The purpose of this study was to examine the factorial validity and cross validity of an expanded soccer attacking skill scale (Expanded SASS) measured by the location of players in soccer games using multiple-group analysis by structural equation modeling. The samples were 388 attacking performances in the final of the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002^TM, the final of the 27^th all Japan University Prime Minister’s Cup, and the final of the 18^th Japan Club Youth Football Championship which were measured by five-point interval scales by distance, and number of players. From the result of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) that was constructed using one of the samples that were randomly split into two groups, the same model as was used in a previous study, except for an addition of correlated uniqueness, was accepted. The result of cross-validation by the other sample accepted the model with equality constraints of all parameters across samples. These results confirmed that the Expanded SASS was highly cross-validated. Nevertheless, there were two items that were interpreted as low factor loading; therefore, we need to add evidence of validity according to the intended use of the Expanded SASS.

The purpose of this study was to examine criteria of exercise and sports for improving physical fitness and motor ability in youth. The samples were 1626 male and 1230 female high school students (15-18 yr). Eight items of the Japan Fitness Test (physical fitness), 61 items concerning fundamental movement-control skills and gymnastic skills (motor ability), participation and time spent in exercise and sports (present exercise habit), number of sports events, and participation in exercise and sports (past sports experiences) were measured. Results of this study were as follows: 1) the proportion of fitness test score A or B and motor ability score in a group of exercise for 3 days or more in a week or 2 hours or more in a day are significantly higher than the scores of the other groups; 2) the proportion of fitness test score D or E in a group of sports experiences of 2 or more events is significantly lower than the scores of the other groups, and motor ability score is higher; 3) motor ability score in a group which began sports since junior high school (13-15 yr) is significantly lower than the score of the other groups, and the proportion of fitness test score A or B in a female group which began sports before the third or forth grade at elementary school (8-10 yr) is higher than the scores of the other groups. Therefore, It was concluded that requirements for improving physical fitness and motor ability in youth were as follows: 1) an exercise for 3 days or more in a week and 2 hours or more in a day, 2) sports experiences of 2 events or more before entrance to high school (15-18 yr), and 3) commencement of sports before graduation of elementary school (11-12 yr).