opening: Sunday to Thursday
Call us: +250 789 302 941
e-mail: info@shieldsportpsychology.com

Sport Psychology Certification

Sport Psychology Certification

Interactive training programs for professionals and coaches.

We offer a comprehensive, practice-focused certification program designed for coaches, performance staff, and sport psychology practitioners who want to master applied sport psychology. The courses emphasize real-world application, ethical practice, and evidence-informed tools that you can translate directly into your work with athletes and teams.

Who is this certification for?

  • -Coaches seeking formal training in applied sport psychology to support performance and well-being
  • -Athletics staff (sport scientists, performance analysts, fitness coaches) expanding their toolkit
  • -Psychologists or counselors transitioning to sport-specific work
  • -Team managers, sports physicians, and sports admins interested in integrating mental skills into programs
  • -Professionals aiming to build a credible credential in sport psychology and coaching excellence

Note: this program is educational and experiential. It does not replace clinical therapy or medical treatment.

Certification framework and structure

1) Foundations of applied sport psychology (Core module)

  • -Introduction to sport psychology principles, ethics, and boundaries
  • -Overview of evidence-based psychological skills (PST) and their application in sport
  • -Professional conduct, consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity
  • -Sport psychology history, theory, and current best practices

2) Psychological skills training (PST) for performance

  • -Goal setting for performance and development
  • -Focus and attention control in practice and competition
  • -Self-talk, confidence building, and mastery experiences
  • -Imagery and visualization across skill acquisition and competition
  • -Arousal regulation, energy management, and pre-performance routines

3) Assessment, profiling, and data-informed practice

  • -Selecting and administering sport-specific assessments
  • -Interpreting results to tailor interventions
  • -Performance profiling and goal alignment with athletes
  • -Ethics of data use and privacy in performance profiling

4) Intervention design and program implementation

  • -Designing modular MST programs (mental skills training) for individuals and teams
  • -Integrating MST into practice plans, season calendars, and performance blocks
  • -Creating scalable programs for youth, collegiate, and professional environments
  • -Digital tools, apps, and self-monitoring systems for ongoing practice

 

5) Coaching the mental game: communication and leadership

  • -Effective feedback strategies, motivational interviewing basics, and reflective practice
  • -Building trust, psychological safety, and team climate
  • -Modeling calm, resilience, and adaptive decision-making as a leader

6) Ethics, culture, and inclusion in Sport Psychology

  • -Ethical dilemmas, boundaries with athletes, and dual relationships
  • -Culturally responsive coaching and inclusive practice
  • -Handling sensitive issues (mental health, burnout, injury-related stress)

7) Sports-specific modules (electives)

  • -Focused content tailored to basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, track & field, swimming, rugby, etc.
  • -Role-specific tracks (head coach, position coach, performance staff, sports medicine liaison)

8) Capstone project and practical demonstration

  • -A culminating project showing how you would design and implement a sport-psychology-driven intervention within a real program
  • -Or a supervised practicum with mentor feedback
  • -Presentation to simulate certification exam or portfolio defense

Certification formats and delivery

  • -Fully online self-paced modules with interactive elements
  • -Live, instructor-led webinars and Q&A sessions
  • -Hybrid options combining in-person workshops with online content
  • -Case-based labs, simulated coaching sessions, and role-play scenarios
  • -Optional supervised practicum and mentoring components
  • -Learning methods and evidence-based
  • -Interactive video demonstrations, case studies, and field assignments
  • -Real-world coaching simulations and reflective practice
  • -Practice-oriented readings, checklists, and cue sheets
  • -Tools drawn from PST, cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and resilience research
  • -Emphasis on transfer: turning theory into actionable plans for teams and athletes

Assessments and credentialing

  • -Knowledge checks after each module (quizzes and scenario questions)
  • -Practical assignments (e.g., design a 6-week MST plan for a given team, deliver a coaching session, or conduct a brief performance profiling)
  • -Capstone project demonstrating applied competency
  • -Certification upon successful completion and portfolio review

What you will gain

  • -Credible, practitioner-focused certification recognized in sport organizations
  • -A versatile toolkit for coaching, performance support, and mental skills development
  • -Ability to design, implement, and evaluate MST programs within teams and across blocks
  • -Enhanced coaching leadership: communicating about mental aspects with athletes, staff, and stakeholders
  • -Access to a growing library of templates, drills, and practice plans

Tools, resources, and deliverables

  • -Ready-to-use PST modules, drill libraries, and practice templates
  • -Assessment and profiling templates for quick deployment
  • -Session scripts, self-talk banks, and cue sheets tailored to sports
  • -Ethical guidelines, risk management resources, and cultural competence checklists
  • -Access to a community of practice: peer discussions, case consults, and mentoring

Prerequisites and eligibility

  • -Prior coaching experience or a background in sport science/psychology is helpful but not required
  • -Commitment to ethical practice and ongoing professional development
  • -Proficiency in English (or the language of instruction for the course track)

Timelines and pricing (typical ranges)

  • -Core Certification Path: 8–12 weeks for completion of all modules and capstone
  • -Extended/Advanced Tracks: additional 4–12 weeks for specialization and practicum
  • -Pricing varies by region, modality (online vs. hybrid), and additional mentoring or practicum options
  • -Group/organization pricing available for teams or staff cohorts

What I need from you to get started

  • -Your current role (coach, performance staff, etc.) and experience level
  • -Your goals for certification (career advancement, program development, team support, etc.)
  • -Availability for live sessions or preferred self-paced pace
  • -Any sport-specific interests or target populations (youth, collegiate, professional)