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UAB Athletic Performance Policies & Procedures

MAXIM: EXCEED EXPECTATIONS

VISION

To create a culture and environment that develops the student-athlete's body, mind, and inner well-being. We desire to invest in an approach that educates, motivates and empowers every student-athlete to reach their full potential. We understand that a holistically healthy student-athlete is more primed to perform at championship levels.

MISSION

To provide student-athlete's with comprehensive, relevant, innovative training programs, and resources. We will enhance all aspects of athleticism, student-athlete well-being, and peak competitive performance while reducing the risks of injury in a safe and inspiring environment. WHO WE ARE: CORE VALUES

WHAT WE DO: STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS

The mission of the UAB Athletic Performance team embodies an interdisciplinary group of professionals collaborating to ensure student-athlete peak performance as a UAB student-athlete and throughout life. To achieve success each layer is integrated into the student-athlete experience.

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE TRAINING MODEL

Figure 1: Pyramid of Success

PERFORMANCE TRAINING PRINCIPLES

As a group of highly qualified professionals, the Athletic Performance Team at UAB is a committed to delivering the services necessary to maximize each student-athlete's performance.

Planned Periodization - scheduled progression of phases ranging from general to specific variations in programming, rest, transitions to optimize performance.
Planned Programming - Utilize combinations of volume, intensity, exercises, density and frequency specific to the demands of the athlete's position and sport within a planned framework of phases:
Figure 8: Planned Programming Principles
- Stress - proper application of physical tension on the athlete's body via load, reps, rest, etc. The body must be stressed appropriately, often, and differently each session.
- Progression - gradual stress or overload of the body to bring about specific training adaptations unique to the position, sport and student-athlete aptitude.
  - Over Reaching - training to a point of fatigue in which performance begins to decline. This forces the athlete's body to adapt to higher levels of stress than normally experienced by.
- Adaptation - all systems of the body adapt to the imposed demands
  - Super-compensation - exposure to high bouts of stress and given adequate time to recover, leads to a training effect, resulting in re-synthesis of damage muscle tissue and deplete energy stores to a level above and beyond their previous state.
- Accumulation - building up the benefits from previous phases to allow higher levels of stress to be applied in the following blocks of training. Residual benefits last for limited times before proper stress must be utilized again.
- Peaking-pre-competition readiness of all performance qualities. All training benefits are transferred to sport performance (position specific speed, acceleration, explosiveness)
Multiple Joint Movements - Effective movement in sport requires a system of synchronized intricate movements that produce complex skills. Movement-oriented training involves teaching the neuromuscular system to function based on movement patterns.
Multiple Plane Movements - Sport movements occur in variations and combinations of three different movement planes: Sagittal (forward/backward), Frontal (side to side), and Transverse (rotational). Resistance-based work and field/court-based work should include work in all planes of movement.
Ground-Based Movements - Applying force to the ground on one or two feet is typical for most sport skills. The more force that can be applied to the ground, the faster the rate of return will be. This translates into higher jumping, harder kicking hitting, and throwing. The transfer of force from the ground through the body to an implement (bat, stick, ball) can be improved when exercises that enhance the amount of force the athlete generates and transfers are utilized (squat, lunge, plyometrics).
Position Specific - Not all positions in sport have the same demands. Hitters need different attributes than Libero's in volleyball, pitchers have different movement patterns than catchers in baseball/softball, mid-fielders have different energy demands than center backs in soccer. Programming designed to meet the specific needs of sport positions is critical.

