IUSCA Sports Performance and S&C Education Guide 2022

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Education is an Investment

An investment is something that we hope will yield a profit in the long term. It is something that we expect to increase in value and deliver to us greater returns than we initially put in.

An obvious example is with regards to finance, where we invest in a pension, or stocks/ shares, and whatever amount of money we initially invest, we hope will return a larger sum of money later.

But our investments often go far deeper than a purely financial return.

For example, we may be interested in improved social benefits, security, health, or happiness.

By investing wisely in certain aspects of our lives, we can hope to attain some of these benefits. Indeed, investment is a common feature of human activity.

Whereas most animals consume calories in rough proportion to their production, humans are different. By the age of 15, chimpanzees have produced about 40% and consumed about 40% of the calories they will need during their entire lives.

In comparison, humans at the same age will have consumed about 20% of their lifetime calories but produced just 4%.

Education is one of these examples of investment, where the knowledge gained early in life can be applied and implemented into many scenarios, resulting in numerous future rewards and benefits.

On a large scale, it has been shown that education and economic growth are highly correlated, with each additional year of enrolment in school showing increases in per capita GDP.

And for our generation, the opportunities for education are greater than ever. At our fingertips, on our mobile devices, we have access to every book ever written, every piece of research ever produced, and countless podcasts, tutorials, and seminars by world leading experts.

Much of this can be accessed for free, or for just a small price. It simply requires our time and effort.

A more traditional form of education is perhaps the university.

Here, a good course will have been designed for you, leading you on a path to greater understanding and expertise in your chosen subject.

You will also have access to hands-on learning opportunities in laboratories and be able to

utilise a variety of equipment and technology.

Good degree programs will also offer work placements and internships, which may in turn open other doors and avenues.

Despite the upfront cost of university education, the statistics speak for themselves.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017 shows that, on average, a university graduate earns 64% more per week than someone with just a high school diploma. Someone with a master’s degree

earns over 90% more.

There is of course no guarantee of employment when completing a degree, but a good course should give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to put you in a strong position to compete for a desirable job.

Accreditation’s and certifications are further benchmarks to achieve to aid in this process, and good degrees may have these embedded within their frameworks.

In this regard, good universities

offer the best opportunity to obtain the knowledge, experience, and certification required to succeed in a given profession.

Of course, certain degrees will yield greater returns, and it is prudent to do your research and to choose wisely when it comes to selecting a course and a university.

But investment in education is one of the wisest investments you can make.

Facility Buyers’

Strength and Conditioning is a rewarding yet extremely competitive profession. Working alongside elite athletes in world-class performance environments is seen as a highly desirable career. However, since there are so many people eager to work in this sector, job opportunities are hard to come by, and you will need an extensive range of knowledge, qualifications, and experience.

OVERVIEW OF PATHWAYS

There are a range of pathways available for aspiring coaches to enter the S&C/Sports Performance profession.

In general, this involves the acquisition of a degree in a relevant subject area and significant practical experience.

There is no set ‘one-routefits-all’ approach for someone aspiring to be an S&C professional.

Historically, there have been former athletes who have decided to assist within the S&C department and then take some vocational

That is one route. Another route has been for a student to obtain a degree in Sport Science or S&C and then try to obtain work placements and internships.

Some people instead begin with a career in personal training, or perhaps physiotherapy or teaching, and then decide to transition into S&C by gaining experience and obtaining vocational awards.

Whatever the route, the commonalities are some level of formal education/ qualification along with practical experience in the field.

Traditionally, a degree has been the obvious route for the sufficient acquisition of scientific knowledge and understanding of the principles of S&C.

Before the modern creation of S&C specific degrees, this often meant a degree in biology, physiology, or exercise science etc.

The principles of science should play a major role

in the knowledge and application of the S&C practitioner.

Objective facts about the human body and consequences of forces allow us to make informed decisions about exercise selection and programming.

