What are Athletic Training Aides?

It is pivotal that students participating in the Titan Athletic Training Program not to be referred to athletic trainers. Students will be referred to as "Athletic Training Aides". These students will be limited to observing the daily activities of the athletic training room and the athletic trainer certified. Students that have/are CPR/First Aid certified will be allowed to act within the scope of their certification. 

Official Statement: The NATA (National Athletic Training Association) recognizes that allowing secondary school students the opportunity to observe the daily professional duties and responsibilities of an athletic trainer can be a valuable education experience. This unique experience may expose students to the foundations of various health related careers as well as provide them with important life skills. Regardless of practice setting, it is understood that all athletic trainers must comply with their state practice acts, the BOC Standards of Practice when certified, and the NATA Code of Ethics when a member. These legal and ethical parameters apply and limit the incorporation of student aides outside of the classroom and within the activities of athletic programs. 

Student aides must only observe the licensed/certified athletic trainer outside of the educational environment. Coaches and school administrators must not allow or expect student aides to assist or act independently with regard to the evaluation, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Additionally, it is paramount that student aides not be expected, asked or permitted to make "return to play" decisions. Specifically, licensed/certified athletic trainers, coaches and administrators must not ask athletic training student aides to engage in any of the following activities: 

• Interpreting referrals from other healthcare providers 
• Performing evaluations on a patient 
• Making decisions about treatments, procedures or activities 
• Planning patient care
• Independently providing athletic training services during team travel

Athletic Training Room Rules

• No one is to be in the athletic training room without the permission of the athletic trainer. 
• Equipment or supplies are not to be taken from the athletic training room by any sports team, coach, or athletic without permission from the athletic trainer. 
• Coaches or administrators will not allow athletes into the athletic training room without direct supervision. 
• Students are not allowed to have access to the ice machine without the permission of the athletic trainer. 
• All athletes must sign in before receiving treatment (including ice and tape). 
• Athletes must remove their cleats, or shoes that may track mud or grass into the facility.
• Athletes are not to place their shoes on evaluation tables.
• Profanity or inappropriate talk will not be allowed in the athletic training room.
• Students are not allowed to horseplay or hangout in the athletic training room.