The module will be assessed by a 2000 word portfolio, assessing all LO's

The assessment will focus on the psychological needs analysis of a (1) team and (2) an individual athlete within this team. The portfolio will discuss the role of group dynamics regarding group formation and team cohesion and the strategies used to maintain and manage focus, stress, arousal and anxiety during performance. The portfolio must contain evidence of data collection with regards to the needs analysis. Consent forms, when collecting data with individuals and teams must be collected and submitted within the portfolio.

The portfolio must be accompanied by references to support theories and justifications and by referenced using the APA style.

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
The content delivered across the module will be formatively assessed through seminar presentations made by learners. Content will be delivered and a discussion will be led by learners to demonstrate current knowledge and provide more explorative opportunities to acquire new knowledge.

Tasks will involve reading and analysing relevant journal articles and learners understanding of this will be assessed within group, paired and individual tasks.

All elements of assessment, including any reflective work, must be supported by references to appropriate literature and referenced according to appropriate academic conventions within APA style.

The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the knowledge and awareness of factors affecting athlete and team performance, and focuses on how a coach can implement their understanding of this. Students will have the opportunity to develop this knowledge when working with a sports team to analyse and support future performance. Specifically learners will (1) analyse the psychological needs of teams and athletes in sports performance, (2) outline the process of team dynamics and its affect on group performance, (3) understand different approaches for staying focused in sport and (4) demonstrate knowledge of selected psychological theories related to stress, arousal and anxiety.

Specific topics to be covered include;
- An introduction to sport psychology
- Psychological needs assessment of athletes and teams
- Performance barriers
- Mental Toughness
- Leadership in Coaching
- Understanding and building team cohesion
- Group dynamics
- Stress, arousal and anxiety
- Coping effectiveness and choking in sport
- Imagery
- Pre-performance routines
- Goal Setting
- Developing motivation in athletes

Students will follow a fifteen week guided study programme and access support material via the college VLE. The module will be delivered across 3 hours per week.

The module will include:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (45 hours) - (3 hours X 15 weeks)
2 hours lecture
1 hour seminar discussion per week for 13 weeks
1 hour workshop to support data collection and decision making for 2 weeks

Guided Independent Study: (105 hours)
30 hours background reading
30 hours assessment preparation
45 hours assessment writing

Access to IWB to support delivery of materials
Access to VLE to support learner discussions and independent learning
Access to Key texts and recommended journal article reading

Moran, A. (2012). Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Critical Introduction. London: Routledge.

Cotterill, S. (2012). Team Psychology in Sports. London: Routledge.

Gucciadri, D. and Gordon, S. (2011). Mental Toughness in Sport: Development in Theory and Research. London: Routledge.

Carron, A., Hausenblas, H. and Eys, M. (2011). Group Dynamics in Sport. USA: Fitness Information Technology, Inc.