Model showing the different transitions athletes typically face at an athletic, psychological, psychosocial and academic or vocational level. The model shows the different transitions from the ages of 10 to 35.
The athletic level starts around the age of ten with the initiation phase. At around 13 or 14 years old the athlete then transitions to the development phase which lasts until the age of 20. Between the ages of 20 and 29 the athlete is in the mastery phase before they transition to the discontinuation phase.
The psychological level starts at childhood and then at the age of 12 moves to the adolescent phase. At the age of 18 the athlete then moves to (young) adulthood.
The psychosocial development of an athlete involves parents, siblings and peers up until the age of 13 or 14. From the age of 13 or 14 to the age of 19, peers, coaches and parents are involved. Between 19 and 29, partners and coaches are involved and then from the age of 29 family and coaches (bracketed) are involved.
The academic or vocational level involves primary eduction until the age of 11, secondary education until the age of 18, higher education until the age of 24 and vocational training and/or a professional occupation beyond the age of 24.