Defining the Sport Scientist: Common Specialties and Subspecialties

Abstract

Sport scientist roles are becoming more common in U.S. professional and collegiate sport. Despite the recent growth in opportunities, discussion is necessary to elucidate differences between sport scientist specialties and other roles common within the integrated support team and across the sport industry. In addition, guidance is necessary to show how sport scientists serving in academic appointments may be involved in sport organizations and influence sport systems. This information may be used: (a) to help employers to conceptualize roles and design job descriptions and (b) to help governing organizations and universities establish training programs for sport scientists.