#312 Dr Sebastian Harenberg - Exploring Positional Competition
Jan 20, 2025
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Dr. Sebastian Harenberg, an Associate Professor in Sport Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, dives deep into the nuances of positional competition in team sports. He reveals how team hierarchies and player evaluations impact athletes' mental health. Understanding the psychological challenges faced by 'bubble players,' he emphasizes the need for empathetic communication and effective coaching. Harenberg also discusses the significance of ongoing research to enhance athletes' experiences and foster better team dynamics.
Positional competition significantly influences team dynamics and individual motivation, requiring a nuanced understanding from both athletes and coaches.
The dual-faceted nature of positional competition can drive skill development while also inducing stress and unhealthy rivalries among teammates.
Effective management of positional competition by coaches, through empathy and communication, is crucial for creating a supportive team environment.
Deep dives
Introduction to Positional Competition
Positional competition in sports refers to the inherent competition among team members for specific playing positions. This competition is particularly notable in team sports where the number of players often exceeds the available positions, creating a dynamic interplay between individual performance and team needs. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding how this competition affects both players' motivation and the overall team dynamics. It establishes that positional competition is not merely situational but extends over a longer timeframe, influencing athletes from their first engagement in a high-performance team.
The Dual Nature of Positional Competition
The effects of positional competition are dual-faceted, encompassing both positive and negative outcomes for athletes. While competition can foster motivation, skill development, and a drive to push oneself contextually, it can also generate stress, anxiety, and unhealthy rivalry among teammates. Researchers have noted that the social comparison aspect of competing for positions can lead to maladaptive behaviors, such as sabotaging behaviors when new players join a team. The paper argues that the impact of positional competition largely depends on how it is managed within the team's environment.
Defining Positional Competition
A clear definition and understanding of positional competition are vital for coaches and athletes to navigate its complexities effectively. The research outlines two main types of competition: situational and positional, with the former characterized by defined scenarios and outcomes, while the latter represents an ongoing process influencing team dynamics and player expectations. Authors suggest developing a questionnaire to evaluate players' perceptions of positional competition, thereby offering insights into their awareness of self, teammates, and coaching practices. By establishing clear constructs around these terms, the paper aims to facilitate further research and practical applications in coaching and sports management.
Coaching Strategies for Managing Competition
Coaches play a crucial role in how positional competition is experienced by athletes and can implement several strategies to manage it effectively. Key approaches include understanding individual athlete expectations, maintaining open lines of communication when making selection decisions, and aligning coaching practices with a foundational philosophy of empathy and support. By ensuring that athletes are informed about their performance evaluations and expected roles, coaches can mitigate the stress associated with positional competition and foster a positive team environment. Moreover, engaging assistant coaches in these discussions can alleviate the pressure on head coaches while reinforcing a collaborative approach to athlete feedback.
Future Research Directions
The paper sets the stage for future inquiry into the implications of positional competition in team sports, emphasizing the need for further research on selection experiences and their developmental impacts on players. By examining how these experiences are structured, researchers aim to identify best practices that align with both athlete development and team performance. In addition, the work signals an increasing interest within sports psychology to explore the intersection of positional competition and athlete mental health, highlighting the importance of fostering supportive environments. Such studies may ultimately enhance athletes' experiences and outcomes in competitive settings, creating a more positive sporting culture.
I’m delighted to speak with Dr Sebastian Harenberg this week. Sebastian is Associate Professor in Sport Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). He also provides mental performance consulting services to athletes and community members. Sebastian and I discuss positional competition, i.e. the competition for playing time in team sports.
Sebastian completed a combined Bachelor and Master of Education in English and Physical Education at the University of Göttingen, Germany. Sebastian continued his education with a doctoral degree in Kinesiology and Health studies with an emphasis on sport psychology at the University of Regina.
He then worked 2 years as a research scientist at the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region until he joined Ithaca College in New York as an Assistant Professor for Research Methods and Statistics.
Sebastian’s main research interests lie in two areas: 1. Group Dynamics – his research examines processes that affect team hierarchies (competition within teams, selection, deselection), and 2. Perceptual Cognitive Training – using technology, he examines different technologies to sharpen the cognitive skills of athletes and various other populations.
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