SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
PYC4812
Assignment Number: 02
Unique Number: 587269
Student Number: 54706238
Written by: A De Villiers
1
, FINAL REPORT
The purpose of this research report was to obtain an in-depth narrative of the mental
obstacles and challenges that the athlete experience and to develop interventions to
assist the athlete in order to maintain an optimal level of performance.
SECTION A: INITIAL CONTACT WITH ATHLETE
1. Background information and intake summary of athlete
During this research report I have approached a 27 year old female playing a sport
called Ringball and competes competitively each year at the National Ringball
tournament. The athlete has been playing this sport since she was only eight years old
and has received her national colors at the age of twelve. At the age of seventeen, she
represented South Africa on an international level in Netherland by receiving her
position in the u/17 player division for the South-African National team. She continued
to pursue her ambition for this sport and represented the national team again in
Mauritius in 2013. At the age of 23, the athlete was announced as player of the
tournament and received the player of the year award. Her talents and achievements
are above amongst her peers as she has reached goals during her time as a Ringball
player more than many can count before her. She recently competed for the Zaayco
club in Kwa-Zulu Natal during the year while participating in provincial games. Being
one of the key-players in her team, the quality, dependence and expectance of her
performance is of high regard which places a lot of pressure and stress on her
shoulders as these psychological issues comes with the title.
The interviews were conducted during the week, at the athlete’s domicile. Meetings
took place twice a week on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s while observations were made
during competitive provincial games on weekends before an incident of injury occurred.
I first established rapport with the athlete and formed a trustworthy relationship before
any interviews were conducted. I explained to the athlete that I am doing an honors
study in sport psychology and assured her that the report is strictly confidential and her
identity won’t be mentioned anywhere.
2
PYC4812
Assignment Number: 02
Unique Number: 587269
Student Number: 54706238
Written by: A De Villiers
1
, FINAL REPORT
The purpose of this research report was to obtain an in-depth narrative of the mental
obstacles and challenges that the athlete experience and to develop interventions to
assist the athlete in order to maintain an optimal level of performance.
SECTION A: INITIAL CONTACT WITH ATHLETE
1. Background information and intake summary of athlete
During this research report I have approached a 27 year old female playing a sport
called Ringball and competes competitively each year at the National Ringball
tournament. The athlete has been playing this sport since she was only eight years old
and has received her national colors at the age of twelve. At the age of seventeen, she
represented South Africa on an international level in Netherland by receiving her
position in the u/17 player division for the South-African National team. She continued
to pursue her ambition for this sport and represented the national team again in
Mauritius in 2013. At the age of 23, the athlete was announced as player of the
tournament and received the player of the year award. Her talents and achievements
are above amongst her peers as she has reached goals during her time as a Ringball
player more than many can count before her. She recently competed for the Zaayco
club in Kwa-Zulu Natal during the year while participating in provincial games. Being
one of the key-players in her team, the quality, dependence and expectance of her
performance is of high regard which places a lot of pressure and stress on her
shoulders as these psychological issues comes with the title.
The interviews were conducted during the week, at the athlete’s domicile. Meetings
took place twice a week on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s while observations were made
during competitive provincial games on weekends before an incident of injury occurred.
I first established rapport with the athlete and formed a trustworthy relationship before
any interviews were conducted. I explained to the athlete that I am doing an honors
study in sport psychology and assured her that the report is strictly confidential and her
identity won’t be mentioned anywhere.
2
