Competing Perspectives During Organizational Socialization on the Role of Certified Athletic Trainers in High School Settings

James M. Mensch, University of South Carolina - Columbia
Candice Crews
Murrary F. Mitchell, University of South Carolina - Columbia

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals/131/

© 2005 by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Inc.

Abstract

When certified athletic trainers (ATCs) enter a workplace, their potential for professional effectiveness is affected by a number of factors, including the individual's ability to put acquired knowledge, skills, and attitudes into practice. This ability may be influenced by the preconceived attitudes and expectations of athletes, athletes' parents, athletic directors, physical therapists, physicians, and coaches.

Objective: To examine the perspectives of high school coaches and ATCs toward the ATC's role in the high school setting by looking at 3 questions: (1) What are coaches' expectations of ATCs during different phases of a sport season? (2) What do ATCs perceive their role to be during different phases of a season? and (3) How do coaches' expectations compare with ATCs' expectations?