Hiring an ATC

For what does the acronym ATC stand? Is it a trainer?

ATC - Athletic Trainer Certified (I guess CAT wasn't desired!)

Man or woman - doesn't matter - had 'em both be good, had 'em both be bad - best selection criteria is their ability to teach kids, parents and coaches how to prevent injury, train appropriately including nutrition, work effectively with Dr's in rehab scenarios, and accurately assess problems -- unfortunately you can't tell ANY of this in an interview --- so in that regard, it's like hiring an assistant coach - how do they fit in with your staff? How are the kids likely to respond (respect)? Do they know their stuff/experience?

My ONE big factor in saying I'd rather hire a female athletic trainer is that specifically with football the trainer is less likely to become a fan on the sideline forgetting they have a job - and they're less likely to become a coach on the sideline, forgetting what their job is! Seriously - I've seen male atc's struggle to keep their eyes off of the "game" -and I've experienced them trying to coach on the sidelines. But it's all about finding the right person - just like you would try to find the right o-line coach - male or female, they have to fit in with your staff. If you've got a bunch of locker room talkin' coaches you might be better hiring a locker room talkin' trainer (male or female!) but if the presence of a female in your staff meetings (and we invite our female ATC to our staff meetings on Monday night) is going to be a problem - hire a man (or get new assistants!).

There was a post about four critical elements to a successful football program ---- I might include a great ATC as one of the most critical elements to getting over the hump into an "excellent" program -- we have one, so it's easy for me to say!

And if I was a head football coach and DIDN'T have a say in the hiring of the ATC I would be VERY upset! If you've never had a GREAT one, you'll question this passionate post - but if you've had a HORRIBLE one, you know what I'm talking about!