The NSCA is proud to recognize the outstanding work of our professionals around the world. Award honorees come from all facets of our industry including professional, collegiate, and high school sports, personal training, research, and education. The awards honor professionals, athletes, volunteers, and students.
Current members are encouraged to nominate a deserving individual for a Peer Award (formerly Annual Award). Peer Awards include: Educator of the Year, High School Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, Personal Trainer of the Year, Nutritional Research Achievement Award, Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Specialist Award, Terry J. Housh Outstanding Young Investigator Award, and the William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist Award. Self-nominations are accepted. Nomination Deadline: December 20, 2024. You must be logged in to submit.
Nominate a deserving individual for one or both Tactical Awards—Tactical Strength & Conditioning Professional of the Year and Tactical Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year. Self-nominations are accepted. Deadline: January 28, 2025.
These prestigious awards commemorate significant achievements and impact in the field of strength and conditioning. Carefully selected by the Board of Directors and presented at the annual Awards Banquet during the NSCA National Conference, the NSCA Career Awards honor the esteemed careers of top professionals of the industry.
These annual awards recognize individuals who have made great contributions to the strength and conditioning and fitness industry:
Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Specialist Award
Nutritional Research Achievement Award
Terry J. Housh Outstanding Young
Investigator Award
William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport
Scientist Award
These awards honor strength and conditioning coaches who have gone above and beyond to improve athletic performance and upheld safe and effective science-based programming.
Professional Strength & Conditioning
Coach of the Year
College Strength & Conditioning
Coach of the Year
Assistant College Strength & Conditioning
Coach of the Year
High School Strength & Conditioning
Coach of the Year
Recognizing excellence in tactical strength and conditioning, these annual awards honor individuals working in tactical environments. Awardees serve those who serve, ensuring top performance from military, law enforcement, fire, and first responder personnel.
Tactical Strength & Conditioning
Professional of the Year
Tactical Strength & Conditioning
Coach of the Year
These peer awards honor some of the very best professionals in our industry. Special Recognition Awards also include special acknowledgment for student-athletes and high schools.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Editorial Excellence Award
Strength and Conditioning Journal Editorial Excellence Award
Student Research Awards
Outgoing President Award
President’s Award
Retiring Board of Directors
State/Provincial Director of the Year
All-American Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year
Strength of America Award
PEER AWARDS
Nominations are open August-December.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
All-American Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year nominations are accepted in February.
Strength of America application deadlines are May 15 & November 15 annually.
COACHING AWARDS
Nominations are open February-June.
TACTICAL AWARDS
Nominations are open September-January.
CAREER AWARDS
Candidates are only nominated by a past president or a current member of the NSCA Board of Directors.
Coaching Awards Three of the four coaching awards are presented during the opening ceremony at Coaches Conference in January. The high school coaching award is presented in July at National Conference. |
All-American S&C Athlete of the Year In April, awardees are announced via press release from the NSCA, as well as from the athlete’s school, if desired.
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Career, Professional, & Special Recognition Awards Most Awards are presented at the Awards Banquet at the National Conference in July.
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Tactical Awards Awardees in the Tactical field are recognized during the opening ceremony at Tactical Annual Training each year in August.
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Yes. NSCA Award criteria requires membership, typically for 2 consecutive years or more, depending on the award. There are exceptions for the Alvin Roy Award for Career Achievement, All-American Strength & Conditioning Athletes of the Year Award, and some service awards.
Learn About MembershipYes. You are welcome to submit a nomination for your achievements in an applicable category, however, self-nominations are only accepted for Peer Awards.
Depending on the award, nominations are submitted by NSCA members, NSCA board members, or specific industry professionals within the NSCA. Career award nominees are provided by the NSCA Board of Directors. Learn more about each award’s selection process by clicking on that awards category page.
Join the ranks of elite professionals in the strength and conditioning and sport science community as a Fellow of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (FNSCA). This distinguished title is reserved for NSCA members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributions to NSCA's mission and the profession as a whole. The Fellow application deadline is March 1, annually.
Current Fellows (FNSCA) may change their status to FNSCA*E if they are 60 years of age or older, retired or work no more than 20 hours per week as a Certified Professional, and have had 15 years of membership with the NSCA (does not have to be consecutive).