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Vikki Krane

I hope that by now you have had a chance to explore our redesigned website. If I may say so, I am impressed!  Little did I realize, when we began the website project, just how much would be involved. To get from the initial conception of redesigning the website to what is now posted, took the work of a wide range people representing diverse interests throughout AASP. I am pleased to have worked with all of you and I am especially grateful of your contributions.

We divided the development of our new web site into two phases. Phase 1 is what you now see; it includes the essential content about and from AASP, on-line forms for all AASP applications (e.g., award nomination forms, Certified Consultant applications, voting), and improved databases for doing the business of AASP. Phase 2 of the site development will include adding enhancements such as multimedia and communication tools (e.g., discussion board).

 

We are indebted to Jason Summerfield, from Human Service Solutions, who was the primary developer for the redesigned site. I can’t imagine how we would have done this without Jason’s insight and conscientiousness. I especially appreciated his patience in leading those of us with minimal technological skills into the modern-day world of the web -- thank you Jason! 

Lori Kressin (University of Virginia) was indispensable as a Consultant to AASP, particularly in the earliest stages of this project. She guided us through the process of hiring a design firm and in the development of the foundational plans for the site. Without her guidance, this whole process would never have gotten off the ground.

 

During the site development, every committee, as well as the Executive Board and the Past Presidents Council, was asked to provide suggestions and feedback about what they would like to have on the new site. Other essential people included each AASP committee chair and members of several new committees associated with redesigning and maintaining of the website.

 

Members of two ad hoc committees provided innovative ideas for the new site as well as feedback on mock-ups of the new design. One of these committees, the Website Development Committee, focused specifically on how we could better reach out to and inform the general public about sport and exercise psychology. Members of this committee were:
 

The second committee, the Student Website Development Committee, focused on information developed for and by student members of AASP. They were especially instrumental in forwarding ideas about new technologies that AASP can integrate into the site. Members of this committee included:
 

 Together, the members of these development committees created several innovative sections for our new website. An exciting new element of the redesigned website is the Resource Center. This is the “outreach” arm of our website, with sections for athletes, coaches, parents, exercisers, health and fitness professionals, and sport and exercise psychology students and professionals. Each section of the Resource Center will have audience-specific content that will be regularly updated. For example, “columns” are being developed that will teach mental skills or offer practical strategies. We aim to update these columns on a monthly basis. Once phase 2 of the redesign is completed, we will be able to add webcasts and interactive tools. 

 

Sustaining novel and fresh information as well as offering a genuine public service for many different audiences will take the efforts of a large number of people. Currently there are two new committees who will be working with the website. The Website Content Committee will be regularly updating the information in the Resource Center. Members of the committee are:
 

 There also is a Resource Center Editorial Board that will ensure that what is posted is not only accurate, but is written appropriately for web delivery to a broad audience. Members of this committee are:

I am thrilled with the prospects and new communication avenues opened up by our redesigned AASP website. The new site also has created many new opportunities for member involvement. We need more people willing to (a) write about applied sport and exercise psychology topics for the general public, (b) contribute to the resource center for professional development, and (c) review the content submitted for the website. Please contact me if you would like to contribute to the website as a writer or reviewer.

 

While creating our new website took a lot of time, energy, and resources, I truly believe it was well worth the effort! Hopefully AASP members and visitors will feel the same. Please feel free to share your opinions or offer suggestions by using the “contact” link at the bottom of the homepage. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Thank you to everyone involved in the development of this website!