CYRIL POTTER COLLEGE OF EDCATION

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN EDUCATION (ADE)

SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

COURSE OUTLINE

SPECIALIZATION: Secondary Physical Education

UNIT 1. Introduction to Sport Psychology

1. Define Sport Psychology.

Sport and fitness psychology is an approach that focuses on the intersection between sport
science, medicine, and psychology. This therapeutic model expands on research, theory, and
practices to improve performance in professional and amateur athletic settings.

2. Make a presentation on the history of sport psychology

Coleman Griffith is considered to be the ‘‘father” of sport psychology. He created and

developed the first sport psychology laboratory based at the University of Illinois in 1925.
He was also hired by the Chicago Cubs baseball team and acted as their consulting sport
psychologist in 1938. But the field of sport psychology did not grow substantially until the
1960’s. It was at this time that books were written on the topic (see books written by Robert
Singer as examples), universities began offering courses on the topic, and professional
organizations were initiated (i.e. NASPA).  The field has been growing ever since and today
graduate degrees are awarded in sport psychology. In the 1980’s two more important
organizations were developed. Division 47 within the American Psychological Association
when Exercise and Sport Psychology was added as a specialization. The other was the
Association for Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP), now known simply
as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). The latter has one of the largest
memberships of sport psychology professionals in the world.

3. Explain the role of the Sport psychologist

 Sports psychology attends to the mental health and well-being of athletes, as well as
assisting them with reaching their maximum potential in their athletic careers. Qualified
sports psychologists have a doctorate in psychology, a license to practice psychology, and
postdoctoral training on aiding athletes with sports performance and well-being.

4. Identify ethical issues in Sport Psychology

• Technological advances provide new modes of sport psychology service delivery.

• Ethical issues with teletherapy include confidentiality and informed consent.

• Competency, title usage, and cultural competency are important ethical topics.

• Practitioners should be mindful of the potential for multiple role relationships.