ABSTRACT
Gretchen Kerr, Ashley Stirling, and Ellen MacPhersonAbstract: In this chapter, we propose that sport psychology consultants adopt an ethic of care approach to their work with young athletes as a means of realising athletes’ optimal growth and development, and protecting athletes from maltreatment. An ethic of care refers to relational practices that foster recognition, realisation, growth, development, protection, empowerment, and human community, culture, and possibility (Gordon, Benner, & Noddings, 1996; Jones, 2009). We contend that sport psychologists are uniquely positioned to embody and promote an ethic of care approach given their professional responsibility for the wellbeing of young athletes. In this chapter we address the ways in which sport psychology consultants may actualise an ethic of care approach, including the building of a community of care in which all adults – coaches, parents, administrators, and sport science staff – focus on contributing to the personal growth of young people in sport.
