SOURCE: National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association announces new guidelines on the safe return to training for athletes following the current COVID-19 pandemic. The NSCA’s COVID-19 Return to Training Taskforce has created a guiding document and checklist as resources for strength and conditioning professionals who are part of the organizational planning process at their various institutions and places of business.
Youth, academic, and professional sport institutions in the U.S. have suspended play, as well as structured in-season and off-season training for all sports, resulting in an uncertain future landscape as it relates to the training practices for strength and conditioning coaches. Possible return to training outcomes for coaches and athletes include:
- Modified and/or condensed pre-season schedules
- Extreme deconditioning, or mixed levels of preparation among teammates following extended time off
- Increased risks of injury and overtraining
- Adverse weight gain, weight loss, and changes to body composition
- Slowed or interrupted progress with individual rehabilitation programs
- Facility and program challenges related to ongoing fears and social distancing
The purpose of the guiding document is to compile and summarize pertinent information to support safe and appropriate training practices with teams, athletes, and clients during the expected transition period back to full training activity. The information included is to be applied in accordance with institutional policies, as well as the latest local, state, and federal guidelines related to the containment and prevention of COVID-19. It is also important to note that the overall risks for athletes following periods of inactivity extend beyond the scope of preventative measures against the spread of COVID-19. The document includes both COVID-19 prevention and inactivity related guidelines and resources for strength and conditioning coaches upon returning to partial or full training activity.
The document and checklist can be found at here and are free and open to the public.
About the National Strength & Conditioning Association
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning and sport science professions around the world.
The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning and sports science professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. The organization disseminates research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 60,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, tactical facilitators, and other roles in related fields.
