POWERLINE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
Strength and conditioning coaches must have a background in exercise science and stay current on the latest research.
Perspectives On Strength & Conditioning: A Multi-Faceted Profession
Professional development and networking is key to personal success
By Ken Mannie, Head Strength/Conditioning Coach, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.
T 10
he job titles are varied, diverse and refl ective of the transformation and path of specialization the profes- sion has undertaken. However, whether the title is
in the vein of “director of sports performance” or simply “strength and conditioning,” the duties and responsibilities of the position are broad in scope and substance. The profession has evolved to its current stage of encom-
passing not only the requirements of solid scientifi c acu- men in the structure and function of the human systems and the processes for their development, but also into the realm of respected roles in leadership and mentorship for young people. The latter are obligations that the truly dedicated and committed strength and conditioning coaches embrace with enthusiasm. I receive several inquires daily on all of the following: Academic requirements for getting into the strength and conditioning fi eld and availability of full-time, graduate
May/June 2013
assistants, paid internships, unpaid/academic internships or volunteering. It seems that the number of young people gravitating to the profession is increasing at a rapid rate each year. In light of this, I thought it might be helpful to students
and current coaches who are contemplating strength and conditioning as a profession at the high school, collegiate or professional levels, to expound on some personal perspec- tives on this career path. Additionally, administrators who are looking to fi ll such a position will glean some helpful information to assist in their search.
Academic Background The most important variable that ultimately validated
strength and conditioning as a true profession, as opposed to a part-time occupation for those with personal or com- petitive experience as lifters or trainees, is the academic dis- cipline that is now woven into the title. This wasn’t always the case, as there was a period during the genesis of this fi eld when the individuals who had the best bench press, squat or power clean—and the trophies on their mantels to prove it—were systematically ordained as strength coaches. One’s personal prowess as an athlete or competitive lifter
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