NSCA Standards WK1

Abstract

The NSCA Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines have been updated to address the challenges in the profession, such as limited resources and potential injuries. The document aims to:

  • Identify liability exposure areas.
  • Increase safety.
  • Reduce injuries to prevent legal claims.
  • Improve the standard of care.

Institutions and practitioners share the duty of care, and the guidelines will be updated to reflect industry best practices.

Introduction

The scope of practice for Strength and Conditioning professionals includes "Scientific Foundations" (Exercise Sciences, Nutrition) and "Practical/Applied" aspects (Exercise Technique, Program Design, Organization and Administration, Testing and Evaluation).

Practitioners must provide appropriate supervision and instruction, maintain a safe environment, inform users of risks, and prevent harm from negligent instruction or supervision.

Key liability concepts:

  • Assumption of risk: Voluntary participation with knowledge of risks.
  • Liability: Legal responsibility to prevent injury and act prudently.
  • Negligence: Failure to act reasonably, requiring duty, breach of duty, cause, and damages.
  • Standard of care: Acting as a prudent person would, according to education, training, and certification.

Standards are required procedures reflecting legal duties, while guidelines are recommended to enhance service quality. Published standards can be authoritative in litigation.

Types of Standards

Standards include operational practices and technical/physical specifications from organizations like ASTM and CPSC. The CPSC operates NEISS for injury data.

Operational practices gauge professional competence by comparing conduct to benchmarks. Various associations have published standards.

Standards of Practice as They Apply to Risk Management

Risk management minimizes legal liability and injuries. Eickhoff-Shemek's 4-step process includes:

  1. Identify and select standards and laws.
  2. Develop risk management strategies.
  3. Implement the plan through staff training.
  4. Evaluate the plan annually and after incidents.

Liability Exposure in the Strength and Conditioning Profession

Nine interrelated areas of potential liability exposure have been identified:

  1. Pre-participation screening and clearance.
  2. Personnel qualifications.
  3. Program supervision and instruction.
  4. Facility and equipment set-up, inspection, maintenance, and signage.
  5. Emergency planning and response.
  6. Records and record keeping.
  7. Equal opportunity and access.
  8. Participation in strength and conditioning activities by children.
  9. Supplements, ergogenic aids, and drugs.

These areas include 11 standards and 14 guidelines for practitioners. Clear communication between Sports Medicine/Athletic Training staff and Strength and Conditioning staff is crucial.

Pre-participation Screening and Clearance

Physical exams are essential, including health history, immunization records, and orthopedic and cardiovascular screenings. Documentation of any conditions that require special training considerations is necessary; participants returning from injury/illness must provide medical clearance.

Personnel Qualifications

A three-pronged approach is recommended:

  1. Expertise and a degree in exercise science or related field.
  2. Accredited certifications with continuing education requirements.
  3. Application of the "performance team" concept for staff.

Program Supervision and Instruction

Proper supervision and instruction are crucial to minimizing liability costs. Key principles:

  • Always be present.
  • Be active and hands-on.
  • Be prudent, careful, and prepared.
  • Be qualified.
  • Be vigilant.
  • Inform participants of safety procedures.
  • Know participants’ health.
  • Monitor and enforce rules.
  • Monitor the environment.

Effective instruction involves clear visibility, proximity to participants, appropriate grouping, and consideration of participants' ages, experience, and program type.

The minimum average floor space allowance should be 100 ft^2 per participant. Professional-to-participant ratios: 1:10 (junior high), 1:15 (high school), 1:20 (college). Aim for 3 participants per barbell or training station.

Facility and Equipment

Written policies and procedures for equipment selection, purchase, installation, inspection, and maintenance are essential. Safety audits and periodic inspections should be included. Understand "product liability." Steps to minimize exposure:

  • Buy from reputable manufacturers.
  • Use equipment as intended.
  • Post signage.
  • Do not allow unsupervised use.
  • Regularly inspect equipment.

