Working Effectively as a Staff
Working Effectively as a Staff
By: Ken Hetzel
Strength Coach for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL
The working relationship and communication between the Sports Medicine Staff of a team is of paramount importance, and is often an overlooked component of a team's success. Here in the American Hockey League, we have one Strength & Conditioning Coach, a Physical Therapist, and an Athletic Trainer. One reason we've had some success as a staff, is because the old-school, territorial mentality that may exist among professionals in other weight rooms, or training rooms, is non-existent here. There is a level of trust that exists among our staff that allows for a high degree of freedom, as well as coordination. Let me explain, our staff takes a very strong 'team first approach'. Each staff member is more than capable of crossing over into other areas of responsibility. For example, some of our guys may respond favorably to protocols facilitated by another staff member. We still maintain our primary responsibilities; however I am not opposed to our trainer assisting, and involved, with our team lifts. Conversely, our staff is not opposed to me assisting and involved with rehabilitative protocols. If a certain player gravitates to a certain staff member, that staff member can quarterback or lead the protocols implemented for that player. Primary responsibilities would remain the same, but most of the work would be done with that staff member. This kind of team work among the staff provides the players with the best training course, and optimizes performance on the ice.
Our roles and efforts might best be described by the Venn diagram. The Venn diagram was the diagram of overlapping circles that can demonstrate primary responsibilities and shared responsibilities among the staff. As it applies to our staff, the diagram would exhibit responsibilities of each staff member, as well as shared responsibilities amongst the staff that require more of a collaborative, team effort. In other words, each staff member has varying degrees of responsibility for different elements of each athlete's program. Let me be clearer, as the Strength & Conditioning Coach I'm responsible for strength training and performance protocols, keeping guys strong, fast and healthy as well as coordinate recovery and regeneration protocols. Our Athletic trainer will facilitate and oversee the acute care of each athlete, as well as all non-exercise therapeutic modalities. The Physical Therapist will take the lead in rehabilitative programming for the injured athlete. Now these may seem like clearly defined roles. However, at its basic element, each responsibility is rooted in improving movement. A strong understanding of movement is a common denominator among the staff. To go into further detail, with our team we assess movement quality using the FMS at the beginning of the season. Although each member of the staff has defined roles, this is a collaborative effort. We analyze movement screens at the beginning of the season, then will discuss, and implement, the corrective and prehabilitation prescriptions for each player, and team as a whole. We will also re-assess throughout the season to monitor and document each player's improvement, and make adjustments if need be. Furthermore, this communication helps us recognize and address deficiencies or imbalances in each of our settings (weight room or training room). It also helps us organize and stay on the same page regarding a complete training plan for each player. When looking specifically at our collaborative efforts, it can also be seen in each of our assessments. As the Strength & Conditioning Coach, I will lead the FMS testing of each athlete. I will coordinate the results and data with our staff, and move forward with corrective prescriptions with their involvement. This however, is not the extent of our group effort. Our trainer will coordinate the results of all special tests with me, and our PT. Our PT performs his own assessment, and will discuss and coordinate the results with the rest of the staff. We are consistently reviewing and discussing the results of different tests and screens to recognize deficiencies, and move forward with a coordinated plan. Each morning, we communicate as a staff, reviewing the therapy and training direction of the team. This organization and communication allows us to maintain a proactive approach in preventing injuries, and keep guys healthy and performing at a high level on the ice. As long as guys are healthy on the ice and performing at a high level, we've done our job and put the team first.