FOUNDATIONS OF PERFORMANCE AND MOVEMENT

Figure 3: Foundations of Performance

Movement Screen
- Functional Movement Screening- used to assess baseline quality of movement patterns. Acceptable movement quality must be present in order to effectively load that particular movement pattern. Information from the FMS will be used to create a custom program that addresses athlete movement deficiencies.
Movement Preparation
- Neutralize and Correct Imbalances - soft tissue work, exercises, stretches, and specialized movements are prescribed based on individual assessment scores and need to improve dynamic and static posture, neutralize movement dysfunction, correct asymmetries with the hopes of reducing the incidence of injury.
- Organize Movements - involves organizing movements through mobility, stability, and range of motion within the musculoskeletal system to improve the overall efficiency of movement patterns. Through hip activation, dynamic stretching, movement integration, and nervous system activation the athlete will systematically prepare the body for training and competition. These motor solutions become the default for more efficient movements.
- Body core temperature - Dynamic warm-up protocols ensure the body core temperature increases and muscles are prepared for high intensity movements.
Movement Skill Development
- Every sport has its own unique demands on a student-athlete and every student-athlete is unique in their genetics, response to training, mindset, and talent in relation to their respective sport.
  Figure 4: Movement Skills
- Proficiency in a full palette of athletic movements specific to the athlete's sport position are developed.
- Movements are trained with a linear, multidirectional, and acceleration focus. Initial emphasis is on movement skill technique and high quality motor learning. Progressions are to full speed application and execution in a tactical setting.
Muscular Development
- Development occurs as a result of the sequence of muscle tissue stress, damage and adaptation. The chaotic nature of most sports requires that heavy demands be placed on the lower extremities to lessen the external contact forces from other players or from ground reaction forces associated with accelerating, decelerating, quick stops and starts, and changing direction.
  Figure 5: Muscular Characteristics
- All training methods are focused on improvement in any of the following muscular-tendon complex or ligament characteristics with an emphasis on the following:
  - Maximum Strength - maximum dynamic force the musculoskeletal system can generate to overcome the inertia of an external resistance in a single all-out-effort.
  - Endurance - the ability to produce maximal force for a maximum amount of time.
  - Power - the ability to exert maximal force in as short a time as possible.
  - Elasticity - the ability of the muscle to stretch and return to it's original shape upon the removal of the force initially applied.
  - Reactivity - the ability to rapidly absorb eccentric forces, and be able to shift eccentric to concentric action very quickly.
- To provide and apply instruction on using correct techniques and emphasizing the specificity and importance of each exercise as it relates to the athlete's sport.
- To provide each team with planned periodization and planned programming which is dependent on their respective competitive season. Planning is utilized to avoid under-recovery while prompting overreaching, reduce the risk of injury, and to sequence expressions of muscular hypertrophy, strength, endurance, power, and peaking at appropriate intervals.
- To prescribe exercises which develop and maintain muscular balance between antagonistic muscle groups in order to decrease susceptibility to injury and enhance performance.
- To train specific movements and speeds of movement in order to maximize preparation within the strength-speed continuum.
  Figure 6: Strength-Speed Continuum
  - Absolute Strength - foundation for all power, higher loads and lower volume are utilized.
  - Strength-Speed - training with high relative loads.
  - Power - the optimal combination of force and velocity. Power output requires recruitment of fast motor units at high rates of speed and is dependent on force application.
  - Speed-Strength - training with lower loads.
  - Speed Velocity - moving from point A to point B in the least amount of time.
Energy System/Metabolic Development
- To provide appropriate exercises and drills to produce training outcomes specific to the metabolic demands of the position, sport, and individual athlete's needs. Any of the following parameters may be included in the Athletic Performance program:
Readiness Strategies
- Post-work Recovery (Cool-down)
  - Cool-down
    - After workouts, practice, and games active recovery is utilized to allow the bodies core temperature to be cooled down gradually.
    - Provides an opportunity for accumulated waste products to be removed.
    - Begins the process of recovery for the next training session or competition.
- Fatigue Management
  - Sleep
  - Proper Nutrition
  - Optimum Hydration
  - Rest between workouts
  - Planned Recovery/Regeneration
    - Recovery techniques that will aid and accelerate the readiness process acutely and over time.
      - AIS Stretching
      - Trigger Point Therapy
      - Soft Tissue Management
  - Transitional Phases-unloading phases within blocks of training by lowering intensity or volume to place the body in less stress in hopes of driving super-compensation in performance parameters.
- Mental Preparation-Without crossing over into the realm of Sport Psychology, Mental Conditioning may involve the following:
  - Self-talk
  - Visual / Mental Imagery
  - Motivation
  - Team Building
  - Self-talk, mental imagery, leadership, influence, motivation, teamwork, etc.
Return-to-Play
- Re-Conditioning and Re-Building from Injury
- Transition phase between early stages of rehabilitation and complete return to play at full physical capacity.
- Assessment tools to determine competency and adequate motor control before body is under a higher stress in training or practice sessions.
- Protocols to achieve a high level of movement quality incorporating skill performance before progressing to each phase.
- Advancing to varying speeds, intensities, volume and external stimuli to prepare the athlete to return to play
Physical Performance Testing & Evaluation
- To monitor all student-athletes' progress and assess their strengths and weaknesses.
- To appraise the effectiveness of the athletic performance program relative to the requirements of the sport.
- To provide an atmosphere of encouragement, camaraderie and success during performance evaluation sessions.

