Difference between Athletic and Personal Trainers
Outside the Press Box :: Dr. David Davis
Most people are sick and tired of the Roger Clemens steroid and/or HGH issue...Did he or didn't he?
I'm not sure what the political leaders and the national sports writers are trying to accomplish since all of this happened back several years ago.
I have mixed emotions because our country has lived by "a man is innocent until proven guilty." The only word we have is from an ex-cop who broke the law with sexual misconduct and somehow got out of it. He is a drug dealer and has been caught in numerous lies.
So you make the call.
However -- one issue that has been raised among some parents is what is the difference between an "athletic trainer" and a "personal trainer?"
Brian McNamee is a "personal trainer" while Chad Jones and Jill Flowers of Pearland HS, Megan Duncan of Friendswood HS, and Chris Shaddock of Dawson HS are "athletic trainers."
The National Athletic Trainers Association defines both positions.
An athletic trainer is a person who meets the qualifications set by a state regulatory board and/or the Board of Certification, Inc., and practices athletic training under the direction of a physician.
Certified athletic trainers:
- Must have at least a bachelor's degree in athletic training, which is an allied health profession.
- Must pass a three-part exam before earning the ATC credential.
- Must keep their skills current by participating in continuing education.
- Must adhere to practice guidelines set by one national certifying agency.
Daily Duties
- Provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services
- Prevent, assess, and treat injuries (acute and chronic)
- Coordinate care with physicians and other allied health providers
- Work in schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, corporations, industry, military
Personal Trainers
- May or may not have higher education in health sciences
- May or may not be required to obtain certification
- May or may not participate in continuing education
- May become certified by any one of numerous agencies that set varying education and practice requirements.
Bottom Line
For all parents and student-athletes, Dawson, Pearland, and Friendswood High Schools have some of the best "athletic trainers" that may be found anywhere. They fulfill all certification requirements and participate in continuing education programs to be at the top of their service to our kids. The student-athletes are in good hands with these athletic trainers who stay in constant contact with qualified physicians and surgeons who have a specialty in athletic medical treatment.
Parents and coaches don't have to worry about their kids being hooked up with a drug dealer. My hats off to Chad Jones, Jill Flowers, Megan Duncan, and Chris Shaddock. Your kids are in good hands with these athletic trainers.
And yes -- my two younger kids have been in the hands of Jones and Flowers. And I wouldn't hesitate in seeing them under the care of Duncan and Shaddock.
E-mail: drdd@swbell.net