By Christian Rupprecht, LAT, ATC
Graduating and stepping into your first role as an Athletic Trainer (AT) is both exciting and overwhelming. You arrive prepared to evaluate injuries, manage rehabilitation programs, and respond to emergencies. But it doesn’t take long to realize that technical knowledge is only part of the job. Very quickly, you learn that communication is what truly shapes your confidence, credibility, and effectiveness.
As a new AT, nearly every challenge you face involves people – athletes, coaches, physicians, parents, and other ATs. How you communicate with them matters just as much as what you know clinically. These lessons aren’t always taught in school; they’re learned on the sideline, in the athletic training room, and through trial and error during your first few years. ATs will refine their skills, especially in the area of communication, as they gain exposure and experience in the field.
Communication is Key
New ATs often underestimate how mentally demanding communication can be. You’re constantly adjusting your approach depending on who you’re speaking with – athletes, coaches, physicians, or administrators. Learning to communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally (even while you’re still building experience) is one of the most important skills you’ll develop.
It can be tempting to jump straight to a diagnosis or solution. Instead, start by listening. Ask open-ended questions and allow athletes to describe what they’re feeling in their own words. Your response during these early conversations sets the tone for the entire relationship. Once athletes know they can speak openly about their pain or concerns, trust begins to grow between the athlete and the AT, making future communication easier for everyone involved.
Consistency is what reinforces that trust. When athletes see that you are calm, respectful, and fair—even when delivering news they may not like—they are far more likely to be honest about symptoms. That honesty is essential for safe and effective care.
Communicating to Visiting Teams
In addition to caring for your own teams, ATs are often responsible for assisting visiting athletes and coaches during games or matches. These individuals may not know you or how you operate within your athletic training room, so being prompt, welcoming, and professional immediately helps establish trust.
When a visiting athlete presents with an injury or asks to be taped, take the time to ask questions. Doing so can help you understand routines or preferences that their primary AT may typically handle. Making visiting athletes feel comfortable is vital to providing the best care possible.
Communication with the visiting team’s AT is equally important. This may include receiving information about an athlete before the event or providing follow-up details afterward, so appropriate treatment can continue when they return to school. Failing to loop in the right personnel can quickly undo the trust you worked to build.
Communicating to the Sports Medicine Team
Early in your career, speaking up can feel intimidating – especially if you’re new, younger, or still establishing yourself within the program. You may worry about appearing overly cautious. Over time, you’ll learn that coaches value consistency, preparation, and transparency.
Be clear about what an athlete can and cannot do, and explain why. Setting boundaries is a fundamental part of the AT’s role, and learning to say “no” respectfully and confidently becomes easier with practice.
Communication with physicians, and other members of the sports medicine team, can feel just as intimidating at first. Physicians appreciate concise, organized information. Providing injury history, objective findings, timelines, and functional limitations helps them make efficient and informed decisions. Preparation demonstrates respect for their time and strengthens the working relationship. Few moments are more rewarding than when you and the physician are aligned and they compliment your professionalism.
Applying the Lessons
Starting out in the profession can be scary. You move from an environment where you had the support of preceptors, professors, and classmates to suddenly being on your own. It can feel like an entirely new world.
That’s why strong communication skills can accelerate your growth so quickly. They help you earn respect, build trust, and advocate effectively for your athletes.
Don’t be afraid to speak up, especially when you are confident about an athlete’s status. Believe in what you say and how you say it. With time and repetition, the conversations that once felt difficult will become second nature—and your job as an AT will feel just a little bit easier each day.
Contact JAG PT to learn more about our athletic training services.
