Defining the Landscape of Sports Psychology in Coaching

The analysis of sports psychology within coaching emphasizes the necessity for clear definitions and understanding among key decision-makers in sports organizations. The landscape is articulated through a color-coded framework: green for performance psychology, which includes established models like the five C's and PCDE's; amber for well-being and welfare, necessitating nuanced conversations between players, psychologists, and coaching staff; and red for mental health, typically requiring clinical psychology interventions. The lack of granularity and clarity in defining sports psychology leads to confusion and a disorganized approach to psychological support in talent development pathways. Addressing this confusion is critical for creating effective, fruitful systems in sports environments. Furthermore, there is a need for improved integration of academic training with real-world coaching environments to ensure that emerging sports psychologists can apply their knowledge effectively and communicate with coaches regarding the technical demands of the sport.