Sports physiotherapy standards: A minimum threshold of performance

Abstract

Objectives This article aims to disseminate information about the expected standards of competence for sports physiotherapists and to illustrate their application.

Context Sports physiotherapy standards have been developed from the foundation of the competencies previously adopted by the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapy and provide specific and contextual descriptions of sports physiotherapy practice at a Master's level. These descriptions are important for professional recognition, for quality assurance mechanisms, and for the development of career pathways for sports physiotherapists. The development of competencies and standards has been carried out within the Sports Physiotherapy for All Project, funded by the European Union Leonardo-da-Vinci programme.

Process The development of sports physiotherapy standards is briefly outlined and this article uses examples of standards that focus on both therapeutic and professional processes to illustrate the application of standards to practice.

Outcomes As sports physiotherapists develop their ability to apply the competencies and standards to their own practice, they will be able to take greater ownership of their own career development. These behavioural descriptors enable the award of credit for prior learning through formal and informal learning, as well as facilitating informed decisions about the most appropriate future learning required to develop as a professional.