An ESSA Accredited Sports Scientist specialises in applying scientific principles and techniques to assist coaches and athletes to improve their performance, either at an individual level or within the context of a team environment. They may also apply their knowledge and skills to relevant projects within the sports industry, for corporate bodies or in the community.
At all times, an ESSA Accredited Sports Scientist makes the wellbeing of the athlete, the team and other service users their primary concern by providing the utmost duty of care and never recommending the use of any substance or practice that might knowingly cause harm to the service user.
Accredited Sports Scientists are qualified specialists who are associated with:
To apply for Sports Science Accreditation please read the information below on what level you can apply for.
The levels are dependent on the level of experience able to be shown.
The application guide for each level provides in depth information and sample applications to assist you so please take the time to read these.
Level 1 Applicants must:
- A current ESSA Accredited Sports Scientist Level 1 with 2 years full time equivalent (FTE) (3600 hours) experience
- A current ESSA Accredited Sports Scientist Level 2
- A current Accredited Sports Scientist with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), or with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ)
- An Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Professional Coach, Level 2 or above with a 3-year degree in exercise, sport or movement science.
- An accredited coach with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).
All ASpS must also meet ESSA’s accreditation eligibility requirements.
Note: Other persons may be approved as supervisors or assessors on a case-by-case basis by the ESSA Sports Science Standards Advisory Committee.
The Level 1 Application form can be found here: Accredited Sports Scientist (ASpS) Level 1
The Level 1 Application Guide can be found here: ASpS Level 1 Application Guide
Level 2 Applicants must:
EITHER
OR
All ASpS must also meet NASRHP Accreditation Requirements.
*All qualifications will be assessed by ESSA on a case-by-case basis to ensure the sports science competencies are met.
**Applicants who can substantiate at least 3 years FTE may be granted provisional Accredited Sports Scientist status until they can substantiate having completed 5 years FTE experience, working in a supervised capacity, in providing sports science services to service
users.
The Level 2 Application form can be found here: Accredited Sports Scientist (ASpS) Level 2
The Level 2 Application guide can be found here: ASpS Level 2 Application Guide
To be eligible to apply for grandfathered sports science accreditation applicants must satisfy;
All ASpS must also meet ESSA’s accreditation eligibility requirements.
*Practice — whether remunerated or not — in which the individual uses their skills and knowledge as a sports scientist under the defined ESSA Scope of Practice for Sports Science. For the purpose of accreditation, practice is restricted to direct servicing and research. Management, administration and policy development roles are not included.
**Where a person has a qualification below a Bachelor degree (AQF 7), they will be given provisional accreditation and will have 3 years to gain a qualification of a Bachelor degree (AQF 7) or above.
The grandfathering pathway will be available until 1 February 2021.
The Accredited Sports Scientist Grandfathering Application form can be found here: Accredited Sports Scientist (ASpS) Grandfathering Application Form
The Accredited Sports Scientist Grandfathering Application guide can be found here: Accredited Sports Scientist and Accredited High Performance (Sports Science/Sports Medicine) Manager Grandfathering Guide
This application is now available for those wishing to apply for
All ASpS must also meet ESSA’s accreditation eligbility requirements.
2018 Cost: $241.00 includes free membership
Application guides for the forms above:
ASpS Level 1 Application Guide