All About Athletic Trainers & Athletic Training
The following is an excerpt from the NATA's "The Certified Athletic Trainer" pamphlet:
The Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. The ATC functions as a member of the athletic health care team. ATCs have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree from an accredited athletic training education curriculum program. Student athletic trainers (SAT) study a wide range of topics, including human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, emergency care, injury/illness prevention and evaluation, nutrition, psychology, pathology, pharmacology and administration. SATs also participate in extensive clinical experience under appropriate supervision.
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC). The certification exam consists of three sections: a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical exam that evaluates the psychomotor skill component; and a written simulation exam that evaluates clinical and decision making skills. The test is aligned to the NATABOC Role Delineation Study, the job analysis for the practice of athletic training.
Effective January 1, 1996, Illinois passed Public Law 89-216 stating that a "Licensed Athletic Trainer" means a person licensed to practice athletic training as defined in 225 ILCS 5/3 Chapter III, paragraph 7603 section 3(4). In accordance with the Licensure Law, no person may represent him or herself as an athletic trainer or use the title "athletic trainer" or "certified athletic trainer" or use the letters "ATC" unless licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Regulation. Prior to 1996, Athletic Trainers in the State of Illinois were registered professionals by the Department of Professional Regulation, since 1986.
Certified athletic trainers must fulfill a continuing education requirement for certification maintenance. Currently, the ATC needs 80 hours of continuing education credit every three years. The Illinois Athletic Trainers Practice Act also has a continuing education requirement.
General principles that Athletic Trainers follow:- athletes should receive a pre-participation physical exam
- athletes should work with athletic trainers and coaches year-round to maintain proper conditioning
- athletes should develop muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility
- good nutritional practices incorporate the basic food groups
- athletes practicing/competing in warmer climates should become acclimatized
- workouts should be limited to two hours
- proper hydration the night before the event reduces dehydration
- fluid breaks should be offered regularly
- athletes should use appropriate equipment that fits properly
- appropriate protective equipment should be worn in all practices and competitions
- shoes should fit appropriately
- foot diseases should be treated immediately
- mouth guards should be used in all collision sports
- players should stretch properly before and after activity
- a warm-up and cool down period is recommended
- ice should be applied to appropriate injuries
- injuries should be evaluated immediately
- schools should have a written emergency plan
- athletic departments should maintain Emergency Medical Clearance cards
- coaches should be certified in CPR and first aid
