PREMIER LEAGUE

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES
STAFF
84.2. have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment; and
84.3. co-ordinate and lead the sports science services for the Academy.
85. Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate to the
reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or the PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that
it delivers sufficient and appropriate sports science services to its Academy Players.
86. The Lead Sports Scientist must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by
the Club.
Guidance
For Clubs’ obligations generally regarding the provision of sports science and medicine, see Rules 184 to 193.
It is envisaged that the person appointed to this role will have recent, relevant experience (which will be assessed by
League and/or the ISO).
A Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may choose to buy in support for this function on a part time basis.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.
Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach
87. Each Club which operates a Category 1 or 2 Academy shall employ a Lead Strength and
Conditioning Coach who shall:
87.1. in the case of a Category 1 Academy, be employed Full Time, and in the case of a Category
2 Academy, be employed at least Part Time;
87.2. be responsible for providing to the Club’s Academy Players appropriate strength and
conditioning training and monitoring as part of the Sports Science and Medicine Programme;
87.3. hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a
recognised university;
87.4. have attended the following workshops run by the UK Strength and Conditioning
Association (or equivalent workshops run by any equivalent body):
87.4.1. Foundation Workshop and Certification (Level 1);
87.4.2. Weightlifting Workshop;
87.4.3. Plyometric, Agility and Speed Workshop;
87.4.4. Planning Effective Programmes Workshop; and
87.4.5. report to the Lead Sports Scientist.
88. The Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach must undertake Continued Professional Development
organised by the Club.
Guidance
It is recommended that Category 2 Academies employ the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach on a Full Time basis,
but the League acknowledges that this may not always be possible, therefore, the minimum role is stated to be Part Time.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.
Senior Academy Physiotherapist
89. Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint a Senior Academy Physiotherapist who shall:
89.1. be Full Time in the case of a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy and at least
Part Time in the case of a Category 4 Academy;
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