A Comparison of an Alternative Weight-Grading Model Against Chronological Age Group Model for the Grouping of Schoolboy Male Rugby Players.

Objectives: Concerns regarding marked differences in the weights and body composition of young rugby players competing within the same age groups have led to the suggestion of alternative models for grouping young players. The aims of this study were (1) to compare variance in the body size and body composition of schoolboy rugby players (9 to 14 years), across weight- and age-grading models, and (2) to identify morphotypes for the weight model using Hattori's body composition chart.

Materials And Methods: Skinfold thickness measurements were used to assess body fat mass (BF), fat-free mass (FFM), body fat mass index (BFMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI).

A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Contributions of Body Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass to Body Mass Index Scores in Male Youth Rugby Players.

Background: In some sports such as rugby, a large body size is an advantage, and the desire to gain weight can bring young players to become overweight or obese. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the contribution of body fat mass index (BFMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) to body mass index (BMI) changes among young male rugby players (15-a-side rugby).

Methods: The criteria of the International Obesity Task Force were used to define overweight and obesity from BMI.