Performance is an assessment of how well a task is executed and the success of a training program is largely dependent upon satisfying the performance aims associated with it.

How can performance be monitored?

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made for Troy Football

What is the evaluation process?

The whole measurement/evaluation process is a six stage, cyclic affair, involving:

• The selection of characteristics to be measured
• The selection of a suitable method of measuring
• The collection of that data
• The analysis of the collected data
• The making of decisions
• The implementation of those decisions

All of the above stages should be completed with the athlete – especially the analysis of the collected data and making decision of an appropriate way forward.

What are the requirements of a test?

In constructing tests it is important to make sure that they really measure the factors required to be tested, and are thus objective rather than subjective. In doing so all tests should therefore be specific (designed to assess an athlete’s fitness for the activity in question), valid (the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure), reliable (capable of consistent repetition) and objective (produce a consistent result irrespective of the tester).

In conducting tests the following points should be considered:

• Each test should measure ONE factor only
• The test should not require any technical competence on the part of the athlete (unless it is being used to assess technique)
• Care should be taken to make sure that the athlete understands exactly what is required of him/her, what is being measured and why
• The test procedure should be strictly standardised in terms of administration, organisation and environmental conditions

What are the benefits of testing?

The results from tests can be used to:

• predict future performance
• indicate weaknesses
• measure improvement
• enable the coach to assess the success of his training program
• place the athlete in appropriate training group
• motivate the athlete

Tests additionally break up and add variety to the training program. They can be used to satisfy the athlete’s competitive urge out of season. Maximal application performance tests demand maximum effort of the athlete so they are useful at times as a training unit in their own right.

What factors may influence test results?

The following factors may have an impact on the results of a test (test reliability):

• The ambient temperature, noise level and humidity
• The amount of sleep the athlete had prior to testing
• The athlete’s emotional state
• Medication the athlete may be taking
• The time of day
• The athlete’s caffeine intake
• The time since the athlete’s last meal
• The test environment – surface (track, grass, road, gym)
• The athlete’s prior test knowledge/experience
• Accuracy of measurements (times, distances etc.)
• Is the athlete actually applying maximum effort in maximal tests
• Inappropriate warm up
• People present
• The personality, knowledge and skill of the tester
• Athlete’s clothing/shoes
• Surface on which the test is conducted
• Environmental conditions – wind, rain, etc