Toward an Understanding of the Practice of Sport Psychology

Abstract

Current discussions concerning the eligibility and qualifications of clinical practitioners in sport psychology have ignored the more fundamental question of defining the proper functions of a sport psychologist. The prevailing remedial intervention models presently in use in sport psychology are examined and found to be not in the best interests of either the individual athlete or for the development of sport psychology as a separate discipline. A human development framework and education model of intervention are offered as a means of providing commonalities between applied researchers and clinical practitioners.