The present study aimed to investigate youth soccer players’ development in Amazonas state. Fifty... more The present study aimed to investigate youth soccer players’ development in Amazonas state. Fifty-three young soccer players participated in this study (15,3±1,27 years). Participation History Questionnaire was used to investigate the different practice contexts that Amazonas soccer players were engaged during their development process (macro-structure of practice). We also observed three training sessions and calculated the time allotted for each type of training tasks used by the coach (training form, playing form and inactivity) (micro-structure of practice). It was possible to observe that soccer players from Amazonas state accumulated more time engaged in deliberate practice than deliberate play (p<0.001) and competition (p<0.001). We also observed that players had higher contact with decontextualized tasks (training form activities) during their training sessions. With this information, it can be concluded that these soccer players followed an early specialization pathwa...
Abstract Objectives To facilitate elite youth Rugby League (RL) player transition into a high-per... more Abstract Objectives To facilitate elite youth Rugby League (RL) player transition into a high-performance environment, study objectives were to (i) identify environmental transition demands appraised by players as stressors; (ii) to develop and implement an RL contextualised stressor-coping intervention program; and (iii) evaluate intervention effectiveness in dealing with stressors during transitions experienced by the Under 20's (U20) players. Design A quasi-experimental design with field-based complimentary multiple-methods. Method A combination of background literature, ‘stressor audit’ (N = 8) and club stakeholder perspective (N = 6) data were integrated to inform intervention content. U20's youth RL players (N = 41) at two professional RL clubs then participated in intervention (n = 21) or control (n = 20) groups. The intervention group participated in six group-based education sessions, with follow-up focus-groups social validation. Three psychometric questionnaires implemented at three time-points (pre, post & follow-up), examined changes in coping strategy use, coping efficacy and psychological well-being. Results The stressor audit identified team selection, injury, balancing work/study, and new high-performance environment adjustment as key stressors. Statistical analyses identified significant intervention group (versus controls) interaction effects for enhanced frequency of task-based coping strategy use; disengagement-based coping strategy reductions; and increased efficacy for using problem and emotion-focused coping strategies. No effect for distraction orientated coping, social-support efficacy, or in terms of psychological well-being was apparent. Focus-group data corroborated quantitative findings. Conclusions The RL context stressor-coping intervention led to specific favourable coping responses, suggesting similar interventions may be beneficial for practitioners/organisations wanting to assist transition into high-performance environments.
The first Australia and New Zealand semi-professional women's rugby league premiership (NRLW)... more The first Australia and New Zealand semi-professional women's rugby league premiership (NRLW) was launched in 2018. This chapter charts the players' journey through the first two seasons of the competition. A questionnaire was distributed at the end of both seasons to all contracted players in each of the four clubs to capture feedback on their experiences, perceptions, challenges and suggestions for improvements. Players were asked about contracts, sacrifices, support, club culture and their views on coaching and training. The findings indicated despite significant stressors and challenges, players were highly appreciative of the chance to play in a semi-professional league, to be part of a landmark competition, and to inspire future generations of girls to play rugby league. Positive satisfaction across most dimensions of league and club practices and operations were evident in season one. By the end of season two, attitudes were changing, with data showing that players expected to obtain increases in remuneration, number of clubs, season length, media coverage and improvements in coaching, training and support services. Sports such as rugby league need to be particularly mindful of addressing issues arising, as options for women in professional team sports is growing rapidly and competition for talent will only accelerate into the future. This case study of women in rugby league demonstrates that women's experiences and perceptions are shifting from an initiation phase of gratefulness and acceptance of personal/family sacrifice for the opportunity to play semi-professionally, to having increased expectations of reasonable employment conditions and legitimacy as professional athletes.
The International Journal of Technology, Knowledge, and Society, 2006
... US5.00, Facial Image Extraction Through Color Mapping Techniques. Ruba SoundarKathavarayan,. ... more ... US5.00, Facial Image Extraction Through Color Mapping Techniques. Ruba SoundarKathavarayan,. RUBA Soundar,. Sivaranjani Sundarraj. Segmentation and Extraction of Facial Images using Color Mapping Techniques. It can be used for Video telephony applications. ...
