Page 5 - AASP Summer 2014 Newsletter

exercise, and performance-focused

professionals. Our exponential growth
Rather than focus on labels (performance
has also created a tension between

tradition and progress. Despite originally
psychology, exercise psychology, and social

including the term ‘advancement’ in

the name of the organization, I sense
psychology), which tend toward mutually
skepticism and resistance to change,

particularly in relation to outsourcing to
exclusive categorization and identity, we are
experts in organizational management,

public relations, and credentialing. looking at organizational structure and policies

Understandably, this tension seems to

occur from discomfort regarding loss
that embrace these as valued targets that are
of identity, loss of what is known, loss

of control, and maybe even loss of the
inherently interconnected.
intimacy that tends to characterize our

foundation.

Unfortunately, this tension can lend itself labels (performance psychology, exercise but will come together to discuss the

to defensiveness and constriction rather psychology, and social psychology), respective value each perspective

than trust and innovation. My goal over which tend toward mutually exclusive brings to the shared goal of enhancing

the remainder of my Presidential term categorization and identity, we are looking student-athlete performance and well-

and going into my term as Past-President at organizational structure and policies being. We hope the resulting dialogue

is to break the tension through the that embrace these as valued targets that helps to clarify and unify our professional

uniication of our vision and clariication are inherently interconnected. I believe identity and serve as a model that AASP

of instrumental value for respective we all aim to provide expertise and can embrace and advance to one of our

member identities in service of this vision. service that ultimately results in optimized larger consumer markets.

We have already adopted an inclusive performance and well-being, both of

deinition of sport that includes aspects of which are inclusive of social functioning
It Isn’t Happy People Who Are Thankful,
physical activity, social functioning, and (i.e., team dynamics, cohesion,

performance. More recently, we began interpersonal process). Finally, Anthony It Is Thankful People Who Are Happy

to resolve the purpose of the Focus Area Kontos, our Strategic Alliance Liaison,
It has truly been an honor to serve
Committees. Certainly, AASP was founded has assembled a panel of professionals
AASP in this capacity. I am illed with
on three speciic targets: performance for the 2014 conference who are working
gratitude to each of you for extending me

enhancement,psychologyofhealthand full-time with collegiate athletes. the opportunity to lead and respecting

well-being in the context of physical These practitioners represent diverse and trusting my guidance. My time has

activity, and social aspects related to the training backgrounds, including clinical/
been too short, and I feel energized to
psychology of sport. Rather than focus on
counseling psychology and kinesiology,
continue involvement going forward. I

AASP Newsletter // Summer 2014 // President’s Message

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