Athletic training is practiced by licensed athletic trainers (LAT) who are health care professionals working under the guidance of a team physician. LAT’s strive to optimize activity and participation of athletes and patients across age and care continuums. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. LATs work under the direction of physicians, as prescribed by state licensure statutes. LATs work according to education levels and underneath the state practice act. Athletic training is the only profession where health care ranges from catastrophic injuries to mild illnesses.The focus of athletic training is to recognize the need for referral and consultation to work as a liaison with the team physician to help athletes participate at a high level of competition.

Concussion Awareness: Research involving concussions has increased dramatically over the past several years emphasizing the importance of proper concussion management, particularly during the adolescent years. It is the responsibility of the athlete and coach to speak immediately with the athletic trainer should a concussion be suspected. The athletic trainer and a physician will then work together to determine when the athlete can return to play based on concussion management protocol outlined through TAPPS. TAPPS requires physicians and athletic trainers to follow a course of treatment and tests before a concussed athlete can return to play. This includes gradual introduction back into physical activity and contact after symptoms have resolved. For more information, please refer to the following: http://tapps.net/PDF/Education/concussioninfo.pdf or discuss any concerns with the athletic trainer. Please questions or more information, email Rebecca Werner Wechter ’07, ATC/LAT : Rebecca.wechter@st-agnes.org