What is an athletic trainer?

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules and regulations. As a part of the health care team, services provided by athletic trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. For more information on what athletic trainers are what they do, visit http://www.nata.org

The UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training Staff provides athletic training and sports medicine services for South Park School District. Should an athlete require additional medical care, the Athletic Trainer will assist the family in coordinating the proper care. This may be accomplished through contact with the family’s Primary Care Physician. If necessary, the athlete may be referred to the UPMC Health System, Sports Medicine and its affiliates, or to an outside source for further evaluation and/or treatment.

The Athletic Trainers are responsible for the return of the athlete to their sport through a progressive, functional, and innovative rehabilitative program, which is under the guidance of a team physician. Whenever possible we will strive to integrate education about athletic injuries so that our athletes can be motivated to lead healthier lifestyles. We are committed to using any technology available and affordable in the delivery of these services. We will remain committed to the continuous upgrading of the equipment used in the delivery of sports medicine services so our athletes will be assured of the most modern care available.

This philosophy places a high value on health and wellness, thus enabling injured student athletes to return to sport as soon as is medically safe. These services will be provided to maintain the highest standards of quality consistent with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Code of Professional Practice and credentialing statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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UNDERSTAND YOUR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES’ RISKS

High school athletes can face a variety of challenges due to their involvement in sports.

90 PERCENT of student athletes report some sort of sports-related injury in their athletic careers.
54 PERCENT of student athletes report they have played while injured.
37 PERCENT of high school athletes say they have experienced sprains.
12 PERCENT report they have sustained concussions and head injuries from their time on the field. In 2012 alone,
163,670 MIDDLE SCHOOL OR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES were reported being seen in the emergency room for a concussion.