Practice and the process of critical learning: Reflections of an early stage practitioner working in elite youth level rugby league

This article provides a reflective account of a year-long sport psychology programme conducted by a neophyte sport psychologist with a group of elite youth-level rugby league players. Written from the perspective of the practitioner, vignettes are offered which portray two key instances from this experience and the personal reflections which followed. These reflections include; the complexities of working around the club’s existing operating schedule, the importance of time spent within the organisation outside of scheduled consultancy sessions and how it can improve the quality of service provided, and also the importance of adapting practices in accordance with the athlete or group of athletes that a practitioner is working with. Additionally, issues are discussed relating to the author’s dual-role as not only a consultant but also a postgraduate researcher aiming to complete a PhD thesis.