Talent Identification in the Young Performer

BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

Applied Reflective Account – Immaturity

SPO030-3 Cases in Lifespan Motor Development and Impairment

Carl Page (1008889) University of Bedfordshire Mr. K Roberts

SPO030-3 Cases in Lifespan Motor Development and Impairment

Carl Page (1008889) Page 2 BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2

Identify and Selected Key Concepts and Principles ................................................... 2

Comment on the Robustness of the Body of Knowledge (Issues Conceptually,

Methodologically Etc.) ................................................................................................ 3

Consider How the Selected Concepts and Principles Can Be Applied Clearly Stating

Any Caveats ............................................................................................................... 5

Clear Statement of the Guidance to Practitioners ....................................................... 7

References ................................................................................................................. 8

Appendices ............................................................................................................... 13

Introduction

In this assignment involves focusing on the motor development case “Talent

identification in the young performer”. This comes from building reasons which

encourage various theoretical points on appropriate cases in lifespan motor

development and impairment matters within sport, physical activity and Physical

Education. Also I will be commenting on the robustness of the body of knowledge

such as the concepts and methodology issues. Likewise signify how the selected

concepts and principles can be applied clearly stating any caveats. Finally,

demonstrate a comprehension of performing and knowledge in sport with a clear

statement of the guidance to practitioner’s actions.

Identify and Selected Key Concepts and Principles

Talent Identification is most frequently defined and identified using performance and

potential, for instance recognised as ‘that process by which children are encouraged

to participate in the sports at which they are most likely to succeed, based on results

of testing selected parameters. These parameters are designed to predict

performance capacity, taking into account the child's current level of fitness and

SPO030-3 Cases in Lifespan Motor Development and Impairment

Carl Page (1008889) Page 3 BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

maturity.’ (Appendix 2). Plus Bailey, (2012) specifies mainly they use the same

techniques as the adults; specifically this includes some sort of scientific analysis,

observations of their previous competition and training and cohort comparisons.

Hence Martindale (2005) revealed when trying to identify and select young

performers with potential from performance criteria; such as the screening influences

of particular maturity stages and their previous performances.

In contrast Gray & Plucker (2010) suggests physical maturity by itself does not

predict future talent; this bias to misinterpret early physical maturation for physical

talent is equally further problematic. Similarly with the maturation rates of the young

performers since distinguish differences between talent and those who are simply

more physically mature (SportsCoachUK, 2012). This importantly augmented with

Sutherland, (2005) as could lead the young performer reaching a plateau and they

could drop off well before they have achieved anything great in their sport (Endless

Human Potential, 2012).

So for when sport specialisation should occur and Falk et al. (2004) indicates the

young performer’s talent detection of chronological, biological and cognitive ages.

Whereas there is a considerable amount of resources is needed for this to occur

which are regularly not available for sporting organisations. In the same way Bottoni

et al. (2011) warns a lot of the processes required for talent identification such as the

time and investment needed. For that reason Long Term Athlete Development,

(2012) recommends the principles of TIPS – Technique, Intelligence, Personality and

Speed to test or identify and monitor talent. Along with the other methods to be used

for selecting talented performance for example scouting and testing (Appendix 1).

Comment on the Robustness of the Body of Knowledge (Issues Conceptually,

Methodologically Etc.)

Primarily though there are limited research papers which observed the success of a

battery of motor tests in the separation concerning that of young performers who are

talented and those who are less so (Lidor et al. 2005). Plus supporting evidence from

SPO030-3 Cases in Lifespan Motor Development and Impairment

Carl Page (1008889) Page 4 BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

Utley and Astill (2008) proposes guidelines with regard to assessing learning and

performance, and any experiment examining learning should consider using transfer

tests. They are essential seeing as the context, skill or both can be manipulated to

make the task novel. Nevertheless Walker et al. (2010) implies that talent is

particularly tough to define and its identification may depend on intuitive judgements.

In spite of this Hohmann & Seidel (2003) exposed the issues related with talent

identification and forecasting future development through being best exemplified of

the term ‘season-of-birth’. For instance there is a recognised selection biases

towards the young performers who are physically mature for various sports for

example in football, rugby and tennis then the opposite for gymnastics (Wolstencroft,

2005). As mentioned before this selection bias is also noticed by Simmons &

Geoffrey (2001) for age-category in team sports occurring because there is an

importance of winning at any cost. To such an extent figure 1 illustrating when

ultimately the other young performers get closer to their early developed cohorts; this

ensues understanding that these were not extra talented when in fact only had

matured at a faster rate and are classified as being unexpected “Non-Achievers”.

Whilst studies from Williams & Reilly (2000) also added issues to that the

assumptions about young talented male performers can be generalised to females.

