NSCA.COM
2014 NSCA ELECTION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS — SPORTS MEDICINE PROFESSIONAL
BEN REUTER, PHD, ATC, CSCS,*D
EDUCATION
• 1999 — Doctor of Philosophy
in Health and Human Performance
Auburn University
• 1992 — Master of Science
in Physical Education
Old Dominion University
• 1990 — Bachelor of Arts
in Health and Physical Education
Gettysburg College
NSCA INVOLVEMENT
• Associate Editor, podcast editor,
flexibility and rehab column editor for
the Strength and Conditioning Journal
(SCJ) (present)
• Assistant Editor for the SCJ
(2006 – 2008)
• Authored “Endurance Activities”
column in the SCJ (2000 – 2003)
• Associate Editor for the SCJ
(1998 – present)
VISION STATEMENT OUTLINING
THE CRITICAL AND/OR
SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES FACING
THE NSCA, SPECIFIC GOALS FOR
THE NSCA, AND AN INDICATION
OF HOW SUCH GOALS MAY BE
ACHIEVED
The NSCA is unique as a professional
organization in the exercise field. The
membership shows the diversity of
professions. The NSCA has recognized and
continues to recognize the increasingly
diverse membership by offering four
certifications: Certified Strength and
Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) and
NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCACPT®), and the more recent Certified
Special Populations Specialist™ (CSPS™)
and Tactical Strength and ConditioningFacilitator™ (TSAC-F™).
I see two important issues that the NSCA
should be aware of in the next few years.
Addressing these issues should be looked
at as an opportunity to reaffirm the
value of an NSCA Membership to current
members, as well as the opportunity to
bring new member into the NSCA from
the rank and file of exercise and fitness
professionals.
Issue one is the different needs of the
NSCA Membership. As someone who
teaches in the collegiate setting and works
with athletes/active individuals, I recognize
the push/pull between practitioners and
educators/researcher. The practitioners
are fearful that the NSCA is becoming too
research based. Conversely the educators/
researchers are always concerned that
there is not enough research, and too much
“gym science.”
All Members, starting with the Board
of Directors, should always maintain
awareness that part of the NSCA Mission
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NSCA BULLETIN | ISSUE 36.05
Statement is to disseminate research-based
knowledge and its practical application
to improve athletic performance and
fitness. Educators/researchers need the
practitioner in order for their research to
have a purpose beyond publication (i.e.,
practical application). Practitioners need to
ensure that their practices rely on researchbased knowledge both to maximize
value to athletes/clients and to minimize
professional liability risks. What makes
the NSCA such a valuable professional
organization is the symbiotic relationship
between these two groups. Each group
can learn from the other group, and the
combined knowledge only strengthens the
NSCA’s message to the general public.
Issue two is the lack of recognition
about the organization by individuals
who are new to the profession and/or
coming from a non-athletic background.
A multitude of specialty exercise and
group exercise certifications/trainings
exists. Many individuals are entering the
health and fitness field through these
certifications. The certifications typically
provide individuals with the opportunity
to learn how to teach a specific exercise
or group exercise class. However they lack
the broad based educational opportunities
an organization like the NSCA provides.
These individuals need to be made aware
of the NSCA and the benefits membership
provides.
Each of us as an NSCA Member should
work to showcase the benefits of
membership. Whether we are educators
or practitioners, we can each do our part
to educate other professionals about why
they should join the NSCA. The NSCA is
one of the few organizations that provide
membership with two peer-reviewed
journals. Strength and Conditioning Journal
provides the practitioner with immediately