QUESTIONS FROM ATHLETES & PARENTS
Start with what
you need.
Pick a topic. Open one question at a time. The answers use simple language, so athletes and parents can read them together.
There are no perfect scores and no “right” answers. Choose what feels true for you.
Use the results to start a calm conversation. Praise strengths, then choose one skill to practise.
What does SportsSignum measure?
It measures five trainable mental toughness skills used during competition: Focus, Optimism, Resolve, Grounded and Efficacy. The result is five scores that show strengths and useful areas to train next.
Who is the assessment for?
The free assessment is designed for young athletes aged 8–16, with an initial focus on junior tennis. A parent or guardian should provide the contact email for athletes under 13.
How long does the assessment take?
There are 30 short statements. Most athletes complete it in about six minutes.
Should a parent help answer the questions?
The athlete should choose the answers themselves. A parent can explain an unfamiliar word, but should avoid suggesting the “right” answer. Honest responses create the most useful starting point.
Is this a personality test?
No. SportsSignum does not label who an athlete is or place them into a type. It looks at what an athlete can mentally do in sport—and those skills can change with coaching, practice and experience.
What do the five FORGE scores mean?
Each score represents one mental skill. Focus is attentional control; Optimism keeps effort alive under adversity; Resolve is persistence; Grounded means staying able to perform while emotions run high; Efficacy is trust in the skills built through training.
Is there one overall FORGE score?
No. Do not add or average the five scores. FORGE reports five independent mental skills, not one total mental toughness mark. A combined number would hide the athlete’s strengths and the specific skill that may be most useful to train next. Scores should not be used to rank athletes against one another. The useful comparison is how the same athlete’s individual skills change after meaningful practice and coaching.
What if my child receives a lower score?
A lower score is not a judgement or a weakness label. It gives the athlete and parent a practical starting point for development. The purpose is to know what to practise next.
Can mental toughness improve?
Yes. SportsSignum treats mental toughness as a group of trainable skills. Specific routines, reflection, coaching and repeated practice can help athletes respond more effectively under pressure.
How can a coach use the results?
Begin with the athlete’s two strongest dimensions, then agree on one small routine for the lowest dimension. Scores should guide a constructive conversation and training plan—not selection, punishment or labelling.
Are the results confidential?
Results are emailed to the contact address provided and are not shown publicly.
How often should an athlete retake it?
Do not retake it immediately to chase a different score. Allow time for practice and coaching first.
Is SportsSignum a clinical or diagnostic assessment?
No. It is an educational mental toughness assessment. It does not diagnose a mental health condition and does not replace support from a qualified health or psychology professional.
What is the premium assessment?
A deeper ITF/PRO assessment and report are being developed for athletes who want more detailed guidance.
A SIMPLE PLACE TO START
Ask: “What happened in your mind?”
After a match, begin with curiosity instead of judgement. Listen first. Then use FORGE to name the skill behind the moment.
Learn the five FORGE skills →