ch24 - Facility Policies, Procedures, and Legal Issues Flashcards
(202 cards)
1
Q
What is the purpose of a mission statement for a strength and conditioning program?
A
An organization’s statement of purpose that provides focus and direction.
2
Q
According to the Drucker Foundation, what is one suggested criterion for an effective mission statement?
A
It should be short and sharply focused.
3
Q
What are the three important components a mission statement should address?
A
Target clientele, what service is being provided, and what makes the service unique.
4
Q
What are program goals?
A
The desired end products of a strength and conditioning program, stated in a broad, general manner.
5
Q
What are program objectives?
A
Specific means of attaining program goals.
6
Q
Who should be involved in developing a mission statement and program objectives?
A
The strength and conditioning department, institution (athletic administration, sports medicine department), and ideally all involved groups and individuals.
7
Q
What is the purpose of an annual orientation meeting for staff, sport coaches, and participants?
A
To familiarize them with established goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
8
Q
What is the role of a strength and conditioning performance team?
A
To provide cooperative expertise by practitioners with complementary skills and provide educational opportunities for staff.
9
Q
What document can be consulted when developing a strength and conditioning performance team?
A
Strength and Conditioning Professionals Standards and Guidelines.
10
Q
What is the recommended guideline from Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines 2.3 regarding staff alignment?
A
The productivity of a Strength and Conditioning staff should be enhanced by aligning a performance team comprised of qualified practitioners with interdependent expertise and shared leadership roles.
11
Q
Who is typically responsible for the overall strength and conditioning program, facility, equipment, and staff?
A
The director of strength and conditioning (or head strength and conditioning coach).
12
Q
What are some administrative tasks of the director of strength and conditioning?
A
Preparing a budget, purchasing equipment, preparing proposals, and working with administration and media.
13
Q
What is a common educational requirement for a director of strength and conditioning position?
A
A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s degree preferred (with emphasis in the exercise sciences).
14
Q
What certifications are typically required for a director of strength and conditioning?
A
Certification from an independent accreditation agency (e.g., CSCS), and maintenance of continuing education requirements. First aid, CPR, and AED certifications are also required.
15
Q
How many years of experience are typically required for a director of strength and conditioning?
A
Two years’ experience in progressively responsible positions.
16
Q
What is risk management?
A
The employment of strategies to decrease and control the risk of injury from athletic participation and therefore the risk of liability exposure.
17
Q
What are the first steps in risk management?
A
To understand integral key terms and identify areas of potential liability exposure.
18
Q
What is informed consent?
A
The process by which a procedure or activity is described to a participant, with an explanation of inherent risks and benefits, allowing the individual to determine if they desire to participate.
19
Q
What is liability?
A
A legal responsibility, duty, or obligation.
20
Q
What is the standard of care?
A
What a reasonable and prudent person would do under similar circumstances.
21
Q
According to what should a strength and conditioning professional act in terms of standard of care?
A
According to his or her education, level of training, and certification status.
22
Q
What is negligence?
A
Failure to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under similar circumstances.
23
Q
What four elements must exist for a strength and conditioning professional to be found negligent?
A
Duty, breach of duty, proximate cause, and damages.
24
Q
What is assumption of risk?
A
Knowing that an inherent risk exists with participation in an activity and voluntarily deciding to participate anyway.
25
What is required before an athlete is allowed access to the strength and conditioning facility?
Preparticipation screening and clearance in accordance with relevant governing bodies.
26
What document establishes the requirement for preparticipation screening and clearance?
Section 1 of Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines.
27
What does Standard 1.1 of Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines require?
Requires participants to undergo health care provider screening and clearance before participation.
28
Who is responsible for providing medical clearance for an athlete to begin formal involvement in a strength and conditioning program?
The sports medicine staff (e.g., certified athletic trainer, physician, or physical therapist).
29
Why is it not within the strength and conditioning professional's scope of practice to diagnose or evaluate medical conditions?
Because it is not within their proper legal parameters and professional duties.
30
Who can provide medical clearance and answer questions about participation?
