Professional Quality Assurance Programme
Introduction
The Sport Ireland Institute has been set-up to create an environment which influences, supports and ensures that talented Irish athletes achieve sustained levels of excellence in high performance sport. The Institute coordinates a network of highly experienced, quality assured service providers to help support this high performance environment ensuring that sports have access to the sports science and medicine sports that they need. The Institute works directly with NGBs in developing sports specific science and medical support networks so that each sport has the support it needs to impact on performance.
The Institute also works closely with service providers in developing systems, structures and protocols to ensure that athletes and sports receive the best support possible.
What is the Professional Quality Assurance Programme (PQAP)?
Why should I apply for Professional Membership?
What is the Professional Quality Assurance Programme (PQAP)
The Institute’s Professional Quality Assurance Programme (PQAP) aims to ensure that athletes are supported by service providers of the appropriate quality so that the best practitioners work with the best athletes. Professional Membership of the Institute is awarded to service providers who demonstrate the ability to apply professional knowledge to bring about a significant positive change in elite performance within an ethical framework.
A full listing of current Institute Professional Members is available in the Performance Science area of the website or alternatively you can download a copy of the list below.
Who can apply for membership?
The PQAP process currently applies to service providers working in the areas of Performance Science and Lifestyle Services including Biomechanics, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Performance Analysis, Physiology, Psychology and Strength & Conditioning.
The current standards required for application are:
| Qualifications: | Masters level or equivalent in the appropriate area. |
| Training: | Evidence of ongoing CPD in your discipline that is relevant to high performance sport. |
| Experience: | Evidence of 3 years or 200 days post Masters experience in working in the discipline relevant to high performance sport. |
Why should I apply for Professional Membership?
The main aim of the evaluation process is to identify whether the service provider can demonstrate (to the satisfaction of the evaluators) that they have achieved all the competencies necessary within their specialty to apply professional knowledge to bring about a significant positive change in elite performance. They must also demonstrate that they can work as an independent autonomous practitioner, within an ethical framework.
Acceptance onto the Institute register of Professional Members is not a guarantee of funding or employment. However, only Institute Professional Members are eligible to receive Institute funding to work with high performance athletes, coaches and programmes.
How do I apply?
The Application Form and Guidelines for Professional Membership of the Institute are available to download below.
Applications for Professional Membership of the Institute will be now be considered two times per year.
The deadlines for applications are 1st March and 1st September.
Accreditation downloads
- PQAP Application form
- PQAP Application Guidelines
- PQAP Case Study Assessment form (example)
- PQAP Accreditation Principles
- PQAP Administrative Process
- List of Professional Members
- PQAP Committee
Reaccreditation downloads
- PQAP Reaccreditation Application Form
- PQAP Reaccreditation Guidelines
- Appendix 1 - CV Template
- Appendix 2 - Personal Statement
- Appendix 3 - CPD Log
Examples
Please Note: Some of the documents above may be in PDF format.
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