When you say sports psychology you are referring to sports and medicine merging into one
. Let us define sports psychology. According to the American Psychological Association it encompasses the following definition: "motivation to persist and achieve, psychological considerations in sport injury and rehabilitation, counseling techniques with athletes, assessing talent, exercise adherence and well-being, self-perceptions related to achieving, expertise in sport, youth sport and performance enhancement and self-regulation techniques". This page will give you an idea on what sports psychology is.
The two branches of interest in sports psychology are the following: understanding how psychology can be applied to improve motivation and performance and understanding how sports and athletics can improve mental health and overall well-being . This is why people who are already into the field of medicine and psychology can take their careers into this field. They should assess themselves first though if they can handle the pressures and the politics of sports. You should also be aware that you will have to do a huge amount of studying to be certified as a sports psychologist.
Usually, people who have masters and doctorates are accepted in this field of study. Very rarely that someone with only a Bachelors degree is accepted. You must have the intellectual capability and the higher learning needed in order for you to be an authority. Even professional psychologists go through a stringent succession of tests to ensure that they will pass the criteria of pursuing sports psychology as a career.
You may be asking yourself if a career in sports psychology is right for you. There are those who really love sports and everything connected to it. You may have the gift of gab and the ability to advise people and motivate them. You may have all of these but if your credentials academic wise is not up to par with their standards then you may have to rethink your career path since it is a very strict career field.
Sports psychology is almost a brand new form of career option. Professional psychologists can opt to go with this career path if they want. Make it a point to really think out the path where your career is heading. Planning will always give you a shot at success.