Mark Rippetoe's Resignation Letter to the NSCA

[JudoJosh]

Gentlepersons of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and
whoever may be concerned:

This letter shall serve as my formal relinquishment of my Certified Strength and
Conditioning Specialist credential. I was in the first group to test for the CSCS in
1985, and was among the minority of applicants to pass the exam and be granted
the credential, which I was proud to hold for many years.

However, the NSCA has apparently taken a different direction from the one with
which I so closely identified 23 years ago. My professional emphasis has remained
on the improvement of strength and conditioning, while that of the NSCA has
apparently changed. Its professional publications are quite thoroughly reflective of
a shift in emphasis to physical therapy and athletic training, while failing, in my
opinion, to address the actual processes by which athletes are made more strong
and conditioned,and further, in my opinion, failing to meet the minimum standards
for a quality scientific publication.

Its internal administrative problems are legend. It has dealt with me in an
unsatisfactory manner regarding its professional insurance. It no longer serves my
best professional interest to be associated with the NSCA or the NSCA
Certification Commission.

Therefore, I am formally relinquishing my CSCS credential, which I shall no
longer use in any subsequent professional reference or capacity. Furthermore, I
withdraw permission from The National Strength and Conditioning Association
and the NSCA Certification Commission to list me as a Certified Strength and
Conditioning Specialist in any publications or online materials that may be
published subsequent to the receipt of this letter.

Sincerely,
(signed)
Mark Rippetoe

discuss

[Jabb]

I was going to say, "doesn't he do Crossfit?" But it looks like it's Crossfit football.

Rippetoe doesn't need someone backing him like NSCA. He can do this without issue. Upstarts, on the other hand, in the strength and conditioning group may still need their Certs from these places to make it somewhere.

I do like me some Rippetoe though.

"Go home and tell Mom that you're a man now. " - Rippetoe.

[CopyCat]

If anyone has been following Ripptoe for awhile most likely has seen a separation of ideology and such for a bit.

As Jabb stated though, it is easy for someone of his stature to do this being Ripptoe and all. Though lesser knwn folks may have a hard time if they choose to go a different route.

[Rodja]

A CSCS only looks good on paper; the test itself is pretty easy and not nearly as rigorous as I anticipated.

[ZiR RED]

A CSCS only looks good on paper; the test itself is pretty easy and not nearly as rigorous as I anticipated.

Agreed on the lack of challenge in the test.



However, it seems to be almost a prerequisite in many of the job postings I see around campus from strength coach positions (both at NCAA and Pro level) and professor openings.

It also was a requirement when applying for the M.S. in strength and condition at springfield.

Br

[Jabb]

Agreed on the lack of challenge in the test.

However, it seems to be almost a prerequisite in many of the job postings I see around campus from strength coach positions (both at NCAA and Pro level) and professor openings.

It also was a requirement when applying for the M.S. in strength and condition at springfield.

Br

I think they just like to see the certs it means you've done something beyond just a degree. I bet half the time they don't even know what it is about, it's just a requirement that you have it.

[CRUNCH]

I dropped my CSCS years ago (got certified in 1995). The CEU's were worthless to me, taught me nothing I hadn't learned getting a master's in ex phys. Was tired of wasting my time and money.

[SpargelJanusz]

I was told by numerous US gym employees that the NASM is the way 2 go!