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Many of the pros of working as a sport psychologist would be to work with a wide range of athletes, being surrounded by people who want to improve themselves, the ability to travel with teams, and to take in a lot of true data on the athlete's world (Brewer, 17). However, there is a downside to this career as well. There are boundary issues, dual-role challenges, and the issue of termination "where there is a long-term close relationship between athlete and psychologist, and the bond is difficult to break (Brewer, 21).
Before training in sport psychology, students at the undergraduate level typically receive a broad-based education in kinesiology (Brewer, 441). Some basic courses included are exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and control, sport sociology, and sport and exercise psychology (Brewer, 441). All of these courses are beneficial to the students as they prepare them for their careers. Once a student gets their bachelor's degree, they must continue on to graduate school in order to earn their master's degree before completing their PhD in Kinesiology with a specialization in sport psychology (Brewer, 444). After you earn your PhD in Kinesiology, you would continue on to get certified as a sport psychologist through organizations such as the AAASP or APA (AAASPonline.org). These professionals -- who earn the designation, Certified Consultant, AAASP -- have met a minimum in their education and training of the sport sciences and psychology, and they have also undergone an extensive review process (AAASPonline.org). Once they have this title as sport psychologist, then they are qualified and can work anywhere in their field.
In order to become a successful sport psychologist, many skills are required. First, you must have a broad base of sports science, psychology, social sciences, and humanities classes (Brewer, 441). This strong base should provide the psychologist with increased knowledge to allow better communication with athletes, clients, and coaches.