Sport psychological skill levels and related psychosocial factors that distinguish between rugby union players of different participation levels

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare 60 top ranked and 60 lower ranked u/19
rugby union players from the PUK Rugby Institute (18.78 ± 0.28 years). Results show
slight differences regarding previous consultations with sport psychologists,
perceived importance of and need for psychological skills training sessions and the
players' perceived ability to be psychologically well prepared for competitions. Effect
size results (indicating practical significance) show that the top ranked players
perceive psychosocial factors such as team members/team spirit, coaches, and
financial aspects as significantly more positive (d ≥ 0.4) than the lower ranked
players, while they are also significantly better (d ≥ 0.4) at fitting in with new team
members, settling in with coaches and adapting to change in general. The top ranked
players also showed significantly greater self-confidence (d ≥ 0.4), personal coping
resources, coping with adversity, average psychological skills and activation control
scores than their lower ranked counterparts, stressing the important role of sport
psychological skills towards rugby performance. It can be concluded that sport
psychological skill levels and related psychosocial factors can distinguish between
rugby union players of different participation levels. Results are discussed in
reference to practical implications for future sport psychological skills training
programmes.

Keywords: Sport psychological skills; Performance; Rugby union.

South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol. 29 (1) 2007: pp. 1-15