International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 2016
Identification of game variables associated with success in men’s and women’s sevens rugby tourna... more Identification of game variables associated with success in men’s and women’s sevens rugby tournaments is required to assist in tactical preparation for future competition. The aim of this study was to analyse the game variables associated with winning teams in knockout Cup games and identify if winning characteristics are gender specific. All quarter final and semi-final games from the men’s (n=54) and women’s (n=30) 2014 World Sevens Series tournaments were analysed using a set of game variables associated with sevens performance. Comparisons between teams were examined through a series of Mann Whitney U Tests and Independent t-tests (p<0.05). Results revealed differences between winning and losing teams in restarts, passing effectiveness, line breaks, missed tackles and tries scored. Winning women’s teams gained more possession from handling turnovers, utilised more quick lineouts, had less ineffective set lineouts, threw more passes and made more ball-jolting-tackles than losing women’s teams. Winning men’s teams utilised non-contested restarts more frequently, won a higher percentage of contested restarts, had more scrum feeds and made more effective tackles than losing men’s teams. It was identified that there are variables associated with success for both men’s and women’s teams and variables that are gender specific.
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2016
The technical demands of games can be affected by changing the number of players, pitch size and ... more The technical demands of games can be affected by changing the number of players, pitch size and rules. This controlled trial compared the frequency of technical skills between a ‘traditional’ and newly introduced systematically ‘modified’ game of primary rugby league. A total of 475 primary rugby league players (Under 7s to 9s) were filmed playing traditional ( n = 49) and modified ( n = 249) formats. Notational analysis examined the frequency of technical skills (e.g. number of passes) within ‘traditional’ and ‘modified’ games. At each age category, multivariate analysis of variance indicated the clear superiority of the ‘modified’ game for the frequency of technical skills (e.g. Under 7s total skill opportunities – ‘traditional’ = 342.9 ± 47.0; ‘modified’ = 449.4 ± 93.3, d = 1.44, p < 0.001). Systematically modifying the competitive game is an effective way to increase skill opportunities for children within rugby league. Future research should examine the outcomes of modifyin...
Asia Pacific Journal of Sport and Social Science, 2014
Approximately 500 Fijian men play rugby professionally overseas, and the aim of this study was to... more Approximately 500 Fijian men play rugby professionally overseas, and the aim of this study was to examine the motivational profile of these athletes. Given the ever-increasing number of athletes looking to follow in their footsteps, these players' perceptions of how coaches and club management affected their performance and welfare were deemed important. A total of 45 professional Fijian rugby union players working for clubs overseas completed the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS) and a 28-question Cultural Awareness Questionnaire that included three qualitative questions. The Fijian rugby players recorded significantly higher levels of external regulation (M = 4.38, SD = 1.33, p < .01) when compared with professional New Zealand rugby players (Creswell & Eklund, 2005b). They also displayed significantly higher levels of intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation (M = 5.59, SD = 1.18, p < .01) compared with amateur New Zealand rugby players (Creswell & Eklund, 2005a). Fijian rugby players also exhibited significantly higher levels of amotivation (M = 3.01, SD = 1.48, p < 0.1) compared with both professional and amateur New Zealand rugby players. Responses show that players' perceived coaching practices have the greatest positive effect on their performance, followed by family welfare and coach feedback. These findings present Fijian rugby players as highly motivated athletes and provide a basis for practical considerations in managing optimal performance.
International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 2017
Abstract Understanding how to effectively perturb the defence in sevens rugby is essential for ta... more Abstract Understanding how to effectively perturb the defence in sevens rugby is essential for tactical preparation. The aim of this study was to (a) identify any commonly occurring forms of perturbations; (b) gain an understanding of how, when and where perturbations are occurring; and (c) whether certain forms of perturbations are more likely to create scoring plays and lead to success. Footage of 117 men’s games and 65 women’s games were analysed. From the selected games a total of (N = 1101) perturbations were recorded in the men’s competition and (N = 601) were recorded in the women’s competition. Comparisons between winning and losing teams were examined through a series of Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests (p < 0.05). Chi Square tests of Independence were also conducted to identify any associations between variables. Results identified differences between winning and losing teams in the number of perturbations and line breaks, tries from perturbations and the percentage of perturbations converted into tries. Evasive footwork in the middle of the field was the most commonly occurring perturbation type. Variations were evident between quarters and tries were associated with perturbations created closer to the attacking try line. It was identified that perturbations are associated with success for both men’s and women’s teams.