Only the sports medicine staff.
31
What is the purpose of establishing eligibility criteria for using the strength and conditioning facility?
To focus the attention and efforts of the staff on a target training population.
32
What are some typical individuals or groups allowed to use a strength and conditioning facility at an institution?
Full- or part-time student-athletes, newly incoming and transferred student-athletes, students in physical education classes, athletic department staff, sports medicine staff, alumni athletes, and individuals/groups approved by the athletic director or director of strength and conditioning.
33
What should outside organizations or individuals do if they request access to the facility?
Receive prior approval from the athletic director or director of strength and conditioning and have a prearranged schedule for proper supervision.
34
What is the advantage of having a policy for outside organization use rather than deciding on a case-by-case basis?
To be consistent and objective.
35
What is one common criterion for determining if outside organizations can use a facility?
Use must be preapproved by the athletic director.
36
What is another common criterion for determining if outside organizations can use a facility?
Use must be preapproved by the strength and conditioning director.
37
What is a crucial requirement for outside organizations or individuals using the facility regarding supervision?
The program or session must be supervised by strength and conditioning department staff.
38
When should outside organizations or individuals typically schedule their use of the facility?
During off-hours when athletes are not present.
39
What type of documentation should outside organizations or individuals provide before using the facility?
Written proof of additional liability insurance.
40
What form must all participants from outside organizations or groups sign before using the facility?
A release agreement form.
41
What should be done with a release agreement form before using it?
Check for compliance with current local and national laws.
42
What must all participants from outside organizations or groups agree to follow?
The rules and regulations of the strength and conditioning facility.
43
Who has the right to limit an individual's or group's access to the facility if warranted?
The athletic director and the strength and conditioning director.
44
What is fundamental to the effective management of a strength and conditioning facility?
Documentation and secure records.
45
What types of records should be kept on file in a strength and conditioning facility?
Cleaning and maintenance records, safety procedures, manufacturer's warranties and guidelines, assumption-of-risk or informed consent forms, medical waivers and clearance forms, personnel credentials, professional guidelines and recommendations, and injury report forms.
46
How long should injury report forms be maintained?
As long as possible, ideally indefinitely, due to varying statutes of limitations.
47
What is professional liability insurance?
A contractual promise by which the insurer promises to defend and indemnify the insured from certain defined liability risks.
48
Why is it essential for strength and conditioning staff members to purchase professional liability insurance?
Because of the potential for injury and the risk of not being covered under the facility policy.
49
What is product liability?
Refers to the legal responsibilities of those who manufacture or sell products if a person sustains injury as a result of using the product.
50
Can strength and conditioning professionals be named as codefendants in product liability suits?
Yes, they can.
51
What are two key considerations that determine whether a manufacturer or seller is liable for product-related injury?
Whether the product has been changed from its original condition and whether it was used as intended by the manufacturer.
52
To avoid injury from strength and conditioning equipment, how should equipment be used?
Only for the purpose intended by the manufacturer.
53
What should be referred to regarding equipment use?
The manufacturer's instructional materials, including user age and size specifications.
54
What standard should equipment meet?
Existing professional standards and guidelines.
55
From whom should equipment be purchased?
Only from reputable manufacturers.
56
What should be done with warning labels that accompany new equipment?
Apply all warning labels in plain view.
57
Why is it important to apply warning labels?
If labels are not placed in plain view and an injury related to the warning occurs, the professional can be held liable.
58
What should be done continually with equipment?
Inspect equipment for damage and wear that may place an athlete at risk for injury.
59
What should be done if new equipment arrives damaged?
Immediately notify the manufacturer or seller and have it replaced.
60
What should be done if currently owned equipment becomes damaged?
Remove it for repair or replacement.
61
If damaged equipment is too large to remove or store, what should be done?
Affix a sign to the equipment stating that it should not be used.
62
Why should unsupervised athletes not be allowed to use equipment?
Constant supervision ensures equipment is used for its intended purpose and with proper technique.
63
To ensure athletes adhere to facility rules, what might the director require them to do?
