Survey of Utah High School Football Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Abstract

Strength and conditioning coaches have become a vital part of sport programs. The majority of college and professional teams have one or more strength and conditioning coaches on their staff. Currently there is limited information on the profile of high school strength and conditioning coaches. This study provides a profile, which can be used by state athletic associations, school districts, athletic directors, and head coaches, to determine the desired criteria for high school strength and conditioning coaches. This study also provides future coaches with a guide to help them become appealing candidates for positions as high school strength and conditioning coaches. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the individual responsible for designing and implementing the football strength and conditioning programs in Utah high schools and provide a profile of the coach and the program. METHODS: The participants were high school football strength and conditioning coaches in the state of Utah. Participants were asked to complete an online survey. RESULTS: Thirty-six percent (36/100) of the surveys were completed and useable for the study. Eighty seven percent of the respondents identified the strength and conditioning coach as their secondary position in the football program. All (n = 36) of the respondents held at least a Bachelor degree and a majority (61.1%) held a graduate degree. Physical Education was the most widely reported major in undergraduate degrees, while the majority of graduate degrees were in areas outside of the physical education/exercise field (63.6%). A total of 64.5% of the respondents did not hold a strength and conditioning certification. Strength and conditioning experience ranged from 30 to 2 years among respondents. CONCLUSION: Within the parameters of this study, a profile of the coaches and the respective strength and conditioning programs has been provided. The data culled during this study is inconclusive with respect to the preparation of coaches and administration of strength and conditioning protocols with respect to team wins and losses.