Track Your Own Data

Details

Published on Sunday, 18 May 2014 22:21

By Michael O’Keeffe Senior Coach Riddell Umpires

At the elite level, AFL Umpires have access to large amounts of data to assist them in improving their performance. GPS, video analysis, GoPros, Video Glasses (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-13/through-umpires-eyes) and statistics, just to name a few. At community level, its not always possible to successfully use these methods of data collection, however a new category of technology is making it much easier for local umpires to match it with their AFL counterparts.

Wearables are the latest range of must have gadgets. From watches to heart rate monitors, these devices are now small enough and affordable as so umpires can use them on match day. 

FITNESS TRACKER BANDS

These are the cheapest and smallest option for umpires. Fitness tracker bands are generally worn on your wrist however there are some devices out there that are worn on your shorts, around your ankle and as a necklace.

Simular to Pedometers, Fitness Trackers track your steps, however they are much more accurate and have advanced features like analysing your sleep patters. Using the trackers app you can also input your food to get an overall analysis of your fitness.

Other data you can collect from these devices are your active minutes (when you are moving quicker than a walk), your weight (one brand allows you to wirelessly connect to scales), distance travelled (in KM’s) and calories burned.

http://fitness-trackers-review.toptenreviews.com

GPS

GPS devices have come along way over the last 10 years. They are now much smaller and connect to the satellites quicker than they used to.

The most common form of GPS are now are in watches.  A huge range of brands are available to choose from and for every budget. In general the more you pay, the more features you will get.

GPS Watches track kilometres travelled, how fast you are moving, and calories burned.  Once plugged into your computer you can see where you ran and some show a heat map, which is great for umpires as you can see where you spent most of your time on the ground. They are more accurate than Fitness Trackers, however are larger in size.

http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/gps-watches

SMART WATCHES

The latest in wearables, smart watches will become the new “must have” device over the next year. Samsung have released their watch, while rumours are around that Apple will unveil a smart watch later in the year.  These devices promise to do everything a Fitness Tracker and GPS can do and more. Some extra features include tracking your heart rate (using the inside of your watch to read your pulse), glucose levels, blood pressure and hydration levels.

http://smart-watch-review.toptenreviews.com

Whichever device you are wearing, you need to use the data to your greatest advantage. Chart you kilometers to see if you are working hard enough, see if you are getting enough good sleep before the game, manage your workload during the season and balance your diet.  Sometimes it can be a small change that can make you a better umpire.