The coaching environment is the primary teaching and learning medium for the development of athle... more The coaching environment is the primary teaching and learning medium for the development of athlete skills. Therefore, by understanding how practice environments are designed to facilitate learning, coaches can make decisions around the structure of specific activities and behavior to promote athlete learning and development. This short review examines the coaching environment literature, with a particular focus on the structure and content within a practice session. The review will highlight the specific activities coaches utilize to develop athletes technical and tactical skills. Further, the coaching behaviors used to promote athlete learning is discussed, and how coach athlete interactions may influence learning. Finally, we provide applied recommendations for coaches, and highlight areas for future coaching science research.
The aim of the forthcoming review is to provide an overview of existing studies investigating TDE... more The aim of the forthcoming review is to provide an overview of existing studies investigating TDEs in talent pathways from a holistic perspective and to analyze this literature with regards to identifying facilitative and destructive features for talent development settings. More detailed information is available in the pre-registered review protocol.
There is a positive relationship between children’s movement competence and physical activity, wi... more There is a positive relationship between children’s movement competence and physical activity, with a further relationship established between physical activity and childhood obesity. The Movement Oriented Games Based Assessment (MOGBA) is a delivery and assessment intervention designed to improve children’s complex movement skills, based on principles of motor development and assessment theories. MOGBA aims to improve children’s movement competence, physical fitness and self-perceptions (physical and game) and increase children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MOGBA is to be used in the ‘Made to Play’ initiative, involving 105 sports and activity programs across 21 countries, involving over 25 million children. A multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial will take place across three global sites (UK, Ireland and Australia). Each site will recruit eight primary schools (four experiment, four control) with each school providing two separate classes of children fr...
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2017
Given the many benefits of international sporting success, understanding the development and long... more Given the many benefits of international sporting success, understanding the development and long-term sustainability of an elite sporting career has become an important pursuit worldwide. Despite decades of research little is known about the development of elite senior Australian Track and Field athletes, therefore this study aimed to understand the major influences contributing to their development and success. A Track and Field Athlete Development questionnaire was used to collect data from 73 Olympic and World Championship level athletes. Analysis indicated athletes progressed to the elite level via six different pathways; however, the majority follows a linear pathway from junior to elite senior athlete. Further, results demonstrated the key influencing factors during development included later specialization, involvement in other sports during adolescence and strong social support. In addition, growing up in a major city and completing a University degree were also common feat...
The present study aimed to investigate youth soccer players’ development in Amazonas state. Fifty... more The present study aimed to investigate youth soccer players’ development in Amazonas state. Fifty-three young soccer players participated in this study (15,3±1,27 years). Participation History Questionnaire was used to investigate the different practice contexts that Amazonas soccer players were engaged during their development process (macro-structure of practice). We also observed three training sessions and calculated the time allotted for each type of training tasks used by the coach (training form, playing form and inactivity) (micro-structure of practice). It was possible to observe that soccer players from Amazonas state accumulated more time engaged in deliberate practice than deliberate play (p<0.001) and competition (p<0.001). We also observed that players had higher contact with decontextualized tasks (training form activities) during their training sessions. With this information, it can be concluded that these soccer players followed an early specialization pathwa...
Abstract Objectives To facilitate elite youth Rugby League (RL) player transition into a high-per... more Abstract Objectives To facilitate elite youth Rugby League (RL) player transition into a high-performance environment, study objectives were to (i) identify environmental transition demands appraised by players as stressors; (ii) to develop and implement an RL contextualised stressor-coping intervention program; and (iii) evaluate intervention effectiveness in dealing with stressors during transitions experienced by the Under 20's (U20) players. Design A quasi-experimental design with field-based complimentary multiple-methods. Method A combination of background literature, ‘stressor audit’ (N = 8) and club stakeholder perspective (N = 6) data were integrated to inform intervention content. U20's youth RL players (N = 41) at two professional RL clubs then participated in intervention (n = 21) or control (n = 20) groups. The intervention group participated in six group-based education sessions, with follow-up focus-groups social validation. Three psychometric questionnaires implemented at three time-points (pre, post & follow-up), examined changes in coping strategy use, coping efficacy and psychological well-being. Results The stressor audit identified team selection, injury, balancing work/study, and new high-performance environment adjustment as key stressors. Statistical analyses identified significant intervention group (versus controls) interaction effects for enhanced frequency of task-based coping strategy use; disengagement-based coping strategy reductions; and increased efficacy for using problem and emotion-focused coping strategies. No effect for distraction orientated coping, social-support efficacy, or in terms of psychological well-being was apparent. Focus-group data corroborated quantitative findings. Conclusions The RL context stressor-coping intervention led to specific favourable coping responses, suggesting similar interventions may be beneficial for practitioners/organisations wanting to assist transition into high-performance environments.
