CSCS Risk Assessment & Management 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document should a strength and conditioning professional obtain BEFORE an athlete begins any testing or training?
- Physician's prescription for exercise
- Signed informed consent form (Correct answer)
- Insurance verification card
- Emergency contact form only
Correct answer: Signed informed consent form
A signed informed consent form must be obtained before any testing or training to ensure the athlete understands and accepts associated risks.
Question 2: When exercising in cold environments, which condition poses the greatest immediate risk if ignored during outdoor winter training?
- Dehydration due to reduced thirst sensation
- Frostbite and hypothermia from wind chill exposure (Correct answer)
- Reduced muscle glycogen availability
- Decreased motivation and exercise adherence
Correct answer: Frostbite and hypothermia from wind chill exposure
Frostbite and hypothermia are life-threatening conditions that can develop rapidly in cold, windy conditions if proper precautions are not taken.
Question 3: A strength coach fails to instruct an athlete on proper squat technique before loading, resulting in a back injury. This is BEST classified as which type of negligence?
- Malfeasance
- Nonfeasance
- Misfeasance (Correct answer)
- Strict liability
Correct answer: Misfeasance
Misfeasance refers to improperly performing a duty — in this case, allowing the athlete to train without adequate instruction.
Question 4: What is the NSCA-recommended minimum facility ceiling height for areas used for overhead lifting movements such as the push press or snatch?
- 10 feet (3.1 m)
- 12 feet (3.7 m) (Correct answer)
- 14 feet (4.3 m)
- 16 feet (4.9 m)
Correct answer: 12 feet (3.7 m)
The NSCA recommends a minimum ceiling height of 12 feet in areas designated for overhead lifting to prevent equipment contact.
Question 5: Which approach to supervision is MOST appropriate when coaching a novice athlete performing Olympic lifts for the first time?
- Provide verbal cues from across the room
- Stand adjacent to the athlete and provide hands-on spotting guidance (Correct answer)
- Allow the athlete to perform independently using instructional video
- Pair the novice with an experienced athlete for mentoring
Correct answer: Stand adjacent to the athlete and provide hands-on spotting guidance
Close hands-on supervision is essential when introducing technically demanding Olympic lifts to novice athletes to prevent injury.
Question 6: Which of the following is a recommended strategy for reducing overuse injury risk during a periodized training program?
- Increasing training volume by 20% each week
- Incorporating planned deload weeks every 3–4 weeks (Correct answer)
- Eliminating all accessory lifts during competitive season
- Training the same muscle groups daily to maximize adaptation
Correct answer: Incorporating planned deload weeks every 3–4 weeks
Planned deload weeks reduce accumulated fatigue and tissue stress, lowering the risk of overuse injury in periodized programs.
Question 7: Which factor should be evaluated FIRST when inspecting a barbell for safe use?
- The weight of the bar
- The condition of the knurling and collar sleeves (Correct answer)
- The bar's maximum load capacity rating
- Whether the bar is appropriate for the exercise being performed
Correct answer: The condition of the knurling and collar sleeves
Inspecting the knurling and collar sleeves first identifies physical damage or wear that could cause the bar or plates to slip during use.
CSCS Risk Assessment & Management 5
Which document should a strength and conditioning professional obtain BEFORE an athlete begins any testing or training?