Representations of the sport workers over the concept of professional competence

Abstract

The intervention field of the sports professional has become broader and more complex. Traditional occupations related to education and coaching have transformed and increased, bringing more difficulties to the already difficult conceptualization of professional competence. In this study we tried to understand the conception of professional competence that sports professionals have in the pursuit of identifying a conceptual map across the four occupational areas: Physical Education, Coaching, Fitness and Adapted Physical Activity. We interviewed 120 professionals (30 of each occupational area) about the understanding of competence and competent professional. Data analysis used procedures of content analysis. The results show us the fragile structure that still characterizes the field of the sports professional, although common traits come to the surface, starting to reveal a unique identity centred on knowledge and ethics competence seconded by personal and social competence in close connection with functional competence. Meta-competencies and motivation are highly valued factors and act as warrants of professional competence.