So importantly there is a need for a clear system to offer a philosophy that rationally

pushes the purposes and the systems of talent identification (Martindale et al., 2005).

Figure 1. Performance and selection (cf. Hohmann & Carl. 2002, p. 10) In Chun, J. (2007) Identifying Highly Talented Athletes: Conception and Design of an Expert

System: Specific to Track and Field. Norderstedt: GRIN Verlag

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Carl Page (1008889) Page 5 BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

Consequently examinations into talent identification and development are broadened

to tackle issues associated to young performers of both genders. Although Brown,

(2001) discovered talent even when it is present and accounted for does not always

guarantee athletic excellence.

Consider How the Selected Concepts and Principles Can Be Applied Clearly

Stating Any Caveats

Although mainly because of the young performer’s varying growth patterns makes

Talent Identification not very reliable in forecasting their prospected accomplishments

(Topend Sports Network, 2012). However there are several long-established and

current talent identification models, such as Scotland’s Sport Interactive and

Australia’s Talent Search with sports like basketball, rowing and swimming. In

agreement which Bailey, et al. (2010) acknowledges some sports talent identification

use anthropometric measurements e.g. rowers requires a person to have great

stature and arm reach with a superb aerobic fitness. Likewise Hill, (2007)

acknowledges Australia and the UK are presently applying more scientific

approaches in trying to identify sporting potential in the young performers.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reports Talent Identification is done

through subjectively assessing whether the cricketer meets their explanatory criteria

on attitude, aptitude, athleticism and the coach’s instinct see Appendix 3. Whereas

Bailey, (2012) signifying it being practically unlikely to form any valid and reliable

assessments of the young performers sporting performance which is able to be

interpreted in relations of talent. Although being presented in figure 2 the young

performer demonstrates the required talent and proper motivation to increase their

chances of becoming elite athletes (Brook, 2009).

Figure 2. Aptitude to Self Actualisation

(Brook, 2009)

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The specific tests of definite physical attributes for sporting potential e.g. sprint

cyclists is their leg power and body height/weight ratio (Topend Sports Network,

2012). However as Smith, (2007) proves even with those with the certain physical

attributes for example a runner in their talent identification programme this shall

mean little if the performer is not enthusiastic. In contrast Vaeyens et al. (2008) puts

forward thoughts to upsurge the effectiveness of talent identification and

development programmes; a multidimensional strategy along with establishing

situation specific exercises when identifying talent in young performers. Conversely

ScUK Coaching and Stafford (2005) signifies previously that talent identification and

development may have been an ignored field. Whereby Appendix 1 presents the

particular simple scouting requirements used to analyse the young performer by

means of the types of testing;

Physical

Physiological

Psychological

Technical

However media publications argue this for instance BBC Wales, (2012) states that

UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) have a systematic long term plan for

success. This is because the initiative of Talent ID campaigns are purposely ran to

discover those athletes who have the raw material for World Class success. Also

Robinson, (2011) discovered that talent identification and development system is

working effectively. Although recommended by Tameside PE and Sport (2011)

indicating more work is essential for safeguarding the application of a widespread

talent pathway for all young performers including those with disabilities. Nevertheless

with the difficulty of separation concerning talent and physical development, this must

not be undervalued because it can considerably influence on some beliefs of Talent

Identification set-ups (SportsCoachUK, 2012). Nonetheless Long Term Athlete

Development, (2012) testifies for many sports, the outcome (talent) and obtaining

normative data is unknown.

Plus Burgess, (2007) continues demonstrating it can be challenging to identify a

specific sport that is well-matched for a young performer since they will usually show

good varied skills. Therefore conducting the talent identification programs for the

SPO030-3 Cases in Lifespan Motor Development and Impairment

Carl Page (1008889) Page 7 BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

correct age of individual sports makes it quite tricky. Whereby other studies from

various professionals believe young performers to specialise in a specific sport

before they turn thirteen could be damaging. On the other hand different individuals

believe before the young performers are twelve years old need encouragement of

efficient skill development through guiding those performers to experience various

sports (Appendix 2). In spite of this Chun, (2007) gives evidence for the possible

difference involving young performers real age and their biological age. The Matthew

Effect in figure 3 even occurs whenever class mates compare each other generally

being much faster, taller and more muscular.

Clear Statement of the Guidance to Practitioners

A practitioner must follow Brown, (2001) advice of objectively measuring

individual’s sporting ability by the way of being patient with the late bloomer

and avoiding burnout.

A sports coach has to be aware of the assessment variables such as the

young performer’s mental ability, speed of abilities development, utilisation of

endogenous and exogenous resources, load and stress tolerance (Bottoni et

al. 2011).

