Draft combine

Talent identification draft combines

Draft combines and talent identification trial events

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What is a draft combine?

What does the data mean?

Normative information

The technology

What is a draft combine?

A draft combine is a trial or testing event for athletes where a range of valid assessments are performed in a controlled environment to obtain data unique to each individual for comparison or grading.

The draft itself is a process to allocate certain athletes to teams or opportunities whereby teams take turns selecting from a pool of eligible athletes.  The combines or test event provides the necessary information on physical, psychological and sociological characteristics of the athlete and as all athletes are assessed in controlled environments at the same time, the results are reliable for comparison at that moment in time.

It is always important to take the reliability of the data as a priority as inexperienced assessors, incorrect protocol, incorrect technology and poor application plus any bias (inter / intra trial reliability) can cause significant error to the results leading to incorrect identification on athletes and long-term problems.  Global Wellness Tracking provide GPTQA trained and accredited staff, the latest sport specific protocols and validated techniques and technologies to guarantee the data provided.

What does the data mean?

Data in a draft combine or unique test event allows direct comparison of athlete to athlete and cohort to cohort in the moment.  The data can also be used to compare against other events or records however caution should be take to ensure any data being compared was in identical environments.  GPTQA test events are always comparable with any deviations noted for consideration by the analyst.

Data is broken into the following sections:

  • Individual report of an athletes results – A unique report that confirms an athletes current ability in the moment.  This can be compared to previous results of the athlete in controlled assessments to view change
  • Athlete v athlete comparison report – A view to compare athletes in identical environments to identify strengths or weaknesses between them
  • Cohort report – A view of an entire team or group where averages and normative data can be viewed also highlighting athletes above average, below average, best and worst or in sequence of best result i.e. fastest to slowest 20m acceleration

The draft combine report can provide simple, objective evidence around athletes capabilities in a number of measurable assets plus look more broadly at the change across a cohort.  For example, if two soccer teams are assessed in year one and each take two different development pathways for the season, the second assessment in year two could identify a significant difference between all, or a majority, of one group where the development had been more successful.

Global Wellness Tracking provide all the data plus analysis services to support the client and ensure any deviation or environmental inconsistencies are noted for consideration.

IMPORTANT – Validity, consistency and reliability are essential at all times when assessing human performance.

Normative information

Global Wellness Tracking have provided the sport science and reliable testing services for many draft combines and talent identification events globally including supporting the Oceanic NFL draft in Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia plus the majority of popular sporting codes including AFL, NFL, Football (soccer), Hockey (ice, roller and field), Netball, Athletics, Tennis, Rugby (union and league), Basketball and many more.  Additionally, we have serviced male and female athletes in most codes and serviced disability sport specific to wheelchair based participation.

Normative data is provided on a client-by-client basis within the dashboard and this is relative to the clients cohort exclusively.  More detailed and broader sport or industry based reports are available on a project-by-project basis from our data analysis team.

The technology

Global Wellness Tracking use a number or technologies to assess athletes in a draft combine or testing environment ensuring the technology is applied correctly and for the right purpose and that the protocol used provides the necessary information for the purpose of the test.

Technologies used by Global Wellness Tracking include:

  • Laser timing equipment
  • GPS player tracking
  • RFID athlete management
  • BIA – Body composition
  • Mechanical and electronic assessment of power, anthropometry and posture
  • MoovmentPro 3D functional movement screening
  • Ocular tracking for cognition
  • Automated technology to assess reaction and cognition