I have been pretty hard on what I have called the lost generation of strength coaches. It is time to reveal the method to my madness. I wanted to call them out. Wake them up so to speak, maybe a little tough love. I am not sure they are lost as much as they are misguided. When most of these coaches came of age and into the field of S&C, it was at the time there was a proliferation of information and certifications. It also coincided with the emergence of the “online experts” with no filter. How can you blame them? My goal heading into the new decade is to help educate and direct this generation so that they can be more effective in their jobs and lead innovation and change. I want to see them to have better bullshit filters, and guide them to find mentors not gurus. We are at a cross roads or some would say a tipping point in the strength and conditioning field (I prefer Athletic Development- more on that in another post). It is a field that is now being recognized; therefore there is increasing scrutiny. This scrutiny demands professional standards and a consistent body of knowledge based on sound training principles and best practice. I do not pretend to have all the answers, in fact I have more questions than answers, but as a field we must be more consistent and professional. Certification(s) are not enough. We must work together to increase the body of knowledge and improve best practice. We must recognize that coaching is not personal training. It demands a commitment and a focus the same as the sport coaches we work with. I vow to help to guide this generation and define this field to the best of my ability. I hope some of you out there with similar experiences to mine will join me in this effort.
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