The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

interacts with athletes to determine contraindications to warm-up and cool-down exercises and refers the athlete to appropriate medical personnel as required

applies knowledge of biomechanics and human anatomy and physiology to select and safely demonstrate appropriate warm-up and cool-down techniques to athletes and monitors their safe application within organisational safety systems and best practice sports trainer principles

evaluates and reflects on own work performance to identify ways in which warm-up and cool-down programs and benefits to athletes can be improved.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure conduct of multiple warm-up and cool-down sessions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a sport setting or environment

athletes participating in sport or physical activity

equipment and facilities to conduct a warm-up and cool-down program.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of applying appropriate warm-up and cool-down techniques for relevant activity

observation of interaction with athletes, including eliciting information about contraindications

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the principles of biomechanics in relation to performing warm-ups and cool-downs

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISSSPT305A Support sports injury management.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with athletes to establish the presence of contraindications

refer areas beyond own responsibility to appropriate medical personnel

convey information to athletes about safe warm-up and cool-down techniques

problem-solving skills to:

select and apply appropriate warm-up and cool-down techniques for appropriate activities or events

adjust exercises and techniques in response to athlete needs

self management skills to review and reflect on own performance.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct and monitoring of warm-up and cool-down programs

principles of biomechanics and human anatomy and physiology to enable the safe conduct of warm-up and cool-down exercises

contraindications and precautions for warm-up and cool-down exercises to ensure effective prevention or management of injury

warm-up, stretching and cool-down exercises and techniques for relevant activities or events to enable an appropriate program to be implemented

benefits of warm-up, stretching and cool-down exercises in preventing injury and aiding recovery.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Benefits may include:

gradually increased body and muscle temperature

increased blood and oxygen supply

increased flexibility generally or in specific muscle groups

increased proprioception

increased excitement levels

return heart rate, breathing and blood pressure to normal

restoration of range of motion and flexibility

removal of waste products from muscle tissue

reduction of exercise induced muscle spasm.

Warm-ups may include:

series of exercises, usually incorporating some stretching exercises.

Cool-downs may include:

series of exercises, usually incorporating stretching exercises.

Athlete or Athletes may include:

beginner through to high performance level competitors

athletes under 16 years of age who require parent or guardian consent prior to being included in a training program

female or male athletes

athletes with a disability or special needs.

Other relevant stakeholders may include:

coaches

sports officials.

Preferred timing and duration of warm-ups and cool-downs may include:

performance parameters for the event

intensity of event or activity

areas of body to cover

holding times

repetitions.

Contraindications and precautions may include:

acute inflammation

infection

fracture

recent muscle injury

haematoma

torn ligament

acute and or sudden joint swelling

neck soreness or strain

back soreness or strain

extreme pain on movement of any body part

inability to bear weight through a limb

heart condition

open wound.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

confidentiality of participant information

code of ethics

code of conduct

Sports trainer associations guidelines.

Medical support team may include:

medical practitioners

physiotherapists

chiropractors

osteopaths

massage therapists

rehabilitation therapists.

Basic principles of biomechanics may include:

centre of gravity

base of support

levers

fulcrums

major muscle actions.

Best practice may include:

Industry Code of Ethics

Industry Code of Conduct

Sports trainer regulations and guidelines

best practice sports trainer principles.

Arousal levels may include:

calming the nervous or anxious competitor

increasing excitement levels.

Self-reflection methods may include:

diary or journal

mentoring.