Matt Jeffries
It is a competitive degree that ticks all the boxes, allowing you to easily bridge the gap between...
Key research areas/interests: Decision making, sports officials, rugby league, physical and mental fatigue
Principal Supervisor: Professor Aaron Coutts
Summary of research project:
'Factors of performance of National Rugby League Referees'
My project is investigating factors of referee performance including; movement profiles, performance metrics and the effects of performance, creation of an ecologically, valid decision-making assessment for rugby league officials and the effects of physical and mental fatigue on decision making and visual search behaviour.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
After completing my Honours with the University of Newcastle along with several research projects, I jumped at the opportunity to complete industry-based research within the National Rugby League and the University of Technology, Sydney. A placement that was effectively industry based, meant that I became an embedded member of the Referee’s Elite Performance Unit while also being a Sport Scientist and Rehabilitation Co-ordinator
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project? What change might that bring about?
My research outcomes will promote evidence based training and analysis for elite referee performance as well as generating talent identification tools for upcoming referees aspiring to officiate at the highest levels. This includes practical changes in physical and mental training for the referees as well as contributing to the broader understanding of the effects of physical and mental fatigue on decision making.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
As I am already actively working in the professional industry, the NRL Referees Elite Performance Unit will benefit both from my research outcomes and my utilisation as a fulltime member. The findings of my research may also benefit other professions where decision making is paramount or where physical and mental fatigue may influence decision making. This could encompass not only sports but also emergency services, health service providers, and general motorists.
The main goal of my PhD is to assist and improve the overall performance of NRL referees enabling them to be the best officials in world sport, heightening the realm of rugby league within the professional sporting industry. Additionally, a greater understanding in the effects of fatigue may provide renewed information about break and rest needs for occupations and tasks which require higher or more complex decision making. In a more broad sense, my findings on thought processes and decisions could effectively assist the general population as well.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
My primary supervisor Prof. Aaron Coutts is at the forefront of Exercise Science research. He was approached by my industry partner for the project, but his involvement definitely made it an easy choice for me to begin the PhD. My co-supervisor, Dr. Job Fransen also brings an added edge to my work with his experience with research in motor learning, motor control and mental fatigue research.
What do you think is the most valuable aspect of you research experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
Recent investments into the exercise science program at the University of Technology has heightened its position as a highly recognised research degree both nationally and internationally. It is a competitive degree that ticks all the boxes, allowing you to easily bridge the gap between academic and industry.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
As an industry-based PhD student you definitely need to be time-smart! You are taking on two full-time responsibilities. Fortunately you become instantly embedded into the industry of your research which makes it very easy to get high compliance when collecting data as you see your subjects on a daily basis. Since their lives also revolve around the industry, it makes it easier for them to understand ‘what and why’ you’re trying to achieve as it will directly benefit the way they practice.
