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Article
Athletic Directors’ Perceptions Regarding the Value of Employing Athletic Trainers in the Secondary School Setting
Journal of Physical Education and Sports Management
  • Stephanie H. Clines, Sacred Heart University
  • Cailee E. Welch Bacon
  • Christianne M. Eason
  • Kelly D. Pagnotta, Thomas Jefferson University
  • Robert A. Huggins, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut
  • Bonnie L. Lunen
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
6-1-2019
Abstract

There is currently a limited understanding of the value of athletic trainers (ATs) working in the secondary school setting. Therefore, our objective was to explore high school athletic directors’ perceptions of an AT’s roles and services and the means in which those perceptions are established, specifically as they relate to the value of ATs. A qualitative methodology was utilized for this investigation. High school athletic directors were interviewed regarding their experiences with the use of athletic training services. Data was analyzed using the consensual qualitative research approach. Athletic directors demonstrated an overall understanding of the roles and responsibilities fulfilled by ATs. The value of ATs was associated with factors such as enhanced athlete safety, reduction of costs for parents, and increased productivity of coaches. Overall, athletic directors display a favorable view of ATs, however support for these positions predominantly relies on anecdotal evidence rather than data to validate the use of athletic training services.

Comments

Copyrights for articles published in the journal are retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal.

DOI
10.15640/jpesm.v6n1a1
Publisher
American Research Institute for Policy Development
Pages
1-12
Citation Information

Clines, S. H., Welch Bacon, C. E., Eason, C. M., Pagnotta, K. D., Huggins, B. L., & Lunen, B. L. (2019). Athletic directors’ perceptions regarding the value of employing athletic trainers in the secondary school setting. Journal of Physical Education and Sports Management, 6(1), 1-12. Doi: 10.15640/jpesm.v6n1a1