Athletic Standard Index
With a few key physical measurements and three performance-screening tests, Athletic Standard test scores are combined to a single number, the AS Index (ASI). The Athletic Standard is an example of a test protocol that combines the scores of a range of tests into a single score or fitness index (see other examples), which attempts to provide simple meaningful feedback to the athlete. (note: the original website for Athletic Standard, www.athleticstandard.com, is no longer working)
What Tests Are Used?
- Vertical Jump — test of leg power, how high can you jump?
- Pro-agility / 20 Yard Shuttle Test — a test of speed, explosion, body control and agility.
- 10 Yard Dash — sprint time over 10 yards using timing gates.
Scoring
The scores from each of the fitness tests are converted to a single AS Index score, using their own algorithm. Average AS Index scores for high school-age students who don’t play sports range from 325 to 450. A Division III athlete will score between 700-900, while Division I athletes will score around 1500. Elite talent scores at 1700 and above.
What Makes the AS Index Unique?
- Faster: Only three test scores are required (Vertical Jump, Pro-agility, 10 Yard Dash) plus some key physical measurements, to generate an ASI score (compared to Sparq which has a minimum of 5 tests, and 26 at the maximum). The AS Index system is streamlined, enabling them to test hundreds of athletes in under a minute each.
- Standardized: In order to have an AS-certified score, the testing must be done on a hard wood floor gym. Sparq and other methods allow for any surface, and different testing equipment, meaning variations are inherent in their results. By providing a standardized measure for raw athleticism, the AS Index is applicable to any power sport.
- Accuracy: lasers (timing gates) are used for all timing measurements, and use an AS-designed Jump Station for the vertical jump test (They created their own AS Jump Station for greater accuracy than offered by existing methods, e.g. Vertec, jump mat. The Jump Station measures to the 1/4 inch and utilizes a better standardized method to measure CMJ.)
- History: The algorithms for calculating the ASI has over 30 years of testing and winning season of collegiate teams behind them. The Index was developed by strength coaches, working directly with athletes and teams.
Comments
This fitness index is simple to implement using only a few fitness tests, enabling them to test large groups at once. It is great that it is always free for the athlete, so all athletes have the opportunity to be tested and noticed. The results are only applicable to power sports, based on the tests that are used. As per the similar SPARQ rating system, the formula used to calculate the score and the method they used to derive the formula has not published and unfortunately cannot be scrutinized.
Related Pages
- Video of a testing session by Athletic Standard
- Other examples of a single fitness index including the SPARQ and RealFit rating systems.
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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