Psigologiese vaardighede en sportprestasie by Suid-Afrikaanse Super12-rugbyspelers

The aim of this study is to determine whether a relationship exists between the psychological skills and sports achievements of the South African Super12 rugby players. It is evident from literature that several researchers have already shown a correlation between psychological skills and sports achievement in various branches of sport. There is however little research available on the level of psychological skills in South African rugby players and its effect on their performance. The complete training groups of the various South African Super12 teams were evaluated during the course of the season. The players were psychometrically evaluated by means of the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28), Mental Skills Inventory (MSI), NEO 5-Factor Inventory and a biographical questionnaire. The results suggest that there is no particular psychological skill that can predict the above mentioned group’s rugby performance. A number of similarities between psychological skills, that is of statistical importance, were however identified. The Bulls’ team (who performed the best of all the South African Super12 teams) differed significantly from the rest of the South African teams on 4 of the 7 ACSI- 28 fields (concentration, optimal performance under pressure, self-confidence and performance motivation, as well as freedom from worry).