In the last several decades in the United States, university athletic departments and professional sport teams began hiring sport scientists to support team operations. Many variations in sport science–related job titles and a variety of duties are apparent across the industry internationally. Therefore, the aims of this article were to (a) define sport scientist roles because they may be positioned in U.S. sport organizations, (b) demonstrate potential levels of application, (c) demonstrate how a sport science program helps establish a standard of care for the athlete, and (d) highlight overseas practices that establish professional competency for those in sport scientist roles. This discussion may be used to optimize organizational structures, enhance organizational dynamics within sport organizations, leagues, and systems, and used to develop, refine, or support certification and training programs in the United States. In addition to the discussion in this article, several job descriptions are provided as Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww. com/SCJ/A347. These resources may help decision makers construct job descriptions for their organizations.

Join us for the 2020 Perform Better 3-Day Functional Summit Live Stream

From the 2022 Personal Trainer Virtual Conference, Robert Linkul outlines the devastating effects of sarcopenia and how detrimental it is to the aging body. He offers guidance about programming that will specifically assist older adults in gaining or maintaining muscle mass as they age, and highlight the most effective and efficient resistance training exercises that will help older adults get strong quickly.

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The TSAC Report is the NSCA’s quarterly, online-only publication designed for the training of tactical professionals, operators, and facilitators. You must be a member of the NSCA to access the TSAC Report.

This is the NSCA’s Coaching Podcast, where strength and conditioning coaches share their experience, lessons learned, and advice about how to thrive in a highly competitive profession.

Join the 2026 NSCA Exercise Techniques & Progressions Summit in Springfield, MA, on Sept. 26. Refine cues, progressions, and training adjustments. Earn 0.8 CEUs

This is the NSCA’s Coaching Podcast, where strength and conditioning coaches share their experience, lessons learned, and advice about how to thrive in a highly competitive profession.

RED-S and low energy availability often stay silent — until something happens. Your athletes and clients may be unintentionally underfueling at any training level or body size. Carolyn Stocker, MS, RD, LD, CSCS, brings practical myth-busting to common fears around fueling. Spot signs sooner, understand what’s driving them, and help athletes fuel with confidence.