Selecting Talent in Academy Rugby ; Are Systems too Bias?
Talent Pathway iD helps increase the understanding of key selection drivers in academy rugby. Using machine learning systems the research was able to predict the physiological and psychological attributes that drive player selection of a regional age banded rugby squad.
Rather than collecting more data, optimal development environments should aim to intelligently interrogate the ‘right’ data. When done correctly, this means the need for large data lessens as the intelligent understanding of complex interactions becomes more refined. This leads to more efficient athlete (and coach) development; ultimately requiring less data.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, data indicates that selection centres around speed, strength, power, and burn out. But, these selection drivers may well be unintended consequences of coach and pathway system biases...the structural mechanisms and age banding within the sport often mean 'talent' is seen as being a 'physically big and strong player with a strong mindset'. These findings shed light on the 'difficult to navigate path' into academy level sport. BUT, and it is a strong BUT, exactly whether these physiological and psychological attributes are the most important factors for rugby players to thrive in the academy and senior squad set ups once selected is unclear.
Indeed without long-term and bigger picture understanding, if these data were to be used to refine or enhance player selection then we are in danger of narrowing the talent pool rather than streamlining selection criteria and process. It is another nudge for high-performance sport to move towards the direction of understanding the right data from big data by becoming both system rich as well as data rich.
Click through to Abstract
Speak to us today for more details.
Images
For images, please email Lou at Talent Pathway iD, lou@talent-pathway.co.uk,
Contact Details: Talent Pathway iD
For further details, images and interview requests for TPiD, please contact: Lou Lawrence, at TPiD : Email: lou@talent-pathway.co.uk
ENDS