More recently, I was also given the opportunity to lead the mens hockey team, which requires me to work with another second year student. This promoted me to arrange a call with the student, where I explained what my role was within the placement and helped her to complete the needs analysis. Furthermore, I also participated in a reflective seminar regarding the risk assessment and need analysis that we had previously completed.
Reflective Summary
During my meeting with the second year student, I started by discussing the importance of a needs analysis, so that they could complete it to an excellent standard; I explained that the physical demands and positional differences would be similar for male and female hockey players although, it is essential for them to identify information regarding the common injuries, specifically for male players, so prevention programmes can be targeted towards this. Rees et al. (2020) study illustrated that muscle strains, pain and contusions were the most common types of injury, with the hamstring, knee and groin the most frequently reported locations. This study was specific to the group that we are providing virtual sessions to, as it was conducted with males who were of an amateur level.
The seminar was helpful as it allowed me to understand other factors that should be considered when completing a risk assessment for virtual activity. A risk assessment should be undertaken so measures can be put in place to ensure that the risks are less than the benefits (Carmody, Murray, Borodina, Gouttebarge & Massey, 2020). Other aspects that we should have considered when composing the risk assessment were that some players may have technical issues with regards to internet connection and that players may reveal confidential information that may need to be reported. Before any session it is important to remind the participants that the session will be recorded and if problems were to arise, we may need to discuss them with the supervisors.
What Went Well
I continue to work well in a team and ensure that everyone participates equally, so that we can complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
Areas for Improvement | Action Plan |
Create a PAR-Q form for all the athletes to fill out prior to testing. | Once completed ensure that all the players that want to take part in the virtual sessions have filled it out. |
Set deadlines as a team for when we want tasks to be completed. | Arrange a meeting with the team to discuss appropriate dates and who can complete what sections. |
Closing the Loop
Since writing this reflection, as a group we have created a PAR-Q form and sent it out to the participants. We also have meetings on a regular basis which means everyone understands the tasks and is getting involved.
References
Carmody, S., Murray, A., Borodina, M., Gouttebarge, V., & Massey, A. (2020). When can professional sport recommence safely during the COVID-19 pandemic? Risk assessment and factors to consider. British Journal Sports Medicine, 54(16), 946-948.
Rees, H., McCarthy Persson, U., Delahunt, E., Boreham, C., & Blake, C. (2020). Epidemiology of injuries in senior men’s field hockey: A two-season prospective observational injury surveillance study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(24), 2842-2849.