This workshop was done in Dallas in December 2009

1. Essentials of Developing aEssentials of Developing a
Strength &ConditioningStrength &Conditioning
ProgramProgram
NIAAA - NFHS Conference
Dallas
December 15, 2009

2. Presented by:Presented by:
Scott J. Smith, Ph.D., CAAScott J. Smith, Ph.D., CAA
Associate Professor & DirectorAssociate Professor & Director
Sport Management ProgramSport Management Program
Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MIMt. Pleasant, MI

3. • Athletic DirectorAthletic Director
– St. Patrick’s School, Bryan, OhioSt. Patrick’s School, Bryan, Ohio
• Assistant Principal/Athletic DirectorAssistant Principal/Athletic Director
– Fulton, Missouri Local SchoolsFulton, Missouri Local Schools
• District Athletic DirectorDistrict Athletic Director
– Wichita, Kansas Public SchoolsWichita, Kansas Public Schools
• Assistant Superintendent; PE, Health, AthleticsAssistant Superintendent; PE, Health, Athletics
– Dayton, Ohio City SchoolsDayton, Ohio City Schools
• District Athletic DirectorDistrict Athletic Director
– Greenville, Ohio City School DistrictGreenville, Ohio City School District
3

4. I would like to keep this session fairly
informal with lots of audience participation
& sharing…………………….since not only
do I want to share some of my thoughts and
experiences in administrating strength and
conditioning programs and weight rooms,
but I would like to take some things from
you out of the session for possible inclusion
in a new Leadership Training
Course…………..
4

5. NIAAA LeadershipNIAAA Leadership
Training ProgramTraining Program
• 32 courses now (Dallas)32 courses now (Dallas)
• Most probably the next, new course willMost probably the next, new course will
be…………be…………
• LTC 627 Administration ofLTC 627 Administration of
Interscholastic Sports Strength &Interscholastic Sports Strength &
Conditioning ProgramsConditioning Programs
5

6. LTC 627 Administration ofLTC 627 Administration of
Interscholastic Sports StrengthInterscholastic Sports Strength
& Conditioning Programs& Conditioning Programs
(tentative content)(tentative content)
This course will examine the role of the athletic director and other
school administrators in supporting and developing the
interscholastic strength & conditioning program within a school or
district. In this regard, topic coverage will include: (1) philosophy
of strength & conditioning for ages 12-18; (2) function of strength &
conditioning in rehabilitation of injury; (3) roles and responsibilities
of coaches and athletic administrators; (4) the interscholastic
weight room – specifications and equipment; (5) financial issues
and strategies; (6) helping parents, athletes and the general public
understand the role strength and conditioning; (7) legal issues and
risk management strategies; (8) certification of strength &
conditioning personnel; (9) performance enhancing substances in
interscholastic strength & conditioning; and (10) contemporary
administrative issues and response strategies. 6

7. LTC 627 Administration ofLTC 627 Administration of
Interscholastic Sports StrengthInterscholastic Sports Strength
& Conditioning Programs& Conditioning Programs
• Enrollees who will derive greatest
benefit: Administrators seeking
methods to better support strength &
conditioning programs in middle and
high school programs.
7

8. Essentials of Developing aEssentials of Developing a
Strength &ConditioningStrength &Conditioning
ProgramProgram
So………….today’s workshop is focused looselySo………….today’s workshop is focused loosely
around the framework of the new LTC 627around the framework of the new LTC 627
course, but concentrates on five areas:course, but concentrates on five areas:
1.1. PhilosophyPhilosophy
2.2. PersonnelPersonnel
3.3. FacilityFacility
4.4. FundingFunding
5.5. ProgramProgram
8

9. Philosophy of Strength &Philosophy of Strength &
Conditioning ProgramConditioning Program
• Too often we do this backward …….build the
“room” first and then develop the philosophy
• Like any other “strategic plan”……..we should
begin with what we value……build the mission
and vision and goals………..then develop the
program around those
9

