2244C H A P T E R

Facility Layout and SchedulingFacility Layout and Scheduling

Chapter Outline

General aspects of new facility design

Scheduling the strength and conditioning facility

Existing strength and conditioning facilities

Assessing athletic program needs

Designing the strength and conditioning facilityArranging equipment in the strength and

conditioning facility

Forming a committee of professionals is the

first step in planning and designing a new

strength and conditioning facility. The

committee can consist of an administrator,

architect, contractor, lawyer, student athlete,

sport coach, instructors who will use the

facility, and various sport-conditioning experts.

Planning and Designing of Facility

Predesign phase requires 25% of the total project time (about 6 months).

Preoperation (start-up) phase requires 15% of total project time (about 3-4 months).

Design phase requires 12% of total project time (about 3 months).

Construction phase requires 50% of total project time (about 12 months).

The strength and conditioning

professional should assess

existing equipment based on the

needs of all athletes and teams that

use the facililty.

Assessing Athletic Program Needs

How many athletes will use the facility?

What types of strength and conditioning training does each athletic group require?

What are the age groups of the athletes using the facility?

What is the training experience of the athletes using the facility?

When will strength training fit into each athletic team’s schedule?

What repairs and adaptations to equipment must be made to meet athletes’ needs?

Designing the Strength and Conditioning Facility

Location

Supervision location

Access

Ceiling height

Flooring

Mirrors

Environmental factors

Electrical service

Designing Strength Facility

• Location- Should be on Ground Floor with accessible entrances to move in heavy equipment. – A second floor facility must withstand loads of 100 lb/ft^2– Weight rooms should not be above areas sensitive to sound and

vibration (offices classrooms)

• Supervision Location- The office should be centrally located with large windows to allow clear view of entire facility

• Access– Must have free and unobstructed access including entrances, exits

and walkways– Must have a set of double doors with removable center post to

move equipment in and out– Emergency exits must be clearly marked and free of obstructions

Designing Strength Facility

• Ceiling Height: 12-14 ft

• Flooring– Carpet has the advantage of being fairly inexpensive with a wide

range of colors. It is not as good of shock-absorber as rubber surfaces.

– Rubberized floor is more expensive than carpet, it provides better shock absorbing cushion and is more durable than carpet. Can be purchased in interlocking rubber mat sections. (Hard to clean).

– A poured rubber surface is the most expensive. It is very durable, easy to clean, and it provides a safe surface for plyometric drills.

Designing Strength Facility

• Environmental Factors– Lighting 75-100 foot-candles– Windows should be a minimum of 21 inches from the floor to protect

them from rolling items.– High windows and skylights should not be over supine stations to prevent

glare.– Windows cause temperature problems, and glare problems. You do not

want glare in a spotter or athletes eyes.– Temperature should be 72-78 deg. The strength facility should have its

OWN controls for temperature.– Humidity should be 60% or less– Air circulation: 8 to 12 air exchanges per hour, with 12-15 optimal.

• Electrical Service: grounded 110-V and 220-V. Plan must identify the electrical requirements of all equipment.

• Mirrors: Placed 20 inches above the floor.– Provide immediate feedback to the athlete.

Other Design Considerations

• Drinking fountains should be easily accessible, but they should not hamper traffic flow. Close to the Facility Entrance gives good access and does not affect flow.

• Restrooms should be in or near the facility

• Telephones must be available to staff for emergency use.

• Signs should display policies, rules, and safety guidelines.

• Bulletin boards can be used to display programs, records and motivational items.

• Storage facility should be available for cleaning and maintenance items as well as unused equipment.

Arranging Equipment in Facility

• Power exercises should be placed away from windows, mirrors, exits, and entrances to avoid breakage of glass, distraction or collision with equipment or athletes.

• Tall machines should be arranged along the walls (squat racks, power racks, lat pulldown, smith machine).

• Dumbell racks should be against the walls, with shorter pieces in the middle of the room

• Barbells and dumbells should be a minimum of 36 in between bar ends for ease of movement without obstruction.

• Weight trees should be close to plate loading equipment with at least 36 in. between trees and equipment.

• Equipment should be at least 6 in from mirrors.

Traffic Flow

• Traffic should flow around the perimeter. Carpet can be used to designate the walkway.

• There should be at least one walkway that bisects the facility.

• An unobstructed pathway (36 in) should be maintained at all times.

Exercise Areas

• Stretching Area: A 49 ft2 per athlete should be allotted for stretching, especially if PNF is emphasized.

• Circuit-Training Area: All resistance machines must be spaced 24, preferably 36 in from one another– When free weights are used as part of a circuit a 36 in safety space cushion

to allow space between bar tips is needed.– Multistation (Universal) machines require more floor space, but they

accommodate more athletes at once.