TEAM-BASED HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE

There are many components needed to ensure the effectiveness of the Athletic Performance program and team members. With the trusted and industrious individuals on staff at this time, the alignment and distribution of operations provides the highest quality impact on student-athletes.

Secures the efficient delivery of assistance and services.
Provides opportunities for staff to undertake specialized functions while championing a spirit of collaboration within the athletic department and across campus.
Provides a clear vision, which drives efficient decisions related to personnel, programming, facilities, equipment, and technology within the unit.
AP team members, sport coaches, administrators and support staff will have clarity on who to seek out for specific information and answers.
Provides an opportunity for staff to learn the business of Athletic Performance, how programs operate within the umbrella of an athletic department and how the profession can lead to other professional avenues.
Provides a system of investment, accountability, and promotion.
Passions, goals, and natural gifts are highlighted in these positions.
Creates a shared vision within the Athletic Performance team.
Figure 10: Athletic Figure 8: Performance Services

EDUCATION
- Grow the mentorship program into a prominent program by preparing students/mentees for certification or their professional career.
- Provide educational opportunities and professional development for the Athletic Performance team to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest information available.
- Educate high school coaches and sports performance professionals within the Birmingham area.
  INREACH
  - Athletic Performance Team
    - CEU opportunities
    - Educational Seminars
    - National Conferences
    - Skype Discussions with industry professionals
  - Interns and Graduate Assistants (Practicum)
    - Athletic Performance Professionals Curriculum
    - Education-only Curriculum
    - CSCCa Practicum mentorship
  OUTREACH
  - High School Coaches-Satellite Clinics
  - On-site High School Coaches Clinic
  UAB ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & RESEARCH
  - Kinesiology
  - Nutrition Sciences
FUELING/REFUELING
BlazerFUEL
- Coordinate all aspects of Nutrition Services for Student-Athletes and Coaches
- Liaison to Nutritionist, Dieticians, and Interns
- Organize Team workshops
- Organize Coach workshops
- Coordinate individual Student-Athlete Appointments
- Social media
- Upkeep and Supervision of Fueling Station
- Collaborate with Department of Nutrition Sciences
- Collaborate with UAB Dining Hall
- FACILITY
  - Revision and completion of the building of the BlazerFUEL facility.
  - Pursue "naming rights" and the funding to ensure every aspect is covered from storage to sanitation.
- STAFF
  - Creation of Nutrition/Refueling program and hiring of a full-time salaried position to manage and operate the program for the olympic sports.
  - Collaboration with Department of Nutrition Sciences to expand Nutrition Internship program for Nutrition Science majors:
    - http://www.uab.edu/shp/nutrition/education/dietetic-internship
    - https://www.uab.edu/education/humanstudies/kinesiology/kinesiology-laboratories
  - Collaborate with UAB Dining constituents and dietician
- PROGRAMS
  - Athletic Performance budget increase to accommodate provision of foodstuffs, supplementation, and nutritional beverages for each student-athletes post-workout refueling.
  - Integrate Nutrition Sciences outreach (i.e. Kitchen Sink, Nutrition Trends)
  - Engage cooperation with UAB dining services and their dietician https://www.uab.edu/dining/about-us/nutrition
  - Ordering and distribution of food and supplements
  - Cooking classes
- BUDGET
  - Transfer of nutrition and refueling program management from Sports Medicine to Athletic Performance or it's own independent unit within athletics including budget and personnel obligations.
  - Nutrition budget preparation, maintenance and oversight until an independent unit within athletics.
- SUPPLEMENTATION
  - Product research, analysis and pricing
  - Ordering of supplements
  - Organization and distribution of supplements
  - Supplement budget preparation, maintenance, oversight
  - Coordinating with Nutritionist/Dietician on all products
BELL FACILITY & EQUIPMENT
- EQUIPMENT
  - Ongoing needs assessments
  - Pricing and Quotes
  - Ordering and Receiving
  - Maintenance and Upkeep
  - Equipment Disposition
- FACILITY
  - "Recruit Ready" at all times
  - Liaison to Letha and Lisa and Bartow Arena
    - HVAC
    - Safety Issues
    - Facility problems
  - Facility Policies and Procedures
    - Usage
    - Dress Code
    - Scheduling
  - Cleaning and Organization of rooms and storage
  - Flooring-cleaning, maintenance
  - Signage
  - Key Control
  - Construction Projects Liaison
