PYC4812
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, Sport Psychology
QUESTION 1
1.1 Identify the main challenge faced by the team. Motivate your answer.
The main challenge faced by the Vodacom Bulls team is poor team dynamics. This
includes a lack of effective communication, unresolved interpersonal conflict, and
absence of team cohesion. The coach reports that players do not share information,
avoid discussing key issues, and expect others to read their minds, which indicates a
breakdown in open communication. Furthermore, persistent interpersonal conflict and a
lack of unity reinforce the existence of dysfunctional group dynamics, which ultimately
affects performance.
1.2 Why is the challenge identified in question 1.1 important in sport?
Team dynamics refer to the psychological and behavioral relationships between team
members, and they play a vital role in the performance of sports teams.
Communication: Effective communication is critical in high-pressure
environments like competitive sports. Teams with open lines of communication
are better at strategizing, adjusting tactics, and maintaining performance under
pressure (Carron, Bray & Eys, 2002).
Cohesion: Team cohesion, both task-related and social, significantly influences
performance. Task cohesion refers to how well a team works together to achieve
goals, while social cohesion involves the quality of interpersonal relationships
(Weinberg & Gould, 2019).
Conflict Resolution: Interpersonal conflicts, if left unresolved, can breed
resentment and reduce trust. Conflict hampers teamwork and can negatively
impact individual motivation and group morale (Jowett & Lavallee, 2007).
Motivation and Morale: Teams that experience internal conflict and poor
communication often suffer from low motivation. As noted in the case, the team is
losing enthusiasm and drive, which can be attributed to ongoing internal issues.
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, Sport Psychology
QUESTION 1
1.1 Identify the main challenge faced by the team. Motivate your answer.
The main challenge faced by the Vodacom Bulls team is poor team dynamics. This
includes a lack of effective communication, unresolved interpersonal conflict, and
absence of team cohesion. The coach reports that players do not share information,
avoid discussing key issues, and expect others to read their minds, which indicates a
breakdown in open communication. Furthermore, persistent interpersonal conflict and a
lack of unity reinforce the existence of dysfunctional group dynamics, which ultimately
affects performance.
1.2 Why is the challenge identified in question 1.1 important in sport?
Team dynamics refer to the psychological and behavioral relationships between team
members, and they play a vital role in the performance of sports teams.
Communication: Effective communication is critical in high-pressure
environments like competitive sports. Teams with open lines of communication
are better at strategizing, adjusting tactics, and maintaining performance under
pressure (Carron, Bray & Eys, 2002).
Cohesion: Team cohesion, both task-related and social, significantly influences
performance. Task cohesion refers to how well a team works together to achieve
goals, while social cohesion involves the quality of interpersonal relationships
(Weinberg & Gould, 2019).
Conflict Resolution: Interpersonal conflicts, if left unresolved, can breed
resentment and reduce trust. Conflict hampers teamwork and can negatively
impact individual motivation and group morale (Jowett & Lavallee, 2007).
Motivation and Morale: Teams that experience internal conflict and poor
communication often suffer from low motivation. As noted in the case, the team is
losing enthusiasm and drive, which can be attributed to ongoing internal issues.
