and a control condition (no feedback; CON). Participants completed a 20-m sprint (maximum sprint), 30-m curved agility sprint, and a repeated sprint ability test, with sprint times, motivation level, and mood states recorded. The participants were blinded from the number of trials during the repeated sprint ability test. Results: About 12 rugby league players completed all feedback conditions. The maximum sprint times were faster for AUG-FB (3.54 [0.16] s) and CDD (3.54 [0.16] s) compared with TECH-FB (3.64 [0.16] s), while there were no differences compared with CON (3.58 [0.17] s). The curved agility sprint times were faster for AUG-FB (5.42 [0.20] s) compared with TECH-FB (5.61 [0.21] s) and CON (5.57 [0.24] s), although CDD (5.38 [0.26] s) produced faster sprint times than TECH-FB. Effort and value were higher with AUG-FB (6.31 [0.68]; 6.53 [0.05]) compared with CON (5.99 [0.60]; 4.75 [2.07]), while CON exhibited lower enjoyment ratings (4.68 [0.95]) compared with other feedback conditions (AUG-FB: 5.54 [0.72]; CDD: 5.56 [0.67]; TECH-FB: 5.60 [0.56]). Conclusions: Providing AUG-FB prior to sprint tasks enhances more immediate performance outcomes than TECH-FB. AUG-FB also benefited athlete enjoyment, task effort, and coaching value. Female athletes should receive AUG-FB in testing and training environments, to improve immediate physical performance and motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This article examines athletes preparing for, transitioning into, or going through the developmental stages of a professional sports career, referred to as the emerging athlete career transition. This transition includes events such as selections, Junior-to-Senior promotions, contracting, migration, and early exits. The article presents the collective findings of a multi-case study in three professional sports: rugby league, basketball, and boxing. Method: Consistent with pragmatic qualitative research methodology, a stratified data set was collected and analysed, incorporating researcherpractitioner fieldwork, interviews, documents and artefacts for these cases. This article explores unique events and the demographic and cultural implications of navigating emergent transitions along professional sporting pathways in New Zealand. Findings: These findings highlight the importance of building self-efficacy as a pre-condition for coping through preparation and experience. Recommendations: Recommendations include fostering collaborative cultures and authentic support relationships to facilitate better coping alongside athletic and personal development in these high-pressured environments. Furthermore, understanding existential perspectives of meaning, choice, and responsibility provides insights for developing the resources that allow emerging athletes to thrive in life beyond sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The development of a brief online program to improve prosocial parent behavior at children's sporting events is described. We provide an overview of the collaborative research and development process, the theoretical basis for program content, design features, and evaluation approach used to establish the feasibility of Play Well Triple P in Junior Rugby League. Background: Parents influence children's experience of sports, impacting their enjoyment and participation, motivation to play, behavior, and performance during sporting events. Parental expectations and behaviors can place pressure on children, decreasing their enjoyment and contributing to their desistance from playing sport. As sport is important for maintaining children's social and psychological well‐being, research is needed to investigate strategies for supporting children to retain positive involvement in sports throughout childhood and adolescence. Method: Codesign principles were applied across four phases of program development—surveying parents of junior players (Phase 1), which informed the development of program content and design (Phase 2), refining the program based on feedback from parents and sports officials (Phase 3), and concluding with a feasibility evaluation of the final program (Phase 4). Results: Parents who participated in Play Well Triple P reported improvements in positive sport parenting behavior, decreases in negative sport parenting behavior, and a high level of satisfaction with the program. Conclusions and implications: The codesign framework for the development of a parent program for rugby league produced a promising and well‐accepted sports parenting program that warrants further trialing, and application to other junior sporting contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rugby league is a popular collision sport among Australian adolescent and young adult men. Concussion is one of the more common injuries in rugby league. Few studies have examined concussion in youth rugby league. To examine medically diagnosed concussions from a single season within two elite-level pathway rugby league competitions by evaluating game play risk factors and conducting a video review of potential concussion signs. Methods: All players involved in the Queensland Rugby League's (QRL) under 18 years and under 20 years age group competitions during the 2019 season were included in this study. Data included all head injury assessments (HIAs) identified in real-time through the QRL injury surveillance system for these two QRL age group competitions. The purpose of this study was to (i) report the rates of HIAs and medically diagnosed concussions; (ii) examine video signs of potential concussion; (iii) review game play risk factors related to HIAs and concussions; and (iv) determine the number of days until a concussed player returned to match play and the number of subsequent games missed by concussed players. Results: There were 86 HIAs and 30 medically diagnosed concussions from the two competitions. The concussion incidence was 2.93 per 1000 player match hours in the under 18-year age group and 5.75 per 1000 player match hours in the under 20-year age group. Slow to stand was the most commonly observed video sign (78.6%; 22/28 concussions). Most concussed players (91%, 21/23) missed at least one subsequent game (M ​= ​1.4, SD ​= ​1.7, range ​= ​0–7 games), with the average days to return-to-play being 15.7 (SD ​= ​7.0, range ​= ​7–41 days). Conclusions: In elite-level pathway rugby league, the incidences of HIAs and medically diagnosed concussions were higher in the under 20 age group than the under 18 age group. Both age groups had lower incidences of HIAs and concussions than professional adult rugby league players. Return-to-play following concussion was similar across the two age groups and differed considerably compared to the elite level, with a longer time before return to play for the younger elite level development pathway players.

Copyright of Movement & Sport Sciences / Science & Motricité is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

IntroductionThis article examines athletes preparing for, transitioning into, or going through the developmental stages of a professional sports career, referred to as the emerging athlete career transition. This transition includes events such as selections, Junior-to-Senior promotions, contracting, migration, and early exits. The article presents the collective findings of a multi-case study in three professional sports: rugby league, basketball, and boxing.MethodConsistent with pragmatic qualitative research methodology, a stratified data set was collected and analysed, incorporating researcher-practitioner fieldwork, interviews, documents and artefacts for these cases. This article explores unique events and the demographic and cultural implications of navigating emergent transitions along professional sporting pathways in New Zealand.FindingsThese findings highlight the importance of building self-efficacy as a pre-condition for coping through preparation and experience.RecommendationsRecommendations include fostering collaborative cultures and authentic support relationships to facilitate better coping alongside athletic and personal development in these high-pressured environments. Furthermore, understanding existential perspectives of meaning, choice, and responsibility provides insights for developing the resources that allow emerging athletes to thrive in life beyond sport.

