Athletic trainers face staffing crisis as schools struggle to provide adequate healthcare coverage

The Athletic Trainer Task Force convened on January 3, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding the availability and management of athletic trainers in Connecticut schools. The meeting highlighted significant challenges faced by athletic trainers, particularly the overwhelming number of athletes they are responsible for during events.

Participants discussed the current situation where a single athletic trainer may be tasked with covering multiple games simultaneously, leading to potential burnout and inadequate care for athletes. One trainer noted managing 780 athletes at Glastonbury, emphasizing that while it is feasible, it is not sustainable. The discussion revealed that many schools lack sufficient athletic trainers, leaving hundreds of athletes without access to necessary healthcare during events.

The conversation also touched on the implications of legislative requirements for athletic trainer presence at games. Concerns were raised that mandating trainers without addressing the existing shortage could lead to the cancellation of sporting events. The task force acknowledged the importance of safety but stressed the need for careful consideration in how legislation is crafted to avoid unintended consequences.

Additionally, the group discussed the potential for collaboration with organizations like ADAM to gather insights on past legislative efforts regarding athletic training coverage in high school sports. The aim is to develop a framework that ensures athlete safety while also being realistic about the availability of trained professionals.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for solutions to the athletic trainer shortage in Connecticut schools. The task force plans to explore legislative options and partnerships to enhance support for athletic trainers, ensuring that all athletes receive the care they need during competitions.