After several years of relying on per diem Athletic Training coverage and local emergency medical services at contact-sport home games, BFA-Fairfax in Vermont is making a significant change.
The school board voted unanimously to begin searching for a full-time Athletic Trainer.
Director of Student Activities and Athletics Ryan Hayes said the need became especially apparent just weeks into the fall season, with student-athletes already experiencing concussions, broken collarbones, knee injuries and heat exhaustion.
One recent football incident brought the issue into sharper focus. According to Hayes, a player took a significant hit and was evaluated by EMS before being cleared to return. His coach, however, knew the athlete well enough to recognize that he wasn't acting normally and kept him out.
“The coach absolutely made the right call,” Hayes said, “but that’s also exactly the position I don’t want to put our coaches in.”
For Hayes, adding an Athletic Trainer isn't simply about providing coverage during games.
A full-time Athletic Trainer can establish consistent concussion baselines, help coordinate return-to-learn and return-to-play, communicate with families, educate coaches and athletes, assist with rehabilitation, and recognize when an athlete needs a higher level of care.
The position can also provide care during the school day, potentially reducing the need for students to miss class and parents to miss work for some appointments.
“For me, it’s not about adding another athletic position,” Hayes said. “It’s about putting a healthcare professional in our school.”
His assessment of the investment was even simpler:
“It’s truly the best investment we can make for our kids and our community.”