Fellow NSCA Coaches,
We still need your help to advance the STRONG Act.
Strength and conditioning coaches are not currently recognized as a distinct occupation in the U.S. government’s official occupational classification system. The NSCA is working to change that—and your voice can help.
The STRONG Act (H.R. 9527) was introduced by Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) to encourage federal agencies to recognize strength and conditioning coaches as a distinct occupation within the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System.
Why does this matter?
Every ten years, the federal government reviews and updates the SOC System, which is used by federal agencies to track occupations, employment, wages, and workforce trends.
Strength and conditioning coaches have never had their own SOC classification. Instead, we are currently grouped into broader categories such as “Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors” or “Coaches and Scouts.” These classifications do not accurately reflect the education, training, responsibilities, or specialized work of strength and conditioning professionals.
The federal government is currently preparing the 2028 edition of the SOC, making this an important opportunity for our profession.
The STRONG Act would direct the Office of Management and Budget to consider the data and evidence supporting a distinct occupational classification for strength and conditioning coaches. If a separate classification is not established, the legislation would require the responsible agencies to report to Congress on their reasoning.
Organizations across human performance, sports medicine, and fitness are supporting the NSCA in this effort, including the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals (CREP), Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa), and the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI).
How You Can Help
Please take five minutes to contact your U.S. Representative and ask them to co-sponsor the STRONG Act.
We’ve made it easy. Visit NSCA.com/STRONG-Act for more information about the legislation and step-by-step instructions for contacting your representative, including a sample message you can use and personalize.
Your participation matters. The more strength and conditioning professionals who contact their representatives, the stronger our collective voice will be.
Thank you for taking action and standing with the NSCA. Together, we can help secure federal recognition for the strength and conditioning profession.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact me.
Thank you,
Eric McMahon
Coaching and Sport Science Program Manager
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
eric.mcmahon@nsca.com💪
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