This document provides an overview of athletic training as a profession. It defines athletic training as the prevention, recognition, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and healthcare administration of athletic injuries. It describes the roles and responsibilities of various members of the sports medicine team, including certified athletic trainers, team physicians, coaches, parents, athletes, officials, and athletic training students. It also outlines best practices for establishing an athletic training program, managing an athletic training facility, record keeping, and obtaining additional certifications beyond athletic training certification.
2. Chapter 1Organization & Administration What is Athletic Training? It is the prevention, recognition, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and health care administration of athletic injuries. (Cramer) Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. (NATA)
14. The Athletic Training Profession NATA was founded in 1950 Membership now exceeds 30,000 members "The mission of the National Athletic Trainers' Association is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to advance the athletic training profession." National Athletic Trainers’ Association
34. A school should have a qualified team physician on the sideline at all football games and other high risk sporting activities.The Sports Medicine Team
35. The Sports Medicine Team BOC Certified Athletic Trainer A highly educated and skilled professional specializing in health care of the physically active. (Cramer) Athletic trainers: health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Approved by NATA Board of Directors
55. The Sports Medicine TeamParents Responsibilities: Should be updated on current illnesses and First Aid Home Care Health and Nutrition Fair Rules ATC should disseminate information.
56. The Sports Medicine TeamOfficials Responsibilities: Enforcing fair Rules Monitoring Playing Conditions Co-operating with Athletic Trainer and Physicians when injuries Occur and when Environmental Hazards Exist.
57. The Sports Medicine TeamCoaches Responsibilities: Plan Practices: include conditioning and training of the athlete, teach techniques and rules of their sport Selecting, fitting, and maintaining protective equipment Supervision of practice and game facilities Update education by attending clinics that review rule changes, skill development, first aid and CPR Must place the athlete’s welfare foremost; work with ATC and Physicians to determine what is best for the athlete
58. The Sports Medicine TeamAthletic Training Student Roles and Responsibilities: Obtain First Aid and CPR certification Develop skills in immediate care of injuries, preventive techniques Basic treatment protocols Maintain a clean athletic training area/facilities Inventory control Packing Kits
59. The Sports Medicine TeamAthletic Training Student Roles and Responsibilities: Preparation for practice and Games Prepare electrolyte drink or water for practice/games Assist in record keeping Become involved in taping, wrapping, changing of dressings, giving minor treatments, and first aid. Must be under direct supervision of an ATC.
60. Athletic Training Facility and Management Athletic training facilities at high schools vary from almost non-existent to those as modern and spacious as professional/college athletic training rooms.
61. Athletic Training Facility and Management Administrative Office Document, review and file all medial records/notes (Physical forms, Injury forms, Treatment forms, Insurance forms, Rehab forms, Physicians referral forms) Maintain a clean organized office and filling system Accessibility to phone, fax, and e-mail Updates computer, printer, and software
62. Athletic Training Facility and Management Hydrotherapy Area Have whirlpool safety inspected yearly Fill whirlpool Fill and rotate ice cups Make ice bags for treatment Clean and disinfect Wash and fold towels
63. Athletic Training Facility and Management Prevention (Taping Area) Restock taping areas Roll-up elastic/cloth wraps Disinfect tables Prepare heel and lace pads Replace tape cutter blades as needed
64. Athletic Training Facility and Management Rehabilitation Area Inspect all equipment Make sure all equipment is in its proper place Check paper supply in isokinetic machine Clean and disinfect all equipment
65. Athletic Training Facility and Management Treatment (Therapeutic Modality) Area Have all modalities safety inspected yearly Turn off when not in use Clean machines Wash and folds towels Check hydrocollator and paraffin bath levels
74. Record Keeping To ensure proper treatment of the athlete, careful records should be kept on all athletes Physical Exam: Should include past and present condition of the athlete
75. Record Keeping Accident/Injury Form Include Athletes Name Date time of accident/injury Place of Injury Mechanism of Injury Evaluation of Injury First Aid and Treatment provided Rehab Recommendations Medical referral
76. Record Keeping Daily Treatment Athletes name Date and Time Treatment Provided Protective Technique Rehab procedure utilized
77. Record Keeping Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPPA Passed to insure the rights of the athlete (patient) when it comes to their health records This law restricts who has access to the medical records, for a specific length of time, and for what reasons. The athlete (physical form) signs waivers to allow physicians and other health care providers to exchange information.
78. Fundamentals of Athletic Training Every Athlete is entitled to adequate conditioning, injury prevention measures, proper treatment of injuries, and complete rehabilitation. These programs are best designed and supervised by highly educated and skilled ATC’s.
79. Fundamentals of Athletic Training Athletic Trainer Characteristics: Professional skills AT Knowledge Enjoy Athletics Well-being of Athletes/People Good Fitness/Personal Health Common Sense Willingness to Complete Assigned Tasks
80. Fundamentals of Athletic Training Education Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training (CAATE) Sets accreditation standards for athletic training programs Includes formal instruction in all areas documented in the NATA Athletic Training Educational Competencies. BOC certification exam (after graduating from a CAATE accredited ed program)
81. Employment OpportunitiesTraditional Setting College/University setting Traditional setting Where profession began Secondary School Similar to the College/University setting Professional Sports Care for a Specific Team Restricted employment due number of venues
82. Employment OpportunitiesNon-Traditional Setting Sports Medicine Clinics Most recognizable non-traditional setting Assist other allied health professionals Include time spent in clinic, then off site work with high schools Corporate/Industrial Newer and developing outlet Help the employee return to the work force A healthy worker is more productive Community Recreation Centers Services a wide range of ages From the very young to geriatric population
83. Multiple Certifications Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist The National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS) Most recognized strength and conditioning certification http://www.ncsa.com Massage Therapy Recognized by the NATA in a number of competencies American Massage Therapy Association www.amtamassage.org Massage professionals www.abmp.com National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork www.ncbtmb.com An athletic trainer that is more diverse and knowledgeable is more valuable to an organization