The crowd rises. Bases loaded. Game on the line.
Everyone’s watching the pitcher.
But let’s zoom out: What about the umpire making the next call? The head coach debating a pitching change? The trainer managing a sore elbow while balancing playoff intensity? The sport director who’s responsible for the team culture behind it all?
In the postseason, everyone’s under pressure - not just the athletes.
The Shared Mental Load of Performance Sport
Whether you’re
You know this: pressure isn’t limited to players. And most roles in sport come with zero margin for error.
Teaching Points for Coaches and Officials
The best sport leaders training their team to:
These teaching points aren’t just for athletes - they matter just as much for the people making the calls and leading the programs.
HONE data consistently shows that when coaches and support staff report higher wellbeing scores, their team's wellbeing score is higher too.
At HONE we help:
Our digital platform and expert-guided support can help everyone involved in your sport ecosystem prepare for pressure before it arrives.
New Coaches & Referees: HONE provides language and tools that make teaching mental readiness simple, practical, and accessible.
Experiences Leaders & Officials: HONE brings a system that integrates mental performance into your organizational strategy - from preseason to postseason.
Why It Matters Across All Levels
Mental lapses don’t just cost games - they fracture trust, erode team culture, and burn people out. If we’re serious about performance, we have to support the humans behind the roles.
Key Takeaway: The best programs don’t just build strong athletes - they support the full team environment. Mental readiness belongs at every level, every role.
Want to support the people behind the players? Let’s talk about how HONE is equipping sport leaders and officials to lead with confidence under pressure.