Strength and Conditioning

Preparation Course
Matt Casturo, CSCS
Topic: Policy and
OVERVIEW

Procedures for ● Reducing Liabilities

● Supervision
Administration and ● Emergencies
Facility ● Gym Design
● Accessibility
● Roles
Reducing The Risk LIABILITY = Legal Obligation

of A Liability
STANDARD OF CARE
- What a reasonable and prudent person would do

INSURANCE
- Ensure coaches and facility are covered

INFORMED CONSENT
- Activity is explained to individual who then may or
may not accept the risk of injury
Reducing The Risk DOCUMENTATION

of A Liability Keep records of:

- Consent forms
- Medical clearances
- By athletic trainer, physician, or
physical therapist
- Equipment manuals
- Staff credentials
- Maintenance schedules
- Training logs
 SUPERVISION:
Reducing The Risk
of A Liability Professional to Participant Ratio:
1:10 junior high school
1:15 high school
1:20 college

- Constant supervision with clear view of athletes

- 100ft^2 minimum average floor space allowed

per individual

Guideline 3.1 in Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines

Reducing The Risk EMERGENCY PLANS:

of A Liability Written Action Plans

- For injury, weather events, terrorism
- Include locations to give EMS
- Include individuals to contact

Obtain CPR, first aid, and AED certification in

case of injury

Complete incident report for each injury

Recommending
“Only substances that are lawful and have been
scientifically proven to be beneficial, or at least

Supplements not harmful, may be recommended or provided to

participants by Strength and Conditioning
professionals, and only to individuals age 18 or
above”

- Recommended to contact dietician for

supplements
- Rules may differ for different sports
organizations

NSCA Code of Ethics Standard 9.1

Facility Design PHASES

- Pre-design
- Determine needs
- Design
- Blueprints, city codes
- Construction
- Building and equipment
placement
- Pre-operations
- Hire employees
- Interior design

“Chapter 23.” Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, by Greg

Haff and N. Travis Triplett, Human Kinetics, 2016, pp. 623–639.
Facility Design MEASUREMENTS TO CONSIDER
- 3 feet:
- Between racks
- Between barbells
- Between weight trees
- Walkway width
- Circuit training walkways
between 4-7ft

- 20in between mirror and floor

- 12-14ft ceilings

“Chapter 23.” Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, by Greg Haff and N
Travis Triplett, Human Kinetics, 2016, pp. 623–639.
Facility Design MEASUREMENTS TO CONSIDER

- 100lbs/ft^2 load bearing capacity

- 100 square feet/ participant

- Olympic lifting platforms

- Wood in center
- Rubber on sides
- 8ft + 4ft walkway = 12ft/ platform
- Ex. 48ft = 4 platforms

“Chapter 23.” Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, by Greg Haff and N
Travis Triplett, Human Kinetics, 2016, pp. 623–639.
Facility Design Environment

- 68-78deg Fahrenheit
- <60% humidity
- 2-4 fans / 1200ft^2

“Chapter 23.” Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, by Greg Haff and N
Travis Triplett, Human Kinetics, 2016, pp. 623–639.
Facility Design ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
- Ramp needed for ½ inch change in
height
- 12in run for every 1in rise
Strength and Director is In charge of:

● Budget
Conditioning Roles ● Selection and maintenance of equipment
● Design of training programs
● Directs staff

Assistant Strength Coach:

● Works directly with athletes

● Typically takes the lead with a number of teams
● Manages interns
● Communicates directly to sport coaches and
athletes