When an Athlete Says They Chose Not to Try - working notes

One situation. Clear facts. An honest next step.

Ten to fifteen minutes for one decisionFree · Two-page fillable PDF

Companion to When an Athlete Says They Chose Not to Try.

Entries stay on this page and are cleared when you leave. Sharing sends the blank worksheet link, without your answers. To keep your work, print or save it before leaving.

See a worked example

Hypothetical example: An athlete says they deliberately held back to protect how others viewed their ability. The coach clarifies the account and agrees on an appropriate taught task, without assuming that explanation applies to other children.

01Begin with the athlete's words, not your suspicion

Clarify an explicitly self-reported choice without inferring motive from results.

Athlete's own account

Moment being described

Clarification or correction

02Check that the requested attempt is actually appropriate

Confirm the task, instruction and appropriate support with the actual coach.

Actual coached task

Instruction or support needed

Concern for appropriate help

03Separate honest work from a promise about the result

Agree on an honest permitted attempt without promising an outcome.

Appropriate attempt agreed

Outcome outside my control

Question for the coach

04Review the attempt without demanding a heroic story

Review what actually happened and obtain suitable help with unresolved concerns.

Attempt actually made

Feedback actually received

Unresolved concern and next contact