• Free Weights (Bench press requires 90 ft2) this includes safety cushion– 36 in between bar ends– One free weight station accommodates 3-4 people

• Olympic Lifting Area – Should accommodate 3-4 people, although one athlete can lift at a time.– Perimeter walkways should be 3-4 ft wide– Squat area requires 130 ft2 , Power Clean requires 144 ft2

• Aerobic Area: 24 ft2 for bikes and stair machines– 6 ft2 for skiing machines and 45 ft2 for treadmills

Staff to Athlete Ratio

• Junior High School: 1:10 staff to athlete

• High School: 1:15

• Older than high school should not exceed 1:20

• Type of training is a consideration– Circuit training requires less spotting than

performing Olympic lifts.

Safety and function are top

priorities when determining

equipment placement.

Methods for Organizing the Facility

Creating strength training areas that emphasize different body parts.

Creating training areas according to types of equipment. This is the preferred method for functionality and appearance.

Considerations in Scheduling the Strength and Conditioning Facility

Seasonal priority and peak hours

Staff-to-athlete ratio

Group size and equipment availability

Example of High School Facility Floor PlanExample of High School Facility Floor Plan

Problem Floor PlanProblem Floor Plan

Solution to Problem Floor PlanSolution to Problem Floor Plan

2255C H A P T E R

Developing a Policies and Procedures ManualDeveloping a Policies and Procedures Manual

Chapter Outline

Program goals and mission statement

Facility administration

Program objectives

Job titles, descriptions, and duties of the strength and conditioning staff

Staff policies and activities

Policies are a facility’s rules and regulations;

they reflect the goals and objectives of the

program. Procedures describe how policies are

met or carried out.

Program Goals

Improve athletic performance

Prevent injuries

Sample mission statement: To provide to athletes the means through which they can train consistently, sensibly, and systematically over designated periods of time in a safe, clean, and professional environment to help prevent injury and improve athletic performance.

Program Objectives

Design strength, flexibility, aerobic, and plyometric programs that reduce injuries and improve performance.

Educate athletes about the abuse and effects of performance-enhancing substances.

Develop training programs to account for biomechanical and physiological differences.

Recognize acute and chronic physiological responses to training.

Educate athletes about the importance of good nutrition.

Strength and Conditioning Staff

Head strength and conditioning coach

Facility supervisor

Assistant strength and conditioning coach

Staff Policies and Activities

Staff meetings

Orientation meeting

Annual plan

Budgetary issues

Relationships with athletes and staff

Posted messages

Touring the facility

Approved exercise guidelines

Testing procedures and schedules

Progress card

Staff facility use

Staff workout times

Records and awards

Staff professional goals

Facility Administration

Access to the facility

- Preparticipation requirement for student athletes

- Eligibility criteria

- Action for ineligible person

Daily operation

- Facility opening

- During training hours

- Facility closing

(continued)

Facility Administration (continued)

Telephone and music system use

Facility rules and guidelines

Emergency procedures

- Accidents and injuries

- Fire

- Tornadoes, severe weather

- First aid kit

2266C H A P T E R

Facility Maintenance and Risk ManagementFacility Maintenance and Risk Management

Chapter Outline

Maintaining and cleaning surfaces

Litigation issues

Maintaining and cleaning equipment

Maintenance equipment and cleaning supplies

Scheduling frequent maintenance and

cleaning ensures safe training, protects

investments, and maintains the strength and

conditioning facility’s appearance.

Maintaining and Cleaning Surfaces

Flooring (wood flooring, tile and antistatic flooring, resilient rubber flooring, interlocking mats, carpeting)

Environmental factors (mold, mildew, rust, lighting)

Vertical surfaces (walls, mirrors, shelves)

Ceilings (fixtures, tiled ceilings, open ceilings)

Maintaining and Cleaning Equipment in Specific Areas

Aerobic, anaerobic fitness

Lifting platform

Resistance machine

Rehabilitation machine

Body-weight resistance apparatus

Stretching

Free-weight

Keep maintenance equipment in a toolbox

located in a locked cabinet or supply closet.

Keep cleaning supplies in a locked supply

cabinet near the supervisor station.

Common Legal Terminology

Liability: a legal responsibility, duty, or obligation

Assumption of risk: knowing that an inherent risk exists with participation in an activity and voluntarily deciding to participate anyway

Standard of care: what a reasonable and prudent person would do under similar circumstances

Negligence: failure to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under similar circumstances

Litigation Issues

Supervision

Liability insurance

Instruction

Human resources

Medical clearance

Emergency care plan

Record keeping

The risk of injury cannot be

totally eliminated, but it can be

effectively managed by the

strength and conditioning

professional.

Product Liability

Use equipment only for the purpose intended.

Do not allow unsupervised athletes to use equipment.

Be certain that equipment meets standards.

Buy only from reputable manufacturers.

Do not modify equipment unless such adaptations are designated.

Apply all warning labels that accompany a new equipment purchase.

Continually inspect equipment for damage and wear.