Purpose: Sport-science research consistently contains repeated measures and imbalanced data sets. This study calls for further adoption of mixed models when analyzing longitudinal sport-science data sets. Mixed models were used to understand whether the level of competition affected the intensity of women's rugby league match play. Methods: A total of 472 observations were used to compare the mean speed of female rugby league athletes recorded during club-, state-, and international-level competition. As athletes featured in all 3 levels of competition and there were multiple matches within each competition (ie, repeated measures), the authors demonstrated that mixed models are the appropriate statistical approach for these data. Results: The authors determined that if a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for the statistical analysis in the present study, at least 48.7% of the data would have been omitted to meet ANOVA assumptions. Using a mixed model, the authors determined that mean speed recorded during Trans-Tasman Test matches was 73.4 m·min−1, while the mean speeds for National Rugby League Women and State of Origin matches were 77.6 and 81.6 m·min−1, respectively. Random effects of team, athlete, and match all accounted for variations in mean speed, which otherwise could have concealed the main effects of position and level of competition had less flexible ANOVAs been used. Conclusion: These data clearly demonstrate the appropriateness of applying mixed models to typical data sets acquired in the professional sport setting. Mixed models should be more readily used within sport science, especially in observational, longitudinal data sets such as movement pattern analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to (1) compare individual player match action characteristics between scholarship, academy, and senior (European Super League, ESL) levels of the rugby league player pathway, and (2) compare match actions between players that have progressed to play ESL and those that did not. Data was collected on 147 players from 95 senior, 69 academy, and 23 scholarship matches over three seasons. Matches were filmed via 2 angles and 26 match action characteristics (e.g. carry, missed tackle) were coded. Linear mixed models identified 48 significant differences in match action characteristics when accounting for playing position between playing levels. Over seventy percent of the differences were defensive match actions, indicating there are higher defensive match demands in the ESL when compared to academy and scholarship match play. Seven and eleven match actions characteristics were identified at scholarship and academy levels that differentiated between players who had progressed to play in the ESL and those who had not. All but one of these characteristics were attacking match actions, indicating a player's attacking qualities are important in their progression to the ESL. These results have implications for both talent identification and long-term athlete development in rugby league. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining key performance indicators and classifying players accurately between competitive levels is one of the classification challenges in sports analytics. A recent study applied Random Forest algorithm to identify important variables to classify rugby league players into academy and senior levels and achieved 82.0% and 67.5% accuracy for backs and forwards. However, the classification accuracy could be improved due to limitations in the existing method. Therefore, this study aimed to introduce and implement feature selection technique to identify key performance indicators in rugby league positional groups and assess the performances of six classification algorithms. Fifteen and fourteen of 157 performance indicators for backs and forwards were identified respectively as key performance indicators by the correlation-based feature selection method, with seven common indicators between the positional groups. Classification results show that models developed using the key performance indicators had improved performance for both positional groups than models developed using all performance indicators. 5-Nearest Neighbour produced the best classification accuracy for backs and forwards (accuracy = 85% and 77%) which is higher than the previous method's accuracies. When analysing classification questions in sport science, researchers are encouraged to evaluate multiple classification algorithms and a feature selection method should be considered for identifying key variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study performed a series of online focus groups to understand elite rugby league players' experiences of collision. Eighteen rugby league players comprising different playing positions from four teams were recruited to participate in a series of online focus groups, via the Microsoft Team's platform, facilitated by a moderator. Players were competing in Europe's elite rugby league competition, the European Super League (ESL), during the 2021 season. All focus group data were transcribed, coded and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis guide to ensure robust exploring, interpreting and reporting through pattern-based analysis. The findings are split into five key themes: 1) the three-man tackle – the perceived optimal defensive strategy with simultaneous contact, 2) not all collisions are the same; matchplay events change the collision intensity, 3) bracing and blindsiding – two factors that influence experiences of collision and concussion, 4) coaching philosophies and orientations, 5) psychological readiness for collision. Collision sports have an inherent risk of injury; however, in some players' subjective experiences, there are collision types that have a greater association with risk or intensity (blind-sided collisions or long closing distances). It is essential that future research comprehends the effects of these collision types and the further themes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantify and identify factors associated with concussion underreporting in Super League rugby league players. Cross sectional survey. During the 2022 season preseason, 422 Men's and Women's Super League players completed an online survey quantifying player demographics, rugby playing history, concussion history, prevalence of, and reasons for underreporting concussion, concussion knowledge and long-term implications and perceptions of concussion. Overall, 20% of respondents stated they did not report concussion-related symptoms to medical staff during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The two most common reasons for underreporting concussion were ' didn't want to be ruled out of a match ' (35%) and ' didn't want to let down team ' (24%). 65% of players reported an appropriate level of knowledge about concussion and potential long-term implications at the start of their senior rugby career, versus 89% now. In relation to concussion knowledge, symptoms were correctly identified on 74% of occasions. 57% of players surveyed were concerned about the potential long-term implications from concussion, and 11% of players would encourage their/family members' children to not play rugby league. The proportion of Super League players who did not report concussion symptoms was similar to rugby league players in Australia. The main reasons for not reporting concussion appeared to be due to perceptions of what is beneficial for the team, suggesting both performance and medical staff should collectively encourage players to report concussion. A player's attitude towards concussion is potentially an individual modifiable risk factor and should be considered within the concussion management of players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the mental health lived experiences of fifty-five Australian National Rugby League (NRL) contracted top 30 players. It focuses on the risk and protective factors that impact on athletes' experiences of mental health, patterns of help-seeking behavior, prevalence of self-reported mental illness, and an evaluation of common supports available to athletes within high-performance systems. Through a phenomenological survey of quantitative and qualitative means, this study provided athletes with a platform to critically reflect and share their mental health experiences within the academic domain, making a unique contribution to the literature