Strength and conditioning, still being a relatively new field (and controversial) will come with challenges, many of which will be faced with the athletics administration. Coming to a resolution and finding common ground is extremely important to the growth and progression of the strength and conditioning coach’s program and career also, the expansion of the industry. This has to be done through careful planning, outlining a budget and implementation of: strength and conditioning philosophy scientifically backed data, strength and conditioning program planning, creating short term and long term goals and objectives.
Funding, budgeting, requests for new equipment, renovation, hiring additional staff members, will all be a challenge to have granted by the athletics department. Presenting your personal or department’s strength and conditioning philosophy, scientific data to provide proof that your techniques and philosophies work (injury prevention, increased longevity, and improved athletic performance). Inform the Administrative body that by running the strength and conditioning program according to your philosophy and outlined goals all of your needs and goals will be met and thus, the will be a successful athletics program.
This should all be outlined in short term and long term plans complete with budgeting for: equipment, educational materials, staff, needs, insurance and so on . Everything you provide/choose to have included as part of your program should have specific reason for being chosen, used or implemented and show a direct correlation to the success and safety of the athletes; saving the school money (reduce injury rate leads to less money spent in insurance). When all these are presented together professionally and intelligently if will help insure the growth of your department and career.
Achieving and maintaining program goals (short and long term goals) is important to the personal success and the growth of the strength and conditioning industry. Belonging to young industry strength and conditioning coaches must be part of a movement to prove the effectiveness of strength and conditioning program planning, testing and injury screening and can only be proven through the success by applying our philosophy, testing and program planning. Continuing to grow, learn and to achieve success is the best way to overcome administrative obstacles.