Furthermore, the principles of science – logic, rationality, and reason, allow us to weigh up evidence, analyse data, and evaluate our practice.

Modern S&C specific degrees inevitably focus less on the primary scientific principles, in order to look at applied aspects, but hopefully they still emphasise and encourage these principles, including the use of evidence and sceptical enquiry.

The common criticism of degree courses for S&C is that they lack the real-world application of knowledge and practical experience needed to be an effective S&C practitioner.

However, many courses now embed placement modules and have excellent links with

local organisations to aid students in achieving this hands-on experience.

Institutions that have obtained IUSCA Degree Accreditation have demonstrated that they embed a significant amount of practical experience within the course, so that by the end of the degree, a student can have obtained at least 750 hours of practical experience.

Vocational qualifications exist in the sports coaching/ personal training/S&C practitioner field in order

to ensure that minimum standards are met in terms of safeguarding, health and safety, and an understanding of key principles.

From a liability perspective, organisations will insist on some level of certification being obtained, but usually (at least in full time positions), they will also require a degree in related area.

On paper this makes sense, as the principles of science are extremely useful for the S&C practitioner as previously discussed, and it is assumed

the degree course will have developed these qualities.

A decade ago, a student would need to actively seek out these additional vocational qualifications alongside their degree course in order to meet industry standards.

However, many degree courses now either embed, or facilitate, the inclusion of various vocational qualifications within their courses.

UNIVERSITY DEGREE

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

An excellent example of this is the International Qualification Framework (IQF), which gives universities the opportunity to develop a comprehensive pathway for student coaches, giving them the best opportunity to be industry ready upon graduation.

The IQF is also a great tool for students and coaches to use in order to determine what level of qualificaiton or course is appropriate for them, and to navigate a successful route into various job roles.

Please see the section covering the IQF in more detail later in the guide.

VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Vocational qualification or certifications are seen as ‘industry standards’ upon which people can be assessed and have their competencies verified.

In many instances, the major benefit of this to organisations is to ensure that health and safety standards are met, and minimum requirements are ensured regarding knowledge and ability.

This of course is a major consideration for organisations when undertaking risk assessments and covering

themselves from a liability perspective.

Typically, the breadth and depth of knowledge undertaken during a vocational qualification is less than obtained during an entire degree course, or through the completion of a long-term internship.

However, it should adequately upskill an individual with the basic competencies required at various levels and ideally ensure some practical abilities necessary for the workplace.

Vocational qualifications are usually set at different levels of attainment, from entry-level, basic skillset, to advanced level understanding.

This includes various accreditations, or higher level certifications such as the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), the UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCC), the ASCA L2/L3, and IUSCA Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP).

This can often be confusing as different organisations and countries use different gradings for the various levels of award.

However, there are some systems that now look at equivalencies across the different awarding bodies and assign standardised criteria accordingly.

In S&C, the most comprehensive version of this is the International Qualification Framework.

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK (IQF)

The IQF has been developed to standardise the levels of competencies and achievement of various qualifications and certifications around the world.

These are rated on a scale of 1-8, where Level 1 indicates general, foundational learning, and Level 8 is regarded as Doctorate Level.

In between, there are the various levels comparable to formal education pathways such as high school and university.

For instance, the Level 2 is generally accepted as the minimum entry level requirement from a H&S perspective.

Level 3 is the minimum required standard for individuals to work unsupervised as a coach, and Level 6 is a degree

level endorsement certifying a high level of understanding and application of knowledge.

Within this framework, there is also a consideration for the breadth of knowledge.

For example, a ‘certificate’ designates at least 120 hours of learning, whereas a ‘diploma’ indicates at least 480 hours of learning.

There are also various ‘professional development’ courses of shorter duration.

The IUSCA uses standardised course levels, rated on the International Qualification Framework (IQF), to ensure that stakeholders understand the requirements and competencies of suitably qualified individuals.

The IQF is designed to

provide understanding and transparency of the equivalent levels of education provided by different organisations.

