The development and purpose of standards in sport and exercise

This chapter introduces practitioners to the concept of standards and how they are developed and applied in a sport and exercise context. Whilst it may be the responsibility of professional or regulatory bodies to develop, implement and monitor compliance with these standards, practitioners should take responsibility to work towards, achieve and maintain these standards in their own practice. Depending on the governance structure of the professional body, approval is provided by the Board or Council/Committee with the delegated authority. Individual pathways to address accreditation standards provide aspiring exercise and sport practitioners with the option to demonstrate that they satisfy defined learnings and experiences. Whilst in Australia, as result of this scandal, in order to be employed as a sport scientist professionals must now meet accreditation standards, maintain competency standards and operate within professional standards, it could be argued that this sentiment should be replicated universally for all sport and exercise practitioners.