Methodology
RS Performance Index Methodology
A transparent testing philosophy. We record what was measured, how it was measured, and by whom — without inventing unsupported science.
Standardised tests
A consistent rugby-specific test battery so results are comparable across athletes, sessions and time.
Verified recording
Results carry full provenance — tester, method, equipment, location and date.
Longitudinal tracking
Every session is preserved. Development is measured against an athlete's own history.
Interpretation layer
The RS Performance Index turns verified results into understandable performance indicators.
Tests used
The standard rugby performance battery. Units and methods are recorded with every result.
| Test | Unit | Method | Attempts | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m Sprint | seconds | Electronic timing gates (preferred) or manual stopwatch | Best of 3 | Measured from a stationary start. |
| 20 m Sprint | seconds | Electronic timing gates (preferred) or manual stopwatch | Best of 3 | Continuation of the 10 m sprint. |
| 40 m Sprint | seconds | Electronic timing gates (preferred) or manual stopwatch | Best of 3 | Continuation of the 20 m sprint. |
| Agility 5-10-5 | seconds | Electronic timing gates (preferred) or manual stopwatch | Best of 3 | Change of direction over 5-10-5 metres. |
| Vertical Jump | centimetres | Jump mat or measuring device | Best of 3 | Countermovement jump, no step. |
| Broad Jump | metres | Measuring tape from take-off line | Best of 3 | Standing long jump, two-foot landing. |
| Bronco Test | seconds | Manual stopwatch or GPS | Single | Endurance shuttle over 20-40-60 m. |
| Yo-Yo IR1 | level / shuttles | Audio signal, manual count | Single | Intermittent recovery test. |
Electronic timing and manual stopwatch measurements are not automatically interchangeable. Strongest comparability occurs between sessions using the same standardised measurement method. The timing method is recorded with every result so comparisons are always made on a like-for-like basis.
How results are recorded
Test name
Each test has a defined name and standard distance or task.
Timing method
Electronic gates, manual stopwatch, GPS or device — recorded per result so methods are never silently mixed.
Equipment
Timing gates, jump mat, measuring tape, GPS or load cell — captured with the session.
Attempts
Number of trials and the recorded result method (e.g. best of three).
Rest period
Standard rest between attempts to keep results comparable.
Surface
Grass, track or indoor — recorded with the session.
Tester & location
Who recorded the result and where the session took place.
Measurement classes
Every result carries a measurement class so comparisons are always made between like and like. A validated correction method would be required to compare across classes.
RSPI Standard
Recorded at an approved RSPI testing session by an authorised RSPI tester using electronic timing gates and standardised equipment.
Organisation Standard
Recorded by an approved organisation tester using the organisation's standardised equipment and protocol.
Manual Timing
Recorded using a manual stopwatch. Clearly labelled as manual — not directly comparable to electronic timing.
Self Reported
Supplied by the athlete or guardian. Not independently verified. Excluded from verified comparisons and scout filters by default.
Sprint protocol detail
Sprint distances (10 m, 20 m, 40 m) are measured as splits from a single stationary start. Timing gates are placed at 0 m, 10 m, 20 m and 40 m. The 20 m and 40 m splits are continuations of the same run, not separate attempts.
Start position
Stationary, two-point or three-point stance behind the start line.
Start trigger
Athlete starts on the tester's signal. Electronic gates start timing when the athlete crosses the 0 m gate.
Timing gate position
Gates at 0 m, 10 m, 20 m and 40 m. Gate height approximately 1.0 m at the hip.
Attempts
Best of 3. Minimum 2 minutes rest between attempts.
Invalid attempt
False start, running outside the lane, or failure to cross the finish gate.
Splits
10 m, 20 m and 40 m are measured as splits from a single run, not separate attempts.
Surface
Grass, track or indoor — recorded with the session.
Footwear
Recorded with the session (e.g. boots, trainers, spikes).
On benchmarks, percentiles and the RS Performance Index
The platform is built so that cohort benchmarks, percentile comparisons and a fully validated RS Performance Index can be added once sufficient reliable data and professional validation exist. We do not publish invented percentile rankings, fake age benchmarks, or unsupported position weightings.