Also have knowledge that young performer’s skeletons and muscles should be

allowed to be developed and grow without increasing the risk of injury.

The difference between early and late maturation of young performers.

Figure 3. The Matthew Effect. (Tucker & Dugas, 2009)

SPO030-3 Cases in Lifespan Motor Development and Impairment

Carl Page (1008889) Page 8 BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

It is important to know sports scientists have the responsibility of collaborating

with coaches, scouts and administrators as highlight key components of the

talent identification and development process (Williams & Reilly, 2000).

Likewise early identification of talented athletes Abbott & Collins (2004)

advocates is becoming an ever increasingly key significance.

Finally Martindale et al. (2005) revealed the model of effective talent

identification and development procedures emerging from the literature as

shown in Appendix 4.

References

Paper Books

ScUK Coaching and Stafford, I. (2005) Coaching for long-term athlete development:

to improve participation and performance in sport [Book]. Leeds: Coachwise

Business Solutions on behalf Sports Coach UK.

Utley, A. and Astill, S. (2008) Motor Control, Learning and Development. Taylor &

Francis: Oxon.

Online Books

Brown, J. (2001) Sports Talent: How to Identify and Develop Outstanding Athletes.

Champaign, IL. Leeds: Human Kinetics. (Online) Available at:

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=LRefLc_n4pIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Talent+i

dentification&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hRmqUKu9CKuX0QXOgYH4Cg&ved=0CEoQ6AEwB

w#v=onepage&q=Talent%20identification&f=false (Accessed on: 12/11/2012)

Chun, J. (2007) Identifying Highly Talented Athletes: Conception and Design of an

Expert System: Specific to Track and Field. Norderstedt: GRIN Verlag. (Online)

Available at:

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=qHcHdCiekuwC&pg=PA58&lpg=PA58&dq=peltol

a+talent+identification&source=bl&ots=9Zqb3CZkYj&sig=lTUfQxZI_rNTRDheI_TeHD

n7WZg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2ozdUKmJE4Kd0QWbtoHIBw&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAA#v=o

nepage&q=peltola%20talent%20identification&f=false (Accessed on: 28/12/2012)

SPO030-3 Cases in Lifespan Motor Development and Impairment

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Hill, M. (2007) In Pursuit of Excellence: A Student Guide to Elite Sports

Development. Oxon: Routledge. (Online) Available at:

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=2egTwKj9gYsC&pg=PA103&dq=Talent+identific

ation+in+the+young+performer&hl=en&sa=X&ei=YnCSUP_dCujB0QWRkIH4CQ&ve

d=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Talent%20identification%20in%20the%20young

%20performer&f=false (Accessed on: 01/11/2012)

Sutherland, M. (2005) Gifted and Talented in the Early Years: Practical Activities for

Children Aged 3 To 5. London: SAGE Publications Inc. MyAthens (ebrary). Available

at:

http://site.ebrary.com/lib/treshamins/docDetail.action?docID=10218172&p00=talent%

20identification (Accessed on: 12/11/2012)

Websites

Bailey, R. (2012) So What Is Developmentally Appropriate Sport? Available at:

http://sportscoachuk.org/blog/so-what-developmentally-appropriate-sport-richard-

bailey (Accessed on: 08/10/2012)

Bailey, R., Collins, D., Ford, P., MacNamara, Á., Toms M., & Pearce, G. (2010)

‘Participant Development in Sport: An Academic Review’ Sports Coach UK & Sport

Northern Ireland. Available at: http://www.sportni.net/NR/rdonlyres/991FF96E-C6DB-

4700-A900-F4DF2732E81A/0/ParticipantDevelopmentinSport.pdf (Accessed on:

10/11/2012).

BBC Wales (2012) Talent ID Scientist. Available at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/sites/concentration/getyourkiton/pages/na

talie_dunman.shtml (Accessed on: 01/11/2012)

Burgess, R. (2007) Talent Identification. Available at:

http://www.ausport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/114682/Talent_Identification_

RBurgess.pdf (Accessed on: 28/12/2012)

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Carl Page (1008889) Page 10 BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching

ECB (2006) Talent Identification Report Explanatory Notes. Available at:

static.ecb.co.uk/files/talent-id-report-explanatory-notes-1403.doc (Accessed on:

28/12/2012)

Endless Human Potential (2012) Athletic Talent Identification. Available at:

http://www.endlesshumanpotential.com/athletic-talent-identification.html (Accessed

on: 11/11/2012)

Long Term Athlete Development (2012) Talent ID. Available at: http://ltad.pro/talent-

id/ (Accessed on: 11/11/2012)

Robinson, L. (2011) An investigation into talent identification and development in

English Netball. Available at:

https://dspace.stir.ac.uk/bitstream/1893/3291/1/Netball%20Final%20report%2024%2

004%2009.pdf (Accessed on: 28/12/2012)

Smith, L. (2007) Running through history. Available at:

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article005.htm (Accessed on: 29/12/2012).

