What is AAESS?

The Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) is a professional organisation which is committed to establishing, promoting and defending the career paths of tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners, who are in turn committed to best practice and client well-being. The central tenet of our profession is that:

"Exercise and Sports Science is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the understanding and enhancement of human movement in the broadest sense, including general physical activity pursuits such as goal oriented fitness regimens and recreational sport as well as elite sport and the area of performance enhancement. It includes the knowledge, methods and applications of subdisciplines (ie. exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor development, exercise and sport psychology) as well as how they interact".

AAESS was officially founded in 1991 to meet the professional needs of exercise and sports scientists in Australia. It is directed by an Executive Board comprised of leading academics and practitioners in these fields and is supported by a growing number of regional chapters throughout Australia.

AAESS is an incorporated body and its constitution has been registered with the Australian Securities Commission.

Why is AAESS Needed?

Current research emphatically confirms the importance of regular moderate physical activity for public health. Authorities that recognise and support these findings include World Health Organisation (Position Statement 1995), the US Surgeon General (Position Statement 1996) and the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (1997).

As a result, there is considerable interest in the exercise and sports science fields from within the government/public and private sectors.

Responsible advocacy of broad based public participation in physical activity necessarily requires that professional service providers are available.

AAESS members are qualified to comprehensively assess an individuals exercise capacity and can ensure that participation is safe and achieves the optimum outcomes for all sectors of the population.

Objects of AAESS

The objects of AAESS are to:

• further the professions of exercise and sports science;
• to develop and promote career opportunities for members;
• promote professional and honourable practice amongst exercise and sports scientists;
• promote uniformity in the principles, methods and practices of exercise and sports science;
promote, progress and improve education and communication in the professions of exercise and sports science;
• sponsor seminars, workshops and educational activities to benefit the professions of exercise and sports science;
• co-operate with and make submissions to government, regulatory and funding agencies to further the professions of exercise and sports science;
• act as an advocate for increased exercise and sports science research funding;
• provide a forum for the exchange of information, ideas and strategies relevant to exercise and sports science;
• liaise with bodies interested in exercise and sports science both within and outside Australia;
• formulate, implement and manage procedures for the registration of personnel within the area of exercise and sports science;
• promote and advance scientific studies in exercise and sports science;
develop position statements in exercise and sports science; and
• promote and advance the standard of tertiary educational offerings in exercise and sports science.