1. Sports Medicine Unit #1 THE SPORTS MEDICINE TEAM AND THE ROLES

2. A Brief History of Sports Medicine Sports medicine and Athletic Training dates back to the Ancient Roman Times. The first “Athletic Trainers” were actually physicians who worked with the gladiators. – The most famous of these ancient “trainers” was Herodicus of Megara, who is perhaps more famous for being the teacher of Hippocrates who is considered to be the father of modern medicine.

3. A Brief History of Sports Medicine After the Roman Empire fell, interest in athletics along with athletic training did not make a comeback until the 20 th century when collegiate and professional teams were brought to the United States. Early Athletic Trainers were manager who happened to have an interest in medicine. Many were “self-taught” and are responsible for many techniques used today.

4. A Brief History of Sports Medicine Today athletic trainers are the “jack of all trades”, highly trained professional that obtain a variety of specialized skills. After becoming Certified by the NATA-BOC the athletic trainer plays a vital role in places like: – Public and private high schools – Colleges and universities – Semi-pro and professional athletic teams – Sports medicine and physical therapy clinics – Corporations and industry – Theater and dance companies

5. A Brief History of Sports Medicine The NATA (National Athletic Trainers’ Association) was founded in the 1950’s with a core group of 200 athletic trainers in Kansas City. The NATA mandates who practices as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) by requiring those seeking a career as an Athletic Trainer to pass a three section exam. This exam consists of an oral, written and written simulation sections. – In order to sit for the exam one must graduate from a college or university with an accredited program and complete 800 volunteer hours with hands on experience. – Also one must maintain a current CPR and First Aid certification.

6. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association All Certified Athletic Trainers belong to this organization ( Its required in order to keep your certification) It is required to abide by their rules and regulations and are prepared to uphold the standards of the profession.

7. What is Athletic Training? Athletic Training is an allied health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) that specializes in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, management and rehabilitation of athletic related injuries and illnesses. ( Wikipedia )American Medical Association

8. Characteristics that an Athletic Trainer should instill Empathy Ability to listen well Ability to communicate (written and verbal) Sense of humor Intellectual curiosity Good physical health Interest in helping people and in sports Time management skills Organizational skills Dependability

9. Sports Medicine Organization Professional organizations have many goals: 1. To upgrade the field by devising and maintaining professional standards. 2. To bring together professionally competent individuals to exchange ideas, stimulate research, and promote critical thought. 3. To give individuals an opportunity to work as a group towards a single professional goal or purpose that they would not likely achieve as an individual.

10. The Sports Medicine Team The primary members of the Sports Medicine Team are: – Team Physician – Athletic Trainer – Coach – Athlete

11. The Sports Medicine Team In the High School setting many time the athlete’s parents and school administration will become part of the sports medicine team. – It is very important for the athletic trainer to keep a good communication open with the injured athletes’ parents.

12. The Sports Medicine Team The major concern of everyone on the sports medicine team should be the health and welfare of the athlete. Ultimately the physician always has the final decision regarding the health care of the athlete. The athletic trainer should work in cooperation with the physician caring for injuries/illness. (In some cases this rule has changed)

13. The Sports Medicine Team The coach should always support the medical staff in matters of health care. Likewise the athletic trainer should always communicate well with the coach about injured athletes on what drills they can and cannot do during practice, which the coach can assist with by modifying the athletes practice.

14. Responsibilities of the Team Physicians The ATC works primarily under the supervision of the team physician. The team physician is ultimately responsible for directing the total health care of the athlete. In cooperation with the team physician, the ATC makes decisions that have a direct effect on the athlete who has sustained an injury.

15. Responsibilities of the Team Physician The primary responsibility of the team physician include… – Assisting with pre-participation sports physicals – Diagnosing athletic injuries referred from the ATC – Deciding on disqualifications – Attending games – Commitment to the athletic program they serve

16. Roles and Responsibilities of the A.T.C Of all professionals involved in the prevention and health care of the athletes the Athletic Trainer may be the most intimate. They are usually there from the moment of injury, through initial and follow-up care, rehab and then return to play.

