What defines the scope of practice for the Sports Nutrition Coach?

The scope of practice for a Sports Nutrition Coach is centered on providing nutritional advice specifically related to performance and sports nutrition. This encompasses tailoring dietary guidelines and recommendations to enhance an athlete's performance, recovery, and overall health through food choices and meal planning. Sports Nutrition Coaches focus on aspects such as macronutrient distribution, meal timing, and hydration strategies that are important for athletic performance.

This focus distinguishes them from other health professionals who may address medical conditions or conduct psychological evaluations. The role does not include providing medication advice or serving as a substitute for a doctor; those responsibilities fall under the purview of licensed medical professionals. Additionally, conducting psychological assessments is outside the realm of nutrition coaching and would require specialized training in mental health or psychology. Thus, providing nutritional advice around performance or sports nutrition accurately captures the essence of what a Sports Nutrition Coach does.