- OUTSIDE FACILITY USAGE
  - Coordinate scheduling of campus facilities
    - Wallace Gym
    - Wallace Pool
    - Bartow Arena
    - Dowdy Field
    - Track
    - Track Field
    - West Campus auxiliary fields
  - Acquire schedules for the following:
    - Wallace Pool-training room usage, classes
    - Wallace Gym-classes
  - Tandem Calendar access and usage
BUDGETING/FINANCES
- Conduct needs assessments to ensure student-athlete and staff have what is necessary
- Monitor and maintain budget for maintenance and improvement of the facilities, equipment, and education
- Maintain records of maintenance and service via purchase orders or billing statements
- Maintain updated and accurate inventory records of purchased equipment and training aids via receipts and purchase orders
- Coordinate with Athletics Facility and Equipment Directors
- Maintain updated and accurate records of professional development, continuing education units, and professional journals via purchase orders or receipts
READINESS & RETURN TO PLAY
- Liaison to Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, and other health and medical staff
- Programming and evaluation of student-athlete's RETURN TO PLAY protocols
- Schedule and moderate meetings to include necessary Sports Medicine Staff, Athletic Trainers, Physicians, Dieticians, Athletic Performance staff, etc.
- Organize protocols for Student-Athletes released by ATC and Physicians but not 100% for full practices
- Fill gap from ATC to full sports performance
- FMS Corrective Protocol instruction and result evaluations
- Organize protocols for neutralizing imbalances and reducing risk of injury
SERVICE
- Out-Reach: Community Outreach and Assistance
- In-Reach: BlazerBUILT, Innovation Council, Staff Council
- Athletes in Action (AIA), FCA, Cru
- SAAC engagement
WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA
- Liaison to Media Relations/Marketing to make changes
- Updates to Athletic Performance Team
- Updates to program information
- Design and layout
- Information dissemination via Social Media
- Video Production
SPORT SCIENCE
- Ensure staff and interns are updated on physiology and anatomy as it relates to sport performance
- Building bridges with academic and research-based on-campus constituents
  - School of Education-Human Studies- Kinesiology
    https://www.uab.edu/education/humanstudies/kinesiology
    https://www.uab.edu/education/humanstudies/kinesiology/kinesiology-laboratories
  - Center for Exercise Medicine
    http://www.uab.edu/medicine/exercise/members
- TECHNOLOGY
- With the evolution of science and technological innovation, many sports are incorporating various tools to monitor and guide training and practices (i.e. Polar heart monitors, Catapult, GPS, Training Programs, Data Analytics). UAB Athletic Performance strives to stay on the forefront of these tools by the following:
- Educating staff on technology tools for performance and monitoring to provide appropriate and precise science-based information.
- Building bridges with academic and research-based on-campus constituents to aid in the usefulness of these tools.
- School of Educational departments Kinesiology
  https://www.uab.edu/education/humanstudies/kinesiology
  https://www.uab.edu/education/humanstudies/kinesiology/kinesiology-laboratories
- Center for Exercise Medicine
  http://www.uab.edu/medicine/exercise/members
- Data Collection and Assessment
- Data Dissemination
- Video Feedback
- Education
- Updates
MENTAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE
- Without crossing over into the realm of Sport Psychology, Mental Conditioning may involve the following:
  - Self-talk
  - Visual / Mental Imagery
  - Motivation
  - Team Building
  - Leadership/Influence training
- Utilization of outside specialists and speakers
- Liaison to Student-Athlete Services and Life Skills Coordinator
- Liaison to Student Health and Wellness Center
Figure 9: Well-Being Services

In the ever-changing world of athlete physical preparation, the advancement of mental preparation and team building has become essential. The well-being services are incorporated into student-athlete and team training sessions as part of their preparation for game situations but also life in general. Any issues or concerns beyond the scope of the athletic performance professional are referred to the necessary skilled professionals in that area of psychology or mental preparation.

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Provide access to leading-edge industry information, changes, and approaches.
Utilization of Organizational Learning and Development programs to enhance employee skills necessary to work with a diverse population of student-athletes, administration, and co-workers.
Empower a clear, one team mindset with teambuilding, goal setting, conflict resolution, etc.
Create Pan environment of continual learning.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics