The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

This Memorandum of Collaboration aims to enhance the developing alliance between the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) by presenting a formal working relationship between BASES and the BPS.

BASES and the Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Section (DSEP) of the BPS share common goals of promoting excellence in research, teaching and practical applications in sport and exercise psychology.

In the area of research BASES and the BPS will work together in pursuit of more generous funding for research into basic and applied aspects of sport and exercise psychology. The two associations will also seek to collaborate in the production and dissemination of research findings.

The members of both associations are heavily involved in teaching the discipline at undergraduate, taught masters and MPhil/PhD level. They will seek to collaborate to provide opportunities for the promotion of excellence and opportunity at all levels.

The BPS and BASES recognise the importance of evidence-based practice in the development of sport and exercise psychology interventions and the evaluation of their effectiveness. Both associations share the common goals of ensuring that individuals, teams and organisations receive best practice in the provision of psychological services in sport and exercise settings. To further this aim BASES and DSEP will collaborate in enhancing their respective quality assurance schemes, for example through joint continuous professional development opportunities.

A joint committee will be established to promote collaboration between BASES and the DSEP. This committee will work to facilitate the progression of the collaborative agreement and may, in so doing, establish relevant working parties. In addition, the joint committee will develop the notion that a member of BASES will attend DSEP meetings and vice versa.

BASES and DSEP will develop enhanced benefits for members of both associations through economies of scale. This may include access to association insurance schemes and conference rates as well as formal joint membership categories.

In all interactions with other parties, BASES and DSEP will act with the other’s interests in mind as well as their own, and wherever possible will do so on the basis of mutual consultation.