Skills + Competencies of a Sports Physiologist

Question 1

State what it is meant by the key term - sports physiologist

Answer 1

1. The branch of the biological sciences that is concerned with the way that the body responds to training (BASES career guide, 2020)
2. Responds —> Adjusts —> Adapts

Question 2

Effective exercise physiologist process:

Answer 2

Research informing practice —> professional practice —> interpretation and feedback —> repeat

Question 3

Explain - objective vs subjective

Answer 3

Data does not always equal information. Information does not equal knowledge. Knowledge without context is not necessarily meaningful or useful (informed knowledge, twitter)

Question 4

BASES represents sports and exercise both nationally and internationally by:

Answer 4

1. Promoting careers
2. Organising conferences and workshops
3. Commissioning and developing publications
4. Endorsing degree courses
5. Providing research grants
6. Maintaining professional standards through a system of accreditation

Question 5

State the 4 steps of the accreditation pathway to become a sports physiologist

Answer 5

1. Foundation knowledge
2. Discipline specific
3. Professional accreditation
4. Registration gained

Question 6

Sports physiologist accreditation pathway: describe foundation knowledge

Answer 6

1. Undergraduate degree of BASES recognised course

2. Conversion course if above not held

Question 7

Sports physiologist accreditation pathway: describe discipline specific

Answer 7

1. MSc in sport and exercise physiology (1-2 years)
2. PhD in exercise physiology
3. BASES member

Question 8

Sports physiologist accreditation pathway: describe professional accreditation

Answer 8

1. Via BASES
2. Period of supervised experience (minimum 2 years)
3. Direct experience route
4. Practically applying what has been learnt at previous stages

Question 9

Sports physiologist accreditation pathway: describe registration gained

Answer 9

1. Via BASES: sports and exercise scientist, chartered scientist

Question 10

State what it is meant by the key term ‘competency’

Answer 10

Related to the manner in which individual attributes, such as knowledge, skills and attitudes are drawn on in performing tasks in specific work contexts, which result in overall job performance (Coll and Zegwaard, 2006)

Question 11

State what it is meant by the key term ‘skill’

Answer 11

An attribute, or ability, to perform a task to an acceptable level, the routine implementation of the acquired knowledge of attributes (Canter, 2000)

Question 12

State what it is meant by the key term ‘attribute’

Answer 12

Fundamental characteristics of a person; these personal characteristics are applied by an individual to a specific task or situation (Fleming, et al, 2009)

Question 13

State 4 BASES competencies from their competency profile

Answer 13

1. Scientific knowledge
2. Technical skills
3. Application of knowledge and skill
4. Understanding and use of research
5. Self-evaluation and professional development
6. Communication
7. Problem solving and impact
8. Management of self, others and practice
9. Understanding of the delivery environment
10. Professional relationships and behaviours

Question 14

State 4 tips for the applied sports scientist

Answer 14

1. Interpersonal skills
2. Network
3. Manage your approach
4. Adaptable and flexible
5. Plan B
6. Work around athlete’s plan
7. Testing with purpose
8. Importance of feedback
9. Personal boundaries and limitations