10. Philosophy of Strength &Philosophy of Strength &
Conditioning ProgramConditioning Program
• Also, like any other mission-vision-goals
building activity…………ALL of the
primary players need to be involved.
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11. The ‘short’ list……….
• Coaches
• Athletes
• Parents
• PE Instructors
• Administrators
– (AD and…)
The ‘long’ list…….
• Who did we miss???
11

12. MISSION:
• "Central Methodist University Strength and Conditioning
Department provides sports specific and individualized strength
and conditioning programs to each NAIA athlete at CMU. OurOur
strength and conditioning program prepares student-athletes tostrength and conditioning program prepares student-athletes to
make a difference in the world by emphasizing dedication,make a difference in the world by emphasizing dedication,
leadership, and professionalism."leadership, and professionalism."
PHILOSOPHY:
• The primary objective of the Strength and Conditioning program
at CMU is for each athlete to stay injury free, while assisting themstay injury free, while assisting them
in reaching their maximal performance levelin reaching their maximal performance level. Through off-
season, pre-season, and in-season, sports specific training athletes
are provided with skills and programs that implement speed,
strength, flexibility, agility, and metabolic conditioning.
SOME EXAMPLES
12

13. Mission Statement
• Valdosta State University Speed / Strength & Conditioning
program and staff’s mission is to provide all VSU athletes
the most advanced, safe and comprehensive athleticmost advanced, safe and comprehensive athletic
performance program for each sport and athlete’sperformance program for each sport and athlete’s
particular needs.particular needs. Utilizing the most up to date scientificmost up to date scientific
researchresearch in the areas of: program design, speed and
strength development, anaerobic and aerobic
conditioning, agility training, plyometric training,
flexibility training, and nutrition, it is ensured that eachensured that each
athlete will have the opportunity to be properly trained toathlete will have the opportunity to be properly trained to
reduce injuries and reach their full athletic potentialreduce injuries and reach their full athletic potential.
13

14. • The main goal of Binghamton University’s
Strength and Conditioning Program is to
help student-athletes reach their athletichelp student-athletes reach their athletic
potentialpotential. This is achieved through the
athletes becoming stronger, faster, andstronger, faster, and
remaining injury freeremaining injury free. Athletes will
achieve this, following structuredstructured
programsprograms, which include sport specific
exercises and drills involving strength,
speed, agility, plyometric, flexibility,
balance, and conditioning work.
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15. • MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Prattville High School Strength &
Conditioning program is to assist student-athletes inassist student-athletes in
safely reaching their full athletic potentialsafely reaching their full athletic potential. This mission
is attained through expert instruction and the utilization
of various training techniquesvarious training techniques used in the field of
strength and conditioning.
• PHILOSOPHY
The Prattville High School Strength & Conditioning
program is designed to develop the overall athleticism ofdesigned to develop the overall athleticism of
student-athletesstudent-athletes. We focus on developing the complete
student-athlete and maximizing performance. A major
goal of the Lions Athletic Department is to assist student-assist student-
athletes in developing a positive attitude, a good workathletes in developing a positive attitude, a good work
ethic, mental toughness, discipline, confidence and aethic, mental toughness, discipline, confidence and a
strong self-worth.strong self-worth.
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16. The Prattville High School Strength & Conditioning program has three primary
goals. Our primary goals are: to improve student’s athleticism while preventing
injury, promote a positive self-image and confidence, and develop mental
toughness. In order to improve athletic performance, it is important to define
athleticism, as well as understand the different components of athleticism.
Athleticism is an athlete’s physical skills and capabilities. The primary
components of athleticism are as follows:
- Speed - Strength - Power
- Flexibility - Agility - Balance
- Mobility - Coordination - Quickness
- Conditioning - Stabilization - Mechanics
- Energy System Development - Kinesthetic Awareness
• In order to reach our full athletic potential, a training regimen must emphasize
each of the aforementioned components. Athletes will be challenged to work
hard and give their maximum effort in training in order to reach their full
potential. Student-athletes must be challenged both physically and mentally.
Mental toughness is not an option but rather, a necessity.
16

