Physical activity has been increasingly linked to individual health and well-being. For adults, the rise of heart-related illnesses, adult-onset diabetes, and obesity has enhanced this awareness. According to the Department of Health and Human Service’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of the U.S. population reporting no leisure time for physical activity has decreased from 31% in 1989 to 25% in 2002. The CDC also reports that many Americans engage in vigorous physical activity; 24.5 million play golf, and 24 million play tennis. Other sources reveal that more than two million Americans currently train for marathons each year.
Growth of Sports in the U.S.
While sports was once largely associated with men, increased participation by women is helping to drive the growth of sports. In 1972, Title IX of the Educational Amendment Act helped remove financial barriers to women's participation in sports. The act stated that “federal money could not be given to public school programs that discriminated against girls.” According to the CDC, participation in high school athletics has increased 800% since Title IX was passed. By 2003, 51% of female high school students (and 58% of males) were playing on sports teams. This trend continues for college athletic teams as well.
Sports Psychology Also Growing
With more motivation to engage in sporting activities, our appreciation of athletic experts has increased. A July 2006 L.A. Times article noted that employment in sport psychology is growing faster than average. As interest in sports and the need for sports psychologists rises, people passionate about sports and helping others perform better athletically have a great career opportunity in front of them.
Sports psychologists help athletes of all ages, male and female, perform at their best. They assist athletes in enhancing their performance through:
- Motivation
- Goal setting
- Visualization
- Addressing performance anxiety
- Teaching them about how to work with teammates and coaches
- Dealing with psychological effects of sports' injuries and mental disorders
- Building self-confidence
- Anger management
Sports Psychologists: Where Do They Work?
Sports psychologists are hired by athletic departments of colleges and some high schools, as well as by professional athletic associations. They are also hired in college academic departments, most often in physical education, sports science, or psychology. In addition, sports psychologists work on their own as individual consultants.
Sports psychology careers are generally divided into three categories:
- Applied sports psychologists emphasize performance-enhancement skills (goal setting, visualization, etc.), and they work with teams or individuals.
- Clinical sports psychologists deal with sports-related psychological difficulties, such as depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. They primarily work with individuals.
- Academic sports psychologists research and teach about the discipline.
How to Start a Career as a Sports Psychologist
There are over one hundred sports psychology academic programs in the U.S. The Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology, available from the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP), is a good resource for researching programs.
While sports psychology classes are available at community colleges and undergraduate-level universities, a master's degree ensures your best chances of earning a job. A bachelor's degree can allow some people to break into the field if they start work as interns with sporting teams or athletic departments. Some sports psychologists also get in the field as personal coaches. While a graduate degree is not needed to become a personal coach of sports psychology and training, a degree does enhance a coach's authority and helps bring in clients.
What the Right Degree in Sports Psychology Means to Your Career
With a master's degree, employment choices are far greater. First, you can teach or research in universities and community colleges. Outside of academia, there are managing and executive positions in the business world and in sporting clubs. Other careers for those with a master's degree include research in sports medicine or health promotion with government and private organizations.
With a doctorate degree in sports psychology, options are even more extensive. Depending on individual licensure and training, those at this level become clinical psychologists, counselors, college professors, as well as any of the careers listed for those with master's degrees. Many professionals at this level become certified by the AAASP and/or the American Psychological Association (APA), both of which involve extensive education, training, and review processes.
For Love of the Game
Apart from educational requirements, having a sports background and a passion for athletics definitely helps you chances for success in a sports psychology career. While you don't need to be an all-star athlete, evidence that you have achieved your own level of personal excellence--especially in competition--will increase your job opportunities. Other traits that will help you in the field include the desire to learn, a positive attitude, and a sincere belief in the importance of your job.
With a sports psychology education, you can enjoy a career helping athletes achieve their potential.
