Performance Analysis

The Performance Analyst systematically observes and records athlete performance during training and competition to facilitate and enhance feedback between coaches and athletes.

Scope of practice

  • In consultation with coaches, provide permanent records of an athlete and team performance from training and competition;
  • Develop protocols for the analysis of performance in consultation with coaches, sport scientists and/or sports medicine professionals;
  • Aggregate and curate records of athlete and team performance;
  • Work closely with coaches and other support staff to monitor and assess an athlete’s technical and tactical performance;
  • Use insights gained from observing performance to contribute to multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approaches to athlete development;
  • Research and implement the use of innovative technology for performance recording, analysis and educational feedback.

Skills and competencies

Candidate case studies should demonstrate the following;

  • Motion capture – familiarity with field-based motion monitoring technologies e.g., video, GPS, IMU
  • Video coding – competent designing notational systems targeted at specific or general coaching queries and goals using video coding software, e.g. SportsCode, Focus, LongoMatch. Should be able to assess validity and reliability of the designed systems.
  • Confidently perform team duties such as:
    • Video capture, editing and coding events in sport matches
    • Provide basic game information to support staff during a match
    • Provide post-match analysis in the form of video packages and statistical reports
    • Preparing both the coaching team and players for the upcoming games by presenting video and analysis of the opposition
    • Filming and coding training sessions
    • Help evaluate prospective recruitment targets from an analytical perspective
    • Working in collaboration with other support staff in centralising all performance data and creating daily reports (such as heart rate & GPS data)
  • Analytical skills – ability to use advanced features of performance analysis software (e.g. SportsCode scripting) and general scientific computing skills (e.g. R, Python or MATLAB scripting).
  • Applicants should be able to provide templated coaching reports and summaries of key messages including appropriate data visualisations to coaches, support staff and key stakeholders.

Over the next 12 months the Exercise and Sport Science Accreditation pathway is under review. 

The review is being led by Dr Mel Bussey and Professor Andy Kilding, with the intention being to work with High Performance Sport New Zealand, key sports organisations and Sport New Zealand to further develop the accreditation pathway in sport science so it reflects the future ways of working that will likely be required for sports scientists working in performance and health (non-clinical) settings.