Fighting the system: Psychology consultants’ experiences of working with cases of maltreatment in sport

The role, readiness to change and training needs of the Athlete Health and Performance team members to safeguard athletes from interpersonal violence in sport: a mini review

“…They may be former athletes themselves who have normalized certain practices because of a win-at-all-cost mentality, or they may be influenced by the very nature of their job to maximize sport performance (e.g., they may emphasize stress management, resilience, and mental toughness despite the toxicity of an environment) ( 11 ). It is therefore important that these practitioners remain aware of their own beliefs and biases, and engage in ongoing reflective practice to ensure their interventions promote and protect athletes' welfare above and beyond performance ( 11 , 48 , 52 ). While this has been raised specifically for MP and MH practitioners in the reviewed articles, we acknowledge that it can also apply for all types of AHP team members (i.e., medical and paramedical staff, sport managers, as well as physical trainers and other training support staff).…”

“…The studies that directly assessed MP and MH practitioners' knowledge regarding athlete safeguarding shows that these individuals are direct or indirect bystanders of IV in sport ( 51 , 52 ). As a result, these practitioners wish to have better knowledge regarding safe sport, notably protection policies, regulations, or laws for minors or children ( 51 ).…”

“…As a result, these practitioners wish to have better knowledge regarding safe sport, notably protection policies, regulations, or laws for minors or children ( 51 ). They expressed a need for more clarity regarding definitions of IV in sport and specific examples ( 51 , 52 ). Results also show that practitioners want to be better equipped to recognize signs and symptoms of IV in sport and to identify appropriate intervention strategies ( 51 , 52 ).…”

“…They expressed a need for more clarity regarding definitions of IV in sport and specific examples ( 51 , 52 ). Results also show that practitioners want to be better equipped to recognize signs and symptoms of IV in sport and to identify appropriate intervention strategies ( 51 , 52 ). Participants suggested that additional training in this area be integrated in academic programs and accreditation processes ( 51 ).…”

Towards an understanding of maltreatment in football

“…Findings of this nature are indicative of the potential issues of a lack of understanding and awareness of maltreatment from key personnel (e.g., coaches) in sports such as professional football. Thus, in recent times there has been some gradual movement towards exploring the perspective of personnel with an interest in advancing safe sport (32)(33)(34). While this movement has made encouraging advances in understanding the perspective of those in leadership and administrative roles in elite sport, as well as other key personnel such as sport psychology consultants, these studies have not directly explored the perspectives of those directly tasked with safeguarding and welfare (e.g., such as heads of safeguarding/welfare).…”