Introduction:
Abuse in elite sports education—including psychological pressure and coercive communication—is increasingly recognized as a serious threat to the mental health and development of young athletes. Such problems can arise not only during training but also in meetings before and after practices or competitions. Recent advances in counseling and educational psychology highlight the need for interventions that foster psychological safety, constructive dialogue, and relationships based on mutual respect rather than authority.
Purpose:
This project aims to develop an online version of the Solution-Focused Team Meeting Method (SFTMM) tailored for elite sports education. Developed in 2009 by Setsuko Sato for educational counseling, SFTMM integrates solution-focused counseling with facilitation theory from management studies. Its adaptation to sports talent development could prevent abusive practices and facilitate a supportive learning environment.
Method:
Traditionally implemented face-to-face using analog whiteboards, the SFTMM was redesigned as a digital platform. Counseling psychologists, organizational researchers, and sports psychology experts created the initial plan, distinguishing core functions from future functions. Implementation was outsourced to a student-led Information and Communication Technology (ICT) venture; and the completed application was subsequently purchased by the research group for study and practical use.
Results:
The prototype includes solution-focused navigation, collaborative digital whiteboards, and facilitator support tools such as time management. Advanced features—including AI-based facilitation and data analytics—were reserved for future development. The digital format enables experienced facilitators to provide remote support and enhance accessibility and dissemination.
Conclusions:
At the prototype stage, this initiative demonstrates how counseling psychology, facilitation, and ICT can be integrated into a preventive model against abuse in elite sports education, which contributes to global discussions on safeguarding youth in talent development. Further, the findings illustrate how interdisciplinary collaboration transforms psychological theory into practical tools that strengthen educators' reflections; empower athletes' agency; and foster safe, ethical, and supportive environments.