What Does An Athletic Trainer Do at the World Cup?
How do World Cup soccer athletes manage to run up and down that impossibly long field, fending off opponents for the winning goal? A healthy dose of help from their secret weapon – the athletic trainer.
We sat down with Stephanie Clines, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, clinical assistant professor and program director of the Athletic Training Program at Sacred Heart University, to learn more about how these behind-the-scenes guardian angels watch over the players on the field.
What is the athletic trainer’s role during a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup?
An AT’s roles and responsibilities include prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent and non-emergent injuries and medical conditions – with an emphasis on expertise in orthopedic pathology.
How are athletic trainers needed before a soccer match?
Pre-event, an AT would complete any taping, wrapping or bracing of athletes who need prophylactic support for their injuries. They would also complete pre-event treatments, such as the application of various therapeutic modalities, including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage or other manual therapies). ATs also develop rehabilitation plans for athletes and assist them with therapeutic exercises to treat their injuries.
What about during the match? How do athletic trainers assist once the players are on the pitch?
During the match the AT is primarily there for acute injury and incident management. They perform the initial evaluation for the injuries that occur on the field, which could include things like ligament sprains, muscle strains and concussions, and provide acute treatment. They are also trained in emergency care and can manage injuries and other conditions, such as fractures, asthma, cervical spine injuries and environmental illness.
What do athletic trainers do once the match is over?
After the match, they'd provide post-game treatments to the athletes such as application of various therapeutic modalities. Behind the scenes, the AT may also have additional roles that could include managing hydration and nutrition plans to help ensure athletes are performing at their peak during the tournament.
Interested in becoming an athletic trainer?
Sacred Heart University offers a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training (MSAT), as well as a five-year accelerated program open to undergraduates that leads to both a BS in Exercise Science and an MSAT. The program pairs didactic coursework and problem-based learning with clinical education experiences to develop high-quality clinicians.
Learn more about SHU’s athletic training degree programs and our exciting clinical experiences across the US and abroad today!