Ethical Frameworks for Sport Psychology Practice: What Practitioners Need to Know in 2026
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- 24 hours ago
- 11 min read
Ethical frameworks for sport psychology practice matter greatly as the field continues its ever-changing growth and professionalization. The American Psychological Association has created ethical guidelines over two decades ago to protect both clients and practitioners from difficult situations . Effective and ethical practice proves significant when building credibility with the public and allied professionals . Ethical issues in sport exercise and performance psychology actually extend beyond traditional clinical settings. Practitioners face unique challenges that include confidentiality in team environments, multiple role relationships, and technology-mediated services . We'll explore the core principles, competence standards, and emerging ethical considerations you need to guide yourself through in 2026.
Core Ethical Principles in Sport Psychology Practice
Western medical ethics provides four foundational principles that guide sport psychology practice: beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice [1]. These principles are the foundations of ethical decision-making at the time of working with athletes and sport organizations.
Beneficence and Non-Maleficence in Athlete Care
Beneficence requires practitioners to perform acts and make recommendations that benefit athletes potentially [1]. This means we promote athlete welfare through evidence-based interventions and appropriate care strategies. My role extends beyond treating immediate concerns to preventing future harm.
Non-maleficence, often summarized as "first do no harm," prohibits recommendations or actions detrimental to an athlete's short-term and long-term health [1]. This principle requires careful thought about every decision made in sport settings. Harm can come from unnecessary or excessive restriction and from failure to restrict activity at the time it's appropriate [1].
Tension between these principles and athlete autonomy creates complex scenarios. Beneficence outweighs respect for autonomy and this becomes paternalism [1]. Athletes understand that injury and harm are risks in sport, but my responsibility remains to minimize further harm and limit risk as much as possible [1].
Respect for Athlete Autonomy and Dignity
Autonomy represents the capacity of competent people to make informed, uncoerced decisions [1]. At its core is respect for a person's dignity and knowing how to choose the best course of treatment [1]. Athletes must understand their diagnosis, comprehend its implications, and participate in all therapeutic decisions [1].
Knowledge serves as an imperative part of autonomy and remains central to informed consent [1]. Decisions influence not only the athlete but maybe even the team as well, yet my primary obligation remains with the individual athlete [1]. This holds true whatever pressure from coaches or management.
Due to specialized knowledge and the potential for harm, practitioners must ensure the dignity and welfare of all people with whom we interact [1]. We recognize the inherent power differential that exists between practitioners and clients [1].
Professional Integrity and Scientific Responsibility
Practitioners participate in their practice relying on valid and reliable scientific frameworks, theories, and constructs [1]. We provide services within the boundaries of valid and reliable scientific knowledge [1]. This means maintaining the highest standards of professional and scientific knowledge through continuous education related to services we render [1].
Claims about the effectiveness of sport psychological interventions and other training should not be exaggerated or misleading [1]. We must not misrepresent qualifications or expertise in any way [1][1]. Practitioners provide those services and use those techniques that they are qualified to handle by education, training, or experience [1][1].
We must recognize limitations of our expertise and the boundaries of particular techniques and methods [1]. The request goes beyond our training and referring the request to a suitable colleague becomes necessary [1].
Social Justice in Sport Psychology
Social justice requires practitioners to avoid unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law [1]. We take precautions to ensure potential biases do not lead to or condone unjust practices [1].
Inequalities still shape who participates, who governs, who coaches, and who consumes sport [2]. Practitioners must remain aware of clients' cultural backgrounds and intersecting identities [1]. We understand the consequences of discrimination and assist clients to address discrimination or prejudice directed against them, while respecting their autonomy to decide on a course of action [1].
Recognizing the existence of power dynamics, practitioners promote equity for all people and groups to end oppression and injustice affecting clients, colleagues, and social and institutional systems [1].
Confidentiality and Informed Consent in Team Settings
Confidentiality in team settings presents challenges unlike those you encounter in traditional clinical practice. Sport organizations hire practitioners to work with athletes, and this creates a triadic relationship where contractual obligations can conflict with athlete privacy expectations. Clear boundaries become essential from the first interaction then.