Sign and date a copy of the facility rules and guidelines.
64
Why is having athletes sign the facility rules important?
It reduces the possibility of claims that they did not know the repercussions of aberrant behavior.
65
How should facility rules be enforced?
With possible disciplinary actions posted, documented, and levied in proportion to the offense.
66
Is the use of exercise and conditioning activities as punishment encouraged?
No, it is discouraged.
67
According to The Inter-Association Task Force for Preventing Sudden Death in Collegiate Conditioning Sessions, should additional physical burden be placed on an athlete as punishment?
No, no additional physical burden that would increase the physical risk of injury or sudden death should be placed on the athlete under any circumstance.
68
Describe the tiered penalty system for a first offense of a facility rule violation.
A verbal warning by a staff member, explanation of the rule's importance, and a reminder of the disciplinary action for a second offense.
69
Describe the tiered penalty system for a second offense of a facility rule violation.
Dismissal from the facility for one day, documentation of the offense, correspondence with the athlete's sport coach, and a reminder of the disciplinary action for a third offense.
70
Describe the tiered penalty system for a third offense of a facility rule violation.
Dismissal from the facility for one week, documentation of the offense, correspondence with the athlete's sport coach, and a reminder of the disciplinary action for a fourth offense.
71
Describe the tiered penalty system for a fourth offense of a facility rule violation.
Dismissal from the facility for the remainder of the year, documentation of the offense, correspondence with the athlete's sport coach and athletic director, and a reminder of the disciplinary action for a fifth offense.
72
Describe the tiered penalty system for a fifth offense of a facility rule violation.
Permanent dismissal from the facility, documentation of the offense, and correspondence with the athlete's sport coach and athletic director.
73
What is expected of strength and conditioning professionals regarding the NSCA Code of Ethics?
To uphold the NSCA Code of Ethics.
74
What does Standard 9.1 in Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines state regarding supplements?
Professionals must not prescribe, recommend, or provide illegal, prohibited, or harmful drugs, controlled substances, or supplements; only lawful and scientifically proven substances may be recommended or provided, and only to individuals age 18 or above.
75
Whose responsibility is it to stay up to date on rules and regulations regarding supplements and banned substances?
The strength and conditioning professional's.
76
With whom is it recommended that strength and conditioning professionals consult regarding nutritional supplements?
A sports nutritionist or dietitian.
77
When is an orientation meeting typically held for athletes and sport coaches?
At the beginning of the school year or sport season, before their first use of the facility.
78
What information should be covered in the orientation meeting?
Facility and staff phone numbers, services, hours of operation, team training schedule, facility rules and regulations, disciplinary actions, emergency procedures, preparticipation and eligibility requirements.
79
What should a strength training orientation cover?
Proper equipment use, spotting techniques, correct exercise execution, and common risks associated with incorrect technique or spotting.
80
Why are proper documentation and record keeping essential?
For the management and monitoring of strength and conditioning programs and facilities.
81
In cases of emergency or injury, what is important to establish for risk management?
A chain of command.
82
What federal regulatory law is mentioned regarding the privacy and confidentiality of participants' health information?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
83
Under HIPAA, when can a participant's health care information be released?
Not without written authorization.
84
What should be completed and kept on file when an injury occurs?
An incident-injury report form.
85
What additional records are crucial to the operation of strength and conditioning programs and facilities?
Personnel credentials, professional standards and guidelines, policies and procedures for operation and safety (written emergency plan), equipment user manuals, equipment and facility maintenance records, preparticipation medical clearance, return-to-participation clearance, protective legal documents, and training logs/evaluation entries/instruction notes.
86
When should participants typically complete and sign legal documents?
At the annual orientation meeting.
87
What is a code of ethics?
The standards and principles for which the professional will be held accountable.
88
What is generally the primary focus of a code of ethics in strength and conditioning?
Athlete welfare.
89
What specific policies might be considered for inclusion in a policies and procedures manual?
Appearance or dress code, telephone use, personal workouts, personal use of company equipment, and standards for relationships between coaches and athletes, interns, and sport coaches.
