Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

J.A.M. Intermittent Test

The J.A.M. Intermittent Test is a valuable tool designed to assess the intermittent fitness ability of team sport athletes. It is particularly useful for Rugby Union players, although it has become less popular in recent years, with the Yo-Yo Intermittent Test gaining more prominence. Nevertheless, the J.A.M. Test remains a reliable and effective option to evaluate an individual’s capacity for repeated intervals over an extended period.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the J.A.M. Intermittent Test is to measure an individual’s ability to perform intervals consistently. By simulating the demands of team sports, this test provides valuable insights into an athlete’s fitness level and their capacity to sustain performance throughout a game.

Equipment Required

To conduct the J.A.M. Intermittent Test, you will need a flat, non-slip surface, marking cones, a measuring tape, and a J.A.M. Test CD (please note that the availability of the CD may vary). Additionally, you will require a CD player and recording sheets to document the results accurately.

Procedure

Before commencing the test, it is essential to explain the procedures to the participant thoroughly. It is also crucial to screen for any health risks and obtain informed consent. Gather basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, and test conditions. Mark out the test area using cones, ensuring a triangular circuit with sides of varying lengths. The test itself involves a series of walk-jog-run shuttles, with participants looping around the triangle in that specific order. Approximately every two minutes, the run is replaced with a maximal 12-meter sprint bout. The test continues in this manner, with participants aiming to keep in time with a series of audio signals. The time between beeps progressively shortens, and the test concludes when participants can no longer keep up.

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Scoring

The score on the J.A.M. Intermittent Test is determined by the time completed. In order to be considered for the National RFU TJ Panel, a minimum of 12 minutes on this test is required.

Target Population

While initially developed for Rugby Football Union Referees, the J.A.M. Intermittent Test is suitable for assessing the fitness of individuals in various team sports, including but not limited to football, rugby, AFL, field hockey, team handball, and basketball. It caters to athletes of all levels, making it a versatile tool for evaluating intermittent fitness.

Reliability

The reliability of the J.A.M. Intermittent Test depends on the adherence to proper test administration and the level of practice allowed for participants. By following standardized protocols and ensuring consistency, you can enhance the reliability of the results.

Advantages

One of the key advantages of the J.A.M. Intermittent Test is its ease of administration. It can be performed by large groups simultaneously, keeping costs minimal once the required equipment has been acquired.

Disadvantages

It is important to acknowledge that practice and motivation levels can potentially influence the test score. Furthermore, the determination of when someone can no longer keep in time with the test may be subjective. As the test is typically conducted outdoors, environmental factors can also have an impact on the results.

Other Considerations

The J.A.M. Intermittent Test is a maximal test that requires a reasonable level of fitness. It is not recommended for recreational athletes or individuals with health problems, injuries, or low fitness levels.

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Similar Tests

  • Referee Beep Test: A modified version of the standard 20m beep test adapted specifically for the demands of Rugby League referees.
  • Assistant Referee Intermittent Endurance Test (ARIET): An intermittent yo-yo type test involving forwards and sideways running, developed specifically for football (soccer) assistant referees.
  • Dynamic Yo-Yo Test: A modified yo-yo test designed specifically for football (soccer) referees.

Related Pages

  • Fitness Testing for Field Officials (Umpires, Referees)
  • About Testing for Intermittent Sports
  • The Complete Guide to the Beep Test