Principles of talent identification in sport: The Talent Identification and Development Environments in Sport (TIDES) Society position statement

Abstract

With growing evidence in the field of talent identification in sport, policy makers and practitioners are left with a broad range of theoretical and practical considerations. As sport necessitates answers, and often quickly, creating a list of evidence-informed principles for ethical and athlete-centred talent identification is needed. As such, 56 researchers and practitioners from the Talent Identification and Development Environments in Sport (TIDES) Society met to establish a working group and discuss, debate and identify guiding principles that are believed to influence talent identification in sport. A formal online meeting was held to openly discuss ideas and suggestions that were captured through video/audio recordings and note taking. A final list of 13 principles were centred on (a) health and well-being, (b) sociocultural influences and sport-specific context, (c) language and terminology, (d) timing and efficiency, (e) entry and exit points, (f) heuristics and biases, (g) objectivity and subjectivity, (h) shared mental models, (i) inter- and trans-disciplinary teams and (j) education and reflection. The TIDES Society suggests using these 13 principles to guide conversations when making decisions about ways to structure and practice talent identification, with the hopes of making more effective, efficient, and ethical talent identification environments.