17. Roles and Responsibilities of the A.T.C Phases of health care the A.T.C is responsible for: – Preventing injuries – Providing initial first aid and injury management – Evaluating injuries – Designing and implementing timely rehab programs that can return an athlete to participation

18. Roles and Responsibilities of the A.T.C There are 5 domains the A.T.C must cover: – Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection – Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis – Immediate and Emergency Care – Treatment and Rehabilitation – Organizational and Professional Health and Well-being

19. Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection This responsibility includes…. – Ensuring appropriate training and conditioning techniques – Monitoring the playing environment – Ensuring properly fitted equipment and maintained protective equipment – Explaining the importance of proper nutrition – Using medications appropriately (not in High school)

20. Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis This responsibility includes…. – Coordinating and conduction pre-participation physicals and screenings – Informing athletes, parents, coaches of the inherent risks of participation in certain sports – Being able to recognize the signs, symptoms, and causations of injuries and illnesses and determine appropriate courses of action

21. Immediate and Emergency Care This responsibility includes… – Having the knowledge to provide appropriate initial and follow-up care for injuries/illnesses both on the sidelines and in the training room. – Having appropriate certifications in CPR, First Aid, and (in some cases) Emergency Medicine

22. Treatment and Rehabilitation This responsibility includes… – Working closely with the physician to design and carry out appropriate treatment and rehab protocols for injuries. – Having a knowledge of therapeutic modalities, rehab equipment, and rehab techniques. – Working closely with others allied health professionals like physical therapists or strength and conditioning coaches to carryout rehab plans.

23. Organizational and Professional Health and Well-being This responsibility includes…. – The organization and administration of the athletic training program including… Maintenance of athletic health records Requisition and inventory of supplies Submission of insurance information Supervision of assistant ATC’s, student athletic trainers Establishment of appropriate policies and procedures.

24. Professional Development and Responsibility This responsibility includes… – Education of general public, including other medical providers, about the role of the ATC as an allied health care provider. – Acting at all times with the highest standards of conduct and integrity, following the NATA’s code of ethics Failure to do so may result in loss of certification

25. Responsibilities of the Coach Coaches must also ensure that all sports equipment is in good condition, proper working order, and safe to use. They must ensure that the facilities are safe and free of anything that could cause an injury.

26. Responsibilities of the Coaches All coaches should be certified in CPR and First Aid, especially if the school does not have a full time trainer or there is only one that can not be at all practices and games at once. Must work with the ATC to develop and understanding and awareness of each other’s responsibilities and difficulties in doing their jobs in order to function effectively.

27. Other Members of the Sports Medicine Team A number of support health services may be used by a sports medicine program. These allied health professionals may include the following…

28. The School Nurse Often in public or private schools the school nurse assists the ATC with the health care of student-athletes during the school day

29. Physician Specialists Orthopedist Neurologist Internist Ophthalmologist Pediatrician Psychiatrist Dentist Podiatrist Chiropractor (?)

30. Physician Assistants Assist physicians with various aspects of patient care Many ATCs have become PA’s in recent years

31. Physician Assistants Assist physicians with various aspects of patient care Many ATCs have become PA’s in recent years

32. Sports Psychologist Advises the ATC on matters related to the psychological aspects of the injury and rehab process Also may be helpful in dealing with other psychological issues such as eating disorders and weight control

33. Exercise Physiologists Often assist the ATC with such things as body composition analysis, training techniques, and nutritional issues

34. Nutritionists Some larger athletic training programs now have nutritionists that work with them in planning eating programs for athletic teams and individual athletes

35. Equipment Personnel Many schools and colleges now employ full or part-time individuals who specialize in the proper fitting and maintenance of athletic equipment The work closely with the coaching staff and sports medicine staff

36. Referees and Officials Must be highly knowledgeable regarding the rules and regulations of the sports they officiate Responsible for checking the playing facility and players to ensure no one will be predisposed to injury