Collegiate Athletes� Perceptions on the Importance of Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Their Contribution to Increased Athletic Performance

Collegiate Athletes’ Perceptions on the Importance of Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Their Contribution to Increased Athletic Performance

This study investigated student-athletes’ beliefs and attitudes toward strength and conditioning programming, the individuals who facilitate strength and conditioning practices, and the strength and conditioning coach in regards to increased sport performance. Additionally, comparisons were made between gender, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) division, and time spent in the weight room. The participants were varsity athletes from two NCAA Division I and one Division II institutions that utilize strength and conditioning for sport performance. A 41-item questionnaire was distributed to participants to gauge their perceptions on strength and conditioning; responses were entered and analyzed using SPSS. Results showed positive responses in regards to athletes’ overall perceptions that strength and conditioning was essential to their athletic development in their sport and was satisfied with the performance of their strength and conditioning coach.