Test Administration Guidelines in Physical Education and Sports

Administering a test well means managing its total organisation, management, execution and supervision, along with follow-up, adequate reporting and proper use of the results. Because poor testing usually comes from ignorance of correct procedure, the textbook divides the whole process into three phases, shown in the flowchart below.

Pre-Planning

Everything is prepared before the subject arrives:

1. A test-planning document must be prepared keeping in mind all the stakeholders of the test.
2. Testing stations, score sheets/questionnaires, organisation of the group and the test layout must all be prepared before testing.
3. The purpose of the test, its scientific authenticity, and the group size, age and sex of the subjects must be considered.
4. The test must be planned to be most economical - in cost of instruments/equipment, in time, and in the number of personnel required.

Testing Operation

The phase in which the test is actually conducted:

1. All equipment and facilities are carefully checked and placed in position before the subject arrives.
2. All instructions, explanation, demonstration and layout are given to the subject well in advance.
3. A short warm-up is given before a psychomotor test, to avoid injury and ensure better performance.
4. Motivation strategies are adopted to help subjects perform their best.
5. The administrator and testing personnel ensure safety precautions during explanation and demonstration.
6. During testing, the administrator cross-checks all necessary points against the checklist.

Post-Test Functions

What happens after the testing is finished: …