Profile of high school strength and conditioning coaches.

This study describes the results of a survey of high school strength and conditioning coaches (coaches). Thirty-nine of 128 (30.5%) coaches who were surveyed responded, representing 24 of the states of the United States. This survey examines the coaches' personal background information, compensation, job responsibilities, schools, facilities, the advantages and disadvantages of their positions, things they would like to change, and unique aspects of their program. The coaches averaged 6.74 and 14.89 years in their present positions and profession, respectively. All but one coach was certified, with 83% of the survey respondents certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. More than half of the coaches (54%) had master's degrees. Coaches worked an average of 9.13 hours a day, beginning and ending their work day on average at 7:34 and 5:07, am and pm, respectively. Coaches' salaries, normalized to a 12-month contract for comparison, averaged approximately 57,866 dollars and 55,214 dollars for those who were and were not part of the teacher's contract, respectively. Coaches who were not salaried were paid an average of $25.90 per hour. Coaches functioned in a variety of roles in their school in addition to their work as a strength and conditioning coach. The coaches' schools averaged approximately 1475 and 429 students and student athletes, respectively. The average strength and conditioning facility size was approximately 3631 ft, resulting in an average of 9.92 ft per athlete. Daily use averaged approximately 192 students. Coaches described the types of equipment and a variety of other facilities used to train athletes. Coaches also reported the advantages, disadvantages, and unique aspects of their work in high school strength and conditioning. Thirty-three of 39 coaches desired to continue as a high school strength and conditioning coach. A variety of other data are described. This study serves as a comprehensive source of information about high school coaches' profiles and positions.

Strength and conditioning practices of United States high school strength and conditioning coaches.

This study describes the results of a survey of the practices of high school strength and conditioning (HS S&C) coaches. Thirty-eight of 128 (29.7%) HS S&C coaches, who were surveyed, responded. This survey examines background information, physical testing, flexibility development, speed development, agility development, plyometrics, strength/power development and program design, nutrition, and injury frequency. High school strength and conditioning coaches average 14.78 years in the profession, and 89% of the survey respondents were certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Coaches assess an average of 5.83 different parameters of fitness, with strength as well as power being the most common parameters assessed. Coaches tested an average of 3.86 times a year with an average of 8.51 specific tests per testing session. All HS S&C coaches used a variety of flexibility development strategies using dynamic stretching more frequently than static. Thirty-six of 38 (95%) coaches follow a periodization model, 37 of 38 (97.4%) coaches indicated that their athletes used Olympic-style lifts, and 37 of 37 (100%) coaches responding to this question used plyometric training with their athletes. The squat and its variations, as well as the Olympic-style lifts and its variations, were most frequently identified as the most important exercises prescribed. All coaches use speed development and agility training strategies with their athletes. This survey examined a variety of other practices and provides detailed information about these practices at the high school level. Coaches are encouraged to review the strength and conditioning practices described in this survey and identify and implement the ideas that may improve their practices.