Testing & Analytical Procedure Updates
We are committed to complete honesty and transparency with our athletes, coaches, and parents. In any field based on science, including performance testing and data analysis, new research is constantly emerging. This means our methods must evolve to stay current. While data collected using previous procedures remains valid for the time it was collected, we acknowledge that it may not be directly comparable to data gathered with our newer, more advanced methods. Our goal is to always provide the best possible service, ensuring our athletes have access to the most effective and up-to-date procedures to give them the greatest chance of success.
Date of change
Area Affected
Description of Change
22/09/2025
VO2 Max Calculations & Added Normative Data for Female Athletes
Following a comprehensive review of literature and current research, we will be changing the formula we use to calculate VO2 Max data. Athletes should expect to see their VO2 Max on average be a few points higher than previously. The formula will change from Stickland MK, Petersen SR, Bouffard M. Prediction of maximal aerobic power from the 20-m multi-stage shuttle run test. Can J Appl Physiol. 2003 Apr;28(2):272-82. doi: 10.1139/h03-021. PMID: 12825335. to the formula in the following study; Leger, Luc & Mercier, D & Gadoury, C & Lambert, J. (1988). The multistage 20 metre Shuttle Run test for aerobic fitness. J Sports Sci 6 (2) 93-101 1988. Journal of sports sciences. 6. 93-101. 10.1080/02640418808729800.
The introduction of Female norms have also been introduced, with research showing that norms are lower than Male counterparts. Male norms have remained the same (source: The Physical Fitness Specialist Certification Manual, The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, Dallas TX, revised 1997 printed in Advance Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription, 3rd Edition, Vivian H. Heyward, 1998.p48)
22/09/2025
3/4 Court Sprint – Top Speed to Average Speed
Following a review of our calculations and scientific terminology, we’ve decided to change the label “Top Speed” to “Average Speed” in all spreadsheets and athlete reports. It was determined that the term “Top Speed” is not entirely accurate for the data we currently collect, as true top speed requires a different level of analysis that we are not yet able to provide. The value previously listed as “Top Speed” is actually an average speed and would be lower than a true maximum speed.
Please note that this is a change in terminology only; the calculation and the statistic itself remain the same and are still relevant for our analysis.
22/09/2025
Vertical Jump – Peak Power Estimate
After a comprehensive review of our power statistics and the method of calculation derived from vertical jump height and athlete weight, we have deemed it nessecary to make changes to the formula in order to represent a more accurate peak power result. The change will be from the formula outlined in Harman, Everett A.1; Rosenstein, Michael T.2; Frykman, Peter N.5; Rosenstein, Richard M.3; Kraemer, William J.4. Estimation of Human Power Output from Vertical Jump. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 5(3):p 116-120, August 1991. and will be changed to the formula stated in Mahar, M. T., Welk, G. J., Janz, K. F., Laurson, K., Zhu, W., & Baptista, F. (2022). Estimation of Lower Body Muscle Power from Vertical Jump in Youth. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 26(4), 324–334. https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2022.2041420
15/07/2025
Push Up & Sit Up Tests
After reviewing our testing procedures, we’ve decided to remove the push-up and sit-up tests from all future combines. This decision was made primarily because of the minimum skill level required to perform these exercises effectively and safely is more than likely not apparent for the current demographic. Additionally, the subjective nature of form assessment can lead to inconsistencies between testers.
Following a thorough analysis, both tests will be replaced by the 5-10-5 Reaction Test and the Deadball Throw, which we’ve found to be more reliable and objective measures of performance for other areas.