Intro to Strength and Conditioning

Question 1

• Describe the main roles of a strength + conditioning (S&C) coach as outline by ASCA scope of practice

Answer 1

• Work w/ a variety of ages from youth to veterans in accordance w/ ASCA position stands + guidelines
• Screen athletes to identify potential risks for injury + limitations to performance.
• Identify + provide activity to address general wellness issues in athletes, such as posture + breathing
• Design periodised + integrated athletic development programs in conjunction w/ a support team, head coach etc. to achieve individual + team goals using a range of methods: resistance training, conditioning / energy systems training, speed + agility drills (including basic technical running advice) + flexibility, mobility, warm up + cool down programs in a variety of settings.
• Have the knowledge to develop a range of physical testing protocols including for various types of movement, flexibility, speed, endurance, strength + power.
• Monitor + assess progress through physical testing, wellness monitoring + through the use of available athlete monitoring systems (e.g. Heart Rate + its variability, Global Positioning Systems, perf testing, etc.)
• Provide general info on healthy eating, eating to support training goals, basic supplement info
• Provide general info on basic physiological recovery modalities
• Have the ability + accreditation to provide basic First Aid + CPR.
• Work in conjunction w/ sports medicine staff + physiotherapists to design appropriate rehab plans.
• Work in conjunction w/ sport coaches to develop + review Athlete Performance Plans + their roles + accountabilities within these plans

Question 2

• Understand where S&C coaches are employed and areas of specialisation.

Answer 2

Employment areas include:
- High schools, universities, colleges, + private/professional sporting teams.
- Perf gyms or their own practice (private sector).
- Remotely (online)

Can specialise in the following:
- Specific sports (e.g., soccer, netball, rugby league, tennis).
- Type of perf (e.g., muscle power, body comp, running technique).
- Training type (e.g., Olympic weightlifting, interval training, plyometrics).
- Training philosophy (e.g., movt quality, system of training)

Question 3

• Explain how S&C coaches work with specialists and personnel to assist with athlete development.

Answer 3

• Consultation w/ specialists/personnel may be required for:
  ➢ Program design
  ➢ Exercise techniques
  ➢ Program implementation
  ➢ Planning
  ➢ Monitoring
  ➢ Testing + evaluation
  ➢ Rehabilitation + reconditioning

Question 4

*Discuss legal responsibilities of S&C coaches.

Answer 4

Risk management approaches are required.
- Informed consent: Athlete aware of inherent risks + benefits involved in an exercise program which allows them to determine whether to participate.
- Liability: S&C coach to not only act when an injury occurs but also to prevent injury.
- Standard of care: S&C coach expected to act according to education, level of training, + certification status.
- Negligence: If a S&C coach fails to act as a reasonable + prudent person would under similar circumstances
- Assumption of risk: Athletes must be thoroughly informed of the risk + should sign a statement (voluntarily) to that effect

Question 5

• List and describe ways to minimise the injury risk of athletes during resistance training.

Answer 5

S&C coaches are responsible for the safety of their athletes and should:
- Teach skills in a safe manner + correctly.
- Emphasise safety + proper technique during resistance training.
- Provide direct supervision (when possible) to achieve max perf, safety, + instruction.
- Have good communication skills (i.e., clear).
- During resistance training be ready to spot, in conjunction w/ use of appropriate safety equipment.

Question 6

• Name and describe the five stages involved in developing a S&C program.

Answer 6

• STAGE 1: ATHLETE PROFILE
• STAGE 2: SPORT PROFILE
• STAGE 3: ATHLETE ASSESSMENT
• STAGE 4: GOAL SETTING
• STAGE 5: PROGRAM DESIGN

Question 7

• Explain the purpose of creating an athlete profile.

Answer 7

What is an Athlete Profile?
- Info gathered to assist w/ the selection of initial assessments (i.e., testing battery) + development of an individualised exercise program (safe + effective).

Includes the following:
- Background
- Pre-exercise screening

Question 8

• Understand the importance and the responsibility of a S&C coach to conduct a pre-exercise screening with athletes.

Answer 8

• It is NOT in the scope of practice for a S&C coach to diagnose or evaluate an athlete’s medical or health condition.
• Only medical professionals (e.g., GP) can provide medical clearance (+ proof thereof) about participation in an exercise program.
• A suitable screening tool is the Exercise + Sport Science Australia (ESSA) – Adult Pre-Exercise Screening System (APSS)
• Need to also gather info about previous injuries (which may not be covered in the pre-exercise screening tool)

Question 9

• Name and describe the information typically gathered when creating an athlete profile.

Answer 9

1. Background
   - Personal info: Name, age, + occupation
   - Experience in the sport – Number of years competing.
   - Highest level of comp/Achievements –2nd place at national championships etc.
   - Previous training –Type of training performed such as resistance training, intervals etc.
   - Current Training – Training program details (frequency, type, intensity, + duration).
   - Previous testing results – Perfs from previous tests.
   - Goals for the sport – Athlete identified short- + long-term goals

Other Info:
- Personal info: Name, age, + occupation.
- Nutritional status: Dietary requirements, current eating practices.
- Psychology: Anxious, stressed, fearful etc.
- Lifestyle: Very busy, late nights etc.
- Availability: Commitments + time that can be dedicated to train.
- Facilities: Access to equipment etc.
- Realistic potential: Athlete’s expectations against your own evaluation.