National High School Strength Coaches Association
Nondiscrimination Policy.
The NHSSCA is committed to equitable access, fair treatment, dignity, and respect across our educational programs, certification activities, events, and services. Our commitment is to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for everyone involved.
Part A — NHSSCA Anti-Discrimination Statement
Purpose & Policy Statement
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to affirm the National High School Strength Coaches Association's commitment to equity, inclusion, and nondiscrimination in all educational programs, certification activities, events, and services. This policy establishes NHSSCA's responsibility to ensure fair access, prevent discriminatory practices, and foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all participants, regardless of background or legally protected characteristics.
Policy Statement
The National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) is committed to providing equitable access to all events, continuing education programs, certification activities, and related services.
The NHSSCA strictly prohibits discrimination in admission, participation, evaluation, instruction, assessment, or any other aspect of its educational programs and events, including the High School Strength & Conditioning Certification (HSSCC). No individual will be excluded or treated differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
NHSSCA ensures that all learners, candidates, instructors, and evaluators are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Organizational procedures are designed to identify and prevent discriminatory practices, support equitable access to learning, and promote a safe and inclusive learning environment.
This policy applies to all members of leadership, staff, and volunteers. It covers all training programs and other activities conducted by the NHSSCA.
Definitions
Discrimination: Treating someone unfavorably because of a personal characteristic protected by law.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy constitutes a violation of NHSSCA professional standards and organizational policy and may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:
- Formal reprimands
- Mandatory corrective actions and training
- Probationary status
- Suspension of privileges or participation
- Revocation of certification or credential
- Removal from NHSSCA roles or responsibilities
- Termination of affiliation
- Legal actions or fines under applicable anti-discrimination laws
Disciplinary actions shall be progressive, proportional, documented, and consistently applied, based on severity, impact, intent, and prior history of non-compliance.
Progressive Discipline Structure
Level 1 — First Offense (Minor or Unintentional Violation)
Definition: An isolated, unintentional, or minor violation that does not demonstrate malicious intent or systemic impact.
Disciplinary Actions May Include:
- Formal written warning
- Required corrective action plan
- Documentation in NHSSCA records
- Compliance monitoring period
Level 2 — Second Offense or Moderate Violation
Definition: Repeated violations, failure to comply with corrective actions, or conduct that creates an exclusionary, hostile, or discriminatory environment.
Disciplinary Actions May Include:
- Formal disciplinary notice
- Probationary status
- Temporary suspension of privileges, roles, or participation
- Restriction from instructional, evaluative, or leadership roles
- Structured compliance review period
Level 3 — Severe Violation or Pattern of Non-Compliance
Definition: Severe misconduct, intentional discrimination, harassment, retaliation, abuse of authority, or systemic non-compliance.
Disciplinary Actions May Include:
- Immediate suspension
- Revocation of certification or credential
- Termination of NHSSCA affiliation
- Permanent disqualification from NHSSCA programs
- Removal from all NHSSCA roles
- Notification of partner organizations where applicable
- Referral to legal authorities when required by law
Zero-Tolerance Violations
Automatic Level 3 Violations
The following actions constitute automatic Level 3 violations and may result in immediate disciplinary action without progressive steps:
- Hate speech or hate-based conduct
- Sexual harassment or exploitation
- Physical threats or violence
- Retaliation against complainants or witnesses
- Discriminatory denial of access, opportunity, or services
- Coercion, intimidation, or abuse of power
- Systemic exclusionary practices
Reporting, Investigation & Resolution
1. Reporting
Any individual who experiences or witnesses discrimination or harassment should report it to the NHSSCA Executive Council.
Report a Concern
Concerns or suspected violations of the Nondiscrimination Policy may be reported to the NHSSCA Executive Council through the association's administrative contact.
info@nhssca.us2. Investigation
All complaints will be investigated promptly and confidentially. The investigation will include interviews with the complainant, the accused, and any witnesses.
The investigation process shall include:
- Formal intake and documentation of the complaint
- Preliminary review for credibility and scope
- Collection of relevant information and evidence
- Opportunity for response from involved parties
- Formal determination and findings
- Issuance of corrective or disciplinary action
- Documentation and record retention
Appeals
Any individual subject to disciplinary action may submit a written appeal within 14 days. Appeals shall be reviewed by the NHSSCA Executive Council.
Final determinations shall be:
- Issued in writing
- Documented
- Retained in NHSSCA records
- Final and binding
All complaints, investigations, determinations, disciplinary actions, and appeals shall be maintained in accordance with NHSSCA record retention and data governance policies.
3. Resolution
Based on the findings, appropriate corrective actions will be taken, which may include counseling, training, disciplinary action, or termination of membership.
4. Confidentiality
All parties involved in the investigation are expected to maintain confidentiality to protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of individuals.
Part B — Communication & Acknowledgment
Communication to Learners
The NHSSCA ensures that all learners are informed of the Anti-Discrimination Policy through multiple, consistent points of access to support awareness, transparency, and compliance.
Pre-Registration Access
The Anti-Discrimination Statement is publicly available on the NHSSCA website and linked within registration materials for all educational programs, events, and certification activities, including the HSSCC.
Registration Acknowledgment
During event or program registration, learners are required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of the Anti-Discrimination Policy as part of the registration or enrollment process.
Learning Event Orientation
For live events, courses, or certification activities, the policy is reviewed or referenced during opening remarks, orientation materials, or learner handbooks to reinforce expectations for conduct and participation.
Ongoing Availability
The policy remains accessible throughout the learning experience via the learning management system (LMS), event materials, or participant resources, including clear instructions for reporting concerns.
Acknowledgment by Developers, Planners & Instructors
The NHSSCA requires all individuals involved in the design, planning, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs to formally acknowledge and adhere to the Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Role-Based Policy Acknowledgment
All developers, planners, instructors, evaluators, and volunteers must review and formally acknowledge the Anti-Discrimination Policy prior to participation in any NHSSCA educational activity.
Incorporation into Planning Processes
Program planners and developers must consider equity, accessibility, and nondiscrimination in course design, instructional methods, assessment practices, and learner engagement strategies.
Instructor and Evaluator Expectations
Instructors and evaluators are expected to uphold the policy in all interactions with learners, including instruction, feedback, assessment, and decision-making regarding certification.
Documentation and Records
Acknowledgments are documented and retained by the NHSSCA as part of program records and instructor or volunteer onboarding processes.
Oversight, Reporting & Enforcement
Reporting Mechanism
Learners, instructors, and staff are informed of the process for reporting concerns or violations, including direct contact via info@nhssca.us .
Review and Action
Reported concerns are reviewed by NHSSCA leadership in accordance with organizational procedures. Appropriate actions are taken based on findings, consistent with the stated consequences of non-compliance.
Continuous Review
The NHSSCA periodically reviews this policy and its implementation to ensure continued alignment with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and best practices in adult education.
Policy Administration & References
Document Information
Original Issue Date: January 1, 2023
Current Document Revision: January 1, 2026
Revision No.: 0
Revision Description: Initial release of the non-discrimination policy.
Related Documents
- Employee Handbook
- Code of Conduct
- Anti-Harassment Policy
Applicable Laws
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Other relevant federal and state laws
Appendix A
Acknowledgment Form
The following is the acknowledgment statement included in NHSSCA's policy documentation for employees and trainees.
Employee / Trainee Acknowledgment
I,
acknowledge that I have read and understood the Nondiscrimination Policy of NHSSCA. I agree to comply with the policy and understand the consequences of non-compliance.
Reference only. This page does not collect signatures, submit acknowledgments, or replace the applicable NHSSCA acknowledgment process.