Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

The strength and conditioning (S&C) industry can appear as a saturated market: there is a lack of balance between supply and demand of S&C coaches, with the former outweighing the latter. Job descriptions may be an effective tool for aspiring coaches to identify what current skill sets employers are looking for, in particular those deemed essential, but also those deemed desirable and potentially providing a competitive edge. However, it should be acknowledged that job descriptions can vary greatly with the information they provide with regards to qualifications, experience, and skill sets they expect from the applicant. This may make it unclear for new coaches aiming to work within the industry and provide little direction as to how they can best enhance their resumé with at least the minimal standards required to acquire a paid position. In addition, this ambiguity may also affect existing practitioners looking to move occupations, and those looking to climb the leadership ladder. This paper provides S&C coaches with an insight into the minimal requirements currently needed to gain employment and progress to more senior positions. Over 50 job descriptions for paid work were reviewed, with 37% asking for one to two years’ experience and the same amount not stating a minimum requirement, thus generating some uncertainty around the practical experience employers seek. Conversely, from an academic point of view, it was highlighted that a bachelor’s degree (BSc/BA) (73%) and an NSCA CSCS (45%) or UKSCA ASCC (24%) certification was deemed as essential for most roles. This paper gives new and existing S&C coaches an overview of the basic minimal standards that employers generally require, and we hope this will help coaches to align their resumé and development in line with these requirements.

Source Publication

Professional Strength and Conditioning

First Page

07

Last Page

17

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