The risk of sports injuries could wind up costing schools more money.
The state Board of Education is urging school systems to “work toward” having a licensed athletic trainer or first responder on site for all middle and high school sports events. For now, football is the only sport that requires emergency personnel at all high school practices and games.
The policy revised last week previously said school districts may choose to provide emergency medical staff for sports other than football. So while the changes don’t require any immediate action, officials say they may have to prepare for a day when the option becomes a necessity.
Gaston County Schools spent $60,000 to contract with CaroMont Health to provide five athletic trainers for sporting events this year. Added to the first responders who help cover football games at Gaston’s 10 public high schools, that’s enough to comply with state policy. But medical professionals are stretched thin even without manning other athletic events.
Jarrett Friday is one of the CaroMont-employed athletic trainers who works in Gaston County Schools. He says each trainer is assigned to work as many games and practices as possible between two high schools. Fill-in trainers and the first responders — mostly teachers or former students — man events he is unable to attend. Though it’s not ideal, Friday says trainers make the best of their situation.
“Our philosophy is, it’s better to have some coverage than no coverage,” he said.
Gaston’s athletic director Chad Duncan agrees covering games with limited trainers has been tough, although he points out that hiring more trainers would ultimately cost more money. But he says the safety of student athletes is his top priority, and the school district will comply with any necessary changes.
“We have meetings in the next few weeks, and this is something we will look at,” he said. ““Our ultimate goal is to have one athletic trainer at every high school.”
The new state policy also adjusts requirements for first responders. Training required to maintain certification has been cut from 20 hours to 10 hours per school year. First responders must also have completed certification before they step onto the football field. The old policy allowed first responders to be working toward certification.
Friday says the state board should help enforce the new policy by helping school districts pay for more athletic trainers.
You can reach Eric Wildstein at 704-869-1828 or www.Twitter.com/TheGazetteEric.
School Athletics Emergency Medical Staff requirements
According to state board policy updates
Athletic trainers are specialists who treat sports-related injuries and illnesses. They must hold four-year degrees in athletic training, pass a national exam and apply for a license in North Carolina. They must also complete 50 hours of sports medicine and first-aid training every two years to maintain the license.
First responders are paid employees or volunteers who must be certified in CPR and first aid. They must also maintain training in concussion management and injury prevention and management. In addition, first responders are required to complete 10 hours each school year of training specific to first aid and injury recognition and prevention.
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