ACSRG's research

Some of the group's current projects and recent publications.

Our key areas of research interest include (but are not limited to):

  • adaptive expertise
  • apprenticeships and mentoring
  • decision making
  • developing talent
  • reflective practice
  • translating theory to practice

Below are examples of our work in many of these areas.

This research has been undertaken to highlight the lack of guidelines or evidence-informed research to manage and develop the evolving field of coach development. Contributions include:


Much coaching has been based on notions of competence, whereas we feel that we need to aspire to expertise in our fields. Contributions include:

The 'in-action' planning of adaptive experts

This project with The National Outdoor Centre uses ACTA with a small group of experts to examine how to respond to the situational demands of coaching in hyper-dynamic environments.

Learn more about The National Outdoor Centre

Epistemological underpinnings in the last true adventure sport

This project is an ACTA study of a small number of expert caving instructors examining the influence of their beliefs, values and coaching environment on their practices.


Many people start their careers as a volunteer in different areas of sport, organisation, officiating, coaching and management. This can be considered an apprenticeship in the initial stages, then developing to include mentoring and networking. Contributions include:

Volunteering in sport

This is a project undertaken with the University of Stellenbosch that examines the roles, responsibilities and developmental needs of volunteers in sport.

Learn more about the University of Stellenbosch


Coaching is a decision-making process that draws on formal, theoretical knowledge to solve coaching problems and make decisions leading to the achievement of goals. Contributions include:

The evaluation of effective decision making in hyperdynamic environments

This project involves the development of a practical tool to effectively measure the quality of decisions made by adventure sport professionals.

Developing effective judgment and decision making in high-fidelity training settings

This project is a mixed-method study of a group of trainee astronauts during a simulated mission.

Skilful coaching as a decision-making process

This project examines the concept of decision making in both talent development and performance environments in team sports.


Reflective practice can be a very useful learning tool and key for developing expertise. Those who have participated in performance development will have heard about the benefits. Contributions in this area include:


We are interested in making a difference through coaching and coach development, and in finding ways to measure that impact. Contributions include:

Coach development

This is an ongoing project, in conjunction with the International Tennis Federation, examining the perceptions of a global coach development programme on coach learning, engagement and culture.

What is performance in adventure sports?

An interview-based study of adventure sports participants and their views on the nature of performance in these non-competitive sports

Curriculum design and monitoring

This project is examining the impact of coach education and development within the Higher Education context.


We are interested in all aspects of performance enhancement, both in sporting and non-sporting domains. We focus on topics, processes and populations that relate to developing performance, such as improving quality experiences, easing career transitions, communication skills, behaviour change and communication skills.

Examples of recent projects include:


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