Evaluation of current roles and development pathways for performance analysts

Abstract

Previous research in performance analysis has concerned itself with understanding and predicting performance in a variety of sports. However, little research has been conducted on what skills and attributes are required to be an effective performance analyst. The current study has attempted to identify and quantify the key field-based and personal attributes necessary to undertake the role, while attempting to distinguish the most effective pathway when developing these skills. Furthermore, the study has evaluated the usefulness academic institutions are at teaching these skills, identifying any short-comings. The study employed a mixed method approach to conduct the research, auditing past and present job descriptions, academic module aims as well as conducting an online questionnaire in which 56 performance analysts completed. The results found that there were a number of field-based and personal attributes that crossed over from the three results sources, however some of the fundamental skills required, such as filming and data visualisation were not being taught at an academic level. Additionally, combining work-experience with an academic education was seen as the optimum pathway to develop the skills required of a performance analyst, as results showed conflicting views with regards to the effectiveness academic institutions are in developing new analysts for a role within the field.