The first Australia and New Zealand semi-professional women's rugby league premiership (NRLW)... more The first Australia and New Zealand semi-professional women's rugby league premiership (NRLW) was launched in 2018. This chapter charts the players' journey through the first two seasons of the competition. A questionnaire was distributed at the end of both seasons to all contracted players in each of the four clubs to capture feedback on their experiences, perceptions, challenges and suggestions for improvements. Players were asked about contracts, sacrifices, support, club culture and their views on coaching and training. The findings indicated despite significant stressors and challenges, players were highly appreciative of the chance to play in a semi-professional league, to be part of a landmark competition, and to inspire future generations of girls to play rugby league. Positive satisfaction across most dimensions of league and club practices and operations were evident in season one. By the end of season two, attitudes were changing, with data showing that players expected to obtain increases in remuneration, number of clubs, season length, media coverage and improvements in coaching, training and support services. Sports such as rugby league need to be particularly mindful of addressing issues arising, as options for women in professional team sports is growing rapidly and competition for talent will only accelerate into the future. This case study of women in rugby league demonstrates that women's experiences and perceptions are shifting from an initiation phase of gratefulness and acceptance of personal/family sacrifice for the opportunity to play semi-professionally, to having increased expectations of reasonable employment conditions and legitimacy as professional athletes.
The International Journal of Technology, Knowledge, and Society, 2006
... US5.00, Facial Image Extraction Through Color Mapping Techniques. Ruba SoundarKathavarayan,. ... more ... US5.00, Facial Image Extraction Through Color Mapping Techniques. Ruba SoundarKathavarayan,. RUBA Soundar,. Sivaranjani Sundarraj. Segmentation and Extraction of Facial Images using Color Mapping Techniques. It can be used for Video telephony applications. ...
International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 2016
Identification of game variables associated with success in men’s and women’s sevens rugby tourna... more Identification of game variables associated with success in men’s and women’s sevens rugby tournaments is required to assist in tactical preparation for future competition. The aim of this study was to analyse the game variables associated with winning teams in knockout Cup games and identify if winning characteristics are gender specific. All quarter final and semi-final games from the men’s (n=54) and women’s (n=30) 2014 World Sevens Series tournaments were analysed using a set of game variables associated with sevens performance. Comparisons between teams were examined through a series of Mann Whitney U Tests and Independent t-tests (p<0.05). Results revealed differences between winning and losing teams in restarts, passing effectiveness, line breaks, missed tackles and tries scored. Winning women’s teams gained more possession from handling turnovers, utilised more quick lineouts, had less ineffective set lineouts, threw more passes and made more ball-jolting-tackles than losing women’s teams. Winning men’s teams utilised non-contested restarts more frequently, won a higher percentage of contested restarts, had more scrum feeds and made more effective tackles than losing men’s teams. It was identified that there are variables associated with success for both men’s and women’s teams and variables that are gender specific.
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2016
The technical demands of games can be affected by changing the number of players, pitch size and ... more The technical demands of games can be affected by changing the number of players, pitch size and rules. This controlled trial compared the frequency of technical skills between a ‘traditional’ and newly introduced systematically ‘modified’ game of primary rugby league. A total of 475 primary rugby league players (Under 7s to 9s) were filmed playing traditional ( n = 49) and modified ( n = 249) formats. Notational analysis examined the frequency of technical skills (e.g. number of passes) within ‘traditional’ and ‘modified’ games. At each age category, multivariate analysis of variance indicated the clear superiority of the ‘modified’ game for the frequency of technical skills (e.g. Under 7s total skill opportunities – ‘traditional’ = 342.9 ± 47.0; ‘modified’ = 449.4 ± 93.3, d = 1.44, p < 0.001). Systematically modifying the competitive game is an effective way to increase skill opportunities for children within rugby league. Future research should examine the outcomes of modifyin...
