SCU supports NCAS in RACE weekend

The sit-up is dead – long live core stability.

This is the message Southern Cross University Honours student James Harrison will attempt to get across to North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) athletes this weekend, November 19 and 20, at the Academy’s annual Regional Athlete and Coach Education (RACE) program at Coffs Harbour.

Mr Harrison along with University Honours graduate and PhD candidate Jamie Hetherington will be guest presenters in core strength and sports physiology, respectively, to more than 250 athletes and coaches.

“Basically I’ll focus on the removal of the lasting stigma that core strength and stability are all about sit-ups,” Mr Harrison said.

“Core stability is imperative for any athlete because the core links the upper and lower body. If an athlete’s core stability is not there then force produced by the athlete can be diminished because it can’t be transferred efficiently.”

Mr Harrison is in the process of completing his Honours study into fatigue on the body. Both students initially completed a Bachelor of Human Movement Science through the University.

Mr Hetherington believes athlete education is important to produce better results.

“If we can instil in the kids an understanding of what is happening to their bodies when they train then that will help them progress,” he said.

Over two days at the Novotel, the NCAS athletes and coaches will be educated in sports nutrition, sports psychology, sports physiology, drugs in sport and core strength and conditioning.

The education modules were developed by NCAS staff with the assistance of Southern Cross University staff including Dr Sue Robson, Associate Professor Al Davie and Dr Dave Arthur.

NCAS Executive Director, John Kincade said: “The Regional Athlete and Coach Education Program is a wonderful example of collaboration between Southern Cross University and the Academy which assists the lives of our communities, helping our athletes, coaches and parents to be better informed in their decision-making choices for the future.”

Photo: James Harrison (left) with Jamie Hetherington.