Reed Wainwright | Strength, Conditioning, and the Law: A Conversation on Professional Standards

NSCA’s Coaching Podcast

Do you know your legal blind spots? Attorney and former collegiate strength coach Reed Wainwright explores how legal expertise reinforces professional standards in strength and conditioning. Wainwright has been instrumental in developing NSCA resources that help professionals mitigate the inherent risks associated with athletics. He highlights key areas — such as facility safety, equipment management, and emergency preparedness — that help coaches effectively advocate for their athletes and protect their careers. Emphasizing professionalism, Wainwright notes, "the more professional we act, the more professional we're perceived.” He underscores why enhancing public perception is crucial for improving compensation, overcoming stereotypes, and supporting long-term field growth. Wainwright also reflects on how his precise, methodical approach as a strength coach has translated seamlessly into his legal practice. Discover actionable strategies to help minimize risk, stay protected, and elevate the strength and conditioning profession.

Contact with Reed via email at [email protected] and on LinkedIn: @reed-wainwright | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs

Review the NSCA Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines (PDF) to identify liability risks, improve safety, and enhance program quality.

Watch Wainwright’s session, What's Our Standard of Care?, and its implications on liability from the 2017 NSCA Coaches Conference.

Stream Wainwright’s free Legal Considerations series on NSCA TV for guidance spanning participation screening to emergency planning.

View Wainwright’s session, Standards in Strength and Conditioning, on the NSCA YouTube channel for more insights, including case examples.

Show Notes

“You've got to make sure that you are focused on their development based on, number one, what has been scientifically proven and, number two what has your experience showed on a consistent basis.” 4:00

“Another topic along these lines is emergency planning and response, and that's one of the other legal areas we talk a lot about in strength and conditioning. Are you, as a strength and conditioning coach, involved in your institution's emergency action plan? Are you knowledgeable in that area? That's an area that could be a huge liability.” 8:27

“Maybe you do need a alternative licensure to become a teacher to get your foot in the door, but there are institutions that are hiring CSCS strength coaches to come in because they add value.” 17:20