A 3,000 member international organization elevating sport and human performance through the advancement and application of excellence in mental performance and mental health.
Challenges Faced
In 2012, AASP hired HollandParlette as its management partner to help address several key issues the association faced after 25 years in existence:
Growth of the association – both in overall numbers but in retention of early career and professional members
Communications vehicles – outdated and not engaging to members or consumers of sport and performance psychology services
Educational/professional development opportunities – not much offered outside the Annual Conference
Professional certification – how to develop a valuable, nationally-accredited credential
Member benefits – besides a conference and two journals, what was AASP offering of value to the regular member?
Solutions
AASP's 2019-2020 Executive Board
With those issues in mind, HollandParlette has worked both strategically and tactically with leadership to develop new programs, initiatives and structure aimed at improving AASP’s viability and function as an organization. The results shared below – including significant increases in membership, conference attendance and program revenue – demonstrate that AASP has made considerable strides with HollandParlette’s guidance.
AASP has been able to benefit from the wealth of professional expertise and association experience that HollandParlette brings to the partnership. HollandParlette has been able to regularly cite examples of “best association practices” as well as ideas for programs, services, structure and strategy as a direct result of knowing what has worked (and what has not) for other groups we have managed. AASP also benefits from the ability to tap into an expansive network of resources built over HollandParlette’s 30 years in business to comfortably flex and expand to meet the ever-changing needs of the organization.
AASP enjoys the advantages of having HollandParlette continually upgrade our infrastructure at no additional cost to the association. This includes using the latest computer equipment and applications aimed at maximizing productivity, a multi-tiered backup system for all electronic files and important databases being housed in the “cloud” and accessible to staff and for real-time web use 24/7.
The best measure of our success in executing the contract, however, are the statistical increases in major program areas, such as membership, annual conference and a significant growth in AASP’s overall operating revenue.
Recent Accomplishments: AASP Strategic Plan
Professional Standards & Certification
CMPC® program accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
Exploring partnership with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA) that would expand CMPC® to a North American credential
Diversity and Ethics Distance Courses (certification prerequisites) completely filled
Education & Professional Development
Doubled the amount of webinars held to provide education and resources virtually
In response to the pandemic, Virtual Coffee Breaks were organized for members to connect, share ideas about working from home, biggest issues/challenges, self-care and what learn what AASP could do to help
Diversity & Inclusion
The Advocacy & Diversity Committees spearheaded the crafting of AASP’s Statement on Recent Racialized Events and compiling a Racial Justice Resource List posted online
Town Halls were organized to allow members to discuss important racial justice issues in smaller groups
Inaugural Midcareer Institute for Women in Sport was held
Branding
Working with professional branding company to define a unifying brand and core identity that states who AASP is and what we do
Clearly position AASP as the premier organization elevating sport through the advancement and application of excellence in mental performance and mental health
Intentionally define and cultivate the role and benefits of AASP professionals across the spectrum of sport to grow the field and protect our distinction
Resolve internal tensions by giving our professional domains distinct lanes of excellence and contribution that reinforce AASP’s position and are a sum greater than their individual parts
Research & Practice
Study of the expansion of sport psychology employment opportunities in North America complete – results presented at AASP 2020 Conference
Launched first in a series of “Science to Practice” podcasts
Completed guidelines for Graduate Program recognition
Publications
Launched Journal for Advancing Sport Psychology in Research (student focused) journal funded by the AASP Foundation
Publishing “Essential Guide for Mental Performance Consultants” - interactive web text, complete with content, video, check-in exercises, quizzes and a CMPC practice exam