Guidelines and Agreements

Here you can find the minutes of the meeting held on May 29, 2025, in Bochum.

Ethical Guidelines for Sports Psychologists (Resolution of the General Assembly 05/2015)

Recently, there has been an increase in media assessments by individuals claiming to have sports psychological expertise, without transparency regarding their qualifications, adherence to scientific standards, or ethical orientation. This includes the use of unprotected titles such as “sports psychologist” or “sports psychological expert,” which can easily create the impression of a state-regulated qualification in the public eye.

The professional community points out the following:

1. Title and Qualification
   The title 'Sport Psychologist' – as well as 'Sport Psychology Expert' – is not independently protected by law in Germany, but its use is legally restricted by the protected title 'Psychologist'. However, qualified sport psychological work requires a solid scientific education, specific further training, and adherence to professional ethical guidelines. Therefore, transparent communication of one's qualifications is essential.
2. Professional Ethical Responsibility in Public
   Psychology demands a respectful, non-discriminatory, and empirically supported representation of individuals, groups, and behaviors in research and practice. Generalizations, derogatory characterizations, or simplified attributions contradict these standards and can harm athletes, teams, and the profession as a whole. In accordance with the Professional Ethical Guidelines of the ASP, professional sport psychological communication is limited to general professional classifications and refrains from individual psychological or sports science assessments unless there is direct collaboration and consent from the person involved.
3. Differentiated Representations Instead of Stereotyping
   Performance capability, team dynamics, and mental processes are complex phenomena influenced by biopsychosocial factors. Simplistic explanations or stereotypical labels do not contribute to clarification and pose the risk of stigmatization.

Professional sports psychological assessments always take into account context, evidence, individual differences, and ethical guidelines.

• Protection and Development of the Profession
  The profession advocates for clear regulations regarding title usage, binding quality standards, and transparency. This serves both the profession and protects those receiving sports psychological support (athletes, coaches, officials) as well as the public from misinformation.

We advocate for a professionally grounded, reflective, and responsible communication that aligns with the scientific quality and ethical orientation of sports psychology.

Digital Coaching in Applied Sports Psychology, Dr. Christian Zepp - Presidential Resolution 2025

Sports Psychology in Physical Education and Movement Programs in School Settings, Dr. Barbara Halberschmidt, Dr. Sascha Leisterer-Härtig, Prof. Franziska Lautenbach, and Prof. Dennis Dreiskämper - Presidential Resolution 2025

Describing, Explaining, Predicting, and Optimizing Performance, Dr. Babett Lobinger & Prof. Oliver Stoll - Presidential Resolution 2019

Milestones in Motor Behavior Research, Prof. Nadja Schott, Dr. Julian Rudisch & Prof. Claudia Voelcker-Rehage - Presidential Resolution 2019

The Health Perspective in the Working Group for Sports Psychology (asp), Prof. Gordon Sudeck & Dr. Harald Seelig - Presidential Resolution 2019

Modified guidelines from the Training Board (Presidium Resolution 19.04.2024)

Modified guidelines from the Training Board (Presidium Resolution 10.01.2014)
Modified guidelines from the Training Board (Presidium Resolution 23.02.2016)
Modified guidelines from the Training Board (Presidium Resolution 04.05.2016)
Modified guidelines from the Training Board (Presidium Resolution 13.09.2016)
Modified guidelines from the Training Board (Presidium Resolution 04.03.2018)
Modified guidelines from the Training Board (Presidium Resolution 21.12.2023)

aktuelle Satzung der asp (Stand 29.01.2026)

Satzung der asp (Stand 25.03.2021)
Satzung der asp (Stand 10.05.2018)
Satzung der asp (Stand 26.10.2015)
Satzung der asp (Stand 9.1.2015)
Satzung der asp (Stand 2005)
Satzung der asp (Stand 1987)
Satzung der asp (Stand 1970)
Protokoll und Satzung der Gruendungssitzung der asp (Oktober 1969)
Einladung zur Gruendungssitzung der asp (Oktober 1969)

Statement I
Regarding the self-understanding of sports psychologists in the Federal Republic of Germany (Presidential Resolution 2001-03)

Statement II
Concerning the cumulative habilitation (Presidential Resolution 2001-03)

Statement III
Ethical guidelines for sports psychological counseling and support (Presidential Resolution 2001-03)

Here you can find our terms and conditions for all (method) training sessions offered by asp.

In exceptional cases, such as during a theme day, an interdisciplinary dvs workshop, or a conference,

different cancellation conditions apply, which will be noted on the invoice.