Certificate & Letter
Official recognition materials explaining the significance of the achievement, shared with the program and school leadership.
NHSSCA · Program of Excellence
A Standard WorthEarning.
Great strength and conditioning programs are built on more than results. The NHSSCA Program of Excellence recognizes high school programs that demonstrate professionalism, safety, quality, and effectiveness through documented practice.
The Meaning Behind the Recognition
More Than a Program.A Standard of Excellence.
The NHSSCA Program of Excellence recognizes high school strength and conditioning programs that put professional standards into practice every day. It honors the coaches and schools committed to safe, purposeful, and effective student-athlete development.
Recognition With Meaning
Excellence Is Not Claimed.
It Is Demonstrated.
The distinction is earned through submitted evidence, rubric scoring, and verification by the NHSSCA Education Committee—not through self-designation.
What the Honor Recognizes
Program of Excellence evaluates how a school operates its high school strength and conditioning program across the current rubric categories: safety, program quality, program efficacy, outreach and highlights, continuing education, and technology.
Applicants submit supporting documentation and evidence of their program in action. To qualify, the program must earn at least 85 out of 100 points and receive Education Committee verification.
Once approved, the designation is recognized for three years. Renewal is required to demonstrate that the program continues to meet the established standard.
What Recognition Includes
Approved programs receive official recognition they can share with school leadership, families, and their communities.
Press Release
Recognition information the school can share with local media and its community.
NHSSCA Recognition
Recognition on the NHSSCA website and during the awards portion of the National Conference.
Banner Option
Approved programs have the opportunity to purchase an NHSSCA Program of Excellence banner for their facility.
A Distinction That Must Be Earned—and Maintained.
The Program of Excellence is a three-year recognition, not a lifetime designation. Explore how current programs are evaluated before beginning an application.
The Current Program of Excellence Standard
HOW EXCELLENCE IS EVALUATED.
The Program of Excellence uses a documented evaluation rubric to recognize high school strength and conditioning programs that demonstrate professionalism in daily practice. Applicants provide evidence of their program's systems, coaching, and results for NHSSCA Education Committee review.
85/100
Points Required to Qualify
An applicant must achieve at least 85 out of 100 points. Meeting the point threshold does not constitute automatic approval; the NHSSCA Education Committee verifies scores and supporting documentation before recognition is awarded.
What the Current Rubric Examines
01 / SAFETY
Safety & Readiness
Emergency procedures, AED access, safe facility organization, qualified coaches, student orientation, and the program's position on performance-enhancing drugs.
02 / QUALITY
Program Quality
Scientific training principles, periodization, exercise progressions, program creativity, tracking and testing, and clear performance goals.
03 / EFFICACY
Program Efficacy
Demonstrated improvement, clear objectives, training-session organization and flow, and initial physical assessment or preparatory practices.
04 / OUTREACH & DEVELOPMENT
Outreach, Continuing Education & Technology
Program outreach and athlete recognition, continuing professional education, and evidence of technology being used within the strength and conditioning environment.
More Than a Score.
The rubric is supported by documentation that shows how your program operates, not simply what you claim to do.
- Evidence and documentation for the rubric items claimed
- A 2–3 minute training video showing session flow and coaching
- A written response explaining why your program merits recognition
- Athletic Director and Principal sign-off
- NHSSCA Education Committee verification before any public announcement
Watch the NHSSCA explanation of the current rubric, required evidence, and review process. Open video on YouTube ↗
The NHSSCA Program of Excellence Application
A CLEAR PROCESS.A MEANINGFUL DISTINCTION.
Program of Excellence recognition is earned through documented practice—not an application alone. Prepare your evidence, demonstrate your program in action, and submit your materials for review by the NHSSCA Education Committee.
The standard: Programs must earn at least 85 out of 100 points on the current POE rubric. Scores and supporting materials are subject to Education Committee verification before recognition is awarded.
Annual Application Window
January 1 – April 1
First-time and renewal applications are accepted during this period each year.
01Eligibility & Preparation
Review Your Eligibility
Before beginning, review the published POE eligibility rules and determine whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing designation.
- Confirm current NHSSCA Professional Membership and applicable experience requirements.
- Plan to submit your application during the January 1–April 1 annual window.
- Identify your school and the program being evaluated.
- Renewal applicants must also submit continuing education documentation.
02Rubric & Evidence
Document Your Program
Complete the current POE rubric and attach evidence that supports the points claimed across the established evaluation categories.
- Safety and emergency-readiness documentation.
- Training plans, testing information, program goals and results.
- Relevant outreach, professional development and technology evidence.
03Required Demonstration
Show Your Program in Action
Provide the supporting materials that help reviewers understand how your program operates beyond what is written on the rubric.
- 2–3 minute training-session video showing organization, coaching interactions, athlete engagement and session flow.
- Written response explaining why your program merits POE recognition.
- Athletic Director and Principal information/sign-off as required by the application.
04Review & Verification
Submit for Committee Review
The NHSSCA Education Committee evaluates the submitted rubric and verifies supporting evidence before making a recognition decision.
- Reviewers may request missing or clarifying documentation.
