Program Overview

Unit Overview

The unit UNMC586 - The Science of Performance: Grass Roots Sports aims to connect those who play key roles in grass roots level sport with key scientific evidence in creating positive change through grass roots level sport, as well as basic skills in shaping their sporting ecosystem for the better.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

Grass roots level sport connects with millions of youth locally, nationally, and around the world, providing large-scale opportunities for positive impact physically, mentally, and socially. This micro-credential aims to provide key scientific evidence and skills to those involved in grass roots level sport, enabling them to create a positive impact in their local sporting ecosystem.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

• Outline benefits and risks of youth involvement in sport as well as connections with progression into youth sport performance pathways
• Evaluate key evidence in creating motivational and safe environments for youth involvement in sport
• Formulate a one-step plan to increase engagement and a positive impact in their own local sporting ecosystem

Unit Content

Topics will include:

• Defining performance in grass roots level sport
• The science of performance, in and beyond grass roots
• Shaping a motivational climate in the sporting ecosystem
• Evidence-based approaches in structuring grass roots games and training

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

The assessment strategy includes:

• Content Quiz: An assessment that examines foundation understanding of module concepts (30% weighting)
• Creating an Impact in Grass Roots Project: Development of a one-step plan to create a positive impact in a local grass-roots sports ecosystem (70% weighting)

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

The learning and teaching strategies are designed to allow students to meet the unit's aims, learning outcomes, and University graduate attributes in a learning environment that shows respect for the individual as an independent learner.

Representative Texts and References

• Australian Sports Commission (2019) The Australian Physical Literacy Standard
• Cote, J., & Vierimaa, M. (2014). The developmental model of sport participation: 15 years after its first conceptualization
• Occhino, J. L., Mallett, C. J., Rynne, S. B., & Carlisle, K. N. (2014). Autonomy-supportive pedagogical approach to sports coaching: Research, challenges and opportunities
• Renshaw, I., Davids, K., Newcombe, D., & Roberts, W. (2019). The Constraints-Led Approach: Principles for Sports Coaching and Practice Design
• Vealey, Robin S., and Melissa A. Chase. Best practice for youth sport

Credit Points and Year

• Credit points: 5
• Year: 2026

Campus Offering and Prerequisites

• No unit offerings are currently available for this unit
• Prerequisites: Nil