S-League conducts first 2.4km fitness test run, one fails

S-League conducts first 2.4km fitness test run, one fails
by Deborah Ong
02:09 PM Jan 08, 2013

SINGAPORE - More than 70 footballers from S-League clubs SAFFC, Tanjong Pagar United, Balestier Khalsa and Hougang United turned up at the Bishan Stadium this morning to take part in the first-ever 2.4km running test conducted by the domestic league in order to be certified fit to play in this season's tournament.

As part of a raft of changes for this year, the S-League had decided to scrap the controversial Beep Test and replace it with the 2.4km run.

In the past, the mandatory Beep Test - which required players to reach level 13.1 in order to play in the S-League - had come under criticism from many in the football fraternity who see it as an inaccurate reflection of football-specific fitness.

Last year, S-League officials had promised to review the test, and they eventually decided on the 2.4km run as an alternative.

Players now have to meet the passing mark of 10min 15sec. Those who run below 9 min will get a $100 cash reward while players who run faster than 8min 30sec will get $200.

Players who fail to meet the passing mark can retake the test as often as they want.

S-League CEO Lim Chin, who also took the test at Bishan Stadium this morning, told TODAY: "I believe that the decision to change the format of the fitness test was the right one because its aerobic nature is an accurate measurement of a player's fitness.

"Also, most of the S-league players are more familiar with the 2.4km run as they would have done it as part of the countless IPPT tests they took during their National Service, and as reservists."

All but one player passed the run this morning. The one who failed did not complete the test; the S-League declined to name the player who failed.

All of the players that TODAY spoke to said they preferred the 2.4km run to the Beep Test because they are more familiar with it, and can train for it by themselves. This is unlike the Beep Test which required additional manpower, cones and a timer to set up.

However, they could be in for a rude shock if they think the 10min 15sec passing park is a permanent fixture.

According to Lim Chin, the S-League will be reviewing the test results, and may lower the passing time - which he described as 'average' - next year and in subsequent years if it proves to be too easy for the players to meet.


- wong chee tat :)