Sport Psychology--Building a Bright Tomorrow

• Main Authors: Bunker, Linda K, McGuire, Richard T
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 1981
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Athletes; Athletic Coaches; Athletics; Individual Needs; Performance Factors; Psychological Needs; Self Concept; Social Psychology; Sports Psychology; Stress Variables; Values Clarification

There is a need to provide practical applications of psychology to improve the quality of performance and the meaningfulness of participation in sports. The scientific and research-based foundations for sport psychology must be acknowledged and expanded. Sport psychologists should provide to coaches and athletes services that offer sound educational programs and coping skills, as well as a variety of therapeutic strategies. Problems involving athletes include: (1) Young athletes, to be a part of school life, must have the fundamental skills to be competitive academically as well as athletically; (2) Athletes competing in the "minor" sports often suffer from the same anxiety, fear, academic and personal stress faced by athletes participating in the "major" team sports; (3) The recruiting activities of coaches for college team sports can elicit traumatic reactions from young athletes; (4) The increased activity of women in competitive sports causes new stressors in the lives of girls; and (5) Coaches and officials, as well as young athletes, are increasingly subject to burnout. (JD)