Expert consensus on skill acquisition in sport: A Delphi study.

Area of Science:

• Sport Science
• Human Movement
• Performance Psychology

Background:

• Skill acquisition in sport lacks consistent definitions and professional practices.
• There is a need to clarify the core competencies and responsibilities of skill acquisition specialists.
• Effective applied practice requires understanding specialist roles and requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a consensus definition for the field of skill acquisition.
• To clarify the roles and responsibilities of skill acquisition specialists.
• To understand the needs and requirements for effective applied practice.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi study involving 22 international experts in skill acquisition.
• Online surveys were utilized to gather expert opinions.
• Consensus was reached through iterative feedback.

Main Results:

• A consensus definition for skill acquisition was established: an applied science focused on performance, learning, and refinement of perceptual, cognitive, and motor skills.
• Skill acquisition specialists were defined as having a unique role within multidisciplinary support teams.
• Key responsibilities include practice design, individualized skill development, and organizational education.
• Consensus was reached on essential knowledge and professional skills for specialists.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a framework for professional development and accreditation in skill acquisition.
• It advances high-quality, evidence-based practice in the field.
• Establishes a clear identity and scope for skill acquisition specialists.