NSCA CSCS Health & Safety 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the MOST effective strategy for preventing exertional sickling collapse in athletes with sickle cell trait during intense conditioning?
- Banning all athletes with sickle cell trait from competitive sport
- Universal screening, education, and modified intensity progression with rest/hydration protocols (Correct answer)
- Mandatory oxygen supplementation during all conditioning sessions
- Restricting these athletes to aerobic-only training below 60% VO2max
Correct answer: Universal screening, education, and modified intensity progression with rest/hydration protocols
The NCAA and NSCA recommend universal screening, educating coaches and athletes, and implementing individualized work-to-rest protocols with hydration to prevent exertional sickling without excluding athletes from sport.
Question 2: A 16-year-old high school soccer player is new to resistance training. According to NSCA youth resistance training guidelines, which loading approach is MOST appropriate for initial sessions?
- Begin at 70–80% 1RM to maximize early strength gains
- Use bodyweight and light loads focusing on proper technique before adding resistance (Correct answer)
- Test 1RM in major lifts during the first session to establish programming baseline
- Start with machine-only exercises at 60% 1RM for three sets of eight
Correct answer: Use bodyweight and light loads focusing on proper technique before adding resistance
NSCA youth guidelines prioritize mastering movement mechanics with bodyweight or minimal resistance before progressive load increases, since technique errors under load increase injury risk.
Question 3: When spotting a lifter performing a barbell back squat, which body position is MOST appropriate for the spotter?
- Stand directly behind the lifter with arms under the lifter's arms around the chest/torso (Correct answer)
- Stand to the side of the lifter at arm's length to observe depth
- Stand in front of the lifter to help guide the barbell if needed
- Stand on a platform above the lifter to assist by lifting the bar from above
Correct answer: Stand directly behind the lifter with arms under the lifter's arms around the chest/torso
For barbell back squat spotting, the spotter stands directly behind the lifter and wraps arms under the lifter's armpits around the torso to assist a failed lift without grabbing the barbell.
Question 4: Which of the following BEST describes the difference between a strength coach's scope of practice versus that of a licensed athletic trainer regarding athlete injury?
- Strength coaches can diagnose overuse injuries if they hold an NSCA-CSCS credential
- Strength coaches design training to reduce injury risk but cannot diagnose, treat, or rehabilitate injuries (Correct answer)
- Strength coaches and athletic trainers have identical scopes of practice in injury management
- Strength coaches may perform manual therapy on athletes who decline to see an athletic trainer
Correct answer: Strength coaches design training to reduce injury risk but cannot diagnose, treat, or rehabilitate injuries
CSCS-certified coaches work within the scope of performance enhancement and injury prevention; diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries fall within the scope of licensed healthcare professionals.
Question 5: A strength coach is considering implementing blood flow restriction (BFR) training with collegiate athletes. Which safety precaution is MOST important before applying BFR cuffs?
- Ensure cuff pressure never exceeds 80 mmHg regardless of limb circumference
- Screen athletes for contraindications including cardiovascular disease, DVT history, and peripheral vascular disease (Correct answer)
- Limit BFR to upper body exercises only to avoid excessive cardiovascular demand
- Restrict BFR use to athletes over 21 years old to ensure skeletal maturity
Correct answer: Screen athletes for contraindications including cardiovascular disease, DVT history, and peripheral vascular disease
Pre-BFR screening for cardiovascular disease, history of deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, and other contraindications is the critical safety step before applying occlusion pressure.
Question 6: During a resistance training session in a poorly ventilated indoor facility in winter, an athlete reports headache, dizziness, and nausea. No one else is symptomatic. Which condition should be considered FIRST?
- Overexertion and dehydration
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from a combustion heat source (Correct answer)
- Hyperventilation syndrome from anxiety
- Viral illness unrelated to the training environment
Correct answer: Carbon monoxide poisoning from a combustion heat source
Headache, dizziness, and nausea in a poorly ventilated facility heated by combustion (gas heaters, etc.) raises immediate concern for carbon monoxide poisoning, requiring evacuation and emergency services.
Question 7: Which of the following describes the NSCA-recommended procedure for documenting a training-related injury in a strength and conditioning facility?
- Verbally notify the head coach within 24 hours; written documentation is optional
- Complete an incident report immediately after the event, including circumstances, response actions, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- Document only injuries requiring hospital treatment to avoid unnecessary paperwork
- Record injuries in an informal training log alongside session notes
Correct answer: Complete an incident report immediately after the event, including circumstances, response actions, and outcomes
Prompt, thorough written incident reporting — including event circumstances, first aid provided, and referral outcomes — is an NSCA best practice for risk management, legal protection, and quality improvement.
NSCA CSCS Health & Safety 5
Which of the following is the MOST effective strategy for preventing exertional sickling collapse in athletes with sickle cell trait during intense conditioning?