THE NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION: A BRIEF HISTORY
“…to unify members and facilitate a professional exchange of ideas in strength development as it relates to the improvement of athletic performance and fitness”
When the NSCA formed on July 28, 1978, this statement provided the basis to plot the course for the NSCA in the years to come.
Seventy-six founding members organized the National Strength Coaches Association and by 1980 expanded the membership to 2,250. They established goals to educate, communicate, analyze, promote, and develop the strength and conditioning profession.
In 1981, the organization’s name changed to the National Strength and Conditioning Association to reflect an evolution of the profession. The membership expanded beyond strength coaches to encompass all professionals who contribute to the strength and conditioning field.
As the credibility of the Association became stronger, the exchange of information extended. The NSCA Journal became a 64-page publication. The NSCA held 30 sanctioned strength and conditioning clinics annually and placed greater emphasis on research.
In the early 1980s, the Association grew to over 6,200 members and began taking steps to strengthen its emphasis on education. The trademark “ sports performance series” was born and became a regular feature of the NSCA Journal cover. By the mid 1980s, education was the top priority. The Association distributed its position papers on prepubescent strength training and anabolic drug use by athletes. Seven hundred people, reflecting the Association’s continued growth, attended the National Convention in New Orleans. The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) program was initiated to ensure an adequate level of competency among strength and conditioning practitioners. High quality educational resources became a major focus of the NSCA. As a result, the “ How-to-teach” series and the “ Techniques of Free Weight Training” videotape were developed.
The NSCA began to establish itself internationally with contacts in Japan and Australia in the late 1980s. These contacts would later become active international chapters, servicing the strength and conditioning needs of members in their respective countries. The NSCA also introduced the Journal of Applied Sport Science Research (JASSR) through the NSCA Journal, as a benefit to professional-level NSCA members. The JASSR later became a stand-alone publication now known as the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. The publication continues to be a leader in disseminating applied research in the strength and conditioning field.
The 1990s saw the NSCA develop in many ways. Membership growth and increasing attendance at the National Conference brought staff expansion. The NSCA National Office was relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado and housed its own staff. In order to meet the demand for hands-on instruction, the NSCA introduced the Sport Specific Training Conference and Coaches’ College. Member needs were also met through the NSCA web site. The web site allowed members to register for NSCA events, renew membership, order products, and browse the Career Hotline. NSCA non-members may also utilize this valuable resource to learn more about the Association.
The new millennium brings over 25,000 NSCA members worldwide. These members work together to provide objective strength and conditioning information. The NSCA continues to emphasize education, research, and development of the profession. As the Association supports its members, it ultimately supports all athletes and non-athletes who will benefit from safe and efficient exercise techniques and program design.
As a professional membership association, the NSCA brings together strength coaches, sport coaches, sport scientists, researchers, educators, sport medicine professionals (physical therapists, physicians, and athletic trainers), and personal trainers. The Association provides educational resources and opportunities for its members and strives to develop and promote the profession of strength training and conditioning.
The NSCA offers two certifications, the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT). The CSCS certification is for professionals who design and implement strength training and conditioning programs for athletes. The NSCA-CPT certification is designed for those who train clients in one-on-one situations in clients’ homes or health/fitness clubs. These credentials are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies in Washington, D.C., a non-governmental body that endorses certification programs. These certifications have become the measure of excellence among professionals in the industry.
The NSCA conducts a variety of educational conferences, clinics, and seminars. Over 200 NSCA members volunteer a total of 1,000 hours each year as member resource volunteers, committee members, state/provincial directors, and board of directors’ members.
The seven-member NSCA Board of Directors oversees the growth and development of the Association. The current NSCA Board collectively has over 90 years of experience in the field and lends this great knowledge to the leadership of the Association.
The NSCA exists because there is a need within the community of strength and conditioning professionals for accurate and credible educational information. These individuals also need to create an environment of constant learning through networking.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, members can appreciate the credibility and scientific base of the Association’s offerings. The field’s foremost scientists work to continually elevate the level of quality of Association information. The goals of the information disseminated are improved athletic performance, prevention of injury, health, and wellness.
Since 1978, the Association has been building on the foundation “ to unify members and facilitate a professional exchange of ideas in strength development…” This statement continues to guide us. Today, our educational offerings are as diverse as the membership, and still maintain the comprehensive scope the founding members envisioned twenty-five years ago.