PurposeThe NSCA Registry of Strength and Conditioning Coaches encourages high standards of professional practice and responsibility. The NSCA will maintain a registry of individuals who have demonstrated they are experienced coaches who apply practical, foundational knowledge to assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes with the primary goal of improving sport performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, provide guidance (or advice) for athlete nutrition, injury prevention and reconditioning. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic, athletic training, and sport coaching fields, Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches (RSCC, RSCC,*D or RSCC,*E) consult with and refer athletes to these professionals when appropriate. |
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Each Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach receives a certificate to acknowledge RSCC, RSCC,*D or RSCC,*E status.
Click here to download the RSCC brochure.
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Apply to become a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the RSCC different than CSCS®?
A. Experts in the strength and conditioning, medical, dietetic, athletic training, and sport coaching fields are all encouraged to have the CSCS® certification. In addition strength coaches are encouraged to join the NSCA Registry of Strength and Conditioning Coaches (RSCC, RSCC,*D or RSCC,*E). The Registry is separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic, athletic training, and sport coaching fields by recognizing professionals who are employed full-time as strength and conditioning coaches in either the scholastic, collegiate or professional levels. These coaches have a minimum of two years of experience in the practical application of assessing, motivating, educating, and training athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. The RSCC conducts sport-specific testing sessions, designs and implements safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provides guidance (or advice) in regards to sport nutrition, injury prevention or reconditioning.
Q. Does a strength and conditioning coach (RSCC) need to work at a school or with a professional team or can a strength and conditioning coach (RSCC) work in the private sector?
A. If a strength and conditioning coach has trained sport teams for the purpose of athletic performance for two or more years in the NCAA, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, USOC, or if he/she oversees high school strength and conditioning program, they qualify. If the candidate's primary goal is training to improve fitness or appearance they may not qualify. The NSCA’s Coaching Committee will assess each candidate’s status using these criteria. Some coaches training at private centers will be approved in the application process. Each candidate is subject to an onsite visit by an NSCA representative to assure the candidate meets the RSCC qualifications.
Q. Is the registry for athletic trainers?
A. The NSCA Registry of Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches is limited to full-time strength and conditioning coaches. ATC’s, Physical Therapists or other medical professionals who are the strength and conditioning coach at their school may apply for consideration.
Q. What are the areas of liability for a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach?
A. Specific areas of liability for anyone that supervises a strength and conditioning program are:
- Pre-participation screening and clearance
- Personnel qualifications
- Program supervision and instruction
- Facility and equipment setup, inspection, maintenance, repair and signage
- Emergency planning and response
- Records and record keeping
- Equal opportunity and access
- Participation in strength and conditioning activities by children
- Supplements, ergogenic aids and drugs