Tutorial 4: Talent ID

1. Define the term ‘talent’?

Talent can be defined as a high-range level of ability in an activity which is the outcome of
specific variables in practice, such as focused and deliberate.
2. What is talent prediction
Talent prediction is the forecasting of an individual’s adult performance or talent based on
performance in earlier years.
3. What is talent development?
Talent development can be defined as programs that are made available to young
individuals who can select sports suited to their needs and can develop their potential in a
high-range level of ability in adult sport.
4. What is talent identification?
Talent identification is the process of recognising current players that have the ability to
excel in a particular sport. This may be done through scouting programs where scouts
evaluate potential talented players.
5. Does genetics predict talent?
The idea that genetics predict talent is not entirely true. Extensive evidence suggests that
genetics does not guarantee an individual to excel in a sport. Individuals that have ‘good
genes’ and are talented in their chosen sport may stem from exposure, such as Erin Phillips’
family of athletes.
6. Describe the general concept based on Galton’s Hereditary Genius.
The general concept based on Galton’s Hereditary Genius is a proposition that specific and
arranged marriages between men and women would eventually produce offspring that are
genetically gifted.
7. What were the findings of the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart?
The findings of this study were that similarities between two twins were due to genetic
factors, not environmental factors due to the differences between the twins reared apart
are due to the environment.
8. List several psycho-behavioural characteristics of high performing athletes.
Characteristics related to psycho-behavioural aspects of high performing athletes include
confidence, anxiety-control, motivation and distraction control.
9. What are the characteristics of Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence
(PCDE)?
The characteristics of PCDE include commitment, coping with pressure, focus & distraction
control, goal-setting, imagery, planning & organisational skills, quality practice, realistic
performance evaluations and self-awareness.
10. List the environmental influences of early development of sport expertise.
Environmental influences of early development of sport expertise include media coverage,
sport participation rate, birthplace, long-term development and quality of preparation.
11. What is the birth effect?
The birth effect is the result of a North American study which found that individuals born in
cities with a population of 50,000 to 100,000 were more likely to be successful compared to
others born in cities with a higher or lower population.

Amir Eladhami 18951051

12. What is the relative age effect?
The relative age effect is a phenomenon whereby the differing age of individuals in a given
sport translates to advantages. For example, a cut-off period in a given sport may be in
December, which means that players born in December that are selected will be a full year
younger then those born in January.

13. What is the role of play in talent development?

The role of play in talent development is improve skill through experimental and
unorganised training. This unorganised training, as opposed to deliberate practice, allows
for reduction of stress when training without the same focus and strict rules in a normal
sport match.
14. What is the role of deliberate practice in the talent development?
The role of deliberate practice in talent development is to improve skill through organised
training. This organised training requires increased focus and trains athletes through
simulation of real-game events.
15. Why is talent prediction useful?
Talent prediction is useful as it allows predictors to not allow wastage of time in the
development of an athlete if that athlete shows signs of high ability.
16. Why is talent identification useful in sport?
Talent identification is useful in sport as it allows identifiers to exclusively select players with
a high ability in a sport. This can be useful when allocating players to different grade-levels
in a given sport.
17. What are current practices in talent ID?
The approach of the Australian talent search bases identification on physical and
performance factors. The practice is to assess an individual’s attributes in these two areas
and then identify a future talent.
18. What are the limitations of current talent ID processes?
Current talent ID processes focus on physical and performance factors as previously
mentioned. Limitations may include the exclusion of potentially gifted players. Players may
have environmental factors that restrict their normal athletic cycle whereby identification
programs may not identify their performance.
19. What is the Talent Opportunity Program (TOPs)?
The talent opportunity program is a a talent search and educational program ranging from
the ages of 7-10 of female gymnasts and their coaches. It’s purpose is to assist coaches with
early identification of potentially talented athletes to assist in their development.
20. Explain the Australian talent ID program-TID.
The Australian talent ID program known as TID is a high-performance pathway program
which is funded by the WA Department of Sport and Recreation and Athletics WA. The
program is established to be an early state-based program of identifying potential talented
athletes. It also encourages high-range young athletes by inviting to join the Talent ID Squad
and actively participate in state development activities. Encouragement is also sought by
allowing youth the opportunity to represent Australia at youth, junior and senior levels.

Amir Eladhami 18951051