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In high school sports, there is nothing more heart-stopping than seeing an athlete sustain an injury on the field. And it's reassuring to see an Athletic Trainer rush out, knowing that the student is in capable hands. But what if that AT is not adequately qualified to provide care?
In California, a state that boasts over 750,000 high school student athletes, this has been a looming concern. The Golden State is the only one in the nation without regulations on who can call themselves an Athletic Trainer.
Assembly Bill 796 (AB 796), which is currently navigating the channels of state legislature, seeks to address this gap.
Championed by Assemblymember Akilah Weber of San Diego, the bill stipulates that any individual designating themselves as an AT must be registered with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
And they need to have a nationwide certification.
CIF Southern Section commissioner Mike West, who once served as an Athletic Trainer and later as president of the California Athletic Trainers Association, weighed in on the issue.
“This would enable us to regulate the profession of Athletic Trainers.”
He further highlighted that it’s crucial that any individual providing athletic training services should be vetted and certified, ensuring their competence to care for injured athletes.
Why is this so important?
Nick Harvey of the California Athletic Trainers' Association answers:
"Certified Athletic Trainers can recognize signs of fatigue, pinpoint risk factors related to injuries and illnesses, and effectively intervene in emergencies."
This isn't merely theoretical. Real-world incidents underline the importance of certified ATs.
One poignant example is the terrifying episode involving 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed mid-game last season. The swift actions of the team's certified Athletic Trainer were key in saving Hamlin's life.
For many, like Dr. Mike Shepard, an orthopaedic surgeon and advocate for certified ATs at high school sporting events, the need is clear.
“California stands alone in not certifying Athletic Trainers.”
Shepard stressed the importance of prioritizing safety in school athletics, especially given the growing emphasis on sports in educational institutions.
Nevertheless, while many school districts in California employ certified Athletic Trainers, there remains a notable disparity. Assemblymember Weber highlighted that districts in underprivileged communities often find themselves at a disadvantage.
She cited that while San Diego boasts that 63% of their Athletic Trainers have national certification, in Los Angeles, the figure stands at a meager 4.8%.
Despite the obvious need, the journey for AB 796 is not without its challenges. It recently cleared an assembly committee, but several steps remain before it can potentially gain the governor's signature and become law.
The health and safety of California's student-athletes should be of paramount importance. As many rally behind AB 796, the hope is that certified Athletic Trainers become a mainstay, ensuring that every athlete receives the best medical care possible, regardless of where they play.
