Development Pathways for the Sport Scientist: A Process for the United States

Gleason, Benjamin H.; Suchomel, Timothy J.; Pyne, David B.; Comfort, Paul; McMahon, Eric; Hornsby, W. Guy; Lis, Ryan P.; Stone, Michael H.

Abstract

A variety of sport organizations employ sport scientists (SSs) in a range of capacities to support team operations, whereas universities employ SSs in academic (teaching and research), consulting, and support roles. Despite the growth in professional opportunities in the United States over the last few decades, little discussion has occurred to identify best practices in developing SSs. Here, we identify several examples of professional development pathways used by overseas organizations that govern SS roles and highlight key features of existing U.S.-based sport support role pathways. This information can be used to develop, implement, and evaluate professional training of SSs, along with shaping SS training programs in the U.S.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 6, 2023
• Publication Date: Oct 12, 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 13, 2024
• Journal: Strength & Conditioning Journal
• Print ISSN: 1524-1602
• Electronic ISSN: 1533-4295
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/ssc.0000000000000804