Before I had kids, I used to work as an athletic trainer. Most people would ask one of a few questions:
1) What is that?
2) So you work in a gym and get people in shape?
3) You’re basically a water girl right?
As you can imagine, these questions didn’t always sit well with me or other athletic trainers. What was worse is once my mom told someone I was an Athletic Supporter. BIG OOPS. Yes, Mom just called me a jock strap. A little education is in order and then the explanation for why I am even posting about this.
Education–Class, take your seats:
An Athletic Trainer (and yes, we prefer to be called by the full title and not just trainer–you’ll see why) is a person who is trained in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, education and counseling regarding injuries. There are many settings we can work in–high school, collegiate, amateur or professional sports, physical therapy clinics, industrial settings–just to name a few. Athletic trainers earn a degree (BS usually) and many go on to their Masters (like I did–not that I am bragging….;) ) and some even earn their doctorate. As you can see, when we are compared to personal trainers–not that this is a horrible profession, it’s just very different from what we have done–it’s frustrating. Being called a water girl/boy is frustrating–water is a part of it as injury prevention and people just looking at me like I am an idiot, is, well, frustrating also.
Explanation–
Athletic Training students at my alma mater–James Madison University, recently made a video about the profession and it’s pretty good. It’s actually gotten them a lot of attention and they will be presenting it at the National meeting in June. I thought this was outstanding and wanted to share it so this is why I have even brought it up so please, check it out. Here’s an article and the video which is linked with the article:
http://www.nbcwashington.com/around-town/events/Training-For-Fame-93062889.html
Class Dismissed!
Now please never refer to an athletic trainer as a water boy/girl or athletic supporter again!
