[KS1070-1] The International Sports Physical Therapy Specialist；the who, what, why and future of sports physical therapy using examples from the UK.
The International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy（IFSPT）competencies will be presented and discussed, highlighting the key skills and knowledge that sports physical therapists need to possess for the current sports and exercise medicine arena. The UK sports physical therapy pathway and assessment processes will be used to highlight the requirements and route to attaining these competencies for IFSPT recognition and the need for the required CPD and experiential learning to be available. The UK pathway was used by LOCOG in the preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games and these experiences will be shared. The sports and exercise medicine specialty is a competitive environment and athletes deserve to be managed by therapists with the required skills and knowledge. The Tokyo 2020 games can provide a platform for physical therapists to attain these specialist skills and experiences.