Summer 2013 is drawing to an end, and it is back to school time. With young athletes returning to playing fields in time for preseason practice, now is the time to ensure parents, coaches, administrators and others are well educated on injury prevention to ensure safe and successful seasons. With nearly 7 million high school students participating in sports today, there are a reported 715,000 high school sports-related injuries experienced each year, and 8,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each day for sports-related injuries, according to the National Council of Youth Sports.
Educating parents and school personnel about ways to help children avoid common sports-related injuries is a top priority. And, nothing is more frustrating to the athlete, his or her team and family, than for an avoidable injury to occur and sideline him or her from play.
How can you prepare as a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (AT)? ATs often serve in a risk management role through annual emergency action plan reviews and protocol and procedure communication with staff and local emergency medical personnel.
Preseason is a great time for ATs to meet parents of the student-athletes through parent associations or club meetings and to build a positive relationship. Keeping open communication regarding injury prevention and health of the student is crucial.
The beginning of a new school year is also a good time to review the BOC Facilities Principles. This document will provide the means for secondary and post-secondary educational institutions and organizations to self-assess their policies, procedures and facilities to ensure the safe, effective and legal provision of athletic healthcare services.
Don’t forget to review the BOC Standards of Professional Practice and to renew your Athletic Trainers’ Professional Liability Insurance (also called Malpractice Insurance) as required under the Code of Professional Responsibility. This can help protect your assets and keep your career in health care successful.
State regulation for ATs is now required in 48 states. ATs working in these locations must operate under a current registration, certification or license depending on their state practice act. Be Certain.™ to hold a current state regulation certificate and follow state laws.
Written By:
Brittney Ryba
BrittneyR@bocatc.org
