Applied sport psychology consultant perceptions of the usefulness and impacts of performance profiling

Despite the apparent widespread use of Butler and Hardy's (1992) performance profiling procedure (Doyle & Parfitt, 1999), there is limited research detailing the benefits that can accrue from its use. Hence, the present investigation sought to provide an evaluation of sport psychologists' perceptions of the usefulness and impacts of performance profiling. Fifty-six British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences accredited sport psychologists completed a closed survey detailing their perceptions of the usefulness and benefits associated with the production of an individual athlete performance profile within a group setting. Descriptive analysis revealed that consultants believed profiling to be useful in providing a basis for goal setting, identifying strengths and weaknesses, raising athlete awareness, evaluating and monitoring athlete performance, and in facilitating discussion, communication and interaction within teams.This brief report argues that further research is needed to empirically evaluate the usefulness of profiling in order that its frequent use can be fully justified.