Understanding Third-Party Relationships with Sport Organizations
Third-party relationships occur when sport organizations request services for their athletes. This happens when university athletic departments, professional teams, or national governing bodies participate with practitioners to support their personnel. I must clarify my role with each party at the outset of service, identify who the client is, explain probable uses of services or information I get, and discuss limits to confidentiality [1].
My responsibility involves serving both individual athlete needs and organizational goals. But when individual athlete needs conflict with team requirements, ethical dilemmas arise. Service limitations must be outlined to respect the welfare of both the client and the organization [3]. This dual obligation creates tension, especially when athletes hope I will maintain privacy despite organizational expectations.
Research explains this tension. One survey found that half of team doctors disclosed sensitive information to management while half did not [4]. This split demonstrates the struggle practitioners face when balancing competing interests.
Establishing Clear Confidentiality Boundaries at Service Onset
ISSP Registered practitioners must discuss limits and boundaries of confidentiality and potential use of information they get through practice with clients and organizations at the beginning of engagement [2]. I take reasonable measures to safeguard confidentiality of information I get through practice and maintain confidential records of professional service, even after relationships terminate [2].
When third parties pay for services, I must take reasonable steps to only disclose necessary information and clarify any limitations to client confidentiality before commencing services [1]. Confidentiality remains a process that should be addressed as circumstances change [1].
Athletes must understand what information might be shared and with whom. Although most important personal information may be collected, such information may be withheld during consultation with third-party requesters if not relevant to issues being discussed [5]. This procedure helps provide increased confidentiality for individual clients while achieving occupational responsibilities to both the client and organizational system.
Written and Verbal Informed Consent Requirements
Informed consent must include all information necessary for clients to make educated decisions about benefits and risks of interventions and development of professional working relationships [5]. I get appropriate informed consent using language reasonably understandable to clients, at the beginning or as soon as feasible given the context and relationship parameters [5].
Informed consent means that persons have capacity to consent, have been informed of relevant information including risks, benefits, fees, process, time commitments, social media use, privacy expectations, and consultation process expectations [1]. Furthermore, persons must express consent without undue influence, and consent must be discussed and documented, with written or electronic form being most prudent [1].
Informed consent may be obtained verbally employing appropriate written records confirming consent had been obtained [6]. For minors and individuals unable to give informed consent, I get appropriate permission from authorized persons and seek the client's assent [1][2].
Managing Information Disclosure to Coaches and Management
I must seek client consent before divulging information unless there exists a legal obligation to do so [2]. Coaches and sport psychologists often face contractual obligations to share health information with team management [4]. Therefore, the sport organization requesting consultation for athletes may be allowed to request athlete-client information, whatever athlete-client approval has been obtained [5].
Although third parties requesting services will not always request such information, organizational staff and I must inform athlete-clients up front of the potential for shared information, with whom information may be shared, and use of information gathered [5]. I maintain awareness of current legislative and organizational requirements underpinning confidentiality in my practice based on geographic region and institutional guidelines [2].
Confidentiality does not preclude disclosing information about performers to persons with the right to know, such as for competitive selection purposes, employment recommendations, disciplinary actions, legal and medical requirements, or recommendations to parents where health and safety might be at stake [7].
Competence Standards and Professional Boundaries
Sport psychology practitioners operate from a scientist-practitioner view and combine empirical evidence, theoretical understanding, and comprehensive training to deliver ethical practice of the highest standard [8]. This foundation determines not only what services I can offer but also the times I must step back and refer clients to specialists better equipped to address their needs.
Defining Scope of Practice in Sport Psychology
My work addresses applied services to athletes, coaches, and organizations, among other supervision and training that intertwines psychology with sport [9]. Specialized knowledge covers theory and research in social, historical, cultural, and developmental foundations, sport-specific psychological assessment, mental skills training, clinical and counseling issues with athletes, organizational consulting, and biobehavioral bases of sport and exercise [10]. Training models vary widely, so students sometimes graduate underprepared and must develop professional skills through experience rather than systematic educational opportunities [11].
Supervised practice forms the life-blood of competency development. At least 400 hours of psychology internship should comprise sport psychology practice, supervised under a licensed psychologist with sport psychology specialization [9]. Supervisors must be licensed to practice independently for at least 2 years, although 5 years is common in many provinces [9].
