A 40-metre sprint is selected to test the ability of athletes to change direction with speed and balance - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 17 - 2004 - Paper 1

To assess the validity and reliability of the 40-metre sprint as a test for agility, we consider the following:

1. Validity: This refers to whether the test measures what it is intended to measure. In this case, the 40-metre sprint assesses the athletes' speed and their ability to change direction. Since the test directly correlates with the skills being evaluated (speed and balance), it can be said that the test is valid.

2. Reliability: This refers to the consistency of the test results across multiple trials. Since the same procedure is followed for each athlete over three trials, and electronic timing devices are used, we can expect that the results will be consistent if the athletes perform the same way each time. Thus, the test can be considered reliable.

Given that the test meets both criteria, the correct statement is:

(A) It is valid and reliable.