Measuring Relative Time in Endurance Testing for the Selection of Youth Middle-Distance Runners Under 16 Years of Age

Abstract

The importance of this research lies in highlighting a new mechanism for selecting young middle-distance runners by using relative time measurement for endurance testing as an effective tool. This topic carries great significance, as the research contributes to developing more accurate and effective methods for selecting middle-distance runners. It helps identify athletes with the potential for optimal performance in this type of race. Additionally, by providing objective and measurable criteria, it helps reduce randomness in the selection process, decreasing reliance on subjective evaluations or arbitrary judgments in choosing athletes, thus enhancing the fairness of the process.

Measuring relative time in endurance testing aids in determining the level of physical ability and endurance of young athletes, allowing coaches to focus on developing those capacities that directly impact performance in middle-distance races. This importance reflects the value of the research in advancing the field of selecting young athletes and providing innovative tools based on scientific measurements to improve the accuracy of predicting athletic performance. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of relative time measurement in endurance testing as a tool for predicting readiness and selecting young middle-distance runners.

By analyzing the relationship between endurance test results and relative time, the research seeks to provide reliable information that helps improve athlete selection mechanisms and enhance their abilities to achieve optimal performance in races. The researcher adopted the descriptive method for its suitability to the nature of the problem being addressed. The research population consisted of students from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences for the academic year 2023-2024. The research sample included players from specialized schools within the national centers in Diyala province, specifically from the track and field school, focusing on middle-distance runners within a single age group (14-16 years), totaling eight athletes.

The field research procedures included conducting (the endurance test with relative time, the 800-meter run performance test, and the 100-meter run performance test). Based on the results obtained, the researcher concluded that measuring relative time is an effective test for predicting athletes’ capabilities. The study found that using relative time measurement in endurance testing is an accurate and effective tool for evaluating the abilities of young middle-distance runners, as it helps predict their future performance in these distances. The results showed a strong correlation between relative time results in the endurance test and the athletes’ actual performance in middle distances.

The researcher recommends using relative time as a fundamental criterion in selecting athletes and suggests adopting the relative time test as a core component of sports selection programs for middle-distance runners. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly integrate the relative time test into training plans to monitor physical progress and adaptation to training loads.