1 MASLOWS ORDER OF NEEDS

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS

To drink water and have regular intervals during the coaching or recreation session, is an important way to maintain body homeostasis and also serves as a reward and reinforcement of behaviour. The activity level must have a natural rhythm in the intensity level. This intensity curve from intense to less intense enables the participant to give maximum effort as well as to recover before the next intense movement. Unnecessary talk and long discussions in the session as a negative effect, because the participant cools down and loses motivational impact. The recreational leader or coach must use play as a movement instrument as much as he can, because play is a natural and enjoyable mode of being. The participant must experience joy and natural attractiveness towards the activity. There is a big difference between the drawn and the driven participant. To do the activity you want to and because you enjoy it, is far superior than an activity that is done out of compulsion and necessity.

SECURITY NEEDS Security can be created by developing and maintaining healthy routines as well as a consistent climate that enhances security for the participant. The recreational and sport setting must be enjoyable without fear that is caused by threats, too much risks or unobtainable objectives. Sport people differ in terms of the toleration of pain and unpleasantness. It is important for the recreation leader or the coach to have insight and understanding of the individual differences and different pain tolerance levels. Not everyone is tough enough to endure high levels of pain. The use of fear as a motivational instrument can have negative results. A better option is to motivate by desire and attraction and not with fear.

2 AFFILIATION NEEDS The team, club or recreational setting must be attractive enough to draw participants on each own. It must be a pleasurable social experience that participants are looking forward. Hard work in a group context can contribute to team building and a stronger group spirit. Special social happenings in the club can improve social interaction and quality communication between members. In a modern society where loneliness is one of the big enemies of psychological health, social interaction by itself can be a motivator per se. RECOGNITION NEEDS Small gestures of recognition by the recreational leader, coach or team management can contribute towards the over-all motivational climate. Placing a name or picture of someone that performed well in a notice board, is an example of recognition. The value of a personal greeting of the participant in the beginning of a recreational or coaching session cannot be underestimated. Personal attention to each participant must be an important goal, because it can boost motivation and commitment. Achievement-orientated participants are very enthusiastic and are attracted towards challenges. The recreational leader or coach must accommodate this optimistic, ambitious and more risk-taking participants, by providing situations that will challenge and stimulate them enough. There are also less achievement participants in a normal group setting. Initial and easy obtainable success in any task performance can help these people to be motivated and to continue participation. SELF-ACTUALISATION NEEDS The primal psychological slogan to know thy self is a very important human endeavor to actualize himself as a human being. Recreation and sport can be wonderful playgrounds where self-knowledge can be obtained in a playful and joyful way. The recreational leader or coach must give meaningful and accurate feedback that will enhance the self-knowledge of the participant.