Black Coaches and Administrators (BCA) Support the NSCA's Certification and Registry to Ensure the Health and Safety of NCAA Student Athletes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to decrease or eliminate the number of injuries and deaths during off-season conditioning practices in collegiate athletes, the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) has announced its support for the National Strength and Condition Association's Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) program and supports requiring the RSCC program for all college strength coaches. The goal is to enhance the safety of college athletes throughout the country by recognizing strength and conditioning coaches who have proper training and experience, and are certified with an accredited certification.

"The BCA's announcement highlights the tremendous need for hiring qualified, experienced, certified coaches to ensure the welfare of all athletes, especially those with potentially serious medical issues," comments the NSCA's Board President, Dr. Jay Hoffman.  "Registered Strength and Conditioning coaches have expertise that is separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic, athletic training and sport coaching fields. Having the right professional working with the athletes can save lives." The NSCA (www.nsca-lift.org) is an accredited, non-profit organization with a 33-year history of educating and training strength and conditioning.

A deadly concern

Sickle cell trait has been reported in five of 10 deaths in Division 1-A. In addition, seven of the 19 non-traumatic deaths at all divisions since 2000 were due to the sickle cell trait. All of these deaths occurred during off-season conditioning sessions, and not in actual competition. All who died were African American athletes.

The sickle cell trait is a hereditary blood disorder that can, under certain circumstances, affect the red blood cells' ability to deliver an adequate supply of oxygen throughout the body. It can be identified through professional health screening. When individuals who carry the sickle cell trait maintain high levels of physical activity, exercise at elevations greater than 5,000 above sea level, and/or become dehydrated, the resulting lack of oxygen can be catastrophic.

Proper certification is imperative

The NSCA's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (CSCS) verifies that a coach has the knowledge and basic understanding of physiology and kinesiology to design safe and effective training programs. The National Commission Certifying Agencies accredit this certification. Further, the NSCA has established a registry for strength and conditioning coaches at all academic levels. The registry requires coaches to have the CSCS certification and in addition requires two years of experience as a full-time strength and conditioning coach. Registered Strength and Conditioning coaches have demonstrated they have the experience to tailor programs for athletes such as those who carry the sickle cell trait. Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches are also trained to recognize the signs of health issues and to take swift action to prevent them from escalating.

"Due to the continuing safety issues in training college athletes with sickle cell trait, the BCA recommends that all colleges require their strength and conditioning coaches to become CSCS certified and encourage those with two or more years of experience to join the NSCA Registry," says Floyd Keith, executive director of the Black Coaches & Administrators.

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Peggy Davies, Inc. at 612-798-7212.

About the National Strength & Conditioning Association

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit educational association founded in 1978 that serves over 35,000 members in 74 countries. The NSCA develops and presents the most advanced information regarding strength training and conditioning practices, injury prevention, and research findings.

About the Black Coaches & Administrators

The Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to foster the growth and development of ethnic minorities at all levels of sports both nationally and internationally. The BCA is committed to creating a positive enlightened environment where issues can be examined closely, debated sincerely and resolved honestly. The BCA's focus involves the concerns of its colleagues in professional sports, NCAA (Division I, II, and III), NAIA (Division I and II), junior college and high school levels.

SOURCE National Strength and Conditioning Association