90
Who must properly instruct athletes in safe and effective techniques?
A qualified strength and conditioning professional.
91
What does instruction involve?
Teaching an athlete a skill in a safe manner and correcting the athlete if necessary.
92
What helps reduce the incidence of injury and liability exposure during instruction?
Emphasizing safety and proper technique rather than the amount of weight lifted.
93
What type of supervision is required for maximum performance, safety, and instruction?
Direct supervision.
94
What should staff members be able to do while supervising?
Clearly communicate and view both the athlete and the zone being supervised (if not the entire facility).
95
What is critical in conjunction with appropriate safety equipment?
Spotting.
96
What are some principles of supervision?
Always be there, be active and hands-on, be prudent, careful, and prepared, be qualified, be vigilant, inform participants of safety and emergency procedures, know participants' health status, monitor and enforce rules and regulations, and monitor and scrutinize the environment.
97
What is the recommended guideline for minimum average floor space allowed per participant during peak usage times?
100 ft².
98
What are the recommended professional-to-participant ratios during peak usage times for junior high school?
1:10.
99
What are the recommended professional-to-participant ratios during peak usage times for high school?
1:15.
100
What are the recommended professional-to-participant ratios during peak usage times for college?
1:20.
101
In what estimated percentage of court cases involving athletic injuries was supervision cited?
80%.
102
What is often a main cause of litigation in athletic injuries?
Inadequate instruction or supervision.
103
Where should supervisor stations be located to provide proper supervision?
Where they can clearly observe all participants and activities.
104
What is the recommended professional-to-participant ratio during peak usage times for junior high school?
1:10.
105
Where should supervisor stations be located to provide proper supervision?
Where a clear view of the facility and athletes is possible.
106
Do suggested staff-to-athlete ratios vary? If so, based on what?
Yes, depending on the type of training (e.g., machine circuit vs. free weights) and the athletes' training age.
107
How does the coach-to-athlete ratio influence performance?
Strength gains are greater in subjects training under lower supervision ratios.
108
What should employers and practitioners understand regarding staffing?
The importance of staffing for safety and performance gains.
109
What is the priority of a team's training time dependent on?
The season they are in.
110
Which teams typically have priority for facility scheduling?
In-season teams.
111
What is one potential solution for scheduling off-season teams if the facility cannot accommodate multiple teams at once?
Adopting a Monday-Wednesday-Friday format for off-season teams.
112
What is a second scenario for scheduling off-season teams if Friday competitions interfere with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday format?
Scheduling some off-season teams on Monday-Tuesday-Thursday and some on Tuesday-Thursday-Friday.
113
During what time should off-season teams be considered for scheduling?
During typical afternoon practice times.
114
What are opening and closing procedures typically based on?
Daily operations, inspection, and cleaning of the facility.
115
What specific operating procedures might be designated?
Procedures for holidays or the academic calendar, stereo/music use, office hours, storage, and staff locker room activities.
116
What is always the first priority when an emergency occurs?
Life safety.
117
What provides a guideline for proper procedures to follow in case of an emergency?
Having a written response plan (emergency action plan).
118
What is an emergency action plan?
A written document that details the proper procedures for caring for injuries.
119
Who must know the emergency action plan and proper procedures?
All personnel in the strength and conditioning facility.
120
What are typical items included or described in an emergency plan?
EMS activation procedures, names and phone numbers of contacts, facility address, locations of telephones, locations of exits, designated personnel qualified to care for injuries, ambulance access, location of emergency supplies/first aid kit, and plan of action for various situations (fire, tornado, injury, crime, terrorism).
121
Where should the emergency care plan be posted?
In a clearly visible location.
122
How often should the emergency action plan be practiced?
At least quarterly.
123
What certifications should strength and conditioning professionals and associated personnel maintain regarding emergencies?
Current first aid, CPR, and AED certification.
124
What is crucial for quick delivery of emergency care?
Immediate communication.
125
What should participants and supervisors know regarding communication?
The location of the closest workable telephone.
