Brief Structured Team Reflection Embedded in Elite Underwater Rugby Training

This study evaluates whether a brief, structured team reflection programme embedded within routine elite underwater rugby training is associated with longitudinal change in key psychosocial team over 6 weeks and assessed at baseline (T0), mid-intervention (week 3; T1) and post-intervention (week 6; T2). Outcomes include team cohesion, psychological safety, peer trust and team identification measured via validated questionnaires.

A standardised set of short reflection components is embedded into the squad's training microcycle over 6 weeks. Sessions occur twice weekly immediately post-training (before athletes 15 minutes. The protocol includes 16 sessions distributed across five components (internal-state check-in, specific recognition, structured micro-reflection on team functioning, collective identity reinforcement, and one controlled vulnerability session), all implemented under a strict "share-only" rule to preserve psychological safety (no interruptions, cross-talk, evaluation or rebuttal). Facilitation is shared between a staff member and a rotating athlete leader. Fidelity and dose are monitored via a brief session log (delivery, minutes, facilitator, attendance, prompt completion, adherence to share-only rule). Objective sport performance outcomes are not collected; training availability and injury/illness status are recorded descriptively to contextualise exposure.