The selected physical fitness field tests for youth rugby player: validity and reliability

Zarizi Ab Rahman

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the test instruments for selected physical fitness components (agility, power, and speed) among youth rugby players in Selangor, Malaysia. Even though previous researchers have conducted the validity and reliability for the fitness test, investigating the reliability and validity is ongoing and needs to be established according to specific populations to ensure valid, reliable interpretation or precise measurement. Sixty youth rugby players aged 13 and 14 years old underwent measurements of agility (4x10 meters run), power (standing long jump), speed (30 meters sprint test). In addition, two testers independently assessed all the tests towards subjects using standardized skill criteria. The descriptive statistics of the variables were; i) 4x10 meters test for elite players (M = 11.9, SD = .81) and non-elite players (M = 12.9, SD = .83), ii) 30 meters sprint test for elite players (M = 5.56, SD = .31) and non-elite players (M = 5.90, SD = .33), iii) standing long jump for elite players (M = 211.8, SD = 8.20) and non-elite players (M = 206.53, SD = 6.89). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were detected for all the 3 tests. The study found that the test-retest and Pearson correlation of reliability for the 3 test instruments were high (r = .80) for 4x10 meters test, 30 meters sprint test (r = .82), and standing long jump (r = .72). These findings suggested that all the 3 test instruments are reliable and valid for the studied population. This study will provide comprehensive evidence for all practitioners in terms of appropriate and quality measurement to ensure the training program and talent selection are meaningful. These findings also provide direction for future researchers to explore the different research methods, populations, and other fitness components.

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