Secondary School Athletic Coaches' Perceptions and Knowledge of the Athletic Training Profession

Abstract

Context Coaches play a role in streamlining care, especially by directing student-athletes in need of further medical attention to the athletic trainer (AT). The AT-coach relationship holds great potential for incorporating collaborative care, and yet, little is known about coaches' perceptions and knowledge of ATs. Objective To investigate coaches' perceptions of athletic training and their knowledge regarding the roles and responsibilities of ATs in secondary schools. Design Concurrent mixed-methods study. Setting Cross-sectional online questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants Secondary school athletic coaches from 10 sports with the highest participation rates during the 2017–2018 season (n = 1097). Most respondents were male (n = 795, 72.4%), and their average age was 44.7 ± 11.4 years. Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants completed a web-based questionnaire containing demographics and quantitative measures assessing their perceived value and knowledge of ATs, as well as open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics summarized the demographic data. Counts and percentage responses for quantitative measures were reported. Open-ended responses were analyzed using the general inductive approach. Results Approximately 93% of respondents considered an AT a trusted source of medical information and a key member of the sports medicine team. Most respondents selected injury prevention (98.9%), first aid and wound care (97%), therapeutic interventions (89.9%), and emergency care (85.8%) as skills ATs are qualified to perform. Forty-six percent of respondents were willing to coach without an AT employed. Coaches trusted ATs as part of the “athletic team” and as gatekeepers, referring student-athletes for advanced care when warranted. Regarding the AT role, coaches emphasized the treatment of minor injuries and the idea of “coverage versus care.” Conclusions Secondary school coaches valued the athletic training profession and were knowledgeable regarding various roles and responsibilities ATs frequently perform. However, they may view ATs as luxuries instead of necessities, as evidenced by the fact that just under half of responding coaches were willing to coach without an AT employed at the school.