The athletic trainer: his 8 links to the team. (non-medical services provided by athletic trainers)

THESE ARE ALL THE normal responsibilities of the team trainer. But a good trainer can contribute much more to the team. A fully utilized, perceptive, and willing trainer can be an invaluable link to the team.

A link to the team? Many trainers - during treatment or rehabilitation sessions, while sitting on the bench during games, or perhaps on bus trips - are in unique position to help with the athlete. At such times, athletes are more inclined to confide in the trainer rather than the occupied coach, and the trainer can use such occasions to provide a wide range of non-medical services to the team (Furney & Patton, 1985).

The trainer can be: * the …