Standard of care

The standard of care is what a prudent, reasonable person would do in similar circumstances, with professionals expected to act according to their education, training and certification status.^{1National Strength and Conditioning Association, Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines, p. 2.} In a negligence claim, duty is the obligation to meet that standard and breach is conduct that falls short.^{2Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 672.} A court or jury compares the trainer’s actions with the accepted standard of care and published professional standards of practice.^{2Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 672.}

The NSCA says published standards can be introduced as evidence and describes a trend toward admitting them in most jurisdictions.^{1National Strength and Conditioning Association, Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines, p. 2.} Following them can support a trainer’s defense; failing to follow them can support a claim against the trainer.^{3Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 673.} The NSCA distinguishes “standards,” which require particular procedures, from “guidelines,” which are recommendations not intended to define the standard of care.^{2Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 672.}

Trainers may face a higher standard of care than group exercise leaders because of the trust clients place in them, their added training and certifications, and their higher fees.^{4Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 674.}

In practice

• Learn the published standards: the NSCA lists nine areas of liability exposure, including preparticipation screening, supervision and emergency planning.^{2Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 672.}
• Degrees, experience and certifications don’t prevent conduct from falling below the standard of care.^{5Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 675.}
• Use the health history you collect: failing to act on it properly, or lacking the knowledge to interpret it, can be cited as a departure from the standard.^{6Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 676.}
• Refer clients whose needs exceed your recognized expertise or qualifications.^{7Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 677.}