Coaching ideals vs reality; exploring the alignment between coach perception and the actual training and match schedules of youth female rugby league players

This study explored the ratings between coach opinion of ideal training and match volume and frequency, and player practice across the youth female rugby league (RL) pathway. One hundred and eleven players (U12 to U18) completed an online survey reporting frequency and volume of RL training sessions and matches, the weekly duration of time in training modalities and participation in other sports. Coaches (n = 13) reported their opinion on the ideal frequency and volume of RL training/matches, time spent in training modalities and participation in other sports at each age category. Coaches reported that players should complete more rugby training sessions per week than players reported completing, with all coaches recommending at least two session per week at U12 and more than three at U18, whilst most players reported completing two or fewer sessions weekly (p < 0.01, effect sizes 0.56 to 0.87). Players reported greater monthly match exposure than perceived ideal from U12 to U16 (p ≤ 0.03, effect sizes 0.42 to 0.82). Contact training durations frequently exceeded Rugby Football League guidelines (15 to 30 min per week), with 21% to 47% of players exceeding 30 min and 3% to 21% reporting >120 min of full contact training weekly. To optimise player development, players, guardians, and coaches must establish communication networks regarding weekly activities to ensure training modalities are aligned. Contact load guidelines are required to facilitate contact skill development whilst managing player safety, and increased strength and conditioning volume may better prepare players for RL demands.