17. 17

18. 18

19. • So….I believe the first step is to developSo….I believe the first step is to develop
the philosophy of your strength andthe philosophy of your strength and
conditioning program…. What do youconditioning program…. What do you
want your program to do (mission), lookwant your program to do (mission), look
like (vision), and accomplish (goals).like (vision), and accomplish (goals).
Then….depending on your philosophy,Then….depending on your philosophy,
build the facility and staffing andbuild the facility and staffing and
determine the program(s) to bedetermine the program(s) to be
implemented.implemented.
19

20. Strength & ConditioningStrength & Conditioning
PersonnelPersonnel
Certification ????Certification ????
-or--or-
Just training and education ???Just training and education ???
20

21. Strength & ConditioningStrength & Conditioning
Professionals Standards andProfessionals Standards and
GuidelinesGuidelines
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
(NCSA) 1978
• Bigger, Faster, Stronger (BFS) 1976
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
1987
• International Sport Sciences Association (ISSA)
1988
• American Fitness Professionals and Associates
(AFPA) 1994
21

22. 22

23. 23

24. 24

25. NSCANSCA
Qualified and knowledgeable personnelQualified and knowledgeable personnel
must be hired in order to properlymust be hired in order to properly
supervise and instruct participantssupervise and instruct participants
utilizing Strength & Conditioningutilizing Strength & Conditioning
facilities and equipment. A three-facilities and equipment. A three-
pronged approach is recommended.pronged approach is recommended.
25

26. • First, the Strength & Conditioning
practitioner should acquire
expertise, and have a degree from a
regionally accredited
college/university in one or more of
the topics comprising the “Scientific
Foundations” domain identified in
the Certified Strength &
Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
Examination Content Description
26

27. • Second, certifications offered
through professional
organizations with continuing
education requirements as well as
a code of ethics (e.g., the NSCA’s
CSCS® credential; Appendix B)
are available to Strength &
Conditioning practitioners
interested in acquiring the
necessary competencies.
27

28. • Third, a Strength & Conditioning
practitioner’s knowledge and skill
development can be enhanced by
applying the “performance team”
concept (i.e. aligning a staff
comprised of qualified
professionals with interdependent
expertise and shared leadership
roles
28

29. • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists
(CSCS)are professionals who practically apply
foundational knowledge to assess, motivate, educate,
and train athletes for the primary goal of improving
sport performance. They conduct sport-specific testing
sessions, design and implement safe and effective
strength training and conditioning programs, and
provide guidance for athletes in nutrition and injury
prevention. Recognizing their area of expertise is
separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic,
athletic training, and sport coaching fields, Certified
Strength & Conditioning Specialists consult with and
refer athletes to these professionals when appropriate.
29

30. 30

31. 31

32. 32

33. 33

34. 34

35. 35

36. 36

37. • From the audience…………..From the audience…………..
• What other certification and/orWhat other certification and/or
training programs are youtraining programs are you
aware of for strength andaware of for strength and
conditioning coaches???conditioning coaches???
37

38. FacilitiesFacilities
• From the converted boiler room to theFrom the converted boiler room to the
stage to the cafeteria to convertedstage to the cafeteria to converted
classroom to a big, dark, dampclassroom to a big, dark, damp
basement to small, but true weightbasement to small, but true weight
training rooms to …………………training rooms to …………………
38

39. Lake Travis High School
39

40. 40

41. 41

42. Whether renovating orWhether renovating or
building new…………abuilding new…………a
number of key issuesnumber of key issues
• Strength training goalsStrength training goals
• Type of training to be usedType of training to be used
• Season prioritiesSeason priorities
• ParticipantsParticipants
• Usage scheduleUsage schedule
• Repairs/modificationsRepairs/modifications
• SafetySafety
42

