Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Poor
What needs to be done if the score is EXCELLENT 5-9
Receiving an excellent score, therefore illustrating the player may deal very well with interactional stress, anxiety, arousal and concentration, skill perception and motivation is a positive thing for coach and player. However, this is subject to things external to the self, therefore changing.
As a Coach it is your responsibility to ensure that these levels are at closely monitored, if not improved further. Acquiring a solid knowledge base about the following is a positive step in interactional development:
- physical growth differences and how it affects less developed players
- less emphasis on winning and more on even game time and enjoyment
- even out decisions and decisional influences between players
- promote the value of each players and their role on the team
(Douge, 1997)
What needs to be done if the score is GOOD, OR SATISFACTORY 10-18.
Obviously, there will always be room for improvement. Having some degree of interactional difficulties can be a positive thing as the player searches for ways to improve the 'little things'. It provides the player with something to work towards. Research shows that having a modicum of stress or anxiety is stimulating and improves performance, but too much can be debilitating. (Partridge, 2000).
Therefore, it is a judgement call on your behalf, the Coach. Infinite circumstances will influence your decision to take action or not. For example, in single parent families, the player may find their coach occupying the role of a substitute parent or role model, or the player searches for ways to match their emerging idealism with reality.(Douge, 1997).
As a coach, you are in a position to develop or shape an influential mind. So, not taking action and allowing development to occur through other means can empower the player. However, it may be worthwhile employing some of the strategies below for ways to improve their interactional and social skills within your sport. Remember, some strategies work, some don't. It's about finding the best for a specific player. (Douge, 1997).
What needs to be done if the score is UNSATISFACTORY OR POOR 19-25.
Your interpretation of the following and how you apply it to your player is crucial for your collective development. (Hansen, Gilbert, Hamel, 2003). In addition, we as researchers cannot account for and assess every situation. Keep an open mind!!!
Remember, the tips below ARE NOT quick fix. Regular application of these will need to occur over an extended period of time to allow for effective development. (Hansen, et.al 2003).
- Establish and consistently apply participation rules for training.
- Work with each individual to determine their goals in your team.
- Promote the value of each player and their role in your team.
- Encourage players to evaluate their own performance, not others!
- Show concern for each player's mental well-being and encourage
support from team-mates in difficult situations or hard learning stages
- Always publicly support players and the system, including officials and
administrators. Respect for official authority in sport is crucial.
- Maintain some distance with players, whilst encouraging a calm congenial
atmosphere. Or, become a significant person or your players' eyes.
Don't become both, you and others may be taken advantage of.
- Learn to identify and understand the physical changes, and help players
to adjust if neccessary with positive reinforcement and encouragement.
- Promote and insist on fair play and good sportsmanship.
- Use each player at various times to take responsibility for conduct of
training and competition, but also the conduct of the club.
- Allow players to take risks and explore options in their sport. The players, as well as yourself will learn from mistakes or risks taken.
(Douge, 1997)
5-9
10-13
14-18
19-22
23-25
Anxiety
Arousal/
Concentration
Skill Level
Motivation
33
34
35
36
