An audit of professional standards for sport science

Abstract

Sport is a global industry with athletes supported by sport scientists who have gained the necessary education and experience. However, there is still great variety in the training and career development opportunities for novice and trainee sport scientists to develop their practice. The objective of this study is to audit current sports science professional standards worldwide. A network approach and modified scoping review protocol were used to guide a global search of existing national professional standards for inclusion in the audit. The professional standards from the included associations were analysed together to indicate the breadth and depth of their coverage, using thematic analyses and summary statistics. Professional standards from five countries were identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion in the audit. The standards from one country were selected as the basis for the standards audit. Five composite standard domains were created, with 37 related elements being included for comparison. Common elements exist across the audited sport science standards and there is inconsistent coverage of some elements. The findings are important for understanding the skill and competency expectations for sport science practice. This audit confirmed there is sufficient breadth, depth and international coverage to produce internationally representative professional standards in sport science.