NSCA.COM
2014 NSCA ELECTION
PRESIDENT-ELECT
GREG HAFF, PHD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA
NSCA needs to further develop a tierbased system of accreditation/certification
for strength coaches and personal trainers
in order to allow for a professional
progression process.
With the global issues related to doping
in sport, the NSCA needs to take a
leadership role by developing education
materials in conjunction with the major
anti-doping agencies in order to promote
sound training and sports nutrition
practices. A key step in this process
would be to develop an accreditation for
sport scientists, one that ensures that
sport scientists are properly trained and
are held accountable for their actions.
With the advent of strength coaches
who work a dual role as both a strength
coach and a sport scientist within many
college and professional sports teams in
the United States, I believe it is essential
that we develop programs to support and
recognize this newly targeted market. The
strength scientist, as it is often termed, is
a very key area of development within the
sporting world. To develop this area the
NSCA can learn from our collaborations
with organizations in other countries such
as the United Kingdom and Australia where
sport scientists have traditionally played
larger roles in professional and Olympic
sports.
With the advent of modern technologies,
the ability to interact, communicate, and
learn from people from around the world
has become much easier. Because of the
overall ease with which we can globalize
the profession, it is essential that the NSCA
continues to develop strong collaborative
partnerships with organizations in
other countries. Central to the overall
collaborative process is a mutual sharing
of knowledge that goes beyond speaker
exchanges. Items such as position stands
that are co-written by experts from around
the world and are endorsed by the various
organizations associated with resistance
training are important first steps in
developing a globalization of the strength
and conditioning profession.
Finally, the NSCA needs to expand its
dedication to the development of the next
generation of leader within the strength
and conditioning profession. In order to
increase the overall sustainability of the
organization I believe the NSCA should
develop a student representative program,
which ties student representatives to the
various states, regions, and countries. This
type of program could serve as a gateway
to service for the NSCA that would serve as
a grass roots initiative for the development
of future leaders in the NSCA. Additionally,
a student corner should be developed
on the NSCA website which has career
resources, student awards, a student
directed newsletter, and links to student
representatives. Finally, an expansion of
the current initiatives that target students
at the National Conference should be
initiated.
In closing, I believe the NSCA is a
phenomenal organization, one that serves
to further the development of the strength
and conditioning profession. As with any
leadership role the president of the NSCA
needs to be adaptable and make decisions
based upon the long-term strategic goals
of the organization, whilst reacting to the
current trends in the profession. I believe
that the NSCA is uniquely positioned,
with its diverse membership, to promote
key causes that will further develop a
deeper appreciation for our industry and
profession.
NSCA BULLETIN | ISSUE 36.05
9