National Strength and Conditioning Association and Shape America Release Joint Statement
Posted: July 30, 2026 in Suppliers
NSCA
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) have released a joint statement supporting safe, evidence-based and developmentally appropriate practices in K–12 strength and conditioning and physical education. The organizations introduced the statement during the inaugural K–12 Strength and Conditioning Foundations Workshop at NSCA World Headquarters.
As the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning, the NSCA developed the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification in 1985. Since then, the CSCS has become the most respected certification for strength and conditioning coaches across every level of sport, including high school athletics. To champion the efforts of CSCS-certified professionals in high schools, the NSCA is proud to work alongside SHAPE America, which aims to build a nation where all children are prepared to lead healthy, physically active lives.
This shared mission brings together two leading organizations that recognize that strength and conditioning, physical education, and youth physical development practices must be grounded in sound scientific research and pedagogical best practice. This can be done by promoting SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards, the NSCA’s Youth Resistance Training and Long-Term Athletic Development position statements, and educational resources that reflect current evidence and support safe, effective implementation across school and sport settings.
Both organizations recognize the critical role that structured, age-appropriate strength and conditioning and physical education programs play. By supporting professional standards, credentialing, and ongoing professional development, we provide an avenue to elevate professional competence, ethical practice, and student safety.
Together, the NSCA and SHAPE America can continue to lead the fields of education and strength and conditioning by advocating that all students receive effective physical education instruction delivered by a qualified physical educator, guided by developmentally appropriate progressions that prioritize safety, inclusivity, and long-term health over short-term performance outcomes.
Through this joint statement, the NSCA and SHAPE America affirm their shared responsibility to promote high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive physical activity experiences for all. Together, we will advocate for policies, standards, and educational practices that support lifelong physical literacy, health, and performance.
SHAPE America’s mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance, and sport. Key focus areas include:
- Knowledge & Practice: Advance the knowledge and practice of all health and physical educators as they guide learners along their health and physical literacy journey and support the development of health and physical literacy in all students.
- Advocacy: Serve as the national leading and unifying voice advocating for health and physical education.
- Community: Foster a sense of belonging and grow a strong, accessible community within the health and physical education field.
- Set the Standard: Advance nationwide alignment and implementation of the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards and National Health Education Standards, ensuring all learners have access to effective instruction.
- Professional Development: Provide high-quality, standards-based resources and professional development opportunities that empower and equip teachers to provide accessible health and physical education that reaches and engages every learner.
The NSCA’s mission as the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning is to support and disseminate research-based knowledge and its practical application to improve athletic performance and fitness.
- Authority & Research: Serving as the leading source for strength and conditioning research and knowledge.
- Education: Providing certifications, journals, and resources (e.g., Strength and Conditioning Journal, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research).
- Safety & Performance: Focusing on evidence-based practices to improve health and safely maximize athletic potential.
- Professional Development: Supporting coaches, trainers, and athletes through continuing education and community.
To further our commitment to supporting quality strength and conditioning at the K-12 level, the NSCA created the School of Distinction program. The program recognizes schools that meet robust standards across supervision, education, facility management and program administration.
