Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Testing protocols may include:
core stability
aerobic performance
anaerobic performance.
Athlete or Athletes may include:
different ages
those with specific conditioning goals
experienced or inexperienced
female or male
competitor in team or individual sports
amateur or professional.
Training background and exercise history may include:
type of training program
length of recent regular participation in previous training programs
level of intensity involved in previous training programs
exercise technique experienced.
Techniques of strength and conditioning may include:
resistance training:
whole body or compound exercises for specific muscle groups or isolation
aerobic endurance
anaerobic endurance:
high intensity short interval training
flexibility:
stretching
elastic energy
abdominal
core stability.
Support personnel may include:
administrators
coaches
sports scientists
sports medicine providers
parents or guardians.
Core lifts and exercises may include:
abdominal
roll outs
reverse crunches
side bends
prone and hold
back:
bent over row
lateral pull down
biceps:
biceps curl
hammer curl
calves and ankles:
standing calf or heel raise
peroneal flexions and wobble board
chest:
flat bench press and dumbbell version
incline dumbbell press and barbell version
forearms:
wrist curl
hip or thigh:
hip sled
back squat
forward lunge
shoulders:
seated shoulder press
machine shoulder press
triceps:
lying triceps extension
triceps pushdown
power exercises:
push press and push jerk
clean and power clean
proprioception and neuromuscular coordination exercises.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
athlete assessment procedures
use, checking and storage of equipment
tagging faulty or damaged equipment
emergency procedures
confidentiality of participant information
time constraints and scheduling requirements.
Exercise techniques may include:
hand grips
stable body and limb positioning
movement range of motion and speed
breathing
spotting.
Equipment may include:
cardiovascular equipment
free weight equipment
hydraulic equipment
exercise balls
bars
steps
bands
resistance equipment
pin loaded equipment
electronically braked equipment
air braked equipment
pool based equipment.
Benefits may include:
physiological
psychological
social
improved performance in chosen sport or competition.
Common types of injuries may include:
muscle or soft tissue injury
back injury.
Best practice principles of strength and conditioning training may include:
the sport's coaches or instructors code of conduct policy developed by the peak bodies responsible for the development of teaching and coaching
Australian Sports Commission Harassment-free Sport policy
Australian Sports Commission's drugs in sport policy
National Activity Organisation's regulations and guidelines.
Instructional techniques may include:
establishing a rapport
verbal and non-verbal communication
demonstration strategies
motivational strategies.
Motivation techniques may include:
goal setting
positive feedback.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
instructs strength and conditioning classes that meet athlete expectations, comply with legislative and organisational requirements, and are of sufficient duration to allow the candidate to demonstrate the use of drills, activities and games to instruct in strength and conditioning techniques
assesses athletes current training status and needs and applies knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to select and modify an appropriate program
carries out tasks responsibly and safely using an athlete centred approach to encourage athlete participation using appropriate motivational and communication strategies.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure the conduct of multiple strength and conditioning sessions that meet the needs of individuals, groups or sports and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:
an environment with appropriate facilities, equipment and materials such as free weight or hydraulic equipment
a range of athletes with real or simulated strength and conditioning goals
documentation such as strength and conditioning programs and manufacturer's specifications for equipment use.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of preparation and instruction of a strength and conditioning session, including the selection of exercises for a program
observation of interaction with a range of participants, including conveying information for safe participation in strength and conditioning sessions and motivating athletes to achieve desired outcomes
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of physiological, psychological and biomechanical changes that occur during strength and conditioning training
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISSSTC402A Develop strength and conditioning programs.