Interview scorecard template

Strength and Conditioning Coach interview scorecard

Pre-screening scorecard for Strength and Conditioning Coach candidates.

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education coachingathletic performancecoachingsports sciencestrength and conditioning
Complete evaluation framework

What to assess and how to score it

Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.

01
Evaluation factor

Subject and technical command

30% weight

Probe programming knowledge, periodisation, and the physiology behind it, plus current certification.

Evidence to listen for

  • Knows the material or discipline well beyond the level they teach
  • Holds the qualifications, licences, or certifications required, and they are current
  • Can answer an unexpected question honestly rather than bluffing
  • Keeps learning in their own field

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Knowledge barely ahead of the learners; bluffs when asked something unexpected.

2
Needs Improvement

Adequate on the syllabus only; gaps show under questioning.

3
Satisfactory

Solid command of the material for the level taught.

4
Very Good

Depth well beyond the taught level; comfortable being asked anything.

5
Excellent

Programming grounded in physiology rather than trend, with current certification and evidence they keep reading.

02
Evaluation factor

How they actually teach

30% weight

Test how they coach a lift technically and correct an athlete who cannot feel what is wrong.

Evidence to listen for

  • Describes how they teach a specific thing, not their philosophy of teaching
  • Adapts when the first explanation does not land
  • Checks understanding rather than assuming it
  • Differentiates for varying ability within one group

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Only philosophy, no method; one explanation and no plan B.

2
Needs Improvement

Delivers content but cannot adapt when learners are lost.

3
Satisfactory

Sound instruction; differentiation is limited.

4
Very Good

Multiple routes to the same concept, with real checks for understanding.

5
Excellent

Coaches technique with multiple cues and can correct an athlete who cannot feel the fault themselves.

03
Evaluation factor

Group management and safeguarding

25% weight

Assess how they handle an athlete training through pain and where the line with medical staff sits.

Evidence to listen for

  • Has a concrete approach to a disruptive individual and a whole group losing focus
  • Knows the safeguarding or duty-of-care obligations for this age group and setting
  • Escalates a concern through the right channel
  • Sets boundaries without becoming punitive

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

No behaviour strategy; unaware of safeguarding obligations.

2
Needs Improvement

Struggles with disruption; vague on duty of care.

3
Satisfactory

Manages a normal group; less confident with serious disruption.

4
Very Good

Confident group management with clear safeguarding awareness.

5
Excellent

Clear on the boundary with medical staff, and will hold an athlete back against pressure from athlete or coach.

04
Evaluation factor

Progress and communication

15% weight

Judge whether they test and track adaptation, or just believe the programme worked.

Evidence to listen for

  • Measures whether learners actually improved, not just attended
  • Gives feedback that changes what someone does next
  • Communicates with parents, clients, or managers about difficult progress honestly
  • Records progress usefully

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

No sense of whether anyone improved.

2
Needs Improvement

Tracks attendance rather than progress; avoids hard conversations.

3
Satisfactory

Monitors progress; feedback is general.

4
Very Good

Measures progress concretely and handles difficult conversations well.

5
Excellent

Tracks adaptation with real testing data and adjusts the programme when the numbers disagree with the plan.

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