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Faculty of Engineering and Computing
Hurling

New Insights into the Physical Demands of Hurling Referees: A Comprehensive Study of Game Activity Profiles

Fascinating new research on hurling insights was accomplished by the DCU School of Computing’s Dr Michael Scriney, Prof Mark Roantree, and Dr Andrew McCarren. Additionally, Prof Niall Moyna and Dr Aidan Brady from the DCU School of Health & Human Performance also worked on this very interesting research.

This study examined the activity profiles of elite hurling referees during games in the National Hurling League (NHL) and All-Ireland Championship (AIC). Data were collected from 36 referees using GPS technology during 106 NHL and 85 AIC games. The study analysed the duration, total distance, and distances covered at various speeds, as well as peak running speed. 

The results showed that there were no significant differences in total distance or high-speed running (HSR) distance between the NHL and AIC. However, low-speed running (LSR) distance was higher in the AIC. Very high-speed running (VHSR) was higher in the lower divisions of the NHL, and HSR was lower during the All-Ireland Series compared to the provincial championships. 

The study also found that the first quarter of the game was the most intense period. The findings of this study can help in the development of physical conditioning programs that are specific to the demands experienced during competitive match play.

 

Read the full paper here.