Professionalization of Sport Psychology: A Reply to Silva.

In his recent article, Silva discussed the development of applied sport psychology as a profession (Silva, 1989). He termed this process "professionalization" and elaborated on issues that were identified as critical for continued growth of the field. The present paper is a response to several issues raised by Silva. Specifically, in an effort to make a case advocating the need for further professionalization of sport psychology, Silva focused much of his criticism on practitioners trained in clinical psychology as often inappropriately (and unethically) engaging in the practice of sport psychology. In so doing, the interdisciplinary base of sport psychology and the pressing need for mutual respect, understanding, and true collaboration among practitioners of different educational backgrounds were not given adequate attention. The present paper suggests that the literature place greater attention on the issue of who is qualified to provide what service if practitioners of sport psychology are to truly enhance their own professionalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]