- Claimed points may be adjusted when evidence does not support them.
- Do not publicly announce POE recognition until NHSSCA confirms approval.
Your next step
First-Time Applicant or Renewal?
The submission process differs for returning programs. Review the two application pathways before opening the forms so you know exactly what is required.
Applications can be saved and resumed later using the Jotform Save & Continue Later feature, as described in the current application instructions. Recognition is valid for a three-year period; renewing programs must complete the required renewal submissions.
Choose Your Program of Excellence Pathway
ONE STANDARD.TWO APPLICATION PATHWAYS.
Whether your school is pursuing Program of Excellence recognition for the first time or renewing an existing designation, every application is reviewed against the current 85/100-point standard. Select the pathway that applies to your program and plan your submission during the annual application window.
Annual Application Window
January 1 – April 1
Both first-time and renewal applications must be submitted within this annual window. Application access is managed in the final Professional Member section.
Pathway 01 · First-Time Application
Earn Recognition for Your Program.
For eligible coaches submitting their school's Program of Excellence application for the first time during January 1 – April 1.
- Complete the Program of Excellence Rubric Submission Form.
- Provide supporting evidence for the rubric criteria you claim.
- Include the required 2–3 minute training-session video and written response.
- Provide Athletic Director and Principal information for required approval.
One submission required. The separate Continuing Education Submission Form is not required for first-time applicants under the current instructions.
Use the Professional Member access section below to open the rubric form when applications are open. Once started, you can save your progress with Jotform's Save & Continue option.
Pathway 02 · Renewal Application
Demonstrate Sustained Excellence.
For previously recognized programs applying to renew their three-year Program of Excellence designation during January 1 – April 1.
- Resubmit the current POE rubric with updated supporting documentation.
- Include the required training-session video, written response, and administrator information.
- Complete the separate Continuing Education Submission Form.
- Document at least 25 continuing education hours according to the current CE instructions.
Two separate submissions required. A renewal is incomplete until both the rubric application and the continuing education form have been received.
During the application window, the member access section below provides both renewal forms. Use matching applicant name, email address, and school information on each submission.
Save Your Progress. Finish When Ready.
Form links are available to eligible Professional Members in the final application section. The POE application requires documentation and careful review. You do not need to complete everything in one sitting, but you must submit within the January 1 – April 1 application window. Use Save & Continue Later in Jotform to receive a secure return link by email.
Before You Submit
- Confirm all required documentation and the training video are included.
- Review your claimed rubric scores and written response.
- Check your administrator details and application type.
- Renewal applicants: verify the separate CE submission is complete.
Important: Submission does not confer the award. The NHSSCA Education Committee must verify and approve recognition before a school publicly announces Program of Excellence status. Questions? Email Ben Brandau.
Professional Member AccessNHSSCA · Program of Excellence Honorees
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE.HONORING CONSISTENCY.
These high school strength and conditioning programs have earned the NHSSCA Program of Excellence distinction. Explore the latest recognized schools, see each three-year designation period, and celebrate programs recognized more than once.
Latest Recognition Class
2026 PROGRAMS OF EXCELLENCE
Congratulations to the coaches and schools recognized in 2026. Multiple-time honorees are marked with a special distinction.
Loading award records…
SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE DESERVES RECOGNITION.
A multiple-time recipient has earned POE recognition in more than one published award-year group. Look for the 2× POE marker, or filter the archive to see these schools together. Repeated names within a single group do not count as additional awards.
EXPLORE THE HISTORICAL ARCHIVE
Search for a school, coach, state, or designation period. Open any period to see its recipients and their recognition history.
Archive note: Periods are shown in NHSSCA's published three-year format (e.g., 2022–2025). Current school names and coach spellings are preserved from the existing website. Where a district and a school may refer to the same program, they are not automatically merged. A later renewal does not by itself establish uninterrupted recognition. Please contact NHSSCA if an award history requires correction.
Explore POE ApplicationYou've Earned It.Display It With Pride.
NHSSCA Program of Excellence · Application Access
THE STANDARD IS SET.SHOW WHAT YOU'VE BUILT.
Your program's commitment to professionalism, safety, quality, and effectiveness deserves meaningful consideration. Choose the appropriate application pathway and submit the evidence behind your work.
Professional Member Application Access
Annual Application Window
January 1 – April 1
Applies to both first-time and renewal applications.
Applications Are Currently Closed
NHSSCA Program of Excellence applications are accepted annually from January 1 through April 1. The next application window opens January 1, 2027.
First-time and renewal applicants can prepare their documentation in advance. Application links become available during the window to eligible NHSSCA Professional Members.
Before You Submit
- 0185/100 points are required to qualify, subject to NHSSCA Education Committee verification.
- 02Provide required rubric documentation, a 2–3 minute training video, and a written program response.
- 03Include required Athletic Director and Principal sign-off.
- 04Renewal applicants must complete the rubric and submit at least 25 continuing education hours using the separate CE form.
- 05Do not announce Program of Excellence recognition until official committee verification and approval.
Questions About Applying?
For guidance on POE application requirements or your submission, contact Ben Brandau.
bbrandau@qcusd.org