This is a standardised system that allows for the transfer of qualifications between different countries and governing bodies.

For further information regarding each IQF Level, please refer to the corresponding Table of Competencies, which details the level of understanding at each IQF stage.

BECOMING A S&C PRACTITIONER

UNIVERSITIES

Universities are an excellent formal pathway for the development of higher level knowledge and understanding.

Universities should be able to offer a structured learning environment, with access to exceptional resources, equipment and facilities.

A major benefit of the university pathway is the potential development of the underlying scientific principles required within S&C.

This can be achieved through a variety of courses, such as Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Science, or Exercise Physiology etc. It may also be appropriate to study more general subject areas such as Biology, with a later specialisation in S&C.

However, many universities now offer highly specialised degrees in S&C or Performance Sport, which may be viewed as ‘fast-track’ routes into the profession.

These specialist degrees often do not have the breadth and depth of scientific underpinning as a more general science degree, but come with the benefit of applied principles and hopefully significant practical experience embedded within the course.

When choosing a degree course you should look into the facilities and equipment available to you, as well as the teaching credentials of key staff.

You should also be interested in how much hands-on time you get in a lab setting and also whether there are opportunities for practical experience.

Many courses now have embedded placements within the degree and have excellent links with professional organisations to carry out internships and work experience.

Also look out for Degree Accredited courses by the

IUSCA. These ensure that degrees have met stringent criteria in terms of scientific underpinning and access to quality facilities and resources.

Accredited Degrees will also have demonstrated that they have significant practical hours embedded within the course, allowing students the opportunity to gain 750 hours of experience and graduate as an Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP).

aISCP’s will have:

- The ability to utilise scientific thinking in a variety of contexts

- Breadth and depth of knowledge within S&C

- The ability to write and communicate with clarity and effectiveness

- Demonstrated technical abilities

- Significant experience as a practitioner (750 hours)

- The ability to review and evaluate their own and others’ practice and performance.

United Kingdom S&C Degrees

The UK pathway generally involves 3 years of study for an undergradate degree. The following institutions offer degree courses in S&C:

University of Lincoln Abertay University

Staffordshire University Plymouth Marjon University

Leeds Trinity University

UCLAN

University of Derby University of Bedfordshire University College Birmingham

Anglia Ruskin University

Buckinghamshire New University Cardiff Metropolitan University

Middlesex University Moulton College

St Mary’s University

University of Northampton University of Salford University of South Wales University of Suffolk University of Winchester University of Wolverhampton

UK Sport and Exercise Science

IUSCA Degree Accreditation

Accreditation by the IUSCA recognises and supports the advancement of skills and education in Strength and Conditioning (S&C). Benefits of Degree Accreditaiton Include:

Independent Quality Assurance

Degree Accredited institutions have demonstrated their ability to educate students to a high level, ensuring that graduates meet industry professional standards.

Confirmation of graduates meeting industry standards

IUSCA Degree Accreditation gives confidence to employers that graduates meet their needs within a competitive sector.

Immediate employability for graduates

Graduates are able to be awarded Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) status. This is the highest level of degree embedded certification available in S&C. There is also the opportunity to embed IQF Level 2 and Level 4 certifications within the degree course.

International recognition

IUSCA Degree programs place themselves amongst the worlds most recognisable within S&C and sports performance.

Enhanced recruitment potential

IUSCA Degree programs have seen an increase in applications by 31%.

Increase in student satisfaction and performance

IUSCA Degree Accredited programs have noted an 11% increase in student satisfaction and a 14% increase in student attainment levels. In addition to this, the IUSCA offers enhanced links with professional organisations and has an extensive international network of professional partners.

Accredited Degreee status can be granted to BSc (hons) and MSc degrees in the UK, or BS and MS degrees in the USA, or equivalent depending on the awarding country.

A specialised S&C degree course may be easier to align and achieve all of the accreditation criteria, however, IUSCA Degree Accreditation is appropriate any Sport Science, Exercise Science, or other related course.

