Rep Owens Introduces STRONG Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) introduced the “Support Accurate and Thorough Data Collection and Recognition of Our Nation’s Growing Number of Strength and Conditioning Coaches Act,” or the STRONG Act, to ensure that strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches are properly classified within the Federal Standard Occupational Classifications System (SOC).

The SOC is the foundational dataset that the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other federal agencies use to track labor statistics and workforce participation. Currently, S&C Coaches are grouped under broader categories such as “Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors” (SOC 39-9031) or “Coaches and Scouts,” (SOC 27-2022), failing to recognize their specialized role.

“After spending 10 seasons in the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl Championship, I understand the grit, hard work, and determination it takes to compete at the highest levels.” Rep Owens said. “Every step of the way, the men and women responsible for our physical performance were as specialized and essential as any coach on the staff. Strength and conditioning coaches are far more than fitness instructors. They hold advanced degrees, nationally accredited certifications, and hundreds of hours of supervised experience. They build athletes and champions. They build warfighters and first responders. They ensure everyone they serve can perform at the top of their game. The STRONG Act costs the taxpayer nothing and delivers long-overdue recognition to a profession that has earned it.”

What the STRONG Act Does

The STRONG Act directs the OMB Director to consider establishing a new dedicated occupational code for strength and conditioning coaches during the next revision of the SOC system, preferably within the “Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations” group. If OMB declines to establish the code, it must submit a formal report to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs explaining its reasoning within 30 days of the SOC revision. The bill authorizes no new funding and is a targeted, data-driven fix that costs taxpayers nothing.

Why it Matters

Strength and conditioning coaches are currently lumped under broad federal categories like “Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors” or “Coaches and Scouts.” These classifications fail to recognize their specialized role and distort data on employment, wages, job growth, and workforce needs.

A dedicated SOC code would enable better workforce planning, stronger career pathways, more accurate research on injury prevention and performance, and proper alignment of education and training programs. This change will not result in a single dollar of new federal spending.

Support for the STRONG Act

Devan McConnell CPSS, CSCS, High Performance Director, NHL Utah Mammoth

“Strength and conditioning coaches are essential members of the locker room and community, helping athletes maximize performance, enhance durability, and meet the demands of elite competition. The STRONG Act acknowledges the expertise, education, and professional standards required to effectively serve athletes, tactical, and active populations. Recognizing strength and conditioning coaches as a profession is an important step toward advancing the field and supporting the individuals dedicated to improving human performance. I am proud to support this legislation.” 

National Strength and Conditioning Association

“The National Strength and Conditioning Association enthusiastically supports the STRONG Act. This legislation would recognize the vital work that strength and conditioning coaches do with athletes, law enforcement, first responders, members of the United States military and other active individuals to improve physical performance and minimize the risk of injury. Strength and conditioning coaches are a unique occupation deserving of inclusion in the Standard Occupational Classification system and we appreciate Congressman Owens’ leadership on this issue.”

American Physical Therapy Association

“The American Physical Therapy Association endorses the STRONG Act and thanks Rep. Owens’ sponsorship of the bill,” said APTA president Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, “APTA and NSCA have a shared commitment to the clients and athletes our professions both serve. This legislation will assist in providing needed workforce data to assist with workforce planning and development.”

National Athletic Trainers’ Association

“The National Athletic Trainers’ Association stands alongside the National Strength and Conditioning Association in support of the STRONG Act and appreciates Congressman Owens’ leadership on this effort. This workforce initiative will provide valuable data to help strengthen, support and advance human performance and athlete outcomes.”

Trevor Short, PhD, CSCS, CPSS, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Health, Wellness, and Performance, Utah State University

“Strength and conditioning professionals play a critical role in improving performance, reducing injury risk, and supporting the long-term health of athletes, first responders and military personnel. The STRONG Act recognizes the specialized education, certification, and professional standards required in this field. Because of its impact, it should be recognized and supported as a legitimate career pathway. I fully support this bill.”

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