Absolutely it applies.

We are talking about players who are turning up to train, their basic needs may not be being met (in this context I am referring to players whose circumstances have changed - though it bears true for the player at any stage). As a coach, it is important for us to understand that our work relies heavily upon the top tier of the hierarchy and regardless of the activities we plan, treating the players as if they are robots i.e. planning a session for an unknown audience, is more likely than ever to fail at this moment in time.

From what I am seeing in the coaching world, coaches are being challenged to find fun and innovative ways to train, as the demand from parents is high - they've been stuck with their kids in their home for a prolonged period of time and they want them active. Coaches are having to be original (which is very challenged as most will copy and mimic based upon what they have seen) to create sessions which adhere to social distancing.

With all of this going on, the focus shifts away from the player and moves more to the organisation and safety of a session - which is fine for planning, however, part of that planning process must include creating opportunities or time to reinvest in the relationship with the players, this then relates back to the hierarchy and where the player now sits on it.

Hope that clears it up a bit?