as one of the few studies giving voice to NRL athletes' own perceptions of the stressors and pressures of elite sport. Key findings emerging from the study highlight athletes' overrepresentation in self-reported mental illness (35% of participants self-reported living with a mental health issue), the encouragingly high help-seeking rates of those athletes (56% had sought support for their mental health issue; 78% indicated that they accessed support internally within their club; 22% had accessed support externally from their club), the need for culturally responsive well-being support practices, the impact of contract duration on the mental health experiences of athletes during the latter stages of their careers, and athletes' view of the relationship shared between well-being and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to provide a guide for strength and conditioning coaches that are interested in using smallsided games as a conditioning tool, and how they can be applied into a semi-elite rugby league setting. Small-sided games have become more popular in recent years, with many research papers showing the benefits of their use and the observed physiological responses. However, few articles provide a full explanation of the games and how they can be applied into training. The games presented in this study are Netball touch, Drop-out touch, and Laser touch. These games were designed using the principles of the Constraints-Led Approach8, to manipulate rules so that players were getting a conditioning effect whilst playing them. The rules of Rugby League provided the constraints that were manipulated and adjusted to create three, unique games that can be used as conditioning tools. Based on a typical weekly training schedule for a semi-elite level rugby league player, these games can be used at one to two sessions a week during preseason, before becoming the main form of conditioning when in-season. Small-sided games are a great conditioning tool that can be used to improve the physical capacities of semi-elite rugby league players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper highlights the impact of the accumulation (preparatory) period on the changes in the level of motor skills in rugby league players (n=20) of the first league in the Slovak Republic. Motor skills were measured using fifteen tests (Star Run, Zig-Zag Run, Agility T-Run, 22 m hopping & bounding test, diagonal run, bench press, barbell squat, deadlift, solid ball throw, standing long jump, 1-min push-ups, pull-ups, 30 m run, 1-min situps, 1-min squats) during the months of September, November and December. Statistical significance of changes was monitored by t-test at 5% and 1% significance level. Stepwise regression made it possible to reveal the motor skills that determined performance in agility tests. The accumulation period enriched with developmental means of speed, speed-strength and strength abilities had a positive effect on the results of all motor tests (p < 0.01). The greatest correlation was observed between the lower limb explosive endurance (22 m hopping & bounding test, Beta*r = 0.663 - 0.834), straight line acceleration (30 m run, Beta*r = 0.793 - 0.855), and speed endurance (384 m diagonal run, Beta*r = 0.723) on one side and the Agility Star run, Zig-Zag Agility Run and Agility T-Run on the other. The obtained results showed the focus of the preparatory period, which aims to develop the motor skills determining the game performance of players and the team. It was demonstrated that speed, speed-strength and strength skills are significant determinants of agility performance in the game of rugby. Compared to published standards, the general motor performance of the studied sample of rugby players is rated as average to poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to provide an outline and examples for how to periodise the initial 8-weeks of a pre-season for a junior rugby league team. As these athletes are in the 'training to compete' stage in Balyi's five stages of long-term athletic development (LTAD), the focus should be on optimising fitness preparation and skill development while remaining motivated to be healthy and physically fit to enhance performance. There are descriptions surrounding the introduction of resistance training, proper speed and multi-directional development and conditioning programming. This program outlines three training days, which includes three 60-80-minute field sessions and three 45-60-minute gym sessions. Resistance training is split into a hip / push, knee / pull and full-body to ensure all seven movement patterns are able to be developed, and utilising a linear periodisation scheme in order to prioritise movement quality. The field sessions athletic development focuses on speed and movement mechanics, and ensuring the athletes reach a high level of conditioning. Introducing technical and coaching cues for these speed and movement mechanics are crucial for LTAD athletes, to improve their performance and reduce the chance of injury. The outline presented in this article as well as providing key focuses for the athletes during the session will assist junior rugby league strength and conditioning coaches to develop and prepare players for competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various wrestling techniques are now a relevant and required skillset for most rugby league players as the game has advanced offensively and defensively, since the wrestle was introduced. During the game of rugby league, a player is generally required to tackle and be tackled a high number of times where the efficiency, timing and control of such tackles is critical in an individual's performance and ability to respond to reoccurring high impacts. Training to prepare for a diverse range of bodily contacts is where wrestling techniques such as grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) overlap and translate well to Rugby League, equipping players with necessary and extra skills to improve their game. For effective training to be achieved in this area, the amount and timing of wrestle sessions must be carefully considered for optimal results. Other considerations examined in this article include detailed performance benefits from wrestle training, potential negative impacts such as injury risk and specific practical applications within the sport. There are many known wrestling drills and exercises that currently exist within rugby league, particularly National Rugby League (NRL) systems, however the purpose of this article was to recommend four key training drills and explain how coaches should implement them. The main four drills include basic pummelling, around the world, sit through drill and bridge and roll techniques. Such drills can be utilised by players of all ages however semi to professional levels would benefit the most as wrestle techniques have become more prevalent and advanced, hence should be delivered by a coach with relevant experience, knowledge, and belt level. Three sessions per week is recommended for semi to professional players during competition season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to use a combination of video analysis and microtechnology (10 Hz global positioning system [GPS]) to quantify and compare the speed and acceleration of ball-carriers and tacklers during the pre-contact phase (contact − 0.5s) of the tackle event during rugby league match-play. Data were collected from 44 professional male rugby league players from two Super League clubs across two competitive matches. Tackle events were coded and subject to three stages of inclusion criteria to identify front-on tackles. 