126
What should be readily available in an emergency situation?
Emergency equipment.
127
What does maintaining professional certifications for first aid, CPR, and AED mean regarding equipment?
That personnel have been trained in advance on proper use.
128
How often should first responders periodically rehearse?
Periodically (implied by the need to practice the EAP quarterly).
129
What should be readily available for access by medical personnel?
Emergency information for participants.
130
What should professionals develop specific to their own setting?
An emergency plan.
131
What are the four principal roles within an emergency team?
Provide immediate care, emergency equipment retrieval, activation of the emergency medical system (EMS), and directing EMS to the scene.
132
What is the most critical factor in emergency situations?
Time.
133
What should users of the facility be made aware of regarding emergency equipment?
The types and locations of emergency equipment.
134
What should be established for transporting an injured individual?
A cleared route and a direct line for transportation for quick entering and exiting of the facility.
135
What provides direction and purpose to a strength and conditioning program?
Program goals.
136
What helps keep the program on task by providing steps toward the goals?
Program objectives.
137
What are developed based on program goals and objectives to guide participant and staff conduct and ensure a safe training environment?
Policies and procedures.
138
When can legal liability for injuries occur regarding documentation and equipment?
If appropriate documentation is not properly collected and equipment is not properly maintained.
139
When may claims of negligence be made?
If injuries occur and appropriate precautions were not taken.
140
What is one responsibility of strength and conditioning professionals in daily operations regarding equipment?
Awareness of the proper function and repair of all equipment to reduce the possibility of product liability.
141
What should each facility have to provide direction and minimize litigation?
Its own unique policies and procedures manual.
142
What are some key terms related to legal issues in strength and conditioning?
Assumption of risk, breach of duty, damages, duty, emergency action plan, informed consent, liability, litigation, mission statement, negligence, policies, procedures, product liability, program goals, program objectives, proximate cause, risk management, scope of practice, standard of care, and statute of limitations.
143
What is the recommended coach-to-participant ratio during peak weight room usage time in a high school setting?
1:15.
144
What is the recommended coach-to-participant ratio during peak weight room usage time in a junior high school setting?
1:10.
145
How much minimum average floor space is recommended per participant during peak usage times?
100 ft².
146
What percentage of court cases in which athletic injuries occurred cited supervision?
Estimated 80%.
147
At what age can strength and conditioning professionals recommend or provide lawful and scientifically proven supplements?
Individuals age 18 or above.
148
How often should rudimentary first aid procedures be reviewed annually?
Annually.
149
Should athletes wear weight belts when the belts could contact equipment upholstery?
No.
150
Should athletes set plates on the floor or lean them against equipment or walls?
No, they should move weights from the racks to the bar only.
151
Are tobacco, food, chewing gum, glass bottles, cans, alcohol, drugs, and banned substances allowed in the facility?
No.
152
Are plastic water bottles acceptable in the facility?
Yes.
153
Should jewelry such as loose necklaces, bracelets, hanging earrings, and watches be worn?
No.
154
Should athletes keep feet off the walls?
Yes.
155
Should athletes minimize chalk and powder on the floor?
Yes.
156
Must all guests and visitors report to the office for signing of the waiver form?
Yes.
157
Must former athletes have their programs preapproved by a staff supervisor and sign a waiver form?
Yes.
158
Can athletic department personnel use the facilities for personal workouts?
Yes, if they do not interfere with the needs of the athletes.
159
Are non-athletic department personnel allowed to use the facilities?
Yes, with permission of the athletic director after signing a waiver form.
160
Who has authority over all weight room conduct and use of equipment?
The on-duty supervisors.
161
What are the consequences if appropriate documentation is not properly collected and equipment is not properly maintained?
Legal liability for injuries can occur.
162
What is the recommended number of participants per barbell or training station during peak usage times?
The guideline mentions recommended guidelines for minimum average floor space allowed per participant (100 ft²) and professional-to-participant ratios, but a specific number for participants per barbell or station is not provided as a number.
163
What is the first step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for life-threatening situations?
