AASP Statement of Support for Increased Safe Sport Environments: A Response to Abuse in Athletics at All Levels

The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and its members are committed to helping athletes reach optimal performance by fostering a safe, positive sport environment. Unfortunately, cases of abuse in athletics continue to arise. Athletes such as Kyle Beach, National Women’s Soccer League players, San Jose State University student-athletes, and USA Women's gymnasts have shown extreme courage by coming forward with their own experiences in order to shine light on the problem and hold organizations more accountable for protecting athletes. Coaches, executives, and athletic support staff should prioritize developing and fostering safe environments for athletes both physically and mentally.

AASP members and Certified Mental Performance Consultants® (CMPCs) abide by a code of ethics, in which they seek to avoid and minimize harm, do not exploit or mislead, and contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact professionally. As an organization, we stand with and in support of athletes, we advocate for safe sport environments free from abuse and harm, and we condemn the lack of appropriate action by sport organizations to support athletes who report abuse. AASP continues our commitment to educating and protecting ethics and professionalism in athletics within our own field.

AASP promotes the development of science and ethical practice in the field of sport psychology and offers the CMPC® certification to qualified individuals who have completed a combination of educational and practical work requirements and successfully passed a certification exam.