SportsCoachUK (2012) Early-age Talent Identification. Available at:

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%20Talent%20ID%20Quick%20Guide.pdf (Accessed on: 01/11/2012)

Tameside PE and Sport (2011) Talent Strategy 2006-2012. Available at:

http://www.tameside.gov.uk/sports/development/talent#7 (Accessed on: 10/11/2012)

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Wolstencroft, E. ed. (2002) Talent Identification and Development: An Academic

Review (A report for Sportscotland by the University of Edinburgh). Edinburgh:

Sportscotland. (Online) Available at:

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Journals

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practice in talent identification and development: considering the role of

psychology. Journal of Sports Sciences. 22(5), pp.395-408. (Online) Available at:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640410410001675324 (Accessed on:

15/11/2012)

Bottoni, B., Gianfelici, A., Tamburri, R. & Faina, M. (2011) Talent Selection Criteria

for Olympic Distance Triathlon. Journal of Human Sport & Exercise, 6(2), pp. 293-

304. (Online) Available at: https://breo.beds.ac.uk/bbcswebdav/pid-1861242-dt-

content-rid-3373547_1/courses/12-13TYABSPO002-

3/Bottoni%20et%20al_%202011_Talent%20selection%20criteria%20for%20olympic

%20distance.pdf (Accessed on: 22/10/2012)

Falk, B., Lidor, R., Lander, Y. and Lang, B. (2004) Talent identification and early

development of elite water-polo players: a 2-year follow-up study. Journal of Sports

Sciences, 22, pp.347–355. (Online) Available at:

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3373548_1/courses/12-13TYABSPO002-

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%20of%20elite%20%20water%20polo%20players.pdf (Accessed on: 22/10/2012)

Gray, JH. & Plucker, JA. (2010) “She’s a Natural”: Identifying and Developing Athletic

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at:

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(Accessed on: 10/11/2012).

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International Journal of Physical Education, 40 (1), pp.9-20. (Online) Available at:

http://www.sport.uni-

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bayreuth.de/spo_wiss_I/de/download/talentforschung/scientific_aspects_of_talent_de

velopment.pdf (Accessed on: 18/11/2012).

Lidor, R., Falk, B., Arnon, M., Cohen, Y., Segal, G. and Lander, Y. (2005)

Measurement of talent in team handball: the questionable use of motor and physical

tests. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(2), pp.318-325. (Online)

Available at: https://breo.beds.ac.uk/bbcswebdav/pid-1861242-dt-content-rid-

3373550_1/courses/12-13TYABSPO002-

3/Lidor%20et%20al_2005_MEASUREMENT%20OF%20TALENT%20IN%20TEAM%

20HANDBALL_THE%20questionable%20use%20of%20anthropometric.pdf

(Accessed on: 22/10/2012)

Martindale, RJJ, Collins, D. and Daubney, J. (2005) Talent Development: A Guide

For Sport. Quest. 57 (0), pp.353-375. (Online) Available at:

http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/2494/1/MartindaleQuest.doc (Accessed on:

15/11/2012)

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birth%20bias%20in%20association%20football.pdf (Accessed on: 22/10/2012)

Vaeyens, R., Lenoir, MA., Williams, M. and Philippaerts, RM. (2008) Talent

Identification and Development Programmes in Sport: Current Models and Future

Directions. Sports Medicine. 38 (9), pp.703-714. (Online) Available at:

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mes_in_Sport_current_models_and_future_directions (Accessed on: 01/11/2012).

Walker, I.J., Nordin-Bates, S.M., & Redding, E. (2010) ‘Talent identification and

development in dance: A review of the literature’. Research in Dance Education, 11

(3) pp.165-189. (Online) Available at:

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08/11/2012)

Williams, A.M. & Reilly, T. (2000) Talent Identification and Development in

Soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences. 18(0), pp.657-667. (Online) Available at:

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http://web.sls.hw.ac.uk/teaching/level4/A3.4GM2/Web%20Site/Week%205/Reilly%20

Talent%20ID%20football.pdf (Accessed on: 01/11/2012)

Appendices

Appendix 1. Talent identification and its influence on players performance.

Appendix 2. Talent Identification R. Burgess.

Appendix 3. Talent Identification Report Explanatory Notes.

Appendix 4. MartindaleQuest: The model of effective talent identification and

development procedures emerging from the literature.