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Washington State University
College of Education

Strength and Conditioning Minor Bohler Observation Guidelines

“You can observe a lot just by watching.” – Yogi Berra

The strength and conditioning minor is an opportunity to learn and work with professional strength and conditioning coaches in their working environment.  You are applying to a minor that includes a two-term practicum requirement in Bohler weight room as a student intern (Kines 412, 413).  As such, there is an application process that includes both clinical and academic pieces.

♦We need students who want to learn, work, and enjoy the unique athletic environment of the internship practicums.  To be sure that you understand this environment, six observation hours in Bohler are required. Please plan ahead and take note of all deadlines and rules listed below.

♦The minor involves students working as unpaid interns in the Bohler weight room for two scholastic terms.  One aspect of the application process is to observe the environment and be evaluated by the coaching staff for professionalism, interest, and communication skills within the gym environment.  These are scheduled on an individual basis by the Bohler coaches and must be completed prior to the application deadline the term you are applying.  Start this step EARLY in the term.

♦Helpful hint:  In addition to observing the practicum weight room setting, students completing observation hours give clinical faculty and staff insight. Students interested in becoming strength and conditioning interns at WSU will want to make this a good first impression in all communications and actions.

STEP 1:  Background Professional Documentation Needed

  • Bohler’s reference form completed by three professional references (click here to download form):   Your three references should be from adults who have supervised you in current/past activities (jobs, volunteering, sport coaches, teachers).  Other undergraduate students are not acceptable.
    • IMPORTANTTo verify authenticity, references should email the completed form directly from their email address.  Forms collected and forwarded by student will not be accepted.
    • Have your references directly send an email with the completed form attached to the S&C email address: kines.SCminor@wsu.edu
  • Send an email from YOUR WSU address to kines.SCminor@wsu.edu, including your preferred name, a list of names to expect references from, and attach a copy of your CURRENT RESUME

STEP 2:  How to schedule Observation Hours

  •  When step 1 is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from the SCminor email address with instructions on how to schedule observation hours with the internship coordinator for Bohler weight room.
  • In your email contact with the Coaches, include your available hours to observe using this spreadsheet:  click here

STEP 3:  How Observation Hours are Assigned

  • Once ALL information is confirmed and reviewed you will be scheduled during times that fit around your responsibilities.
  • The six observation hours takes approximately three weeks, so that you can see the environment of multiple workouts.  Because of this, the earlier you start, the better!
  • Observation hours are required to be completed within the term you are applying for the minor.
  • Due to facility limitations, all observation hours must be scheduled ahead of time, and is prioritized on a first come-first served basis.
  • Bohler is a working Division 1 weight room.  When you first arrive, before beginning observation hours, prospective students are required to sign a confidentiality waiver with the Bohler Strength and Conditioning staff.
  • Please remember to review the observation hour questions prior to attending and feel free to take notes during your scheduled time in Bohler.

How to fit in and show the coaches you are ready for the experience:  Expected Dress and Behavior while observing

  • Observation hours provide candidates an opportunity to “shadow” professionals in a working collegiate weight room. It is meant to be an active process where you can observe working interns, team conditioning, practice coverage, ask questions, and etc. “Wall flowers” that just put in the time are missing out on invaluable opportunities to learn.
  • The Bohler weight room is a professional facility; do not use your experience as an opportunity for social interaction or contact with student-athletes.
  • To fully observe the flow of the environment and how the student interns interact with the coaches and athletes, you will be assigned reflection questions each week.  This will help you focus on the most impactful aspects to understand about the roles and responsibilities.
  • Prove your dependability and professionalism.  Be early, stay engaged, be there the entire time, and communicate effectively both electronically and verbally.
  • No cell phones or ear buds allowed.  There is an intern office where you will be allowed to put your belongings.
  • Dress code:
    • Cougar apparel or clothes that are plain crimson, black, white and gray will be the only apparel allowed.
    • Other university, high school, or professional team clothing is not allowed.
    • No hats.
    • Clean, closed-toed athletic shoes ready for movement.  No sandals, boots, etc.
  • Only a staff strength and conditioning coach can sign off on your observation times.
  • Print a blank copy of the Observation Hour Log form (click here)  and bring it with you to your first day of observation.
  • There will be a place for you to submit the completed Hour log within the online application.
  • Be sure that you have been assigned your intern interview by Kim once you begin observing.