Puberty

Correct! Puberty affects systems throughout the body, so changes can show up physically, emotionally and in how a player trains and performs.

Not quite. The correct answer is: All of the above. Puberty affects much more than physical growth. Changes can also affect mood, energy, recovery, confidence and performance. 

Correct! Changes in coordination and inconsistent performances can be part of puberty. Adjust expectations rather than assuming the player has regressed.

Not quite. The correct answer is: This could be a normal part of puberty and growth. Changes in coordination and performance can be a normal part of puberty. Avoid assuming that a temporary change reflects effort or ability. 

Correct! Players may become more sensitive to mistakes during puberty. Creating an environment where it feels safe to fail can help.

Not quite. The correct answer is: Create space for mistakes and respond calmly and supportively . Bigger reactions to mistakes can occur during puberty. Your response can help make mistakes feel like a normal part of learning rather than something catastrophic. 

Correct! These are signs of delayed puberty identified in the Starter Kit and are worth raising so the player can get appropriate support.

Not quite. The correct answer is: All of the above. All three are identified in the Starter Kit as signs of delayed puberty. 

Correct! A coach can notice and flag concerns, but diagnosis and treatment belong with medical professionals.

Not quite. The correct answer is: Flag the concern with her parent and encourage appropriate medical support. The coach’s role is not to diagnose or prescribe. The deck recommends flagging concerns early with parents, with delayed puberty addressed by a medical professional. 

Correct! You cannot control when or how a player develops, but you can support adequate fueling and recovery and adjust training during rapid growth.

Not quite. The correct answer is: Encouraging adequate fueling and recovery. Many factors affecting development are outside a coach’s control. Focus on the environment and support you can provide. 

Correct! Changes in coordination, timing and energy can be a normal and temporary part of puberty. Support the player rather than treating them as a permanent decline.

Not quite. The correct answer is: Recognize the changes may be temporary and adjust expectations and support . Puberty can temporarily affect coordination, timing and energy. Adjusting expectations can help players navigate the transition. 

Correct! The Starter Kit recommends removing body-based language from coaching, including comments about weight, size or shape.

Not quite. The correct answer is: Remove comments about weight, size or shape from your coaching . Even well-intentioned body comments can be unhelpful. Keep coaching focused away from weight, size and shape. 

Correct! Reinforcing that she belongs and that these changes can be part of puberty can help her stay confident and connected to the game.

Not quite. The correct answer is: Reassure her that these feelings can happen during puberty and reinforce that she belongs . The Starter Kit emphasizes reminding players that they belong. Feeling out of place in a changing body can happen during puberty and does not mean a player no longer belongs in soccer.