To find out more about IUSCA Degree Accreditation, please visit www.iusca.org/degree-accreditation

LETS EXPLORE

USA Exercise Science Degrees

The USA pathway is different to the UK in that degrees are generally 4 years in length. Often you will not necessarily have a ‘major’ in your first year of study and you will take a broader range of classes/subjects. As you progress, you will then declare your major, focussing on certain classes within that specific pathway. The IUSCA is now Accrediting institutions in the US, so that is worth considering in future years.

Castleton University

Options in the US include:

Western Illinois University (IUSCA Accredited)

Colorado Mesa University Lewis-Clark State College

Lake Superior State University

Missouri Southern State University

Dickinson State University

Central State University

University of Pittsburgh Lander University

University of South Carolina

West Liberty University Georgia Gwinnett College

Arizona State University University of Arkansas Colorado State University University of Connecticut University of Delaware

Florida International University University of South Florida Georgia State University University of Georgia

University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Illinois

Indiana UniversityBloomington

Iowa State University

University of Iowa

University of Kansas

University of Kentucky University of Louisville

University of MarylandCollege Park

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Michigan State University

Wayne State University

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

University of Mississippi University of NebraskaLincoln

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

University at Buffalo University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Cincinnati

Ohio State University

University of Oklahoma

Oregon State University

Temple University

The University of Tennessee

University of Houston

University of North Texas

Texas A & M University

The University of Texas Texas Tech University

USA Exercise Science cont...

Texas Tech University

University of Utah

George Mason University

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Washington State University

West Virginia University

University of WisconsinMadison University of WisconsinMilwaukee Purdue University

The University of Alabama

Northern Arizona University

San Diego State University

University of Northern Colorado Florida Atlantic University University of Idaho

Illinois State University

Southern Illinois University

Ball State University

Indiana University-Purdue Central Michigan University Michigan Technological University Western Michigan University Mississippi State University University of Southern Mississippi Montana State University University of Nevada-Las Vegas University of New Hampshire New Mexico State University

East Carolina University University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of North Dakota North Dakota State University

Cleveland State University

Kent State University

Miami University-Oxford

University of Toledo

Oklahoma State UniversityMain Campus

University of Rhode Island South Dakota State University

University of South Dakota University of Memphis

Texas A & M UniversityCommerce

Texas State University

The University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Utah State University University of Vermont

Old Dominion University

University of Wyoming

University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

Augusta University

San Francisco State University

The University of West Florida

Georgia Southern University

Boise State University

Indiana State University

Louisiana Tech University

University of Louisiana at Monroe University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Morgan State University

Eastern Michigan University

Oakland University

University of Nebraska at Omaha Montclair State University Wright State University-Main Campus

East Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University

Texas A & M University-

Lamar University

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Sam Houston State University Texas A & M University

Texas Southern University Kennesaw State University

Alabama A & M University

Auburn University

University of West Alabama University of North Alabama University of Alaska Arkansas State University University of Central Arkansas California State UniversityStanislaus

California State UniversityChico

California State University-Los Angeles

Adams State University University of Colorado

Central Connecticut State University

Western Illinois University *more not listed.

LETS EXPLORE

Postgraduate Degrees

Completing a Master’s degree has now become almost a necessity for entering the S&C profession. Undergraduate degree’s have become so common, that in order for employers to attempt to shortlist suitable candidates, they generally now also ask for a postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate degrees offer an excellent opportunity for enhanced learning and education. This allows for a higher specialisation in S&C, particularly if the undergraduate degree was more broad in nature.

Again, there should be outstanding access to facilities, equipment and resources, as well as opportunities to engage in research and practical experience.

The IUSCA is also able to Accredit Postgraduate degrees, which gives a seal-of-approval for the inclusion of excellent scientific and practical aspects of S&C.

