Sports Medicine at Wakefield High School
FAQs about ATSAs…………….
Here are a few answers to some questions you may have about the Sports Medicine/Athletic Training program:
1) What is an ATSA
An ATSA is an Athletic Training Student Assistant. The ATSAs work under the supervision of our Athletic Trainer, Coach Brent Dorenkamp, as well as the coaches and staff involved in Wakefield’s varsity and junior varsity athletics programs. ATSAs are an integral part of the 29 athletic teams which represent Wakefield High School.
2) What does an ATSA do?
ATSAs fill numerous roles and functions. Some of the primary duties of ATSAs include:
3) What kind of training do ATSAs receive?
Upon entering the program, new ATSAs are paired with experienced ATSAs who mentor them in the program. During this initial trial period, the ATSAs receive training and instruction from Coach Dorenkamp and other members of the coaching staff. After an initial trial season, both the ATSA and Coach Dorenkamp meet to discuss their performance and to re-evaluate their continuing interest in the program. In addition to the “hands on” training, ATSAs are encouraged to enroll in Sports Medicine I and Sports Medicine II during their time at Wakefield High School.
4) What coaching staff will work with my son or daughter on a day to day basis?
Upon completion of the trial period, the ATSA is usually assigned to a team for a season. The ATSA is considered part of the team and will attend practices and travel to games with the team. They are responsible for communicating with the coaches, and as a parent, you should feel perfectly comfortable contacting the coaching staff with any questions regarding the practice schedule, travel to games, etc..
5) What kind of time commitment do ATSAs make to a team?
ATSAs attend practices and games (both home and away) Practices usually run about 90 minutes a day during the season. Games may occur once a week or twice weekly. In recognition of the time commitment that ATSAs make, a credit hour for service is awarded for each semester of ATSA coverage provided.
1) Do the ATSAs have a uniform?
On game days the ATSAs wear khaki pants or shorts and a burgundy, ATSA collared shirt that is provided to each member of the ATSA program.
2) Are there opportunities for additional learning opportunities/career exploration with the ATSA program?
Absolutely! Every year we try to involve our ATSAs in additional learning opportunities that will enhance their knowledge and perspective on careers in sports medicine. In past years students have attended the ATSA conference in Chapel Hill, provided assistance to the staff of the summer athletic camps at NCSU and UNC, and participated in the ATSA “Olympics” where their skills and knowledge are pitted against ATSAs from other schools. We also try and provide career shadowing opportunities with various health care providers and professional sports teams in the community.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions. [email protected]
FAQs about ATSAs…………….
Here are a few answers to some questions you may have about the Sports Medicine/Athletic Training program:
1) What is an ATSA
An ATSA is an Athletic Training Student Assistant. The ATSAs work under the supervision of our Athletic Trainer, Coach Brent Dorenkamp, as well as the coaches and staff involved in Wakefield’s varsity and junior varsity athletics programs. ATSAs are an integral part of the 29 athletic teams which represent Wakefield High School.
2) What does an ATSA do?
ATSAs fill numerous roles and functions. Some of the primary duties of ATSAs include:
- Promotion of injury prevention via appropriate care before the athlete even gets to the field or gymnasium. This includes the screening and monitoring of pre-existing health problems, taping and bracing of athletic injuries, insuring that proper conditioning programs are available, providing adequate hydration, and monitoring conditions and facilities to insure that ever sporting event is a safe sporting events
- Providing coverage for practices and games.
- Evaluate and assess athletic injuries
- Provide initial treatment and emergency care of athletic injuries
- Provide follow-up care and rehabilitation for athletic injuries
- Function as a liaison between athletes, parents, and coaches
3) What kind of training do ATSAs receive?
Upon entering the program, new ATSAs are paired with experienced ATSAs who mentor them in the program. During this initial trial period, the ATSAs receive training and instruction from Coach Dorenkamp and other members of the coaching staff. After an initial trial season, both the ATSA and Coach Dorenkamp meet to discuss their performance and to re-evaluate their continuing interest in the program. In addition to the “hands on” training, ATSAs are encouraged to enroll in Sports Medicine I and Sports Medicine II during their time at Wakefield High School.
4) What coaching staff will work with my son or daughter on a day to day basis?
Upon completion of the trial period, the ATSA is usually assigned to a team for a season. The ATSA is considered part of the team and will attend practices and travel to games with the team. They are responsible for communicating with the coaches, and as a parent, you should feel perfectly comfortable contacting the coaching staff with any questions regarding the practice schedule, travel to games, etc..
5) What kind of time commitment do ATSAs make to a team?
ATSAs attend practices and games (both home and away) Practices usually run about 90 minutes a day during the season. Games may occur once a week or twice weekly. In recognition of the time commitment that ATSAs make, a credit hour for service is awarded for each semester of ATSA coverage provided.
1) Do the ATSAs have a uniform?
On game days the ATSAs wear khaki pants or shorts and a burgundy, ATSA collared shirt that is provided to each member of the ATSA program.
2) Are there opportunities for additional learning opportunities/career exploration with the ATSA program?
Absolutely! Every year we try to involve our ATSAs in additional learning opportunities that will enhance their knowledge and perspective on careers in sports medicine. In past years students have attended the ATSA conference in Chapel Hill, provided assistance to the staff of the summer athletic camps at NCSU and UNC, and participated in the ATSA “Olympics” where their skills and knowledge are pitted against ATSAs from other schools. We also try and provide career shadowing opportunities with various health care providers and professional sports teams in the community.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions. [email protected]
Fill out the application below and talk to Coach Dorenkmap!
sports_medicine_application_packet.doc | |
File Size: | 96 kb |
File Type: | doc |