Athletic trainer availability in interscholastic athletics in michigan.

Between January and March 1989, I surveyed the athletic directors of the 711 high schools of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, in order to determine the level of medical care available for students who participate in various sports. The results were compared to previous studies done in Michigan and in other states, to determine if there had been any increase in the number of athletic trainers working in a high school setting or any improvement in their educational backgrounds. Certification by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) was the measurement used to determine improvement in educational background. With 57% of the 711 athletic directors responding, 41% reported that they had the services of an athletic trainer for at least one sport during the year. The percentage of athletic trainers varied directly with the size of the school. The more populous schools had the greatest percentage of athletic trainers. Seventy percent of the athletic trainers were reported to be certified by the NATA. These findings were compared to two earlier studies conducted in Michigan and to surveys in other states. It was determined that there was an increase in the availability of athletic trainers, particularly certified athletic trainers, at the post-secondary level.