2. Chapter 2
Athletic Training

3. Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
Describe the history and development of athletic training
Describe the role certified athletic trainers play in the athletic health care system
Explain the different skills required to be a certified athletic trainer

4. Objectives (cont’d.)
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to (cont’d.):
Describe the job market and opportunities that exist for certified athletic trainers
List various professional organizations available to certified athletic trainers
Discuss the Athlete’s Bill of Rights
Discuss liability and risk management and how they pertain to athletic training

5. What is Athletic Training?
Rendering of specialized care to individuals involved in exercise and athletics
Prevention, recognition, evaluation, and care of injuries
Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC)
Professional who has attained certification in athletic training

6. The Need for Athletic Trainers
Greater need for athletic trainers than ever before
Growth of females participants
Title XI: prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex as to participation in athletics in schools
Increase in youth sports
More college and professional athletes

7. The History and Development of Athletic Training
Galen (129 C.E.) and Hippocrates (589 years later) contributed a great deal to science and medicine
American Medical Association recognized athletic training as an allied health profession in 1991
One that contributes to or assists the professions of physical medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry

8. Qualifications of a Successful ACT
Skills include:
Problem-solving ability
Deductive reasoning skills
Good judgment and decision-making skills
Proficient knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biology, and advanced first aid
Motor skills
Communication skills

9. Qualifications (cont’d.)
Skills include (cont’d.):
Ability to work well with people
Ability to work well under stressful conditions
Ability to maintain poise in emergencies

10. Qualifications (cont’d.)
Tasks include:
Analyzing injuries
Taping and bandaging
Implementing exercise and rehabilitation programs for athletes
Monitoring rehabilitation programs
Demonstrating physical and rehabilitative movements

11. Qualifications (cont’d.)
Tasks include (cont’d.):
Using various modalities (methods of treatment) and training equipment
Recording, organizing, and storing information on injuries and rehabilitation

12. Qualifications (cont’d.)
Code of conduct
ATCs must abide by the rules and procedures of their certifying organization
Failure to abide can result in disciplinary action or termination

13. Qualifications (cont’d.)
Education
Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program at a minimum
Study human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, and psychology/counseling
Participate in extensive clinical experiences

14. Qualifications (cont’d.)
Certification
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC) examination
Prevention
Recognition, evaluation, and assessment
Immediate care
Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning
Organization and administration
Professional development and responsibility

15. Work Settings for the ATC
Include:
Sports medicine clinics
Public and private high schools
Colleges and universities
Amateur and professional sports teams
Health and fitness centers
Businesses
Olympic teams and training centers
Hospitals and medical clinics

16. Professional Organizations for ATCs
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
Largest U.S. certifying organization for ATCs
Regional, state, and local trainers’ associations
Promote athletic training, wellness, and safety of athletes at the local level
Example: Ohio Athletic Trainers Association (OATA)

17. Athlete’s Bill of Rights
No single standard
Common components include the right to:
Have fun through sports
Qualified adult leadership
Participate in a safe and healthy environment
Competent care and treatment of injuries
Participate regardless of ability or income level
Equal opportunity to strive for success
Say “no”

18. Liability and Risk Management
Hippocratic Oath
“I will follow that system of regimen [use treatment to help the sick] which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous [I will never use it to wrong them]” (Taber’s, 2001)

19. Liability and Risk Management (cont’d.)
Liable means “obligated according to law or equity; responsible” (Webster’s, 1993)
Athletic trainers take proper precautions to minimize exposure to lawsuits
Liability insurance is advisable

20. Conclusion ATCs possess skills, knowledge, and professionalism
This allows them to be respected members of the sports medicine community
Many career paths are open to ATCs
In addition to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, most states have elected to certify or license athletic trainers