BLUF There should be age-appropriate competency-based restrictions on Strength and Conditioning training for children and youths and it should prioritise long term athletic development (LTAD), over performance, to maximise athletic development and minimise injury. ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to demonstrate the process of developing a long-term athletic development model for high school athletes and describe strategies for implementing this structure for best practice. The methods involved; creating and administering a strength assessment procedure, establishing a set of strength benchmarks for each specific phase of development, and building a series of resistance training programs aimed at working toward these benchmarks. Key results included a decrease in the total number of reportable injuries per 1000 minutes in 2020. The average number of injuries per 1000 minutes for the years 2016-2019 was 25.1 compared to 15.4 in 2020. The average number of Sprain and Strain injuries per 1000 minutes for the years 2016-2019 was 11.4 compared to the 2020-year result of 1.4. In December 2019 there were 90 active weights room users, and this increased significantly to 353 users by November 24th, 2020. Implications of this study include exposure to athletic development at younger chronological ages. Potential enhancement of athletic abilities, motor skills and increased long term potential for athletic performance. A reduction in injury occurrence and a subsequent increased exposure to training and games. It is recommended that Year 7 students aged from 11 years and above begin resistance training under the guidance of industry qualified strength and conditioning coaches. This should involve following a stepwise, age appropriate, competency-based framework. Initial and follow-up strength competency assessments should be conducted to ensure efficacy of programming.
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