CSCS Risk Assessment & Management 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of negligence occurs when an athlete's own careless behavior contributes to his or her injury?
- Vicarious negligence
- Gross negligence
- Comparative negligence (Correct answer)
- Negligence per se
Correct answer: Comparative negligence
Comparative negligence assigns a percentage of fault to the injured party based on their own contribution to the accident.
Question 2: A new athlete reports a family history of sudden cardiac death before age 50. According to the NSCA, what is the MOST appropriate next step?
- Restrict all high-intensity training
- Obtain medical clearance from a physician before beginning training (Correct answer)
- Perform a maximal exercise test to assess cardiac risk
- Modify the program to exclude cardiovascular training
Correct answer: Obtain medical clearance from a physician before beginning training
A family history of premature sudden cardiac death is a red flag that requires physician clearance before initiating training.
Question 3: What is the recommended minimum number of strength and conditioning staff members who should be CPR/AED certified in a facility?
- At least one per shift
- 50% of all staff
- All staff members (Correct answer)
- Only the head strength coach
Correct answer: All staff members
NSCA guidelines recommend that all strength and conditioning staff be certified in CPR and AED use.
Question 4: Which factor is MOST closely associated with exertional heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion?
- Profuse sweating
- Core body temperature above 40°C (104°F) with CNS dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Muscle cramps and weakness
- Pale, cool, moist skin
Correct answer: Core body temperature above 40°C (104°F) with CNS dysfunction
Exertional heat stroke is characterized by a core temperature above 40°C combined with central nervous system dysfunction such as confusion or loss of consciousness.
Question 5: How long after completing an emergency action plan (EAP) should a strength and conditioning facility conduct a rehearsal or drill?
- Within 1 week and annually thereafter
- Within 1 month and quarterly thereafter
- At the start of each competitive season (Correct answer)
- Only when new staff members are hired
Correct answer: At the start of each competitive season
EAP rehearsals should be conducted at the start of each competitive season to keep all staff prepared and procedures fresh.
Question 6: What is the primary risk management concern with using free weights vs. machine-based resistance equipment for novice athletes?
- Free weights produce greater muscle imbalances
- Free weights require greater technical proficiency and increase injury risk without proper supervision (Correct answer)
- Machines cannot be adjusted for individual anthropometrics
- Free weights create more cardiovascular demand
Correct answer: Free weights require greater technical proficiency and increase injury risk without proper supervision
Free weights require proper technique and spotting skills that novice athletes have not yet developed, increasing injury potential without adequate supervision.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'respondeat superior' in strength and conditioning liability?
- An athlete's acceptance of inherent risks during training
- An employer's legal responsibility for the negligent acts of employees (Correct answer)
- A coach's failure to act within the standard of care
- The requirement to obtain informed consent before training
Correct answer: An employer's legal responsibility for the negligent acts of employees
Respondeat superior holds employers vicariously liable for negligent actions committed by their employees within the scope of employment.
CSCS Risk Assessment & Management 4
Which type of negligence occurs when an athlete's own careless behavior contributes to his or her injury?