Athletic Trainers’ Key Part of Student Support

FOCUS: SCHOOL ATHLETICS

In the realm of high school sports, athletic trainers’ impact extends far beyond the playing field or court. These professionals are pivotal in ensuring the well-being of student-athletes, offering benefits that have a positive impact throughout the school community.

Their role, though, faces significant challenges, notably the public’s understanding of their importance and funding to support the positions. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, athletic trainers are not required in any state at the secondary school level, although Hawaii funds athletic trainers in every high school and Delaware recently allocated funds for athletic trainers at every high school. Neither state requires them.

Stakeholders often fail to fully recognize the services athletic trainers provide, so ensuring the public is well informed is an important first step. As the leader of a district that has employed a full-time athletic trainer since 2012, I cite these benefits to promote better understanding.