Written by By Sean Doyle, LAT, ATC
Preparing for a new school year in the athletic training room involves many different processes that can begin months before the start of a successful sports season. Athletic Trainers (ATs) work to create policies and procedures that prioritize athlete health, provide training and education for coaches and administrators on life-saving measures, and ensure inventory is in check. Read along to see how ATs work behind the scenes to help their athletic teams have a happy and healthy season.
Stocking the Athletic Training Room
Reviewing Annual Supply Orders
One of the first areas ATs focus on is ensuring they are well-equipped with supplies. This includes items for taping and bracing, first aid, emergency situations, and more. It’s important to review the annual supply order as soon as an AT returns to campus. Many schools place a one-time budget order for the upcoming year in late spring or early summer.
Replenishing and Expanding Inventory
The AT reviews existing inventory, notes which supplies need restocking, and determines what will be sufficient for the year ahead. Once perishable items are replenished, ATs may consider larger capital item purchases to enhance their athletic training program—if the budget allows. Capital items can include exercise equipment such as dumbbells and resistance bands or emergency equipment like splint bags, AEDs, cervical collars, and more.
Updating Policies and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
Ensuring Up-to-Date Protocols
After inventory is set, the AT reviews and updates relevant policies and procedures, including those related to rehabilitation, communication, and most importantly, emergency protocols.
Practicing the Emergency Action Plan
Emergency procedures, formally known as Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), are designed to streamline response efforts during emergencies. EAPs typically include facility layouts, emergency contact information, and defined roles for all involved staff. It's essential to review and update these documents not only at the start of the school year but also throughout the year as needed. Practicing the EAP annually helps ensure that all key personnel—especially coaches and administrators—are aligned and prepared to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Managing Pre-Participation and Health Information
Reviewing Medical Clearance Forms
As sports sign-ups begin, ATs start receiving pre-participation physicals or clearance forms. Based on your state's requirements, these documents may vary in the amount of health information they provide. ATs use this information to identify any medical red flags.
Encouraging Clear Communication
If your state has recently reduced the scope of pre-participation data, it’s especially important to maintain open communication with athletes and their parents to gather any critical medical information (i.e. asthma, allergies, heart conditions, etc.). Clear, ongoing communication between the AT, athletes, parents, coaches, nurses, and team physicians is essential—not just for initial clearances, but also for daily updates throughout the season. These early conversations often set the tone for how communication will function within the program year-round.
Creating a Positive Culture in the Athletic Training Room
All of these steps—inventory management, policy review, emergency preparation, and medical clearances—culminate in establishing a positive culture within the athletic training room. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to culture; it should be a reflection of the AT themselves. Regardless of the specific approach, it should always be clear that the athletic training room is a positive, healing environment for everyone.
The start of a new sports year offers ATs a valuable opportunity to grow and enhance their program—ensuring that every person involved is set up for a safe, healthy, and successful season.
Get Support from Experts in Athlete Care
At JAG Physical Therapy, we understand the crucial role athletic trainers play in keeping teams healthy and prepared. Whether you’re setting up for a new season or dealing with an unexpected injury mid-year, our expert clinicians are here to support your athletes’ recovery and performance goals. Contact us toady to learn more about our athletic training services.