Funding, Not Shortage, at the Heart of Georgia’s Athletic Trainer Challenges

On Friday nights across Georgia, football stadiums fill with fans and players—but not always with the certified Athletic Trainers those athletes depend on. While headline of this recent article states there is a “shortage” of Athletic Trainers, the reality is more nuanced.

Georgia doesn’t lack qualified professionals—it lacks consistent funding to support them in every high school.

According to 2019 data from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association:

• 39% of Georgia secondary schools employ full-time Athletic Trainers
• 46% rely on part-time coverage
• And 15% have none.

Rob Dicks, president of the Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association, said the state is improving, but challenges remain.

“I think we're way better off than where we were, but we still got a long way to go,” he said. “We have to get stakeholders involved to understand that we're put in place so we can help with those things that happen to our kids that are 100% preventable.”

The absence of on-site Athletic Trainers can delay injury assessment and recovery. Clarke Middle School athletic director Chris Hulse explained that when athletes must visit general practitioners unfamiliar with sports injuries, recovery timelines can double.

“What might be two days and then a staged return now turns into two weeks,” he said.

Funding remains the main barrier.

“They can find resources to hire auto mechanic teachers. They can find resources to hire coaches,” Dicks said. “That’s one of my biggest hangups. Coaches make a ton of money.”

Some school systems are finding solutions through partnerships. Piedmont Athens Regional Sports Medicine, for example, funds Athletic Trainers across multiple schools, ensuring consistent care.

“We are very fortunate that Piedmont Healthcare… the paychecks come from them,” Hulse said.

Georgia’s Athletic Trainer coverage continues to expand—but for true statewide protection, investment must match the proven value of Athletic Trainers.