Training and competitive and recovery programs should consider the mental, cognitive, and emotional development of each athlete.  

 

Beyond the physical, technical, and tactical development — including decision-making skills — the mental, cognitive, and emotional development should be enhanced.  

 

For a complete overview of mental, cognitive, and emotional development characteristics and their implications for the coach, refer to Appendix 1.  

 

A major objective of LTAD is a holistic approach to athlete development. This includes emphasis on ethics, fair play, and character building throughout the various stages, an objective that reflects Canadian values. Programming should be designed considering athletes’ cognitive ability to address these concepts.