Athletic Trainer Services in the Secondary School Setting: The Athletic Training Locations and Services Project

Abstract

Context Previous research from a sample of US secondary schools (n = 10 553) indicated that 67% of schools had access to an athletic trainer (AT; 35% full time [FT], 30% part time [PT], and 2% per diem). However, the population-based statistic in all secondary schools with athletic programs (n = approximately 20 000) is yet to be determined. Objective To determine the level of AT services and employment status in US secondary schools with athletics by National Athletic Trainers' Association district. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Public and private secondary schools with athletics. Patients or Other Participants Data from all 20 272 US public and private secondary schools were obtained. Main Outcome Measure(s) Data were collected from September 2015 to April 2018 by phone or e-mail communication with school administrators or ATs and by online surveys of secondary school ATs. Employment categories were school district, school district with teaching, medical or university facility, and independent contractor. Data are presented as total number and percentage of ATs. Descriptive statistics were calculated for FT, PT, and no AT services data for public, private, public + private, and employment type by state and by National Athletic Trainers' Association district. Results Of the 20 272 secondary schools, 66% (n = 13 473) had access to AT services, while 34% (n = 6799) had no access. Of those schools with AT services, 53% (n = 7119) received FT services, while 47% (n = 6354) received PT services. Public schools (n = 16 076) received 37%, 32%, and 31%, whereas private schools (n = 4196) received 27%, 28%, and 45%, for FT, PT, and no AT services, respectively. Most of the Athletic Training Locations and Services Survey participants (n = 6754, 57%) were employed by a medical or university facility, followed by a school district, school district with teaching, and independent contractor. Combined, 38% of AT employment was via the school district. Conclusions The percentages of US schools with AT access and FT and PT services were similar to those noted in previous research. One-third of secondary schools had no access to AT services. The majority of AT employment was via medical or university facilities. These data depict the largest and most updated representation of AT services in secondary schools.

Impact of COVID-19 Social Distancing Restrictions on Training Habits, Injury, and Care Seeking Behavior in Youth Long-Distance Runners

“…Youth runners sought care from athletic trainers 2.7 times less during this period, though care seeking behavior from other providers did not change. Approximately 76% of high schools employ an athletic trainer (Huggins et al, 2019 ); however, as sports seasons were canceled early, access to these providers were potentially limited to these injured runners. Increased utilization of telemedicine by athletic trainers and other health care providers could improve access to care for this population during restrictions or in rural/remote environments (McLeod et al, 2013 ).…”

Characteristics of Injuries Occurring During Cross-Country: A Report from the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network

“…Furthermore, the NATA's AMCIA recommendations and guidelines are focused on the evaluation and adjustment of medical coverage for the safety of collegiate student-athletes. However, research-O n l i n e F i r s t ers 33,34 have identified that approximately 30% of high schools in the United States lack access to athletic training services. Our results also demonstrate the level of care that high school cross-country student-athletes are not receiving when they lack access to an AT.…”

Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Accessibility to Necessary Resources for Those Working Per Diem Services

“…4,13 The latest consensus survey (2019) that assessed secondary schools' access to an AT revealed that 34% of institutions still lacked access. 14,15 This finding was almost the same as in the 2015 census survey, indicating that little growth had occurred at these institutions toward hiring an on-site health care provider to aid in the wellness and wellbeing of their student-athletes. 14 Per diem services offer a cost-effective opportunity for secondary schools to access ATs, exposing their student-athlete population to health care services and creating the possibility of a permanent position.…”

“…14 Per diem services offer a cost-effective opportunity for secondary schools to access ATs, exposing their student-athlete population to health care services and creating the possibility of a permanent position. These services are not only expanding for secondary schools due to guidelines for appropriate medical coverage 15 but are also being made available in emerging settings (eg, club sports, youth sports, and government positions). 4 In addition, researchers 1,4,16 have focused on the need for access to athletic training services by all physically active populations.…”