10 Hz GPS data was synchronised with video to extract the speed and acceleration of the ball-carrier and tackler into each front-on tackle (n = 214). Linear mixed effects models (effect size [ES], confidence intervals, p-values) compared differences. Overall, ball-carriers (4.73 ± 1.12 m∙s−1) had greater speed into front-on tackles than tacklers (2.82 ± 1.07 m∙s−1; ES = 1.69). Ball-carriers accelerated (0.67 ± 1.01 m∙s−2) into contact whilst tacklers decelerated (−1.26 ± 1.36 m∙s−2; ES = 1.74). Positional comparisons showed speed was greater during back vs. back (ES = 0.66) and back vs. forward (ES = 0.40) than forward vs. forward tackle events. Findings can be used to inform strategies to improve performance and player welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is aimed at alerting sport psychologists to the problem of poor management of anger-based aggression and violence in some team contact sports athletes. It uses an infamous violent incident from the 2014 rugby league Super League Grand Final as a way into a discussion about anger-based aggression and violence. Details of the violent incident are described and the possible reasons why it occurred are examined, followed by a discussion of cognitive interventions sport psychologists could use to assist athletes whose individual and team performance is negatively affected by similar anger-based violent outbursts against opponents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence of genetic contributions to tendon and ligament pathologies. Given the high incidence and severity of tendon and ligament injuries in elite rugby, we studied whether 13 gene polymorphisms previously associated with tendon/ligament injury were associated with elite athlete status. Participants from the RugbyGene project were 663 elite Caucasian male rugby athletes (RA) (mean (standard deviation) height 1.85 (0.07) m, mass 101 (12) kg, age 29 (7) yr), including 558 rugby union athletes (RU) and 105 rugby league athletes. Non-athletes (NA) were 909 Caucasian men and women (56% female; height 1.70 (0.10) m, mass 72 (13) kg, age 41 (23) yr). Genotypes were determined using TaqMan probes and groups compared using Χ2 and odds ratio (OR). COLGALT1 rs8090 AA genotype was more frequent in RA (27%) than NA (23%; P = 0.006). COL3A1 rs1800255 A allele was more frequent in RA (26%) than NA (23%) due to a greater frequency of GA genotype (39% vs 33%). For MIR608 rs4919510, RA had 1.7 times the odds of carrying the CC genotype compared to NA. MMP3 rs591058 TT genotype was less common in RA (25.1%) than NA (31.2%; P < 0.04). For NID1 rs4660148, RA had 1.6 times the odds of carrying the TT genotype compared to NA. It appears that elite rugby athletes have an inherited advantage that contributes to their elite status, possibly via resistance to soft tissue injury. These data may, in future, assist personalised management of injury risk amongst athletes. Highlights The elite rugby athletes we studied had differing genetic characteristics to non-athletes regarding genetic variants previously associated with soft-tissue injury risk. COLGALT1 rs8090, COL3A1 rs1800255, MIR608 rs4919510, MMP3 rs591058 and NID1 rs4660148 were all associated with elite status in rugby. We propose that elite rugby athletes might possess an inherited resistance to soft tissue injury, which has enabled them to achieve elite status despite exposure to the high-risk environment of elite rugby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The use of whole‐body cryotherapy (WBC) for athletic recovery is becoming increasingly popular despite the lack of evidence supporting the dosage parameters in its implementation. The aim of the current study was to investigate the dose–response effects of WBC following match‐play in elite rugby league players. Methods: We observed endocrine (salivary cortisol and testosterone) and biochemical (creatine kinase) responses following three separate post‐match recovery periods in elite rugby league players. Comparisons were made between a single exposure (3 min at −120°C to ‐−135°C) of WBC to two consecutive exposures (2 × 3 min), to a control (no exposure) during the recovery trials. Recovery characteristics were measured 36 h prematch, immediately postmatch, and 60 h postmatch. Results: Cortisol concentrations remained unchanged in its pattern of response during the postmatch recovery periods across all WBC doses. Testosterone concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.0005) at 60 h, in the WBC2 trial. The Testosterone:Cortisol ratio increased significantly (p < 0.0005) at 60 h in the WBC2 trial, while during the WBC0 trial it did not recover to baseline levels. No significant effect on creatine kinase concentration was observed, although a statistical trend was shown in WBC2 for improved reduction of this marker at 60 h. Conclusions: These findings suggest that two, consecutive exposures to WBC immediately following fatiguing rugby league competition appear to stimulate an increase to the anabolic endocrine profile of participants by 60 h post‐match, and may reduce the CK concentration. Coaches and athletes should consider the treatment dosage of WBC when used to optimize the desired response following a high‐stress environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1990s, scholars interested in French Rugby League have argued that the Fédération française de rugby, France's Rugby Union organisation, and especially its honorary president Paul Voivenel, collaborated with a cabal inside the Vichy government to destroy their League rivals who had 'rebelled against the authority of French rugby'. Although the Vichy regime absolutely attacked Rugby League, the evidence for a conspiracy between Rugby Union federation and the state remains unsupported by any evidence. A rereading of the sources on Vichy's engagement with French Rugby League shows that their despoliation fell in line with other reforms undertaken by the French state at the same time. The Vichy French state undermined French Rugby League in line with their efforts to rationalise sports and maximise the number of athletes and contests across the metropole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby league flourished in the Aboriginal settlements run by the Queensland government in the 1920s and 1930s, as officials relaxed policies of segregation and isolation to allow Aboriginal teams to travel within the state. Revenue from the games, at times significant sums, went to government trust accounts and not directly to the settlements. Available data on this sporting income and government spending policies reveals an exploitative system, ethically comparable to Stolen Wages and reflecting the dispossession of Aboriginal Queenslanders in this era. While sport bolstered community pride, these exploitative dimensions qualify its contribution to Aboriginal wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Global Sport Management is the property of the Global Alliance of Marketing & Management Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ObjectiveThe tackle is the most injurious event in rugby league and carries the greatest risk of concussion. This study aims to replicate previous research conducted in professional men's rugby league by examining the association between selected tackle characteristics and head impact events (HIEs) in women's professional rugby league.MethodsWe reviewed and coded 83 tackles resulting in an HIE and every tackle (6,318 tackles) that did not result in an HIE for three seasons (2018–2020) of the National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) competition. Tackle height, body position of the tackler and ball carrier, as well as the location of head contact with the other player's body were evaluated. Propensity of each situation that caused an HIE was calculated as HIEs per 1,000 tackles.ResultsThe propensity for tacklers to sustain an HIE was 6.60 per 1,000 tackles (95% CI: 4.87–8.92), similar to that of the ball carrier (6.13 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 4.48–8.38). The greatest risk of an HIE to either the tackler or ball carrier occurred when head proximity was above the sternum (21.66 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 16.55–28.35). HIEs were most common following impacts between two heads (287.23 HIEs per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 196.98–418.84). The lowest propensity for both tackler (2.65 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 0.85–8.20) and ball carrier HIEs (1.77 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 0.44–7.06) occurred when the head was in proximity to the opponent's shoulder and arm. No body position (upright, bent or unbalanced/off feet) was associated with an increased propensity of HIE to either tackler or ball carrier.ConclusionsIn the NRLW competition, tacklers and ball carriers have a similar risk of sustaining an HIE during a tackle, differing from men's NRL players, where tacklers have a higher risk of HIEs. Further studies involving larger samples need to validate these findings. However, our results indicate that injury prevention initiatives in women's rugby league should focus on how the ball carrier engages in contact during the tackle as well as how the tackler executes the tackle.

