Athlete Development & Well-being Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Athlete Development & Well-being flashcards as text
What is the primary reason PCA discourages overemphasizing winning at youth levels?
Answer: A win-at-all-costs culture undermines life skill development and long-term athletic participation
PCA's research shows that overemphasizing winning leads to burnout, dropout, and missed opportunities to develop character and resilience.
According to PCA, what does 'redefining winning' mean for a youth sports program?
Answer: Defining success by effort, learning, and personal growth in addition to game scores
Redefining winning means broadening the definition of success beyond the scoreboard to include measurable personal growth and effort.
A PCA coach wants to build team cohesion. Which strategy best aligns with PCA principles?
Answer: Establish team rituals and norms collaboratively with all athletes
PCA values collaborative norm-setting because when athletes co-create team culture, they develop shared ownership and stronger group identity.
How does PCA describe the concept of a 'mistake ritual' in athletic development?
Answer: A team-agreed physical or verbal reset cue athletes use to move past mistakes quickly
Mistake rituals—like brushing shoulders off or snapping fingers—are brief reset cues that help athletes let go of errors and refocus on the next play.
What does PCA mean by the concept of 'filling the tank before you drain it'?
Answer: Building trust and positive rapport before delivering corrective feedback
PCA teaches that consistent positive interactions build enough relational trust that athletes are receptive—rather than defensive—when corrective feedback comes.
In PCA's framework, which statement best describes how coaches should respond to an athlete who 'tanks' (gives up during a game)?
Answer: Address the behavior privately and compassionately, exploring underlying causes
PCA encourages private, empathetic conversations that uncover the root cause of tanking—often fear, burnout, or an emotional issue—before addressing performance expectations.
According to PCA, what is the most effective way for a coach to model 'Honoring the Game' after a controversial officiating call?
Answer: Visibly accept the call and redirect athlete focus to the next play
By calmly accepting calls and refocusing, coaches model emotional regulation and respect for the process, teaching athletes to Honor the Game under pressure.