Recognizing the Right Time to Refer to Clinical Specialists
Mental health referral programs provide specialist primary and secondary care services to elite athletes struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and addictions [12]. Recognizing early signs of mental health illness proves significant. Performance psychology practitioners need specialized training regarding ethics beyond what traditional therapy requires, especially when you have multiple roles, boundary crossings, and challenges to confidentiality [11].
Continuing Education Requirements for Practitioners
Candidates must complete a minimum of 275 hours of CPD and supervision throughout the accreditation process [13]. At least 50 hours should be spent with the supervisor over the duration of training [13]. Continuing professional development helps practitioners stay current with trends and technologies while ensuring adherence to changing industry standards and regulations [14].
Maintaining Professional Boundaries During Travel and Events
Professional boundaries separate personal from professional interactions [3]. Teams that travel together should get written approval from parents and guardians, and line manager approval is required [3]. I avoid being in a car one-on-one by taking another staff member or athlete [3]. While supervising athletes, I must not use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, nor supply these substances to athletes [3]. Accepting gifts from athletes or families requires transparency with line managers and ensures gifts remain proportionate to circumstances [3].
Multiple Relationships and Organizational Demands
Multiple relationships occur frequently in sport psychology practice, with 61% of practitioners reporting such experiences [15]. The unique service delivery environment makes these arrangements often unavoidable [15]. But ethical issues in sport exercise and performance psychology just need careful navigation of these complex dynamics.
Avoiding Harmful Dual Relationships in Sport Settings
I must not exploit relationships with clients to gain personal benefit through media, publicity, or personal gratification [16]. AASP ethics acknowledge that multiple relationships have increased occurrence given varied professional roles practitioners perform [4]. I carefully assess the nature of professional relationships before or as soon as possible after becoming aware of dual role existence to prevent impaired objectivity [4]. Social or nonprofessional interactions can lead to harmful collateral damage, and social media interactions fall into this category [4].
I refrain from sexual or romantic relationships with anyone over whom I currently hold evaluative power or where conflict of interest could exist [4]. This has current clients, supervisees, mentees, students, and immediate family members of clients [4].
Balancing Individual Athlete Needs with Team Goals
Athletes are more likely to buy in and take ownership of goals they create rather than ones preselected for them [17]. I must understand individual athlete's goals and the reasons behind them to arrange those goals with team objectives [17]. Each athlete comes into the season with different goals and motivations [17].
Managing Player Selection and Performance Evaluation Requests
Sport psychologists should remain neutral during trial periods where players are selected [1]. Psychological opinions to determine player selection crosses professional boundaries [1]. Performance coaches may attend trials to offer coaching staff observations about communication or leadership skills [1].
Setting Appropriate Boundaries in Small Team Communities
Multiple relationships are common and normal in small communities [5]. I establish clear, consistent boundaries from the start [6]. Boundaries help people understand relationship expectations and establish safety [6].
Documenting Multiple Role Arrangements
I take appropriate precautions such as avoiding nonprofessional interactions or gaining informed consent when multiple relationships exist [4]. Documentation of these arrangements protects both practitioner and client from misunderstandings about role expectations.
Ethical Issues in Sport Exercise and Performance Psychology for 2026
Technological advances in 2026 reshape how practitioners deliver services while introducing distinct ethical challenges requiring updated frameworks.
Technology-Intervened Service Delivery Standards
Teletherapy represents one of the most prominent ethical issues facing practitioners [15]. The British Psychological Society's practice guidelines have dedicated sections on delivering psychological support through videoconferencing [18]. I must develop competency in using technology effectively and ethically, thinking about client needs, interests, and circumstances among both parties' knowing how to communicate effectively using the chosen technology [19].
Remote Consultation and Digital Privacy Protections
Information transmitted over the Internet should not be thought about as confidential [2]. Data encryption increases the likelihood that information remains protected, but no method guarantees complete security [2]. I take steps to ensure clients understand limitations of computer technology and problems associated with ensuring complete confidentiality of electronic communications transmitted online [2].
