Game Days
Game day is the climax of the week's preparation. The heightened sense of focus felt by everyone on this day is unlike any other. It's an ATC's job to be attentive to each player's particular needs, and sometimes that means keeping the atmosphere light to help players deal with the extra tension.
From the moment they arrive at the stadium, ATCs are in high demand. Game day responsibilities begin with preparing equipment for use on the field and on the sideline. Players then need to be taped and receive pre-participation treatment as needed. Communication with the visiting athletic training staff is also necessary, and coordination with EMT personnel is a crucial precaution. Attending to players' individual needs and injuries during and after the game is a priority while also assisting the team physician with any needs he or she may have throughout the day.
Post-game, player injuries are assessed in conjunction with team doctors. Post-game treatments are administered, and any diagnostic testing needs for the upcoming day are addressed and prepped. When the team is on the road, the training room is broken down and equipment trunks are repacked, loaded on the team truck and routed to the airport for the journey back home.
