The Sports Medicine Department of the General Directorate for Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth concluded the Workshop on Sports Scouting and Scientific Follow-Up. The two-day workshop, held at the Radisson Panorama Hotel, Bausher, saw the participation of 48 coaches from various sports federations and committees.
The sessions and lectures focused on scouting test methodologies and the goals of scientific follow-up, along with active discussions on enhancing competencies in this field. The workshop also provided participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices supporting the development of sports performance in Oman.
Ahmed bin Salem al Hashmi, Head of the Testing and Measurements Department at the Sports Medicine and Sciences Directorate, gave a comprehensive presentation on the 'Guide to Approved Measurements and Tests for Sports Scouting in Athlete Preparation Centres' during the workshop. His presentation highlighted the importance of conducting anthropometric measurements and physical and motor tests for young athletes in centres and schools, aiming to identify and nurture sports talent.
Al Hashmi's presentation also highlighted various tests and standards to assess youth athletic abilities. These tests include the 'Battery of Measurements', which comprises precise anthropometric measurements, such as total height, arm length, trunk length and weight, providing a comprehensive database that reflects the physical standards of young athletes.
Al Hashmi also addressed physical ability tests, such as the trunk flexibility test for flexibility, the seated medicine ball throw test for upper limb strength, the horizontal jump test for lower limb strength, a 30-metre sprint test for speed, and the 5x10 agility test to assess quick directional changes. These tests are essential for analysing an athlete's physical endurance and determining the basic fitness levels needed for optimal performance.
He also discussed endurance tests like the Luc Leger shuttle test, used to determine maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and aerobic endurance, and the Yo-Yo intermittent test, which measures maximum aerobic capacity with recovery intervals. These tests guide athletes towards sports disciplines that align with their abilities.
Al Hashmi emphasised that these tests are a key component of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth's strategy to achieve the national goals of Oman Vision 2040. The tests include measurements such as height, weight, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance, used to identify physical and motor competencies that help pinpoint potential areas of athletic excellence.
After the workshop's conclusion, Ahmed al Hashmi explained that the current workshop targets coaches from various the governorates involved in athlete preparation centres, as well as the school sports federation, aiming to provide them with information and train them on how to conduct and monitor selection tests in schools. He added, “This workshop enhances coaches' abilities to conduct periodic tests every three months, different from those used in the initial selection, to ensure a precise player selection.”
Regarding the workshop's benefits, Al Hashmi emphasised the importance of coaches providing relevant authorities with player data, stressing the need to build a comprehensive database for all athletes, including school students and club members, to understand and assess Omani athletes’ levels and identify their standing in the achievement map.
On the challenges faced, Al Hashmi pointed out the difficulty in electronic data entry, mentioning a shift towards digital transformation as part of Oman Vision 2040.
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