Four-section printable checklist with explanatory sub-notes under every item:

BEFORE YOUR ASSESSMENT (9 items)
Activity confirmed with teacher; role confirmed (player/coach); AQA activity-specific guidance read; three areas and marks known; Level 4 descriptor studied; tactical plan for Area 3 prepared; competitive practice completed; video evidence ready for off-site; reasonable adjustments arranged.

ON THE DAY — PLAYER/PERFORMER (6 items)
Performing most consistent skills; deliberate tactical decisions; attacking and defensive tactical range; adapting when a tactic fails; rule compliance throughout; composure under pressure.

ON THE DAY — COACH ROLE (6 items)
Pre-prepared game plan; technical analysis of performer during assessment; specific actionable coaching delivered; planned progressive coaching session delivered; all decisions justified using A Level theory; written post-session evaluation completed.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS — COMPONENT 2 (6 items)
Performance watched using video; specific strengths identified across all three areas; weaknesses identified with theoretical explanation; specific progressive practices recommended and justified; analysis links to at least three A Level units; writing is specific and not vague.

Three-section reference card — A4 printable for student folders:

MARK BAND DESCRIPTORS TABLE (all four levels for Technical Quality and Strategic/Tactical Awareness)
Level 4 (13–15): Consistent technical accuracy and fluency; effective throughout competitive play; tactics appropriate, varied and intelligently applied; adapts to changing situations.
Level 3 (9–12): Good quality with occasional errors; mostly effective; some adaptation shown but limited range.
Level 2 (5–8): Satisfactory with notable inconsistency; breaks down under pressure; reactive rather than planned tactics.
Level 1 (1–4): Basic quality; frequent errors; rarely effective; little evidence of tactical planning.

WHAT THE ASSESSOR IS LOOKING FOR (4 criteria)
Recognised technique; rule compliance; accuracy and consistency across the whole assessment; effective outcome in competition.

QUICK-SCORE TIPS (4 tips)
Maximise Area 3 by making deliberate decisions visibly; coach role justification using A Level theory; performance analysis quality standard (Observe → Describe → Explain → Prescribe); off-site evidence filming requirements.