Working with religious and spiritual athletes

With a growing number of sport performers revealing their religious and spiritual beliefs, it is becoming increasingly important for sport psychologists to recognize and appreciate the values (and value systems) to which such beliefs are attached. Using the RRICC model (Plante, 2007) as a framework for discussion, the purpose of the chapter is to highlight some of the ethical issues that sport psychologists may wish to consider when working with religious and spiritual athletes. The RRICC model addresses the ethical principles of respect, responsibility, integrity, competence, and concern. It is hoped that a discussion of these guidelines will help sport psychologists better navigate the often-challenging landscape of working with athletes whose everyday lives and identities are grounded in religious and spiritual association.