Artificial Intelligence Integration in Assessment Tools
AI systems gather private psychological and biometric information [7]. Data privacy and potential biases in AI algorithms might lead to discrimination or unfair advantages [20]. Biometric data such as injury risk predictions could be used to exclude athletes from competition without consent [20].
Cultural Competence in Global Sport Environments
Cultural diversity presents frequent challenges as globalization encourages wider exchange across borders [21]. Practitioners must prioritize cultural competence as an ethical duty that works effectively [22].
Termination Planning and Continuity of Care
Sport psychologists help athletes before, during, and after career termination [23]. Successful transitions require identifying transferable skills that enable confidence in finding success beyond sport [23].
Conclusion
Sport psychology practice just needs rigorous ethical standards as our field evolves through 2026. I've outlined the foundational principles of beneficence, autonomy, and justice that guide every practitioner's decision. Confidentiality in team environments, professional boundaries during travel, and multiple role relationships require careful navigation and clear documentation. Technological advances bring new responsibilities around data privacy and AI integration too. Cultural competence remains essential as sport becomes more globalized. We must commit to ongoing education, recognize our competence limits, and refer clients at the time we need to. Athletes stay protected while we advance sport psychology practice's credibility and professionalization by adhering to these ethical frameworks.
Key Takeaways on Ethical Frameworks for Sport Psychology
Sport psychology practitioners in 2026 must navigate complex ethical challenges while maintaining the highest professional standards to protect athletes and advance the field's credibility.
• Establish clear confidentiality boundaries from day one, especially in team settings where organizational demands may conflict with individual athlete privacy expectations.
• Recognize your competence limits and refer to clinical specialists when athletes present mental health issues beyond performance psychology scope.
• Document all multiple role arrangements carefully, as 61% of practitioners encounter dual relationships that require transparent boundary management.
• Develop technology competency for remote services while understanding that no digital communication method guarantees complete confidentiality protection.
• Prioritize cultural competence as an ethical duty, recognizing how globalization creates diverse sport environments requiring specialized knowledge and sensitivity.
These ethical frameworks serve as your professional compass, ensuring that every decision prioritizes athlete welfare while maintaining the integrity that distinguishes qualified sport psychology practitioners from unregulated performance coaches.
References
[1] - https://www.ijesports.org/article/52/html[2] - https://issponline.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Use_of_the_Internet_in_Sport_Psychology.pdf[3] - https://www.qasport.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1647971/R3_S_Maintaining-Professional-Boundaries-with-QAS-Supported-Athletes.pdf[4] - https://appliedsportpsych.org/about/ethics/ethics-code/[5] - https://www.zurinstitute.com/boundaries-dual-relationships/[6] - https://www.fasttalklabs.com/fast-talk/drawing-ethical-boundaries-in-the-coach-athlete-relationship/[7] - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-revolution-sports-psychology-enhancing-mental-performance-e89pf[8] - https://cms.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-07/QSEP Candidate Handbook.pdf[9] - https://www.cpa.ca/docs/File/CPA_SportPsycGUIDELINES.pdf[10] - https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/sports[11] - https://www.apadivisions.org/division-47/about/resources/defining.pdf[12] - https://uksportsinstitute.co.uk/resource/what-is-the-mental-health-referral-program/[13] - https://basesconference.co.uk/imgs/candidate_handbook_v4353.pdf[14] - https://www.cpduk.co.uk/news/what-is-cpd-for-sports-psychologists[15] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X16302196[16] - https://issponline.org/wp-content/uploads/Ethical_Principles_of_the_International_Society_of_Sport_Psychology.pdf[17] - https://moveunitedsport.org/how-to-align-team-goals-set-individual-goals/[18] - https://www.jonkaye.com/online-consultation[19] - https://members.believeperform.com/is-it-beneficial-ethical-or-practical-to-use-skype-for-sport-psychology-consultations/[20] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2025.2518694[21] - https://issponline.org/wp-content/uploads/Culturally_Competent_Research_and_Practice_in_Sport_And_Exercise_Psychology.pdf[22] - https://sirc.ca/knowledge-nuggets/cultural-competence-in-sports-psychology/[23] - https://www.fepsac.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/career-termination.pdf