Be Prepared

Be Prepared– A motto that the Boy Scouts introduced. And a concept that Athletic Trainers practice.

Be Prepared. For what? ANYTHING. Athletic Trainers are prepared for just about anything. We take the time to prepare prior to a game or practice so that you can perform fully. We prepare for emergencies. We prepare for weather.

Emergencies on the Sports Field

Tonight everybody is talking about Kevin Ware from the Louisville Cardinals after a gruesome injury ended his season tonight on national television. If you missed it, you can easily find pictures and videos online if you so desire. He suffered a compound fracture of both his tibia and fibula which required surgery to repair. But it is important to highlight the care he received immediately following the injury and recognize the importance of the Sports Medicine Team and the Emergency Action Plan that was put into action.

What’s in a Name Part 2

Last year during National Athletic Training Month, I discussed the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s plan to evaluate a potential name change. You can read that post here.

This year I am enrolled through the University of South Florida as a graduate student and last week our discussion was about this very topic. I’d like to talk a little bit about that discussion as well as introduce a new year on the blog during National Athletic Training Month.

So What’s In a Name?

NATSC: JMU 2010

James Madison University’s “Smooth Professional”

 

Every Athlete Deserves an Athletic Trainer

NATSC: Troy University

Troy University’s 2011 Video Entry

 

Every Athlete Deserves an Athletic Trainer

NATSC: University of Delaware

University of Delaware 2012

 

Every Athlete Deserves an Athletic Trainer

Quote of the Week: Athletic Training 4

This week’s Quote of the Week is athletic training related. In case you are unaware, March is National Athletic Training Month. Each weekly quote will be related to athletic training this month…

“The (Athletic) Trainer”

A critical role in athletics I do play Without me there would be no game today
Beyond medicine, I find that I am the jack-of-all-trades
I can’t even count all the ice coolers and med kits I’ve made

I’ve cleaned the press box and the locker room floor
I’ve straightened up benches and locked every door
To the coaches, I’m someone to who they can blow off steam
For I know the athletes and parents understand what they mean

I’ve seen my budget grow and I’ve seen it shrink
I’ve learned how to be creative, resourceful and on my toes I think
I’ve sat the A.D. down to explain the difference between deluxe and cheap
I’ve shown him how one won’t protect and after a lawsuit he would weep

If I could duplicate myself then life would be great
Instead I run from event to event and am always late
For the line to tape wrists and ankles is always so long
Combined with new ailments and explanations of what’s wrong

Finally into my golf cart I do jump
After my heavy bags into the back I did dump
And I do a lap around to each and every field
People jump out of my way because they know I won’t yield

Like superman I can make it from soccer to football in a single leap
Ready to check out the injury and make them not weep
From years of practice I can tell when an injury is real
I know every muscle and bone and exactly where to feel

And I’ve found magical words to help them calm down
As they recover from their shock a smile can be found
For sometimes an injury is more a matter of pride
It gives them a few seconds to gather their thoughts inside

Often they need their shoulder patted and to be told it’s O.K.
They just need reassurance that they can continue to play
For some they just want to know that someone does care
My door is always open and they know I’m always there

And there are times when their body is screaming to take a break
It gets to the point where it quits and says no more can I take
Then there are the injuries that happen clear out of the blue
I must be careful with everything that I do

In a few seconds I must decide if they can stay in the game
I must focus on the athlete so in the long run they are not lame
Under the hot lights I must block everything out
The coaches, the parents, and the fans that do shout

I ignore the score and after deep thought make my judgment call
I see anger in the player’s eyes and from my shoulders let it fall
And for a week on the bench they will have a seat
I stand firm in my decision even if the team must see defeat

For it is the game of life that I want them to always play
And sometimes that means you must sacrifice today
I laugh when someone says the extra money must be nice
For the endless hours here I spend, oh what a price

Yet I know I’m touching the future with all that I do
I’m helping people make their dreams come true
The real reason I do it comes from deep in my heart
For of something remarkable I do play a critical part

—Marguerite Murer

NATSC: San Jose State

San Jose State’s “Ice Ice Baby”

 

Every Athlete Deserves an Athletic Trainer

NATSC: University of Wisconsin at La Crosse

University of Winsconsin at La Crosse 2011

 

Every Athlete Deserves an Athletic Trainer

20 Things to Know about Athletic Trainers

On the 20th day of National Athletic Training Month, I thought I’d give you some facts about athletic trainers and the athletic training profession.

1. There are over 39,000 Certified Athletic Trainers in the United States!
2. Alaska and California are the only two states that do not require athletic training licensure or other registration with the state.
3. Certified Athletic Trainers are found in a variety of settings including high schools, colleges, professional sports, youth sports, PT clinics, physician offices, military, law enforcement, fine arts, and theater.