ABSTRACT
This chapter recognises that developing a ‘comfortable‘ professional identity within any work environment can be challenging, particularly when working as part of a multiple disciplinary team. Such teams are often formed in sports organisation without forethought about the optimal organisational infrastructures to encourage and support collegiality and ensure that the team works effectively. Without direction, professional conflicts can arise particularly when there are role ambiguities that may be inaccurately named and framed and cause friction. Scope of practice disputes are often framed by individuals on the basis of technical efficiency (who should know best), rather than as moral challenges (considering the rights and needs of others). This chapter discusses ‘boundary’ conflicts, which are argued to, in fact, be potential opportunities for working productively, and often collaboratively, in newly identified spaces. This chapter discusses mechanisms for helping strength and conditioning coaches to adopt a positive approach to boundary disputes and crossings, and to develop as professionals.
