What is a sport psychologist?

Cover of sport psychology brochure

Sport psychology is the study of psychological factors that influence, and are influenced by, participation in sport, exercise and physical activity, and the application of this knowledge to everyday settings. Sport psychologists are interested in how participation in sport, exercise and physical activity may enhance personal development and wellbeing throughout the life span. Sport psychologists often work as part of teams or organisations as well as in a private capacity.

The services of sport psychologists are sought by a range of people including:

  • Recreational, elite and professional athletes
  • Coaches, managers and administrators
  • Trainers, physicians and other sport scientists
  • Umpires and referees
  • Performance artists (e.g., musicians, dancers, actors)
  • Employees and employers in any occupation concerned with optimal performance.

Areas of specialisation

Sport psychologists specialise in the following areas:

  • Performance enhancement and mental skill development
  • Anxiety and stress management
  • Concentration and mental preparation
  • Overtraining and burnout
  • Team building and leadership
  • Communication skills and conflict resolution
  • Health and wellness coaching
  • Weight management
  • Debriefing and program evaluation
  • Recovery and restoration
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Psychological assessment
  • Video analysis of sporting emotions and performances
  • Career transitions and coping with grief and loss (e.g., de-selection and retirement)
  • Balancing sport and study, employment and/or family life

Sport psychology in Australia

Australia has worldwide recognition for excelling in the training and use of sport psychology, with strong representation at world events and the Olympics Games. National governing bodies of sport and institutes/academies of sport across Australia consistently rely on the services provided by sport psychologists.

When times are tough, when times are cruising, when you're feeling up or when your team has lost direction, the sport psychologist will have an idea! This tiny spark can awaken great things. Much comfort, support, reinforcement and trust comes with a close association with a trained sport psychologist.

- Mark Williams
Senior Coach, Port Adelaide Football Club 

 

There are four major performance skills for all elite sportsmen and women, these being technical, physical, tactical and mental. The latter skill is one that can make the crucial difference for athletes performing consistently to their abilities. Sport psychology has played a significant role in the understanding, training and ultimately the use of mental skills for peak performance.

- John Buchanan
Former Cricket Australia National Coach 

 

[My sport psychologist] was my secret weapon. I wouldn't be the aerialist I am today without her skills, experience, friendship and loyal belief.

- Alisa Camplin
Olympic gold (2002) and bronze (2006) medallist 

 

Sport psychology gave me an advantage over myself that no physical training can ever provide. Sport psychology allows the athlete to use all of their mental strengths. This gives them a huge advantage over their opponents as usually their biggest opponent is themselves.

- Ian Thorpe
Gold medallist (2000 and 2004 Olympics)

 

Qualifications and registration

Sport psychologists are specialist psychologists who have usually completed a minimum of six years full-time university training. This includes, but is not restricted to, two years of approved postgraduate studies in sport psychology and further supervised practical experience as a sport psychologist.

All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychologist Registration Board in their State or Territory, and, as of July 2010, the Psychology Board of Australia. This is to ensure that they meet specified standards of competence and ethical practice.

In addition, psychologists follow strict guidelines for professional conduct that cover client privacy and confidentiality. Ethical codes are set and monitored by the APS and have been developed to safeguard the welfare of recipients of psychological services and the integrity of the psychology profession.

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APS College of Sport Psychologists

The APS College of Sport Psychologists develops and safeguards the standards of practice and advises on the education and training of sport psychologists. The College also acts as a focal point for inquiries from the media and the general public on matters relating to the psychology of sport. Members of the APS College of Sport Psychologists have qualifications beyond those required for basic registration. In addition, College members are required to undertake a program of ongoing professional development to maintain their membership.

For further information regarding the College, go to www.groups.psychology.org.au/csp/.

Locating a sport psychologist

  • Use the APS online referral service 'Find a Psychologist'  (www.findapsychologist.org.au) to locate a sport psychologist by performing a search and selecting issues under the relevant categories.
  • Look for the APS listing under ‘Psychologists' in the Yellow Pages.
  • Enquire with your private health insurance fund.
  • Enquire with a government department or private agency concerned with sport, health or social and community services.
  • Ask at institutes and academies of sport in any state.
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