How Do Athletic Trainers Keep Student-Athletes Injury-Free?

Student-athletes face tough physical demands on their bodies—whether it’s taking a hard hit on the football field, jumping hurdles on the track, or escaping an arm lock on the wrestling mat. To stay healthy and compete at their best, they need athletic trainers as part of their support system. ATs are the unsung heroes whose expertise keeps young student-athletes injury-free and ready to compete.

At A-G, we support ATs with comprehensive athletic trainer insurance, covering incidents like accidental injuries during training or rehabilitation. It allows trainers to focus on their work with confidence, knowing they’re protected from lawsuits and financial risks inherent in their job. James Shipp, COO of A-G Specialty Insurance and a certified athletic trainer, puts it best: ATs excel by combining skill, knowledge, and strong partnerships. “ATs are dedicated to delivering top-notch healthcare solutions both before and after injuries, sharing our commitment at A-G to reducing risks.”

How Do Athletic Trainers Prevent Sports Injuries and Shorten Rehabilitation?

Athletic trainers are professionals who require extensive, specialized training to care for students. To qualify for their role, most ATs must achieve bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as athletic training and exercise science. Their education includes coursework in biology, anatomy, nutrition, sports medicine, and kinesiology—essential knowledge for keeping students injury-free.

After completing their degrees, ATs must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Trainer Education (CAATE)-accredited program and pass a national board exam to become certified trainers. To maintain their certification and stay updated on the latest sports-medicine innovations, ATs also pursue continuing education.

With these skills, ATs first focus on preventing sports-related injuries by educating student-athletes on safety measures. They also work closely with the school’s administration and insurance coordinators to ensure student-athletes get the care they need and that all college athlete insurance paperwork is in order.

How ATs Prevent Sports Injuries

ATs achieve this through various strategies, including:

• Monitoring overuse injuries; helping athletes maintain strength, flexibility, and balance; and refining their techniques.
• Instructing on the proper use of equipment, which is vital for preventing accidents and managing sports insurance claims.
• Advocating for ongoing pre- and post-season conditioning.
• Recommending, developing, and executing sport-specific, dynamic warm-up routines.
• Making training changes gradually and monitoring their effects.
• Applying preventive measures such as taping, bandages, or braces for support.
• Providing healthy oversight when working with athletes who have pre-existing conditions.

These actions significantly reduce the risk of injury and promote the well-being of student-athletes. However, even with the best precautions, injuries can still occur.

Injuries may range from a minor twisted ankle to something as serious as a torn knee ligament. According to A-G’s First Annual College Sports Medical Expense and Insurance Study, knee injuries were the most common injury among both men and women, with more than $19 million in claims in 2018. When injuries strike, ATs shift their focus to recovery.

How ATs Aid in Recovery

ATs are often the first responders when a student-athlete is injured. They evaluate the situation, provide emergency care, and offer recommendations. These initial actions can make all the difference in speeding up recovery and managing college athlete insurance claims. ATs also support recovery by developing and conducting rehabilitation programs while simultaneously working to prevent re-injury.

“Through our risk management partnerships, we offer services that ATs and athletic departments might not have access to on their own, such as USCAH,” Shipp explains. “These services can significantly impact athlete health, recovery, and welfare while helping reduce medical and premium costs.”

A-G Partnerships for Prevention and Recovery

• USCAH: The U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health provides free risk assessments and access to eLearning courses, helping ATs better manage athletic trainer insurance and overall athlete health.
• Maximized Medical Partnerships: This allows athletic departments to reduce premium and medical treatment costs by utilizing a network of more than 40 national providers, which is essential for managing sports insurance effectively.

Additionally, schools that partner with A-G benefit from EGBAR (Efficiency Generating Business Automation Resource), the nation’s leading claims management technology, which aids in making informed decisions about injuries and treatments.

A-G and ATs: A Winning Combination for Healthier Student-Athletes and Lower Insurance Costs

If you’re interested in A-G’s athletic trainer insurance and other insurance solutions for your school’s athletic program, contact us. We’ve helped thousands of athletic departments streamline their insurance claims process, cut premiums, and customize their coverage. We are dedicated to athletic trainers and their schools, providing ongoing support for all their sports insurance needs.