Journal article
Principles of talent identification in sport: The Talent Identification and Development Environments in Sport (TIDES) Society position statement
Journal of sports sciences, Vol.First online, pp.1-16
20/08/2026
PMID: 42619608
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
With growing evidence in the field of talent identification in sport, policy makers and practitioners are left with a broad range of theoretical and practical considerations. As sport necessitates answers, and often quickly, creating a list of evidence-informed principles for ethical and athlete-centred talent identification is needed. As such, 56 researchers and practitioners from the Talent Identification and Development Environments in Sport (TIDES) Society met to establish a working group and discuss, debate and identify guiding principles that are believed to influence talent identification in sport. A formal online meeting was held to openly discuss ideas and suggestions that were captured through video/audio recordings and note taking. A final list of 13 principles were centred on (a) health and well-being, (b) sociocultural influences and sport-specific context, (c) language and terminology, (d) timing and efficiency, (e) entry and exit points, (f) heuristics and biases, (g) objectivity and subjectivity, (h) shared mental models, (i) inter- and trans-disciplinary teams and (j) education and reflection. The TIDES Society suggests using these 13 principles to guide conversations when making decisions about ways to structure and practice talent identification, with the hopes of making more effective, efficient, and ethical talent identification environments.
Details
- Title
- Principles of talent identification in sport: The Talent Identification and Development Environments in Sport (TIDES) Society position statement
- Creators
- Adam L Kelly - Birmingham City UniversityKathryn Johnston - University of TorontoKevin Till - Leeds Beckett UniversityAlexander B T McAuley - Birmingham City University, UKMatthew J Reeves - University of Central Lancashire, UKJames H Dugdale - Edinburgh Napier UniversityMatthew Andrew - Manchester Metropolitan UniversityLaura Finnegan - South East Technological UniversityRussell Martindale - Edinburgh Napier UniversityTill Koopman - Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgPaul Larkin - Victoria School of ManagementViswanath B Unnithan - University of the West of ScotlandRuud J R Den Hartigh - University of GroningenOliver Höner - University of TübingenJörg Schorer - Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgIrene Faber - Windesheim University of Applied SciencesTom L G Bergkamp - Royal Dutch Football AssociationJan Verbeek - Royal Dutch Football AssociationAlberto Lorenzo Calvo - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, SpainPaolo Riccardo Brustio - University of TurinPhilip E Kearney - University of LimerickAlex Lascu - Victoria University, AustraliaSvenja Wachsmuth - University of TübingenFieke Rongen - Nottingham Trent UniversitySimon Roberts - Liverpool John Moores UniversityAndré Roca - St Mary's University, UKWilliam McCalman - Deakin UniversityKyle J M Bennett - Southern Cross UniversityAmanda Partington - University Academy 92, UKHenry Titley-Wall - University Academy 92, UKRich Kite - Bournemouth UniversityDaniel Fortin-Guichard - McGill UniversityJohn Francis - University of WorcesterSam Barraclough - Manchester Metropolitan UniversityFynn Bergmann - University of TübingenDaniel Leyhr - University of TübingenTom Mitchell - Leeds Beckett UniversityAlliance Kubayi - Tshwane University of TechnologyEd Hope - Liverpool John Moores UniversitySam Alder - Liverpool John Moores UniversityPatrick Mannix - Liverpool John Moores UniversityAndrew Triggs - Liverpool John Moores UniversityYoussif Maximos - Victoria School of ManagementKevin Braybrook - Southampton Solent UniversityGabriele Morganti - Birmingham City UniversityPat Oakes - University of Central Lancashire, UKBarnaby Sargent Megicks - Edge Hill University, UKKieren Elder - University of the West of ScotlandIlse Petra Peringa - University of GroningenMichael King - University of GlasgowMirelle van Rijbroek - Fédération Internationale de Football AssociationJohn Lind - International Ice Hockey FederationConnor McGillick - English Institute of SportAndy Cain - Independent Consultant, UKIsrael Teoldo da Costa - Federal University of Viçosa, BrazilJoseph Baker - University of Toronto
- Publication Details
- Journal of sports sciences, Vol.First online, pp.1-16
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Group; ABINGDON
- Identifiers
- 991013396827502368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences and Rehabilitation; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article