Call 911.
164
What is the second step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for life-threatening situations?
Do not move victim.
165
What is the third step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for life-threatening situations if the victim is conscious?
Ask permission to administer first aid.
166
What is the fourth step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for life-threatening situations?
Administer CPR or AED if necessary.
167
What is the fifth step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for life-threatening situations?
Stay with victim until help arrives.
168
What is the sixth step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for life-threatening situations?
Activate the emergency communication plan to notify appropriate parties.
169
What is the seventh step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for life-threatening situations?
Document incident on injury report.
170
What is the first step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for environmental situations?
Activate the appropriate alarm and get everyone directed to a predetermined safe location.
171
What is the second step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for environmental situations?
Call 911 for medical help if necessary.
172
What is the third step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for environmental situations?
Account for all parties and notify rescue personnel.
173
What is the fourth step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for environmental situations?
Activate the emergency communication plan to notify appropriate parties.
174
What is the fifth step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for environmental situations?
Document incident on injury report.
175
What is the first step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for non-life-threatening situations?
Provide first aid.
176
What is the second step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for non-life-threatening situations?
Call 911 for medical help if necessary.
177
What is the third step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for non-life-threatening situations?
Activate the emergency communication plan to notify appropriate parties.
178
What is the fourth step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for non-life-threatening situations?
Document incident on injury report.
179
What is the first step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for a fire?
Activate fire alarm.
180
What is the second step in the sample emergency procedures protocol for a fire?
Evacuate the building.
181
What should be done if an athlete has an injury that inhibits a portion of the workout?
The athlete must receive a modified program from the athletic medicine department that describes which exercises should be avoided and which ones may be substituted.
182
Are athletes required to use locks on the ends of all barbells?
Yes.
183
Should anyone squat outside the squat or power rack?
No.
184
What type of plates are required on the platforms for all power exercises?
Bumper plates.
185
Should athletes drop or throw weights or dumbbells?
No.
186
Should athletes show respect for equipment and facilities at all times?
Yes.
187
Is spitting in or defacing the facility tolerated?
No, it will result in immediate expulsion.
188
What types of behavior are not permitted in the weight room due to the need for concentration?
Horseplay, loud or offensive language, or temper tantrums.
189
Are staff offices and telephones accessible to athletes?
They are off limits unless permission is given.
190
What type of attire should athletes wear?
Proper training attire, particularly shirts and athletic shoes.
191
When should athletes use spotters?
For exercises that place the bar on the back or front shoulders and exercises that involve a bar or dumbbells moving over the face or above the head.
192
Are power exercises spotted?
No.
193
What should athletes immediately report to the supervisor on duty?
Any facility-related injury or facility or equipment irregularity.
194
Are supervisors responsible for users' personal belongings or lost or stolen items?
No.
195
What is the recommended coach-to-participant ratio during peak weight room usage time in a college setting?
1:20.
196
What are some of the practical and applied activities and responsibilities of a strength and conditioning performance team member?
Exercise techniques, testing and evaluation, rehabilitation and reconditioning, program design, organization and administration, and nutritionist duties.
197
What are some scientific foundations relevant to a strength and conditioning performance team member?
Exercise and sport anatomy, biomechanics, exercise and sport physiology, exercise and sports nutrition, exercise and sport pedagogy, exercise and sport psychology, motor learning, training methodology, kinesiology, physiotherapy, and sports medicine.
198
What are some liaison assignments for a strength and conditioning performance team member?
Exercise and sport science faculty, team coaches, sports medicine team, athletic administration, and nutritionist.
199
What is a sample key for evaluating student staff members where '5' represents clearly exceptional performance?
5 = Clearly exceptional performance.
200
What is a sample key for evaluating student staff members where '1' represents significantly below performance expectations?
1 = Significantly below performance expectations.
201
What is a sample key for evaluating student staff members where '3' represents meets performance expectations?
3 = Meets performance expectations.
202
What is a sample key for evaluating student staff members where '4' represents exceeds performance expectations?
4 = Exceeds performance expectations.
