What is Sport Psychology?
Sport psychology is the study of psychological and mental 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.
Since 1984, Australia has been leading the world in the use of sport psychology. At the
Sydney 2000 Olympics there were 12 Australian sport psychologists accredited with the
Olympic Federation. National sport governing bodies and institutes/academies of sport across
Australia continue to value the services provided by sport psychologists.
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The APS College of Sport Psychologists
The APS College of Sport Psychologists develops and safeguards the standards of practice
and supervised experience. It sets the quality of service in sport psychology, and advises and
makes recommendations regarding the education and training of sport psychologists. The
College also acts as a focal point for consumer and other general inquiries relating to sport.
The only people who can legally use the title ‘psychologist’ are those who are registered with
the registration board of each state or territory within Australia.
Members of the APS College of Sport Psychologists have qualifications beyond those required
for basic registration. Attaining full membership requires a minimum of six years of university
training, plus two years of supervised practical experience in sport psychology. For more
information see the APS College of Sport Psychologists website.
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How can a Sport Psychologist help you?
A Sport Psychologist can help you with:
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Performance enhancement and mental skills (e.g. goal setting, imagery, confidence)
Anxiety management and relaxation
Concentration and mental preparation
Stress and time management
Team building and leadership
Communication skills
Travel skills
Debriefing and program evaluation
Recovery and restoration
Injury rehabilitation
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Psychological assessment
Video analysis of sporting emotions and performances
Extra support for individuals or teams:
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Depression
Over training and burnout
Conflict resolution
Weight management and health behaviours
Career transitions
Grief and loss (e.g. de-selection and retirement)
Balancing sport and study, employment and/or family life
A range of people use Sport Psychologist services:
 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
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Testimonials
"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, Australian Cricket Board National Coach
"Our sport psychologist provided invaluable input into our group - at a team and individual
level. Every team can benefit greatly from such assistance." Richard Charlesworth,
Hockeyroos Coach 1993-2000
"Sport psychology gives 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, Olympic swimmer