In 1869, Rutgers and Princeton introduced the sport of football. The result being 18 deaths and 159 serious injuries. In 1905, President Roosevelt threatened to abolish intercollegiate football. Roosevelt threatening this inspired a few colleges to hire someone whose responsibilities would include those of an athletic trainer. The early “trainers” typically worked alone and scarcely shared their ideas with others of this “profession” (Delwiche 196). With the onset of WWII and its aftermath, the field of athletic training had a rapid expansion in both preparing men physically for the service and in rehabilitation with battle casualties (Turner 218). In 1939, a national organization was formed for athletic trainers, even though it was formed during the rough years of WWII, it was an important first step in helping make athletic training a professional identity (Delwiche 196). Although this advanced the profession, the first national trainers association did not survive the war. The expansion of the field did not occur because of the recognition of the need by …show more content…
A common work day for an athletic trainer in a clinic would consist of seeing patients with sport-related injuries in the morning followed by contracted work at a local high school or college in the afternoon (Delwiche 197). Athletic trainers work in secondary schools, where administrators and parents recognize the value of qualified professionals to keep today’s athletes safe. Many athletic trainers are able to find employment in both private and public schools. In 1998, the AMA suggested that high schools with athletic programs should provide the athletes with certified athletic trainers. Athletic trainers also work in professional sports. There are very few opportunities to work in this setting. AT’s in this career setting work year-round conducting off-season rehabilitation, conditioning, and preventative programs. You might also find an AT working in a sports medicine clinic. Their role in these clinics may vary from being the physician extender to providing outreach care at a local high school. The U.S. military is one of the fastest growing employment markets within athletic training. AT’s may provide for a military school sports team, work in on- and off-base fitness and wellness centers, be a part of the