43. Strength training goalsStrength training goals
• Refer back to your mission and visionRefer back to your mission and vision
– StrengthStrength
– ConditioningConditioning
– Rehabilitation of injuriesRehabilitation of injuries
– Maximization of performanceMaximization of performance
• This may determine……..This may determine……..
43

44. Type of training to be usedType of training to be used
• Free weightsFree weights
• MachinesMachines
• PlyometricsPlyometrics
• Treadmills and other cardio machinesTreadmills and other cardio machines
44

45. Season prioritiesSeason priorities
• In season sports?In season sports?
• Out of season sports?Out of season sports?
• The primary type and number ofThe primary type and number of
athletes in the facility during aathletes in the facility during a
particular season may forces changesparticular season may forces changes
to the equipment and/or layoutto the equipment and/or layout
45

46. ParticipantsParticipants
• Again, what sport(s) do theyAgain, what sport(s) do they
represent?represent?
• How many? Different sports willHow many? Different sports will
bring in different numbers.bring in different numbers.
• Age and maturity level, bothAge and maturity level, both
physically and mentallyphysically and mentally
46

47. Usage scheduleUsage schedule
• Hours per day, days per week, weeks per year
• Early morning hours (pre-school day)
• Lunch hours
• Post school day
• Weekends/holidays
• Summer
• May need to ‘stagger’ days for certain
teams/athletes
47

48. Repairs/modificationsRepairs/modifications
• Continual inspection of equipment/roomContinual inspection of equipment/room
and assessment of layoutand assessment of layout
• Check w/ manufacturer prior to modifyingCheck w/ manufacturer prior to modifying
any equipmentany equipment
– Liability and warranty issuesLiability and warranty issues
• Is the layout of the equipment maximizingIs the layout of the equipment maximizing
the space w/out sacrificing safety??the space w/out sacrificing safety??
48

49. SafetySafety
• Everything from the previous slideEverything from the previous slide
plus……….plus……….
• Record all daily/weekly inspections andRecord all daily/weekly inspections and
keep on filekeep on file
– Put all maintenance & repair requests inPut all maintenance & repair requests in
writingwriting
• File a report of any “issues” that takeFile a report of any “issues” that take
placeplace
49

50. Maximization &Maximization &
Utilization of SpaceUtilization of Space
How many different areas areHow many different areas are
needed?needed?
•Mechanized weight areaMechanized weight area
•Free weight areaFree weight area
•Cardiovascular areaCardiovascular area
•Stretching/warm-upStretching/warm-up
•Testing areaTesting area
•Others……..???Others……..???
50

51. Maximization &Maximization &
Utilization of SpaceUtilization of Space
• Some experts recommend a minimum
of 30 square feet per lifter up to a
maximum needed of 60 feet per lifter
• What will your maximum usage be at
any one time?
– 40 lifters x 30 = 1200 sq ft minimum
51

52. Maximization &Maximization &
Utilization of SpaceUtilization of Space
• Experts recommend minimum of 3
feet between machines/stations (from
maximum extension)
– 6 feet preferred
52

53. Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations
• Security
• Entrances & exits
• Mirrors
• Sound
• Flooring
• Electrical outlets
• Technology
• Climate control
– Esp. humidity
• Traffic flow
• Signage
• Storage
• Color of walls/ceiling
• Ceiling height
• Plumbing
– Restrooms
– Drinking fountains
• ADA accessibility
• Windows
53

54. Safety Issues (again)Safety Issues (again)
• The strength and conditioning facilityThe strength and conditioning facility
can/will be one of your biggestcan/will be one of your biggest
liability concernsliability concerns
• Poor inspection and maintenance canPoor inspection and maintenance can
most assuredly lead to injury andmost assuredly lead to injury and
potential litigationpotential litigation
– Records, records, recordsRecords, records, records
54

