Strength and conditioning coaches are not included in the government's official list of occupations, NSCA is advocating to change that, and we need your help!
Every ten years, federal agencies review and update the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System. S&C coaches are not and have never been included in this list of occupations. Why does that matter? SOC is the foundational dataset that federal agencies use to track labor statistics and workforce participation. S&C coaches are currently grouped under "exercise trainers and group fitness instructors" or "coaches and scouts," which fails to recognize our specialized work. Federal agencies are currently in the process of preparing the 2028 edition of the SOC.
Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) introduced the STRONG Act this week, which would ask the federal agencies responsible for updating the SOC to consider data that proves S&C coaches are a unique occupation, and if they fail to include us, then they must report to Congress on their reasoning.
In Congressman Owens' own words:
After spending 10 seasons in the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl Championship, I understand the grit, hard work, and determination it takes to compete at the highest levels.” Rep Owens said. “Every step of the way, the men and women responsible for our physical performance were as specialized and essential as any coach on the staff. Strength and conditioning coaches are far more than fitness instructors. They hold advanced degrees, nationally accredited certifications, and hundreds of hours of supervised experience. They build athletes and champions. They build warfighters and first responders. They ensure everyone they serve can perform at the top of their game. The STRONG Act costs the taxpayer nothing and delivers long-overdue recognition to a profession that has earned it.
How you can help support the STRONG Act:
Take five minutes to send an email to your member of the U.S. House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor the STRONG Act.
- Go to https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and find your member of Congress.
- Click through to their site and the "Contact" page.
- Send the message below (please feel free to personalize with your own story and why the S&C profession matters to you and the people in your workplace).
- If you have any questions about the STRONG Act or how to contact your member of the House of Representatives, please email Eric McMahon at eric.mcmahon@nsca.com.
Letter Template to your Member of Congress:
I am a constituent and a member of the strength and conditioning profession. I ask that you support and co-sponsor the STRONG Act (H.R.9527).
Strength and conditioning coaches are highly trained professionals who help athletes, military personnel, first responders, and other active populations improve physical performance while reducing the risk of injury. Many coaches hold advanced degrees, nationally accredited certifications, and complete extensive supervised coaching experience before entering the profession.
Despite these qualifications, strength and conditioning coaches are currently grouped under broad occupational classifications that do not accurately reflect the profession's education, responsibilities, or workforce.
The STRONG Act would direct the Office of Management and Budget to consider establishing a dedicated Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for strength and conditioning coaches during the next revision of the SOC system. This is a data-driven measure that would improve workforce tracking, career planning, research, and education without creating new federal spending.
Recognizing strength and conditioning coaches as a distinct profession is an important step toward accurately representing the work performed every day by thousands of professionals who serve schools, colleges, professional sports organizations, military personnel,first responders, and communities across the country.
I respectfully ask that you support and co-sponsor the STRONG Act.
Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]
[Profession/Organization (optional)]
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