Emergency Planning and Response

An emergency response plan is vital. All personnel must:

  • Know the plan.
  • Practice procedures regularly.
  • Maintain CPR-AED certification.
  • Adhere to universal precautions.

Records and Record Keeping

Maintain a policies and procedures manual and records of:

  • Personnel credentials.
  • Professional standards.
  • Safety policies.
  • User manuals.
  • Injury reports.
  • Medical clearance.
  • Training logs.

Keep records secure and accessible only to staff; also consider protective legal documents.

Equal Opportunity and Access

Comply with laws prohibiting discrimination. Report any discriminatory treatment to supervisors or legal counsel.

Participation by Children

Resistance training can be safe and beneficial for youth when properly designed and supervised. Supervise children closely, especially those under 7. Avoid maximum testing and adhere to NSCA guidelines.

Supplements, Ergogenic Aids, and Drugs

Dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs, so quality control is a concern. Be aware of state laws regarding nutritional advice.

The Federal Trade Commission regulates advertising claims (must be truthful), while the FDA regulates product labeling. Banned substance policies vary among sports governing bodies. Be aware of NCAA Division I Bylaw 16.5.2.g regarding permissible nutritional supplements.

Injury Trends, Litigations, and Standard of Care Load

The lack of qualified instruction and supervision can be a causative factor in injuries and litigations. Qualified staffing is crucial for fulfilling legal duties for safety and supervision.

Increased athletic participation leads to greater injury rates, necessitating adequate facilities and qualified staff. Space needs per participant should be at least 100 ft^2. Supervision ratios should be 1:10 (junior high), 1:15 (high school), or 1:20 (college).

Preparticipation Screening and Clearance

  • Standard 1.1: Work only with those who have undergone screening and clearance from a healthcare provider.
  • Guideline 1.1: Cooperate and communicate with healthcare providers.

Personnel Qualifications

  • Guideline 2.1: Acquire a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field.
  • Guideline 2.2: Achieve and maintain professional certifications.
  • Guideline 2.3: Enhance staff productivity by aligning a performance team.

Program Supervision and Instruction

  • Standard 3.1: Provide adequate supervision, especially during peak times, with physical and mental presence.
  • Standard 3.2: Provide attentive spotting when free weights are supported on the trunk or moved over the head/face.
  • Guideline 3.1: Maintain recommended guidelines for space, ratios, and number of participants per station.

Facility and Equipment

  • Standard 4.1: Assemble, set up, and place equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and with safety signage.
  • Standard 4.2: Thoroughly inspect and test equipment before use.
  • Standard 4.3: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment.
  • Standard 4.4: Remove damaged equipment from use until repaired.
  • Guideline 4.1: Ensure facilities are appropriate for activities.
  • Guideline 4.2: Preserve and follow manufacturer's manuals.
  • Guideline 4.3: Clean and disinfect equipment regularly.

Emergency Planning and Response

  • Standard 5.1: Be trained and certified in CPR and universal precautions.
  • Standard 5.2: Develop a written, venue-specific emergency response plan and practice it quarterly.
  • Guideline 5.1: Components should include access to medical facilities, communication, transportation, and emergency care equipment.

Records and Record Keeping

  • Guideline 6.1: Develop and maintain records, including manuals, safety policies, and training logs.

Equal Opportunity and Access

  • Standard 7.1: Provide facilities, training, and services in accordance with laws mandating equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
  • Guideline 7.1: Report discriminatory or unequal treatment and consult with legal counsel.

Participation by Children

  • Guideline 8.1: Children younger than 7 should not use adult equipment.
  • Guideline 8.2: Children between 7 and 14 should be assessed individually and supervised.
  • Guideline 8.3: Those 14 and older should have parental consent and clearance.

Supplements, Ergogenic Aids and Drugs

  • Standard 9.1: Strength and Conditioning professionals must not prescribe, recommend, or provide drugs, controlled substances or supplements that are illegal, prohibited, or harmful to participants.