ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of strength and conditioning as a profession. It continues with that theme by examining the definition and criteria of a profession and the expected behaviours of professionals. The concept of signature pedagogies is introduced as the characteristic methods by which a profession educates and socialises its members into the profession. Professional competence as distinct from competencies is discussed and a professional competence framework is introduced and explained. The competence framework is intended as a tool for auditing strength and conditioning as a profession. The chapter maps areas of competence against strength and conditioning association mission statements, their scopes of practice, codes of ethics, credentialing and continuing education (publications, workshops and conferences). This mapping exercise clearly identifies competence areas that have received little emphasis in the strength and conditioning profession.