In studies reporting rugby league injuries, match injuries varied depending upon participation level. To review and update pooled data estimates for rugby league injury epidemiology and add information for participation levels in match and training environments. A systematic review and pooled analysis for published studies reporting rugby league match and training injuries. Searches were performed in the PubMed, CINHAL, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online databases. Studies were considered if they reported on rugby league match or training injuries between Jan 1990 to June 2021. Two authors (DK, TC) extracted the study characteristics, numerical data and assessed the article quality, by adhering to the protocol for systematic review of observational studies (MOOSE) and the STrengthening and Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The 46 studies included a combined exposure of 419,037 h and 18,783 injuries incorporating 158,003 match-hr and 15,706 match injuries (99.4 [95%CI: 97.9–101.0] per 1000 match-hr) and 264,033 training-hr and 3077 training injuries (11.8 [95%CI: 11.4–12.2] per 1000 training-hr). Of included studies, 47.9% utilised a medical attention/treatment injury definition. There was a five-fold difference in injuries for the semi-professional participation level (431.6 per 1000 match-hr) compared with professional (RR: 4.92; p

Abstract Background and Aims The use of whole‐body cryotherapy (WBC) for athletic recovery is becoming increasingly popular despite the lack of evidence supporting the dosage parameters in its implementation. The aim of the current study was to investigate the dose–response effects of WBC following match‐play in elite rugby league players. Methods We observed endocrine (salivary cortisol and testosterone) and biochemical (creatine kinase) responses following three separate post‐match recovery periods in elite rugby league players. Comparisons were made between a single exposure (3 min at −120°C to ‐−135°C) of WBC to two consecutive exposures (2 × 3 min), to a control (no exposure) during the recovery trials. Recovery characteristics were measured 36 h prematch, immediately postmatch, and 60 h postmatch. Results Cortisol concentrations remained unchanged in its pattern of response during the postmatch recovery periods across all WBC doses. Testosterone concentrations increased significantly (p

In professional team sports, like Rugby League, performance analysis has become an integral part of operational practices. This has helped practitioners gain deeper insight into phenomena like team and athlete behaviour and understanding how such behaviour may be influenced by various contextual factors. This information can then be used by coaches to design representative practice tasks, inform game principles and opposition strategies, and even support team recruitment practices. At the elite level, the constant evolution of sports technology (both hardware and software) has enabled greater access to information, making the role of the performance analyst even more valuable. However, this increase in information can create challenges regarding which variables to use to help guide decision-making, and how to present it in ways that can be utilised by coaches and other support staff. While there are published works exploring aspects of performance analysis in team sports like Rugby League, there is yet to be a perspective that explores the various operational uses of performance analysis in Rugby League, the addition of which could help guide the practices of emerging performance analysts in elite organisations like the Australian National Rugby League and the European Super League. Thus, this narrative review—with accompanying case examples—explores the various ways performance analysis can help address pertinent operational questions commonly encountered when working in high-performance sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the Pacific, the whānau/’āiga (family) is an integral element of community and identity. Within Polynesian communities, it is common for the whānau (family – Māori) or ‘aiga (family – Samoan) to be the most important aspect of one's existence. For many Polynesian (Māori and Pacific) athletes, the family unit is central to their ability to succeed in professional sport. The cultural identity that is developed within the family unit as well as the support and nurturing provided are ingredients for Polynesian athletes to thrive in spaces where they may not otherwise: gaining collective support in ways that are not always readily afforded to Western society. This paper draws from the stories of male professional Māori and Pasifika rugby league athletes to provide deeper insight into the critical role of Polynesian families in professional sport. As Polynesian sport academics, who were given deep insight from these athletes, we use our insider lens to tell this story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Reactive Strength Index Modified (RSImod) has been recently identified and validated as a method of monitoring countermovement-jump (CMJ) performance. The kinetic and kinematic mechanisms that optimize a higher RSImod score are, however, currently unknown. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to compare entire CMJ force--, power--, velocity--, and displacement--time curves (termed temporal-phase analysis) of athletes who achieve high versus low RSImod scores. Methods: Fifty-three professional male rugby league players performed 3 maximal-effort CMJs on a force platform, and variables of interest were calculated via forward dynamics. The top (high RSImod group) and bottom (low RSImod group) of 20 athletes' CMJ kinetic- and kinematic-time curves were compared. Results: The high-RSImod group (0.53 ± 0.05 vs 0.36 ± 0.03) jumped higher (37.7 ± 3.9 vs 31.8 ± 3.2 cm) with a shorter time to takeoff (TTT) (0.707 ± 0.043 vs 0.881 ± 0.122 s). This was achieved by a more rapid unweighting phase followed by greater eccentric and concentric force, velocity, and power for large portions (including peak values) of the jump, but a similar countermovement displacement. The attainment of a high RSImod score therefore required a taller, but thinner, active impulse. Conclusions: Athletes who perform the CMJ with a high RSImod, as achieved by high jumps with a short TTT, demonstrate superior force, power, velocity, and impulse during both the eccentric and concentric phases of the jump. Practitioners who include the RSImod calculation in their testing batteries may assume that greater RSImod values are attributed to an increase in these underpinning kinetic and kinematic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the rates of concussion and recovery time over the course of 2 seasons of the National Rugby League (NRL). Design: Descriptive cohort study. Setting: The NRL match play concussion injury surveillance system. Participants: All NRL players who participated in the 2017 and 2018 season. Main Outcome Measures: The (1) frequency of sideline injury surveillance identified head impact events in real-time during the games, (2) frequency of head injury assessments conducted by the medical staff, (3) frequency of medically diagnosed concussions, (4) number of days to medical clearance to return-to-play, and (5) number of games missed after concussion. Main Results: There were 472 head injury assessments conducted during the games and 149 medically diagnosed concussions over the course of 2 NRL seasons (1 concussion every 2.70 games). The median number of days until medical clearance was 6 (M = 6.85, SD = 8.03, interquartile range = 4-7; range = 0-79 days). