Demographics of Canadian strength and conditioning coaches

Abstract

Canadian strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches demographic characteristics are unknown but are necessary to assess the current state of the field. A sample of 215 Canadian S&C coaches were recruited through the Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association's newsletter, the National Strength and Conditioning Association's (NSCA) Canadian Facebook group, and the principal investigator's professional network. Mean age of the sample was 34.1 years (±8.6) years, 77.7% were male, and 90.7% did not consider themselves to be a visible minority. Participants most commonly reported working in the private sector (34.9%), at a university (19.1%), and with provincial or national sport organizations (19.1%). The most common salary range reported was $40,001–$50,000 and $50,001–$60,000 (Canadian dollars) at 13.5% each. The most common certifications reported by Canadian S&C coaches was the NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) (84.4%). The highest education obtained was reported as Bachelor's (54.9%) and Master's degrees (37.8%), and 83.6% reported having degrees directly related to the field of S&C. The archetype demographics of Canadian S&C coaches presented as mid-thirties, male, non-visible minority, with a Bachelor's degree, and the NSCA–CSCS certification. The definition of these characteristics will inform future Canadian S&C coaches, mentors, and inform future research in this area.