Closing the loop

Abstract

To 'close the loop' on this international handbook and, we hope, to open up further conversations, this final chapter is framed through a 'lens' of reflecting back upon two central questions: (1) did we accomplish our aims with the book? And (2) what was learned as a result? To articulate the answers to these questions, we first briefly reiterate the aims/purpose of the book, followed by some reflections gleaned throughout the handbook process. We position these reflections as points/lessons to be learned/shared and as tentative 'takeaways' for the future. Consistent with 'academic connoisseurship' outlined in our introduction (Sparkes & Smith, 2009; see also Schinke, Tenenbaum, Lidor, & Lane, 2014), these reflections are offered in the spirit of creating dialogue, rather than being a monologue (e.g., our viewpoint), or viewed as a set of definitive/rigid points with which readers 'must' engage, agree or align. We hope that readers use their own academic backgrounds, experiences and imaginations regarding these points/takeaways as well as form their own views. In turn, we hope that together, these views raise new questions, spurring continued growth within sport psychology to help the domain to continue flourishing within the fluidity of a dynamic global sport psychology landscape.