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of days to be medically cleared to return to full contact or match play between seasons (U = 3517.00, P = 0.001), and the percentage of players medically cleared to return-to-play at 5 days after injury was 60.6% in 2017 and 27.6% in 2018. Most players (87.9%) did not miss a game after injury. Conclusions: There is approximately one concussion sustained for every 3 games in the NRL. Most players are medically cleared to return-to-play in 4 to 7 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral ankle sprains are common injuries seen in sport. They are usual portrayed as minor issues and players return to sport early resulting in further injury and development of chronic ankle instability. Aircast support braces have been shown to be effective in reducing discomfort and increasing stability in the early stages but have not been worn for prolonged periods when accompanied by a graded exercise program for return to sport. The aim of this case study was to use an accelerated return to play strength program accompanied by the prolonged use of an Aircast support brace for a rugby league player returning following a grade 3 lateral ankle sprain. A single subject was used for the case study after they sustained a grade 3 lateral ankle sprain and were available and consented to the accelerated program. The athlete was immobilised in boot for 5 days, progressed through early mobilisation (days 5-10), accelerated calf complex, peroneal strengthening (days 5-23), proprioceptive and balance retraining (days 5-23) plyometric progressions (days 10-23) and lower limb strength until return to full training (day 23). The athlete wore the Aircast support brace every day from day 5-28 except when completing rehab exercises and sleeping. The athlete made a return to full training after 23 days and made a successful return to sport after 32 days with no instability episodes reported. This compares favourably to the 4-12 weeks reported in research. Prolonged Aircast support bracing is favourable when returning athletes to sport following Grade 3 lateral ankle sprains when coupled with early mobilisation and individualised strength programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the run-up to the 2019 UK general election, Conservative think tank Onward identified Workington Man as the voter the Conservatives had to target to win seats in the Labour dominated, leave-voting north of England. Workington Man is white, working-class, with no university education, voted Leave in 2016, and he is a fan of rugby league. In this research, we explore how rugby league fans and journalists responded to this during the election period, thorough a content analysis of public websites rlfans.com, comments below-the-line in The Guardian's story about Workington Man. and discussions in rugby league magazine Forty-20. In looking at the debate about the legitimacy of the stereotype, we also widen our research to explore how fans online have talked about Brexit and Europe in the context of the General Election. We show that although most rugby league fans online and journalists held left-wing, progressive views situated in their belief that rugby league is a site of counter-hegemonic, working-class resistance to the southern English Establishment symbolised by rugby union, some rugby-league fans online were aligned with populism and right-wing beliefs about liberal elites and the European Union. The success of the Conservatives on 12 December in most of these rugby league seats demonstrates that the tactic worked, and that the views of fans online was not representative of the wider electorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a case study of one of the few sports, rugby, that does not link national representation exclusively to citizenship. It discusses who may represent a country in major events and under which conditions. It analyses the consequences of the rules on different stakeholders; and discusses why the residency rule in particular is subject to much controversy. The author has conducted case studies of the 2019 rugby union and 2017 rugby league men’s World Cups. Academic literature, international news-papers, and rugby-specific websites were reviewed. Other than secondary sources, the researcher also collected primary data through interviews. The interviewees included representatives of Rugby League International Federation and World Rugby. This research reveals that national representation without citizenship is widespread in both codes of rugby. It has also shown that the effects of the eligibility criteria go beyond simplistic rich/poor and center/periphery models. This article argues that the rational for the eligibility criteria is the limited global spread of rugby league and rugby union. Without those lenient rules it would be difficult to organize international competitions.

Successful performances in rugby league require the ability to engage in repeated contact efforts with minimal recovery while maintaining a high running intensity. The capacity to express high levels of time-limited force appears to underlie many important physical attributes required to meet the repeated-effort demands of rugby league play. If appropriately periodised and integrated into the training plan, resistance exercise that sufficiently loads the eccentric phase of movement may provide a beneficial stimulus to improve players’ force-generating capacity. Comprehensive reviews relating to the adaptive effects of eccentric training and the methods most commonly prescribed in practical environments are available and may provide context for applying these strategies. However, no literature to date has specifically discussed the planning and programming of eccentric resistance exercise to enhance force production characteristics in elite athletes. Therefore, this narrative review focuses on the periodisation of eccentrically-integrated resistance training during a 17-week National Rugby League pre-season phase. To help guide programming during the pre-season period, the 17-week timeline is divided into several phases (i.e., general preparation, special preparation, active rest, and pre-competition). Within the periodised model, eccentric exercise parameters (i.e., volume, load [% 1RM]) are manipulated to progressively increase the rate of muscle lengthening velocity over the pre-season phase and sequentially elicit changes in muscle-tendon properties and neural function that culminate in improving muscular strength expression.