Options

Cardiff Metropolitan

Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT)

Leeds Beckett University

Limerick Insitute of

Sheffield Hallam University

St Mary’s University Twickenham

Teesside University University Centre Hartpury

University of Bedfordshire University of Brighton University of Central Lancashire

University of Chester University of Chichester University of Edinburgh

University of Gloucestershire University of Greenwich University of Northampton University of Salford University of South Wales York St John University

LUNEX University

Auckland University of Technology Liberty University University of South Florida Arizona State University

Arkansas Tech University Auburn University

California State University Florida State University

Sacred Heart University

University of Colorado Victoria University

Edith Cowen University

Deakin University

University of Southern Queensland *many not listed

LETS

Worldwide Options

The Australian/New Zealand pathway is generally similar to the UK. Outside of the UK and US, this region offer the best range of S&C degrees or degrees in Sport Science. However, several universities throughout Europe and the rest of the world are starting to implement courses in this field.

Here are some options to consider throughout the rest of the world:

University of British Colombia Karolinska Institute

LUNEX University University of Copenhagen University of Queensland University of Sao Paolo University of Alberta University of Toronto University of Sydney McMaster University Catholic University of Leuven

RMIT University

Maastrict University

University of Jyvaskyla Western University

Queens University

University of Western Australia Deakin University

University of Grenada

University of Ottawa University of Melbourne Ghent University

University of Southern Denmark

Sao Paolo State University

Federal University of Sao Paolo Lund University Free University Amsterdam

University of Waterloo

Norwegian University of Science and Technology University of Tsukuba University of Porto University of Calgary University of Otago

Laval University

Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

Erasmus University Rotterdam

University of South Australia University of Montreal University of Wollongong University of Gothenburg

Utrecht University University of Helsinki McGill University

State University of Campinas

Auckland Unitversity of Technology

University of Auckland University of Otago Massey University

Federation University

Bond University

La Trobe University *many not listed

LUNEX University

How does the human body and mind respond to training and physical activity?

Which factors have an impact on health and performance?

Explore these questions in our bachelor’s programme in Sport and Exercise Science.

As a Bachelor graduate you can make a significant contribution to society through teaching and coaching in addition to health and human performance research.

During your bachelor’s degree you will explore all these subjects by studying the body’s systems, their respective control and the effects of exercise and training.

In your last year of study, you will have the opportunity to gain more specialised knowledge either in Coaching and Physical Education or Sport Management.

Become an expert in Sport and Exercise Science – well equipped to work in a variety of settings and situations.

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University, voted “Best Midwestern University” for 17 straight years, has become the first institution in the USA to obtain Degree Accreditation from the IUSCA.

“Western Illinois University is honored to be the very first IUSCA Accredited program in the USA. The rapidly and ever-changing world of performance training requires a responsive and comprehensive curriculum. WIU’s Exercise Science program has always worked hard to be

a highly competitive and comprehensive program and the IUSCA Accreditation was the right move for our students.” Said Dr. Timothy J. Piper, Assistant Professor & Program Director for Exercise Science.

With outstanding facilities, laboratories and teaching, WIU offers a comprehensive learning environment for students to flourish.

Students will now also be able to graduate with aISCP status.

www.wiu.edu

Heriot-Watt University

We have launched a new degree in Sport and Exercise Science for 2022.

Our Sports and Exercise Science undergraduate degree combines cutting edge teaching with worldleading sports performance facilities – Oriam.

Study, play and grow; this flexible degree will ensure you are ready to achieve the sporting career you are looking for.

Studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences at Heriot-Watt, a mix of core and optional modules enables

you to explore traditional sport, exercise and health science disciplines.

This programme comprises a core of sport and exercise science with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and well-being, such as biology, nutrition, physiology, and psychology.

These themes are developed together throughout the programme, with some flexibility in programme structure and design, according to your interests or career aspirations.

University of Lincoln

This degree offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in applied strength and conditioning, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition.

It aims to prepare students to provide strength and conditioning support to athletes, and work in the University’s Strength and Conditioning Clinic.

