Sports Scientist

Roles and responsibilities

Sports scientists:

• devise treatment and exercise programs that support an athlete's preparation and recovery, and assist sportspeople to return to training or competition
• conduct experiments, make observations and interpret data in relation to sporting performances, and communicate findings to officials, athletes, coaches and other support staff
• design or assist in designing training programs for sportspeople to improve sporting performance without causing injury, or to strengthen particular areas of the body
• refer clients to medical and paramedical specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists and physiotherapists
• assist with psychological issues of motivation and stress

If you want to be a sports scientist you will find opportunities at sports institutes, sporting clinics, health studios and sporting associations.

Many professionals working in sports medicine are self-employed and may sub-contract their services.

Clients include professional and social sports-people. Sports scientists may work as consultants in health, fitness or rehabilitation.

Some sports scientists volunteer at sporting clubs.

Source: myFuture