The assessment of strength and power is of critical importance in elite sport. These protocols outline updated testing methods for strength and power assessment that have a sound theoretical basis but are also practical in the training environment.

Version 2 of the National Protocols for the Assessment of Strength and Power was created with strong input from senior strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches from across the National Institute Network (NIN) and National Sporting Organisations (NSO) who interact closely with elite and developing athletes and coaches to optimise sporting success. This document captures their collective insight and experience.

The purpose of this document is to apply consistent testing protocols in the training environment. This national approach to quality sports science practices is important as it allows for comparable data to be obtained across the country, between athletes, and across different sports. It will also allow for the longitudinal tracking of developing athletes through to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. This data can in turn be used to investigate the effectiveness of training programs and to answer the many practical and research questions that arise in attempts to optimise sporting performance.

The updated protocols cover areas of athlete preparation, exercise selection and order, general and specific warm ups, and standardised protocols for the assessment of strength and power qualities in 16 commonly used tests. It is expected that these protocols will be updated with the discovery of new and pertinent information and the development and acquisition of new innovative testing equipment.

This set of protocols is not designed to limit the ability of the S&C coach to assess athletic qualities by other tests that the S&C coach may feel to be sports or athlete specific. This document outlines the protocols for the most commonly used and accepted assessments within the NIN environment, and provides a way in which test results can be gathered with a degree of validity, accuracy and reliability.