When it comes to athlete training, the physical aspect is just one piece of the puzzle. Jean Fournier, a psychologist and former president of the French Society of Sports Psychology, emphasizes the lack of proper training for coaches in sports psychology. In his recent book “Psychologie du sport et de l’activité physique” (Sports Psychology and Physical Activity), Fournier explores the critical role of mental preparation in sports.
A major obstacle to the recognition of sports psychologists and mental preparation coaches is the absence of national accreditation. While the French Society of Sports Psychology does accredit these professionals, national level recognition is still pending. Fournier underscores the need for coaches to appreciate the importance of mental health in athletes and for training programs to include sports psychology.
In comparison, Canada has certified performance counselors with a different authorization from psychologists, while the use of the title of sports psychologist in the United States and other countries varies by state and has specific regulations in place. This underscores the need for standardization and recognition of the role of sports psychologists in athlete training.
In France, the lack of focus on sports psychology in coach training programs has put them at a disadvantage. The existing training content is outdated and insufficient, largely due to the scarcity of available materials on the subject in French. Fournier emphasizes the importance of aligning training programs with current research to ensure that coaches are equipped with relevant and scientifically validated knowledge.
The delay in recognizing the importance of sports psychology in athlete training not only impacts the performance of the athletes, but also neglects their mental well-being. Fournier advocates for better integration of mental preparation and sports psychology in athlete training programs, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to athlete development.
As the field of sports psychology gains global attention and recognition, it is crucial for France to prioritize the education of coaches in this essential aspect of athlete training. Failure to do so not only affects the performance of athletes but also their overall well-being. Recognizing the role of sports psychologists and mental preparation coaches as integral parts of an athlete’s support system is a significant step towards holistic athlete development.
