ETHICS IN SPORT PSYCHOLOGY:Competence, Integrity, Social Responsibility

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Sport Psychology(psy407)

Lesson 32

ETHICS IN SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

In 1965 the internal society of sport psychology (ISSP) was formed in Rome, Italy. The Association for the

Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP) is the primary organization within the United States

and Canada for professionals interested in applied sport psychology.

All members of these societies are bound by a code of ethics that governs their interactions with the public

and with other professionals. Their Ethics Code is based in large part on the Ethical Principles and is

composed of a preamble and six general principles.

Principle 1: Competence

Members maintain a high standard of competence in their work. In this regard, they recognize the

boundaries and limitations of their competence. For example, a member trained in exercise and sport

science would not attempt to counsel an individual with clinical symptoms of depression. Members are

continually upgrading their knowledge and expertise through workshops and inservice training.

Principle 2: Integrity

Members practice and promote integrity in the teaching, science, and practice of applied sport psychology.

In this regard, they always present themselves and their credentials accurately and forthrightly. They do not

make deceptive or misleading statements about their qualifications, products, fees, research, or service. For

example, a member would not make unsubstantiated claims about a psychological application that she was

using.

Principle 3: Professional and Scientific Responsibility

Members take their professional and scientific responsibilities seriously. It is a member's responsibility to

protect the reputation of the society and the public from members who are deficient in ethical conduct. In

this regard, they are concerned about the ethical conduct of members whose ethical conduct is not of the

highest level. For example, a member would take steps to prevent and/or expose unethical conduct in

another member.

Principle 4: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

Members respect the fundamental rights, worth, and dignity of all individuals. An individual's right to

confidentiality, privacy, and personal control are respected at all times. In this regard, members are sensitive

to individual differences associated with gender, age, race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability,

sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. For example, a member would not refuse to provide the

highest level of consideration to an individual on the basis of the person's gender or race.

Principle 5: Concern for Other's Welfare

Members are personally concerned with and take steps to ensure the personal welfare of individuals they

interact with. Conflicts between members or between members and clients are resolved in a manner which

minimizes harm and maximizes the concern for the welfare of others. For example, members do not take

advantage of differences in power and influence between themselves and others.

Sport Psychology(psy407)

Principle 6: Social Responsibility

Members have a responsibility to share their knowledge and research with members of society. In this

regard, their responsibility is to contribute to the common good of society and to protect the rights of

individuals as they do so. For example, members freely agree to provide workshops that will teach others

how to apply principles of human development. They also agree to share their research findings in

appropriate scientific settings.

References

Cox, H. Richard. (2002). Sport Psychology: Concepts and Applications. (Fifth Edition). New York:

McGraw-Hill Companies

Lavallec. D., Kremer, J., Moran, A., & Williams. M. (2004) Sports Psychology: Contemporary Themes. New

York: Palgrave Macmillan Publishers

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