Investigating the relationship between Malaysian rugby sevens match officials physical fitness and performance

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between rugby match officials physical fitness to their performance. 132 rugby side match official seven were selected as the respondent of the study. ANOVA indicated no significant differences [F = (3, 128) = 0.322, p = 0.809] in physical fitness across age level but there is a significant differences [F = (3, 128) = 60.903, p < 0.05] across experience level. Highly experienced match officials scored significantly higher in physical fitness compared to less experienced match officials. There is a positive and significant relationship between physical fitness (r = 0.64, p < 0.05) to match official performance. Finally, physical fitness are important for rugby sevens match officials and it must considered as criteria in determining match official grades.