55. Supervision……..theSupervision……..the
primary piece of proactiveprimary piece of proactive
risk management in therisk management in the
weight roomweight room
55

56. Supervision issuesSupervision issues
• Access
– Locked facility?
• Lines of sight
• Spotters
• Horseplay
• Overcrowding
• Different levels lifters
and experience
• Emergency plans
– 911 call immediate?
– Evacuation
• Is the facility
“connected” to the
school PA system
56

57. Funding the ProgramFunding the Program
and/or Facilityand/or Facility
• The school district’sThe school district’s
facilities budget (willfacilities budget (will
need to politic andneed to politic and
justify)justify)
• Academic budgetAcademic budget
(PE classes)(PE classes)
• The athletes andThe athletes and
coachescoaches
• Booster clubBooster club
• GrantsGrants
• Naming rightsNaming rights
• Ex athletesEx athletes
• Partner w/Partner w/
communitycommunity
• University footballUniversity football
& strength training& strength training
programsprograms
57

58. • Any unique and/or successfulAny unique and/or successful
funding mechanisms from thefunding mechanisms from the
audience that you would like toaudience that you would like to
share ??share ??
58

59. The Actual ProgramThe Actual Program
• Which one to use…….there numerous choices!!
• Will we utilize a commercial program or develop
our own?
• Again, goes back to mission-vision-goals of the
department and the strength and conditioning
program
• This is why the strategic planning piece is so
important upfront. The philosophy and m-v-g of
the program is likely to drive the personnel and
facility issues and will certainly drive the
programmatic issues
59

60. ‘‘Canned’ ProgramsCanned’ Programs
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
(NCSA)
• Bigger, Faster, Stronger (BFS)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• International Sport Sciences Association (ISSA)
• American Fitness Professionals and Associates
(AFPA)
• Others, from the audience……………….
60

61. ‘‘Customized Programs’Customized Programs’
• Developed by your Strength & Conditioning
Coach in conjunction with your head sport
coaches
• Each sport coach has their own (what is their
expertise in this area?)
• PE teachers
• Local college and university personnel (not just
athletic department personnel)
61

62. Common Mistakes of HighCommon Mistakes of High
School StrengthSchool Strength
& Conditioning Programs& Conditioning Programs
1.1. Following the same program year round;Following the same program year round;
no varietyno variety
2.2. No In-Season Strength ProgramNo In-Season Strength Program
3.3. Following the latest fad from the internetFollowing the latest fad from the internet
or ‘muscle head’ magsor ‘muscle head’ mags
4.4. Improper Technique: emphasizingImproper Technique: emphasizing
quantity over qualityquantity over quality
62

63. Common Mistakes of HighCommon Mistakes of High
School StrengthSchool Strength
& Conditioning Programs& Conditioning Programs
5.5. No Emphasis on Functional StrengthNo Emphasis on Functional Strength
TrainingTraining
6.6. Neglecting to Train the Lower Back andNeglecting to Train the Lower Back and
Inner CoreInner Core
7.7. Lack of Proper ProgressionLack of Proper Progression
8.8. Lack ofLack of ProperProper Nutritional GuidanceNutritional Guidance
63

64. My Sincere Thank YouMy Sincere Thank You
• As we end, just a couple of
announcements…..
64

65. Leave your BusinessLeave your Business
CardCard
-or--or-
Take on of mineTake on of mine
• Please contact me if you or someone youPlease contact me if you or someone you
know has a special expertise in this areaknow has a special expertise in this area
and might want to contribute to LTC 627.and might want to contribute to LTC 627.
• Let me know if you would like a copy ofLet me know if you would like a copy of
this PowerPoint; Will be happy to email itthis PowerPoint; Will be happy to email it
to you.to you.
65

66. Scott J. SmithScott J. Smith
Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University
989-774-6525989-774-6525
scott.j.smith@cmich.eduscott.j.smith@cmich.edu
66