Management of Sport Counseling Services for Intercollegiate Athletic Programs

Purpose

Methods

Analysis/Results

Conclusions

Sport counseling is an important issue for sport managers who are responsible for student-athlete services. A dearth of literature exists on the management of sport counseling services for student-athletes. Previous research provided insight into the usage of sport counseling services (Voight & Callaghan, 2001), but research on management of these services is needed. The objective of the current study was to provide understanding of the current status and implementation of sport counseling services for student-athletes. Sport counseling services are significant to counselors and sport managers interested in providing valuable help for student-athletes. These services provide performance enhancement and personal counseling for the unique needs of student-athletes. To better manage opportunities of sport counseling for student-athletes, the current study examined several aspects of sport managers' experiences with these services. A review of literature found few references of previous research for sport managers. Previous sport investigations have focused primarily on student-athletes' psychological experiences. Research has examined stress and coping of student-athletes, student-athlete adjustment to college, athletic success and graduation rates, team identification, and social experiences of student-athletes (Chartrand & Lent, 1987; Etzel, Ferrante, & Pinkney, 1996; Giacobbi, Lynn, Wetherington, Jenkins, Bodenforf, & Langley 2004; Greenspan & Andersen, 1995; Miller & Kerr, 2002; Pinkerton, Hinz, & Barrow, 1989; Riche, 2003; Ridinger & Pastore, 2000; Wann & Robinson, 2002). Research, however, has been limited to the services provided and the preferences of student-athletes. More in depth information is needed on the current management of the services. A mixed method two-stage study was utilized as an effort to investigate the management of sport counseling services. Stage 1 included an online questionnaire that included both quantitative and qualitative questions regarding the management of sport counseling services at universities. Stage 2 included in person interviews with athletic department representatives at one university. This second stage was designed as action research to implement strategies and ideas. The results of this study provided insight into numerous facilitators and barriers to sport counseling services. Financial issues were abounding along with less overt negative pre-conceptions about counseling and psychology. The results add understanding to sport managers' decision-making regarding sport counseling. Greater education on the benefits and development of sport counseling services to help meet the challenges confronting student-athletes continue to be needed and implemented by sport managers.