A number of professional qualifications are integrated into the curriculum that

students may choose to undertake alongside their degree at an additional cost. These include Gym Instruction, Personal Training, and Exercise Referral.

“We are very proud to have the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport accredited by the IUSCA. The opportunity for students to work towards the aISCP status provides a tangible industry qualification that evidences academic achievement and a depth of recorded practical experience.”

www.lincoln.ac.uk

Abertay University

Abertay’s Strength and Conditioning degree enables students to utilise scientific thinking in a variety of contexts and provides a breadth and depth of knowledge of S&C as well as experience working as a practitioner.

Upon graduation students are able to apply for personal accreditation with IUSCA to show they developed their skills on an accredited course.

Students who have studied S&C at Abertay University

University of Greenwich

Explore the role of strength and conditioning as one of the most effective tools to improve health and performance with a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning.

Our unique MSc Strength and Conditioning integrates the essential aspects of injury prevention with sports nutrition and physical preparation.

We emphasise the area of exercise for health, preparing our students to work within the health system.

Students are taught by specialist staff in the Centre for Sports Science and Medicine in Sport and Exercise, with support from internationally recognised visiting professionals.

You’ll gain subject-specific knowledge, enhanced practical and professional skills, and a critical awareness of advances at the forefront of strength and conditioning studies.

www.gre.ac.uk

have gone on to work in a variety of roles in amateur and professional sports.

Many have also gone on to become S&C practitioners across a range of other sectors including healthcare and working with the elderly.

Programme Leader Dr John Malone said “we are delighted to have successfully obtained accreditation for our BSc (Hons.) Strength and Conditioning programme through the IUSCA.”

www.abertay.ac.uk

PLACEMENTS & INTERNSHIPS

Being a competent S&C practitioner requires not only academic knowledge and scientific underpinning, but also extensive practical experience.

This is because S&C is a combination of science and art. It requires the application of knowledge in unique and ever-changing situations and environments.

In addition, S&C involves

working with people, and as we know, different personality types respond better to different coaching styles and interactions. These ‘people skills’ along with the ability to adapt to different situations, can only be developed through many hours of practical experience.

As previously mentioned, universities have generally done a good job in ensuring

that some hours are obtained in a lab or S&C setting, along with perhaps embedding a module of required placement experience.

This will go some way to achieving a good amount of practical experience, but inevitably, in order to excel and flourish as a practitioner, it will be beneficial to obtain extra hours of experience in other settings and environments.

This could be through volunteering at local clubs and organisations, or even by supporting friends and colleagues with their training. If possible, you may also be able to obtain more formal internships and placements.

The benefits of these being that well-structured internships should have a robust education component and result in significant development of the practitioner by the end of the experience.

You can often find suitable internships and placements through social media or through online job adverts, or even by being proactive and contacting organisations personally.

There is some thought that voluntary internships or placements are exploitative, but they are also perhaps the inevitable consequence of a competitive industry.

And while it may be the case that some ‘internships’ are poorly structured, or used as an excuse to obtain free labour, a good internship should offer exceptional educational value to a developing practitioner.

The IUSCA currently coordinates a flagship global volunteer program that enables excellent students from UK universities the opportunity to volunteer at NCAA Division 1 partners in the USA.

“I learnt more in 7 weeks than I did in 3 years at university. What an opportunity to be part of an elite sport environment”

INFORMAL EDUCATION

We live in an age when an almost infinite amount of information is available at the click of a button, for free.

All of the scientific literature and considerable education resources regarding sport science and S&C is available online. The caveat to this is that you need to know where to find it.

There is also a lot of poorquality information and opinion to be found online. The challenge for a developing practitioner is how to discriminate between the good and bad material, and also how to determine a quality developmental pathway for themselves.

Perhaps the best use of the informal education pathway is to use it to supplement formal learning and development.

A good tip is to start with quality peer-reviewed academic research. You will

soon find common themes and leading authors within the field, or a given area. Within S&C, some of the leading journals are 1,2,3.

