NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINER MONTH
February 24, 2022March is National Athletic Trainer Month. Thanks to generous support of Hoag Orthopedic Institute, IPSF provides support annually for athletic trainers at each of the five comprehensive high schools in Irvine.
Prior to IPSF’s support, athletics trainers were employed on a 50% contract, working just 20 hours per week which caused delays in student care. The support of Hoag Orthopedic Institute through IPSF has enabled IUSD high school athletes to enjoy first class care from professional athletic trainers.
The main focus of the Athletic Trainers is to identify risk factors, prevent injuries, provide appropriate medical treatment, including rehabilitative services and referral support, and detect and correct health problems directly related to athletic performance, such as concussion risks. These services are provided during and after regular school hours and have also covered summer camps.
There are two additional significant components of the athletic training program are worth noting. First, the athletic trainers keep data throughout the school year and meet with the Athletic Directors to analyze trends and make recommendations for changes that may be needed in prevention or rehabilitation services.
Another significant aspect of the program is a taskforce that looks at revisions to the IUSD concussion protocols. The taskforce is composed of athletic trainers, administrators, and the IUSD Coordinator of Health Services. The group uses samples from CIF and existing IUSD procedures to create information to share with all athletes and parents, ImPACT testing notification, a Physician Letter, Return to Play protocol, and Return to Learn protocols. Athletic trainers take the lead for this taskforce and edit the documents for distribution at their sites.
“I don’t think it would be possible to win a League Championship without an athletic trainer with the knowledge and ability to keep a team’s student-athletes on the playing field. Kalli has done that for us. She was a huge contributor to our success this year.”
-Chip Fuller, Woodbridge High School Coach
“I don’t think it would be possible to win a League Championship without an athletic trainer with the knowledge and ability to keep a team’s student-athletes on the playing field. Kalli has done that for us. She was a huge contributor to our success this year.” Since this program launched, the wellness of our student athletes has been increased because of the comprehensive athletic training program that has been developed. We are proud to support this initiative and are so grateful for Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s generous support to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes.