ABSTRACT
Depending on your reading habits you have arrived at this chapter in one of a few ways. You have either systematically digested the vast array of information presented (in chapter order) that details the characteristics of sport expertise, the process it takes to develop expertise, and the associated methodological issues in gathering such information. Or you may have “cherry-picked” particular chapters before opening up here for the conclusions and recommendations. Whatever method you have used to get here, this chapter is devoted toward discussing the key factors we believe will facilitate or hinder the further evolution of sport expertise research. We draw on key issues identified in many of the preceding chapters to illustrate our point and encourage you to refer to the associated chapters (if you haven’t already). The underpinning theme that will be considered in all of the issues discussed is the importance of not only designing research that drives the development of better theory, but the need for translational work that will lead to genuine changes in practice. Perhaps unlike some other fields of research, we argue that the imperative to connect with the population we are studying and the associated stakeholders we seek to influence (i.e., coaches, sports administrators, other sport scientists and parents) is particularly critical.
