A Vision for Twenty-First CenturyA Vision for Twenty-First CenturyPerformance AnalysisPerformance Analysis

Keith LyonsJune 1999

Introduction

A very exciting time to be discussing performance issues.

A polemical presentation (I hope!).

A vision of interdisciplinary approaches to performance.

An awareness of the limitations of language.

For lack of a practical method of For lack of a practical method of determining longitude, every great determining longitude, every great captain in the Age of Exploration captain in the Age of Exploration became lost at sea despite the best became lost at sea despite the best available charts and compasses.available charts and compasses.

Sobel (1996:6)Sobel (1996:6)

Performance Contexts

1. Training environment.

2. Preparation for competition.

3. Competition.

4. Analysis of performance data.

5. Dissemination and education.

Performance Analysis

A disciplined insight that …

uses systematic observation …

to record performance …

in order to analyse it ...

to provide quantitative and qualitative augmented information.

Performance Analysis

Aims to provide objective, valid and reliable observations of performance …

That facilitate recall of performance …

To develop and transform performance.

Researchers have seldom, if ever, investigated the effects of treatments on performance in actual competitive events.

Instead they have used performance in laboratory or field tests that simulate the event, probably because its is easier to recruit subjects and measure variables that underlie or explain the effects of treatments that might help or hinder performance.

Hopkins, Hawley & Burke (1999:472)

Unfortunately the relationship between performance in tests and performance in events has not been explored adequately, so it is uncertain how a change in performance in a test translates into a change in performance in an event.

Hopkins, Hawley & Burke (1999:472)

Problems?

VARIATION in an athlete’s performance between events (within-athlete variation)

VARIATION in performance between athletes in the same event (between-athlete variation)

Challenges?

1. Seasonal variations in performance ability?

2. Willingness to be involved in any experimental manipulation of routine during competitive season?

3. Investment in actual performance?

4. Integrated performance?

Since the moon’s orbital motion varies cyclically over an 18 year period ...

Eighteen years’ worth of data constitute the bare minimum groundwork for any meaningful predictions of the moon’s position.

Can we develop a rich picture of performance?

Developmental Issues?

1. What do we know about pathways to excellence?

2. Can we stimulate ‘expert’ behaviour?

3. How can we enrich search, identification and development?

4. What is too important to leave to chance?

Performance Diversity

1. Open to challenge and refutation (humble fallibility?).

2. Epistemology and ontology.

3. Politics of access to research and support.

Understanding Performance

1. Can we be open to a narrative of performance?

2. How can we operationalise our understanding of performance?

3. Mutuality.

4. What sensitivity to relative and absolute standards?

Thinking globally ...

Acting locally ...

John Harrison

With his marine clocks, John Harrison tested the waters of space-time. He succeeded against all odds, in using the fourth - temporal - dimension to link points on the three-dimensional globe. He wrested the world’s whereabouts from the stars, and locked the secret in a pocket watch.

So What is the Vision?

1. Self aware and reflective practitioners.

2. Insatiable desire to integrate understanding.

3. Partnership.

4. Active embrace of information revolution.

5. A language for performance.

6. Equity.

7. Socially adept and accomplished.

Corporate Culture?

1. Whom to recruit?

2. Conviviality.

3. Redefining ‘work’.

4. Global exchange.

5. Responsiveness to developmental pathways.

6. Educational technology.

Polymath

One who knows many arts and sciences.