The core literacies of sport psychology scientist-practitioners

Our authors propose a framework of core literacies for Sport Psychology Scientist–Practitioners (SPSPs), advancing a literacy-based approach to professional formation beyond fragmented competency models. We conceptualise literacies as metacognitive and practice-oriented understandings that enable SPSPs to interpret, integrate, and ethically apply knowledge across complex sport and performance environments. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship, position stands, and applied expertise, we identify five interrelated domains termed core literacies: developmental, mental health, contextual, instrumental, and mental performance literacy. Each domain is theoretically grounded and mapped onto key sub-literacies that reflect contemporary research, applied practice, and emerging professional demands. Collectively, these literacies support ethical, culturally responsive, and developmentally informed practice; strengthen SPSPs’ capacity to navigate organizational systems, relational dynamics, ethical complexity, and technological innovation; and enhance the translation of scientific knowledge into effective interventions for performance, wellbeing, and long-term athlete development. We argue that these literacies function as evolving developmental resources that require continuous education, supervision, reflexivity, and engagement with shifting scientific, cultural, and technological contexts. The proposed framework, with Table 1 as an abbreviated roadmap for practice, offers a coherent foundation for training, accreditation, continuing professional development, and professional self-assessment.