First in a New Series
by Michael G. Popson, A.T., C. Since the time of the Ancient Greeks and the introduction of Athletics through the Olympic Games, there has evolved five primary factors of Athletics; 1) Sports, 2) Athletics, 3) Coaches, 4) Physicians and 5) Athletic Trainers. The Athletic Trainer has been dedicated to the Athlete’s health and safety (1). In the multidisciplinary field of Sports Medicine many changes have taken place over the years and one of these is the specialization of all those involved within the field. The Athletic Trainer is no exception. This paramedical professional has become more and more specialized in the practice of Athletic Medicine.
The Athletic Trainer is responsible for: preventative medicine, emergency care for diseases and/or injuries related to exercise and the rehabilitation of those diseases and/or injuries to functional or competitive levels. The main responsibility of any Athletic Trainer Michael G. Popson, A.T., C. lies in the major link they play between the Athletic Program and the Medical Community (1,2). The Athletic Program provides the correct and proper injury Editor’s Note: BFS recognizes the ever increasing role prevention, emergency care and rehabilitation protocols and importance of athletic trainers in our American quickly and safely. sports system.
We therefore are excited to present a The educational and practical experiences are coupled together at most colleges and universities throughout the country and are quite extensive. The National Athletic Trainers Association, Inc. (N.A.T.A.), (the Trainer’s governing body), has approved programs throughout the country that offer both Bachelor or Master degrees in Sports Medicine. All Athletic Trainers possess a Bachelors degree and some a Masters degree in Sports Medicine or closely related field.
The typical divisions within a curriculum are; 1) Pre-Med classes, 2) Physical Therapy classes, 3) Athletic Training classes and 4) Related Electives, combined with their practical work experience covering varsity intercollegiate sports.
The undergraduate student trainer puts in a full class load of 12-16 credit hours and works 25-30 hours of Athletic Training per week, plus traveling with varsity teams. As a graduate student trainer, a full class load is 6-9 credit hours and work is 40-60 hours of Athletic Training per week, plus traveling with varsity teams. Athletic Trainers are very dedicated, intelligent individuals with a wealth of beneficial knowledge. Putting the course work to practical use in the Training Room daily, which makes these programs unique. new series of articles by Michael G. Popson which should be valuable to all coaches and trainers. employment on the day of graduation.
The education and practical work is not the only obstacle the Athletic Trainer must overcome on their way to professional practice; there is yet the National Inc.
Certification Examination to prove competency within the field recognized as one of the oldest Paramedical Professional Organizations, founded in 1950, to establish the professional standards for the Athletic Trainer (3). The core requirements of the N.A.T.A. examination that must be met before taking the exam are: 1) course requirements, 2) 1500 practical hours, 3) proof of a Bachelors degree (transcript), 4) American or Heart Assoc. certification in Standard First Aid and C.P.R., 5)
25% of practical hours must be in contact sports and 6) sponsored by a N.A.T.A. member. The Examination is an all day event involving 3 parts of testing: 1) written, 2) written simulation and 3) oral practical (4). Upon the successful completion of this Certification process, the Athletic Trainer student now becomes as Athletic Trainer, Certified (A.T., C.) and is recognized by the Athletic Trainers are ready for immediate and beneficial Continued on the next page 93 TRAINING ROOM TIPS Continued from previous page N.A.T.A. and the medical community. It doesn’t end there however, the Athletic Trainer now must uphold both the Code of Ethics and Constitution set forth by the N.A.T.A.
as a standard for the profession (3). Continuing Education must be met each year to keep the Trainer updated with the latest changes in Sports Medicine that occur frequently. In some states it is required to obtain a license to practice within the state of residence, as well as providing individual malpractice insurance in addition to the blanket coverage provided by their employer. The duties are numerous and different for every avenue of Athletic Training that one chooses. The Athletic Trainer could choose: 1) Professional Sports ranks, 2) Collegiate ranks, 3) High School ranks, 4) Industrial Work Place, or the most popular and fastest growing field, 5) Sports Clinic ranks.
Whichever the Trainer chooses as his/her profession, the common denominators remain; 1) preventative therapy or conditioning, 2):emergency injury care, 3) proper and prompt This Packet is designed for the extra effort coach who wants his program special. It contains the following: rehabilitation therapy to return the athlete to functional and/or competitive level. Most traditional duties include but are not limited to: protective and preventative taping, wrapping and programing, nutritional guidance and proper physical sports. responsibilities is that of education of the community to injury rehabilitation.
* A super high schoo! football program booklet for your games, How to design it and how NOT to pay for it! * How to get motivational coupons free for your players for their achievement. Worth several $100's! * How you can look sharp, be sharp and stay sharp at no cost to your budget. * How you can double your gate receipts! * Where and how you can get motivational achievement awards for weight training efforts.
An Athletic Trainer works with the coaching staff in both education and evaluation of athletic injuries and * Many motivational ideas to stimulate enthusiasm for your athletes, boosters and parents. planned programs for a safe and quick return to activity. Your sports Professional: an Athletic Trainer.
FArnheine, Daniel O.: Modern Principles of Athletic Training, Seventh Edition, St. Louis, MO (1989), The C.V. Mosby Company.
Trainer’s Association, Greenville, NC, (1980), .
National Athletic Trainer’s Association. 4.
N.A.T.A. Board of Certification: Certification Requirements for Athletic Trainers, Greenville, NC, Award Certificates, Pack of 50 wo...
(1989), National Athletic Trainer’s Association.
(In School Colors), Pack Of 100 .0.........cccceeeeeeeee $19.00 (Michael G. Popson is the Director of Outreach | Services for Vaughn, Buchanan & Associates Physical Send your orders to:
?
O’Shea, M.E.: A History of the National Athletic 3.
Rawlinson, R.: Modern Athletic Training, North Palm Beach, FL, (1980), The Athletic Institute.
2. eee"
1.
COST: ONLY $40.00 FOR THE COMPLETE SET OF THESE SIX BEAUTIFUL POSTERS!
* Super Thick and Sturdy Contains All the Basic Instructional Information in the New BFS Book * Will Make Every Gym More Attractive * The Spotting Technique Section is Important for Administrative and Legal Considerations.
I— The Program, Sections Include:
What is Power Weight Training, Anatomy Chart of Muscles, What Will I Improve, Weekly Program, The BFS Super Set-Rep Program, The BFS Standards and a Personal Challenge.
Poster II — The Bench Press and the Towel Bench, Sections include: Muscle Groups, Body Position, Spotting Technique, and Lifting Technique. Poster III — The Squat and the Box Squat, Sections include: Muscle Groups, Body Position, Spotting Technique and Lifting Technique. Poster IV — The Dead Lift and the Clean, Sections include: Muscle Groups, Body Position, Spotting Technique and Lifting Technique. PosterV — Auxiliary Lifts, Illustrations include: Hang Cleans, Straight Leg Dead Lifts, Dips, Leg Curls, Incline Press and Power Pulls.
Sections also include Muscle Groups, Body Position and Nutrition, Sections include: Do You Eat Right, Unique Nutritional Rating Chartand System for Athletes, Functions of 7 Important Minerals for Athletes, Functions of 9 Important Vitamins for Athletes and What to Look for in Proteins.
While looking at weight rooms across the country, the most glaring error is Bare Walls. They will make a truly fine addition, at a real economical price. Your athletes will really go for them.
From BFS Magazine — Fall 1989. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