Asia Pacific Journal of Sport and Social Science, 2014
Approximately 500 Fijian men play rugby professionally overseas, and the aim of this study was to... more Approximately 500 Fijian men play rugby professionally overseas, and the aim of this study was to examine the motivational profile of these athletes. Given the ever-increasing number of athletes looking to follow in their footsteps, these players' perceptions of how coaches and club management affected their performance and welfare were deemed important. A total of 45 professional Fijian rugby union players working for clubs overseas completed the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS) and a 28-question Cultural Awareness Questionnaire that included three qualitative questions. The Fijian rugby players recorded significantly higher levels of external regulation (M = 4.38, SD = 1.33, p < .01) when compared with professional New Zealand rugby players (Creswell & Eklund, 2005b). They also displayed significantly higher levels of intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation (M = 5.59, SD = 1.18, p < .01) compared with amateur New Zealand rugby players (Creswell & Eklund, 2005a). Fijian rugby players also exhibited significantly higher levels of amotivation (M = 3.01, SD = 1.48, p < 0.1) compared with both professional and amateur New Zealand rugby players. Responses show that players' perceived coaching practices have the greatest positive effect on their performance, followed by family welfare and coach feedback. These findings present Fijian rugby players as highly motivated athletes and provide a basis for practical considerations in managing optimal performance.
International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 2017
Abstract Understanding how to effectively perturb the defence in sevens rugby is essential for ta... more Abstract Understanding how to effectively perturb the defence in sevens rugby is essential for tactical preparation. The aim of this study was to (a) identify any commonly occurring forms of perturbations; (b) gain an understanding of how, when and where perturbations are occurring; and (c) whether certain forms of perturbations are more likely to create scoring plays and lead to success. Footage of 117 men’s games and 65 women’s games were analysed. From the selected games a total of (N = 1101) perturbations were recorded in the men’s competition and (N = 601) were recorded in the women’s competition. Comparisons between winning and losing teams were examined through a series of Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests (p < 0.05). Chi Square tests of Independence were also conducted to identify any associations between variables. Results identified differences between winning and losing teams in the number of perturbations and line breaks, tries from perturbations and the percentage of perturbations converted into tries. Evasive footwork in the middle of the field was the most commonly occurring perturbation type. Variations were evident between quarters and tries were associated with perturbations created closer to the attacking try line. It was identified that perturbations are associated with success for both men’s and women’s teams.
The coaching environment is the primary teaching and learning medium for the development of athle... more The coaching environment is the primary teaching and learning medium for the development of athlete skills. Therefore, by understanding how practice environments are designed to facilitate learning, coaches can make decisions around the structure of specific activities and behavior to promote athlete learning and development. This short review examines the coaching environment literature, with a particular focus on the structure and content within a practice session. The review will highlight the specific activities coaches utilize to develop athletes technical and tactical skills. Further, the coaching behaviors used to promote athlete learning is discussed, and how coach athlete interactions may influence learning. Finally, we provide applied recommendations for coaches, and highlight areas for future coaching science research.
The aim of the forthcoming review is to provide an overview of existing studies investigating TDE... more The aim of the forthcoming review is to provide an overview of existing studies investigating TDEs in talent pathways from a holistic perspective and to analyze this literature with regards to identifying facilitative and destructive features for talent development settings. More detailed information is available in the pre-registered review protocol.
There is a positive relationship between children’s movement competence and physical activity, wi... more There is a positive relationship between children’s movement competence and physical activity, with a further relationship established between physical activity and childhood obesity. The Movement Oriented Games Based Assessment (MOGBA) is a delivery and assessment intervention designed to improve children’s complex movement skills, based on principles of motor development and assessment theories. MOGBA aims to improve children’s movement competence, physical fitness and self-perceptions (physical and game) and increase children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MOGBA is to be used in the ‘Made to Play’ initiative, involving 105 sports and activity programs across 21 countries, involving over 25 million children. A multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial will take place across three global sites (UK, Ireland and Australia). Each site will recruit eight primary schools (four experiment, four control) with each school providing two separate classes of children fr...
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2017
Given the many benefits of international sporting success, understanding the development and long... more Given the many benefits of international sporting success, understanding the development and long-term sustainability of an elite sporting career has become an important pursuit worldwide. Despite decades of research little is known about the development of elite senior Australian Track and Field athletes, therefore this study aimed to understand the major influences contributing to their development and success. A Track and Field Athlete Development questionnaire was used to collect data from 73 Olympic and World Championship level athletes. Analysis indicated athletes progressed to the elite level via six different pathways; however, the majority follows a linear pathway from junior to elite senior athlete. Further, results demonstrated the key influencing factors during development included later specialization, involvement in other sports during adolescence and strong social support. In addition, growing up in a major city and completing a University degree were also common feat...
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Papers by Donna O'Connor