Frequently Asked Questions
Q Who is High Performance Sport Accreditation (HPSA) for?
HPSA is for sport scientists working in high performance sport. The purpose
of the scheme is to provide quality assurance of sport science support
to employers in high performance sport. In addition, it provides a pathway
for professional development for sport scientists working in, or wishing
to work in, high performance sport.
Q Is HPSA a BASES scheme?
Yes, it is. BASES established and is responsible for running of the HPSA
scheme. BASES consulted with a number of key stakeholders in the development
of HPSA, including UK Sport, the British Olympic Association (BOA), the
British Paralympic Association (BPA) and the Home Country Sport Institutes
(HCSI).
Q What is the benefit of having HPSA?
HPSA is widely recognised as the highest level of sport science support
quality assurance within high performance sport. As such, HPSA confers
many employment and progression benefits. In addition, HPSA provides a
professional development pathway for those working in this sector.
Q What is involved in applying for HPSA?
Applications are assessed against the 10 HPSA competencies. Applicants
must demonstrate evidence of achieving all competencies through a combination
of the following four methods of assessment:
1. A portfolio application form
2. References from four referees nominated by the applicant
3. Observation of practice by an assessor
4. Interview by an assessor.
It is important to note that HPSA is awarded based upon the achievement
of all of the 10 HPSA competencies and that in order to achieve these,
applicants will normally be expected to have at least 5 years of experience
of providing structured and on-going scientific support to high performance
athletes as a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist.
The cost of application is £300 - the HPSA scheme is a not
for profit accreditation scheme; fees cover the cost of assessing applications
and administering the scheme. Further application guidelines are provided
in the Applicant Guidelines and Portfolio Application Form.
Q How will my application be assessed?
HPSA is a competency-based scheme - your application, references, observation
and interview will be assessed for evidence of the HPSA competencies.
The assessment process will be carried out by BASES HPSA assessors, who
have undergone formal training specific to this scheme. Once the information
in the portfolio application form and the supporting references has been
assessed, the applicant will be informed by the BASES Office whether or
not the application may progress to the next stage of the observation
and interview.
Q Where did the competencies for HPSA come from?
The HPSA competencies were initially identified through a rigorous audit
of the skills and competencies required in high performance sport. They
were further developed through consultation with key stakeholders, including
UK Sport, the HCSIs and representatives from professional sports.
Q How long does HPSA last for?
HPSA is for a 2 year term. During this time you will also hold BASES Sport
and Exercise Scientist Accreditation. Biennial re-licensing will be required
to maintain HPSA.
Q Why is there now more than one level of BASES accreditation?
A hierarchical model of accreditation has been developed to provide a
scheme that is not only specific to high performance sport but also of
a higher standard. HPSA therefore provides a professional pathway for
practitioners and a higher level of quality assurance for employers.
Q How does HPSA differ from becoming a BASES Accredited Sport and
Exercise Scientist?
Because HPSA has been produced to meet the requirements of high performance
sport, it is assessed in a different way to BASES Sport and Exercise Scientist
Accreditation. HPSA draws on a number of sources to assess evidence of
the HPSA competencies in a more appropriate way for the high performance
sport sector.
Q If HPSA is necessary to work in a high performance environment,
then how do those without HPSA gain sufficient experience to gain HPSA?
Because HPSA is competency-based, it is the attainment of these that is
essential to gain HPSA. Whilst some of these can only be developed whilst
working in high performance sport, others can be developed in other sport
environments. Prospective applicants are advised to use the HPSA competencies
to plan their continuing professional development (CPD) and to find a
mentor who can provide guidance and direction in such development.
Q If I am interested in applying, then what should I do?
Applicants should download the 'BASES High Performance Sport Accreditation
(HPSA) Applicant Guidelines and Portfolio Application Form' from the BASES
website. Applications must be submitted by to the BASES Office by one
of the following quarterly deadlines:
1 January, 1 April, 1 July, 1 October.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to identify a mentor (ideally someone
who holds HPSA) who can provide guidance in their professional development
and attainment of the HPSA competencies; this should be done early in
the process of preparing for HPSA. It is important that prior to an application
the guidelines are read carefully, and where appropriate, the applicant
seeks guidance from their mentor. Given the number of methods by which
applicants are assessed, as well as the need for receipt of references
and the scheduling of the observation and interview, the applicant should
expect the assessment process to take approximately 3 months.