Legal and Ethical Issues in Sport and Performance Psychology

Flashcards reviewing legal versus ethical issues, training routes, licensure, and professional designations in sport and performance psychology.

Are applied sport and performance psychology professionals more likely to confront ethical or legal issues?

It is much more common for those working in an applied capacity to confront ethical rather than legal issues.

What two graduate courses of study do sport and performance psychology (SPP) professionals traditionally come from?

The Sport Science Route and The Psychology Route.

What track of coursework and practicum experiences does the Sport Science Route follow?

A physical education/kinesiology-based track of coursework and practicum experiences.

Are professionals who follow the Sport Science Route qualified to become licensed psychologists?

No, they are not qualified to become licensed psychologists.

What areas of mental skills training are professionals from the Sport Science Route qualified to conduct?

Goal setting, motivation, focus and concentration, energy management, confidence building, as well as life skills.

What standard coursework and experiences are included in the Psychology Route?

Counseling, psychological evaluation, psychopathology, therapy techniques, as well as clinical or counseling internship experiences.

In what specific areas do licensed psychologists provide clinical or counseling assistance?

Depression, grief or loss, life management, and dysfunctional behaviors such as alcoholism, drug abuse, anger management, and eating disorders.

What type of licenses are offered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards in the US and Canada?

They only offer general licenses in psychology, meaning one cannot be licensed in 'sport' psychology.

What three potential legal charges could be brought against licensed professionals?

Malpractice, Breach of Standard of Care, and Liability to Third Party.

What consequence can regulatory bodies impose on licensed psychologists that cannot be applied to sport science route professionals?

Removal of one's license.

Where is a written statement of alleged misconduct maintained by AASP during an ethics investigation?

In a confidential file at the AASP administrative office.

Who are the only individuals permitted to access the confidential misconduct file at the AASP Administration Office?

Only the president and the chair of the Ethics Committee.

Who is legally permitted to use the title 'psychologist'?

Only those holding licensure are permitted to use the term 'psychologist.'

What specific title did AASP intentionally choose to avoid using the term 'psychology'?

Certified Mental Performance Consultant.

What undergraduate degrees are listed as common options for professionals working in SPP?

Sport management/administration, recreation management, health and physical education, health science, psychology, sociology, and social work.