AASP Rolls Out Changes to Ethics Code: Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions for Unethical Behavior
Ed Etzel, EdD, CMPC, West Virginia University
Bob Harmison, PhD, CMPC, James Madison University
Kent Lindeman, CMP, AASP
At the recent annual conference in Orlando, AASP Fellows approved changes that give the Association’s Ethical Principles and Standards (better known as the “Ethics Code”) more “teeth” from which to discipline members who have engaged in unethical behavior. The new policies provide a mechanism for the Ethics Committee to address member misconduct complaints and to make recommendations to the Executive Board on sanctions. Six (6) levels of sanctions may now be imposed based on findings and recommendations of the Ethics Committee.
- Cease and desist letter
- Reprimand
- Censure
- Suspension
- Revocation
- Withholding
Since AASP’s inception, some members have occasionally violated the AASP Ethics Code. Examples of past and recent ethical violations include 1) intimate (multiple) relationships with students [supervisees]; 2) academic fraud; 3) misrepresentation of credentials; 4) felony; 5) public breach of confidentiality; 6) exploitation; and 7) practicing without a license.
The introduction of sanctions and disciplinary actions against members who are found to have violated the AASP Ethics Code serves to address the inability for AASP to previously address any instances of unethical behavior for the professional benefit of the association and field of sport psychology. The additions also serve as a deterrent for members not to engage in unethical behavior and are consistent with policies of other national associations (e.g. APA, ACA).
It is important to note that these changes apply only to non-certified AASP members, although similar disciplinary and complaint policies that apply to those members who are Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPCs) are already in place. The latter disciplinary standards meet requirements set by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the body that will accredit AASP’s new certification program.
AASP members can find the full Ethics Code here. If you have any questions, please contact Ed Etzel, AASP Ethics Committee Chair, at Edward.Etzel@mail.wvu.edu.
