The Baseball Observer Mental Skills Issue | Page 45

PRESUMPTIONS OF THE SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK

The systems framework is based on four presumptions. These are:

1. The mental skills, life skills, and mental health professionals who are hired to

function in the sports organization need to be involved in a thorough vetting

process. At a minimum, these individuals must possess knowledge bases and

skill sets---especially graduate education--- that relate to fostering the

mental and emotional development and performance of players. Most

important, these employees or contacted consultants are expected to

function within the bounds of their professional competence.

2. There is a desire on the part of the sports organization and its leadership to

address the mental and emotional needs of the player, on and off the

baseball diamond, particularly in relation to baseball performance, and in a

way that has value for each particular team or organization.

3. Collaboration among mental skills coaches, life skills specialists, and mental

health professionals will be enhanced by policies, procedures, and programs

that are clear, evidence-based, and practical; that adhere to all relevant

ethical and legal standards; and include referral guidelines and ways to

foster collaborative intervention programming.

4. Policies and procedures pertaining to confidentiality are recommended that

are in accord with the AASP Ethical Standards and Principles and the Ethical

Principles and code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association.

DIMENSIONS OF THE SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK

The purpose of the systems framework is to provide a means for baseball coaches and administrative leadership to consider how they may want to organize and deliver programs and services that have to do with the mental and emotional development and performance of players--- on and off the field.

Toward a realization of this purpose, the systems framework encompasses three separate, yet interrelated dimensions (see Figure 1 next page):

1. Mental Skills — addressing the mental and emotional needs of the player,

on the field

2. Life Skills — addressing the mental and emotional needs of the player, off

the field.

3. Mental Health — addressing the player’s overall mental and emotional

well-being.

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