Unfortunately, most of these are paywalled (although there are ways to obtain feefree access). If possible, look out for open access journals, and in particular Diamond Open Access journals, which do not charge people to read, submit, or publish research. An example is the IJSC.

The knowledge developed from this foundation of scientific literature should then help you discriminate between good and bad information elsewhere on the internet, such as on YouTube and through podcasts.

Some good options to start with podcasts and webinars are through Sportsmith and the IUSCA who deliver regular free webinars featuring leading names in the profession.

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With one matchbox size sensor and the V2 iOS or Android Capture app you can quantify and track: VBT, Jumps, Contact and Air

times (travelling plyos and sprints), Reactive Strength Index, Nordics, Flexibility, Angular velocity based training, Slams, swings and throws (med balls, kettlebells and landmines), Wellness, Balance and Stability.

The system also has seamless cloud integration which works on any web browser. Output hub makes monitoring, analysis, reporting and communicating simple with features such as: •Customisable readiness

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Having launched in 2020, the system is now used in over 25 countries with the community spanning Universities, prosport, performance facilities, schools, grassroots sports and gyms and clinics. If you’d like to learn more, go to outputsports. com or follow @outputsports on social media.

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FORCE PLATES

Force Plates are an important technological tool used in S&C and sports performance.

Most professional teams and elite organisations utilise force plates for testing and training purposes.

This allows for accurate assessments of force in a variety of movements and performance settings.

When considering a university course, you should enquire whether you will have the opportunity to work with force plates.

This will often be in a ‘lab’ environment, although some universities may also have force plate integration within the high performance facilities.

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LETS EXPLORE

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

As an applied science, S&C is constantly adapting and adjusting as new evidence emerges.

It is therefore essential that practitioners constantly seek to update their knowledge and skills.

This is also important from a health and safety (H&S) and liability perspective.

CPD can be achieved through informal pathways, as mentioned earlier, but should also be ensured through formal courses as well, such as through the regular completion of H&S and CPR modules.

Some popular choices for CPD are:

EXOS, Altis, LTAD Network Science for Sport, and UK Coaching

Other opportunities are often available within sport NGB’s.

The IUSCA also has a range of CPD courses available to it’s members.

These can be completed on an ad-hoc basis, or through the purchase of a Platinum Membership, practitioners can obtain unlimited access to these courses.

Accredited Members are also able to access these for free. This is great, as the maintenance of a comprehensive practitioner portfolio is an essential requirement for the aISCP. This portfolio should contain all of your programming, periodised plans, test data and analyses, and also reviews and reflective practice.

This portfolio then serves as an excellent tool for CPD purposes, as well as being an outstanding resource to demonstrate competence to future employers.

TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION

Sport science is rapidly evolving through enhanced research and technology.

Currently, there are many devices that track both intrinsic and extrinsic metrics regarding athlete health and performance.

Many software platforms integrate with wearable technology and activity monitors that track training and match day data. However, coaches also need to be aware of how their athletes are recovering outside of training hours.

On-wrist wearables are popular among athletes and continuously measure data throughout the entire day and night. TeamBuildr is the first platform to connect with your athletes’ wearables!

Some of these on-wrist wearables include Garmin, Whoop, Apple Watch, Polar, Oura, and more. This integration will work with any device that connects

information to Apple Health Kit or Google Fit.

Athletes will receive a daily exertion score based on multiple health metrics. This score is a summation of time spent in various heart rate percentage zones. This is then filtered into an equation to give the athlete an exertion score between 0-10.

After 7 days, that score will be supplied with a new weight based on the comparison to their variation over the previous 7 days of activity.

In the near future, we are implementing a biometric dashboard for coaches to view all user information that is collected.

This will allow coaches to make informed training decisions based on team or individual athlete scores. TeamBuildr is looking into HRV as a means to develop a recovery score for each individual as well as a readiness score based on the exertion and recovery scores..