the above infographic as a PDF

NSW WARATAHS REDUCING RISK OF INJURY
WITH PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS
An injured player isn't the only one who feels the pain. The loss of a key
team member can negatively impact a club’s chemistry, record and
fan attendance. Looking to prevent injuries before they happen, the
NSW Waratahs rugby team turned to IBM® predictive analytics.
IDENTIFYING RISKS
A PHYSICALLY TOUGH GAME
vs.
No pads worn. Players make 20–40 tackles per match. 1 in 4 get injured each season.
COMMON INJURIES THAT PLAYERS ENCOUNTER
2.15
11-20%
soft tissue injuries
like hamstring strains
Knee & Shoulder
injuries result in the
most missed games
each season
average number of games
missed by a player
73 games
missed due to
player injuries
MISSING PLAYERS CAUSE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Players
Organisation
Fans
Players with injuries are benched. The team is less competitive.
Fan experience and viewership declines.
Lower sales
in merchandise
Less ticket sales impact
stadium atmosphere
Reduced revenues –
less budget to afford
top players
USING ANALYTICS TO AVOID INJURY
DATA COLLECTION
Players are fitted with
GPS trackers to measure
and monitor intensity
levels, collisions and
fatigue. The data is
combined with medical,
wellness and player
data to predict players
likely to be injured.
GPS Data
51 points
Medical Data
32 points
PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS
Player Data
12 points
Using IBM predictive
analytics, the NSW
Waratahs can rapidly
aggregate and analyse
119 data points of all 35
players, predict risk of
injury and modify
training regimens for
players at risk.
Wellness Data
24 points
GAINING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
PREVENTING INJURIES AND NURTURING TALENT
In addition to creating tailored training programs, the NSW Waratahs are using IBM predictive
analytics to ensure more players are available for selection throughout the season.
Players
Organisation
Fans
Healthy, talented players. Better record. Viewership grows.
DATA IS A GAME CHANGER
From analysing player fatigue on the pitch to improving the way that
fans experience the game, data has become an integral part of the
sports world. To learn how IBM is using data to change the game on
and off the field, visit ibm.com/sport
IBM, the IBM logo, Smarter Planet and the planet icon are trademarks of IBM Corp registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Other product, company or service
names may be trademarks or services marks of others. A current list of IBM trademarks is available on the Web at “Copyright and trademark information” at
www.ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml © Copyright IBM Australia Limited 2013 ABN 79 000 024 733 © Copyright IBM Corporation 2013 All Rights Reserved.