Some endurance coaches use a lactate testing kit to measure the level of lactate in an athlete’s blood at a given time to determine that they are working in the prescribed training zone. Athletics NI insurers have issued guidance that only appropriately trained coaches can carry out this practice.
If this is something that you want to consider, please contact Athletics NI Endurance Coordinator Mark Kirk via email mark.kirk@athleticsni.org and see information below.
Lactate Testing Protocol and Training for Coaches Coaches will be required to have Athletics Coach or CIRF qualifications (old level two equivalent) and will meet with SNISI Physiologist Dr. Ricky McCann to go through the standard operating procedures. This can be carried out in conjunction with a lab-based test where appropriate, please discuss this with Mark when arranging your training.
*Please note: Any coaches who are trained medical professionals and have a phlebotomy qualification will not be required to receive training from a Physiologist.*
Please ensure that if you are using lactate testing kits, all debris is cleared up afterwards and no parts are left lying on the ground.
**Athletics NI are pleased to announce that we are hosting a Lactate testing protocols workshop with Richard McCann from the Sports Institute on Wednesday the 29th of April at 7.30pm in the Les Jones Room to demonstrate best practice in taking lactates from your athletes and the theory behind the process. The workshop will provide the required training for coaches to safely take lactates from their athletes; it is open to all coaches and athletes but please note that only coaches that hold an athletics coach or CIRF qualifications (or level 2 equivalent) can carry out the testing after they have completed the course.