Athletic Trainers Play an Active Role In Helping to Curb The Spread of COVID-19
The MHSAA has approved the return of fall sports in the Upper Peninsula, and with it comes the highly-anticipated, but unexpected return of football season. While the rest of us anxiously await the sights, smells, and sounds of the weekly Friday night lights, there’s a lot of work to be done behind the scenes.
This year, Athletic Trainers are not only doing their regular duties as it pertains to athlete protection, but also trying to navigate the difficult waters of helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Extra steps must be taken, and Active’s ATs are in the trenches on a day-to-day basis protecting our children, and by proxy the rest of us as well.
There are some unique challenges that come with practicing as an Athletic Trainer during this time, but Active’s ATs are no stranger to thinking on their feet. They are required on a daily basis to use their ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving skills to react and respond to any situation that might present itself on a day-to-day (or minute-to-minute) basis.
Active’s Athletic Trainer Pam Dost (Negaunee High School) says that she is collaborating with the school on several extra measures in order to help reduce the risks. Athletes are instructed on safety protocols that take into consideration the specific needs of their sport. Many are similar, but some sports require more precautions than others.
At this time, attendance at athletic events is extremely limited. “Athletes are given two vouchers for family members to attend games,” says Dost. These vouchers are required for anyone who wishes to attend the event in-person.
Additionally, all spectators and personnel are to be wearing masks. Some athletes are required to wear masks as well during competition. Although this is an evolving process and requirements could change.
Pam reports that all athletes are screened before they compete, and that she personally answers the screening questions and has her temperature taken. “I’m also taking more precautions with hand hygiene between athletes,” she says.
One additional challenge is to maintain social distancing measures. The athletic training room tends to be an area where lots of athletes are required to be in a more confined area. So Pam says that discouraging and minimizing congregating is one additional measure that she will be taking.
As there are uncertain times with ever-evolving recommendations, it’s so important to have a Licensed Athletic Trainer watching over the health of our local student-athletes. You can rest easy knowing that the Athletic Trainers from Active Physical Therapy are doing everything possible to look after our children and protect their physical well-being while participating in the sport they love.
For more information or to become a patient at Active Physical Therapy, go to our home page or call one of our clinics using the information below:
Marquette: 1455 Fair Avenue. (906) 226-0574
Ishpeming: 820 Carp River Dr. (906) 204-2700