Strength and power qualities have previously been shown to discriminate between levels of professional rugby league. The purpose of this program outline is to present the key contributing factors required to improve physical qualities of a developing professional rugby league players during a 12-week pre-season training period. The systematic process implemented to improve strength and power qualities is detailed, whilst taking into consideration the concurrent nature and complexity of the team sport training environment. One Brisbane Broncos developing player completing his first pre-season at first grade was used in this field study. The use of specific dynamic strength and diagnostic testing highlights the improvement in key strength qualities relating to improved athletic performance. Force plate analysis for countermovement jump, standing broad jump and a modified 12/5 repeated jump test where analysed to display improvement in strength qualities. Standardized dynamic strength testing for back squat, bench press and bench pull was measured for improvement in absolute strength qualities. The 12-week training program elicited positive outcomes for all measures tested and highlights the importance of a systematic strength training approach to improve athletic qualities associated to increased performance in professional rugby league. Strength and conditioning coaches should consider the complexity and the concurrent nature of team sport when implementing a strategy to improve the performance outcomes of a young, developing player. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This two-experiment study aimed to examine (1) the accuracy and reliability of repetitions-in-reserve and (2) using a randomized trial, the efficacy of repetition-in-reserve compared to traditional percentage-based training during a 4-week pre-season strength training block in elite rugby league players. Methods: In experiment 1, participants performed deadlift, bench press and weighted pull up exercises for 3, 6, and 9 repetitions to failure using self-selected loads. This was undertaken on two occasions, separated by 8-weeks. In experiment 2, participants were randomly separated into either repetitions-in-reserve or percentage-based training groups. They completed a 4-week pre-season training block with training prescribed based on the group to which they were assigned. Measures of body mass and 3 repetition max strength in the aforementioned exercises were measured pre and post intervention. Results: Experiment 1 showed that repetitions-in-reserve exhibited generally acceptable levels of accuracy and moderate-good levels of reliability. However, the deadlift when the required number of repetitions was 6 and 9 and the bench press when number of repetitions was 9 were not associated with acceptable levels of accuracy and reliability, respectively. Experiment 2 showed that there were no differences between repetitions-in-reserve or percentage-based training group for the strength outcomes, although there were significant increases in body mass in the percentage-based group (pre = 85.6 ± 10.6 kg, post = 86.4 ± 10.8 kg). Conclusion: Repetitions-in-reserve is generally associated with acceptable levels of accuracy and moderate-good levels of reliability, although there were some exceptions for the deadlift in relation to accuracy and bench press for reliability. Experiment 2 shows that although there were no differences between groups for the strength-based outcomes, significant increases in body mass in the percentage-based group may make this approach a more effective approach to prepare players for the rigors of the rugby league season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Repeat-high-intensity efforts (RHIEs) have recently been shown to occur at critical periods of rugby league matches. Purpose: To examine the effect that caffeine has on RHIE performance in rugby league players. Methods: Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 11 semiprofessional rugby league players (age 19.0 ± 0.5 y, body mass 87.4 ± 12.9 kg, height 178.9 ± 2.6 cm) completed 2 experimental trials that involved completing an RHIE test after either caffeine (300 mg caffeine) or placebo (vitamin H) ingestion. Each trial consisted of 3 sets of 20-m sprints interspersed with bouts of tackling. During the RHIE test, 20-m-sprint time, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate were measured. Results: Total time to complete the nine 20-m sprints during the caffeine condition was 1.0% faster (28.46 ± 1.4 s) than during the placebo condition (28.77 ± 1.7 s) (ES = 0.18, 90%CI --0.7 to 0.1 s). This resulted in a very likely chance of caffeine being of benefit to RHIE performance (99% likely to be beneficial). These improvements were more pronounced in the early stages of the test, with a 1.3%, 1.0%, and 0.9% improvement in sprint performance during sets 1, 2, and 3 respectively. There was no significant difference in RPE across the 3 sets (P = .47, 0.48, 1.00) or mean HR (P = .36), maximal HR (P = .74), or blood lactate (P = .50) between treatment conditions. Conclusion: Preexercise ingestion of 300 mg caffeine produced practically meaningful improvements in RHIE performance in rugby league players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the relationship between gender, space and performances of fandom by female match-going fans of the Australian rugby league team the St George Illawarra Dragons. Drawing on a case study that utilised participant observation, semi-structured interviews and a focus group, this article develops a fan typology that details four different types of female fans of rugby league. The findings suggest some female fans were under levels of stricter gatekeeping by male fans depending on their spatial location inside of the stadium. Their inclusion into match-day culture was, therefore, shown to have limits. On the one hand, female match-going fans have agency and choice in the construction and interchange of a fan identity, but on the other, that same identity attests to oppression. We conclude that traditional match-day engagement with rugby league requires conformity to a predominantly masculine ideal. Supplemental data for this article is available online at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby league carries a high injury incidence with 61% of injuries occurring at tackles. The ball carrier has a higher injury incidence than the defender, therefore understanding mechanisms occurring during injurious tackles are important. Given the dynamic, open nature of tackling, characteristics influencing tackle outcome likely encompass complex networks of dependencies. This study aims to identify important classifying characteristics of the tackle related to ball carrier injurious and non-injurious events in rugby league and identify the characteristics capability to correctly classify those events. Forty-one ball carrier injuries were identified and 205 matched non-injurious tackles were identified as controls. Each case and control were analysed retrospectively through video analysis. Random forest models were built to (1) filter tackle characteristics possessing relative importance for classifying tackles resulting in injurious/non-injurious outcomes and (2) determine sensitivity and specificity of tackle characteristics to classify injurious and non-injurious events. Six characteristics were identified to possess relative importance to classify injurious tackles. This included 'tackler twisted ball carrier's legs when legs were planted on ground', 'the tackler and ball carrier collide heads', 'the tackler used body weight to tackle ball carrier', 'the tackler has obvious control of the ball carrier' 'the tackler was approaching tackle sub-maximally' and 'tackler's arms were below shoulder level, elbows were flexed'. The study identified tackle characteristics that can be modified in attempt to reduce injury. Additional injury data are needed to establish relationship networks of characteristics and analyse specific injuries. Sensitivity and specificity results of the random forest were 0.995 and 0.525. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on both sociological and consumer behaviour literature, this study explores the influence of territorial geographic boundaries on shaping localized football preferences. Survey responses of 16,515 Australian metropolitan residents were demarcated to perform analysis across 43 territories, with four football codes analyzed (Australian rules, rugby union, rugby league and soccer). Preferences were evaluated utilizing chi-square tests, with football interest in Sydney found to vary significantly across territorial boundaries. Territories associated with a highly localized team typically exhibited higher interest toward their respective sport, with the inverse found in deterritorialized regions. Although most sport teams have a city based identity, consumer interest can vary widely within such cities. Given that teams typically retain one venue, they must therefore be conscious of maximising their physical availability across a desired population catchment. The findings support the theorized positive relationship between physical product availability and product popularity in a sport setting. Supplemental data for this article is available online at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby league tackle video analysis research typically uses technical criteria from coaching cues or tackle variables from rugby union. As such, content validity and relevance could be questioned. A video analysis framework that establishes appropriate variables for rugby league is therefore required. The study aimed to adopt a 5-stage process to establish a video analysis framework for the rugby league tackle, which was content valid, relevant and reliable. The 5-stage process included 1) creation of draft video analysis framework, using available rugby tackle research, 2) expert group recruitment and critique, 3) refinement of framework to establish content validity, 4) response process validity task and agreement within expert group, 5) intra- and inter-reliability testing using Kappa statistics. The agreed framework comprised six phases including; tackle event, defensive start point, pre-contact, initial contact, post-contact and play-the-ball. Within the identified phases, 63 variables were established. The intra- and inter-reliability testing resulted in strong agreement within all phases. The video analysis framework can be used in rugby league tackle research, categorising complex tackle events, such as injurious or optimal tackles, improving both player welfare and performance. The application of the framework to future rugby league research will increase coherence and usefulness of research findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to investigate the effects of travel on performance in the National Rugby League (NRL). A total of 4,704 observations from 2,352 NRL matches (2007–2019) were analysed. The effect of travel on match outcome (i.e., win/loss) was analysed using a generalized linear mixed model, and the points difference using a linear mixed model. For every 1,000 km travelled in the NRL, the estimated probability of winning a match was reduced by −2.7% [−5.7 to 0.3%] and the estimated points difference by −1.1 [−2.0 to −0.2] points. In relation to every 1,000 km travelled, the 2007–2009 seasons had the greatest reduction in the likelihood of winning a match (−2.7% [−4.7 to −0.6%]), with the 2018–2019 seasons having the greatest likelihood (1.1% [−1.2 to 3.3%]). Regarding inter-state travel, teams from the state of Queensland had the greatest reduction in the likelihood of winning a match while the team from the state of Victoria had the greatest likelihood, although there were no clear differences between states. These data suggest that travel has impacted performance in NRL matches although this effect has reduced over time. These findings are useful for practitioners that prepare athletes in sports where frequent short-haul travel is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the National Rugby League (NRL), the elite competition body across Australia & New Zealand, clubs are mandated to report concerns to the NRL Integrity Unit for possible misconduct, on or off the field. This includes returning a positive illicit drug test leading to players needing to attend counseling that promotes behavioral change; ranging from alcohol and other drugs usage, mental health issues, anger management and family work. This paper strives to understand the purpose of psychological support and interventions as a reflective case study across professional rugby league settings, whilst looking at the role of counseling theories and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the theoretical perspective of ecological dynamics, skilful behaviour in performance contexts like sport and education is predicted on the establishment of a functional relationship between an individual and the environment. The strength of this functional relationship is shaped over time by everyday behaviours, values, and customs (sociocultural practices) within a specific sport organisation. A growing body of research seeks to identify these influential sociocultural practices that emerge and exist in sport cultures and organisations. However, little is known from an ecological realism perspective how these practices affect an athlete's engagement with opportunities offered by the environment (e.g. affordances). In this study, we draw on ethnographic data and theoretical tenets of James Gibson's ecological psychology to identify how the sociocultural practices of a British rugby league football academy might shape an athlete's engagement with affordances. Findings revealed that masculinity and disciplined behaviours were the dominant sociocultural practices, instrumental in developing beliefs, values, and customs of athlete development practices. An ecological realism analysis of the data suggested that cultural pressures meant that key actors ignored the potential for development and learning of athletes' self-organisation tendencies, and inhibited individuals' capacities to respond to opportunities for action offered in many traditional practice designs. We conclude by discussing implications for sport practitioners that promote 'affordance-regulated' practice designs to enhance athlete-environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporarily Australian Indigenous peoples are portrayed by white Australians according to deficit understandings. As well as being inaccurate, this depiction, as part of a long-term civilising process, is an expression of 'fantasy-laden thinking' [Mennell, S., & Goudsblom, J. (1998). Introduction. In S. Mennell & J. Goudsblom (Eds.), Norbert Elias on civilization, power, and knowledge: Selected writings (pp. 1–45). The University of Chicago Press]. Such reasoning, apart from being false, serves to create and reinforce stereotypes, while promoting the 'superiority' of the Western world. Sport was used by the British as part of the process of civilisation to globally promote such reality inadequate accounts of Indigenous peoples, through its use as a 'civilizing' instrument. Sport, including rugby league and Australian football (AFL), was used in Australia to teach British values and gentlemanly behaviour to show Aboriginal people their 'place'. This study explains how both sports have meaning for high school students, as an unintended outcome of their introduction to Australia's Indigenous peoples. Figurational sociology, through its concern with long-term processes, is used to examine the importance of AFL and rugby league to 12 Year 7–10 (age 12–16 approximately) participants. Data were collected using six semi-structured interviews and were interpretively analysed. Instead of experiencing a sense of being 'civilized' or enlightened through their involvement in AFL and rugby league, participants instead spoke about both sports offering: (i) personal meaning through enjoyment and identity creation; (ii) family and community connections; (iii) support networks from family members, peers and others; and (iv) opportunities to continue their culture. It would seem then that the introduction of rugby league and AFL to Australia's Indigenous peoples has resulted in the adaption of both sports for cultural and other reasons. It is possible that similar reconstruction of meaning is experienced by Indigenous groups beyond Australia who were similarly colonised by Western nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]