Chapter 1: Fitness Professionals, Coaches, and the Sports Medicine Team — Key Concepts

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1: Sports medicine definitions, roles, team members, organized vs. recreational activity, and team–athlete relationships.

What is sports medicine?

A broad field of healthcare related to physical activity and sports.

What are the focus areas of sports medicine?

A multidisciplinary approach to health management maintaining functional capability and focusing on the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries.

Why is professional guidance important in sports medicine?

Injury is part of athletics; athletes expect health and safety to be a high priority; knowledge on preventing injuries is important; well-trained professionals are not always health care professionals and may be in violation if they provide treatment.

What is the focus of the sports medicine team?

To improve performance and prevent injuries; both performance enhancement and health care aim to injury prevention.

Name the areas of specialization listed for sports medicine.

Performance Enhancement; Injury Management; Strength Coach; Physical Therapy; Athletic Trainer; Nutritionist; MD; Coach; Personal Trainer; Sports Psychologist; Chiropractor; Orthodontist; Biomechanics.

Who certifies Strength and Conditioning Coaches?

NSCA (National Strength Coach Association).

What are the duties of Strength and Conditioning Coaches?

Oversee the fitness of athletes and conduct team/individual lifts.

What does a Personal Fitness Trainer do?

Designs personal workout programs to meet individual goals.

What distinguishes organized sports from recreational activities in terms of sports medicine delivery?

Organized activities are competitive with teams/leagues and typically have primary staff; recreational activities are less formal with volunteers; injury care may involve family physicians, ATs, sports chiropractors, or sports PTs; care is often fee-for-care.

Who are the primary members of the organized sports medicine team?

Coaches, athletic trainers, and physicians.

Who are additional professionals commonly on collegiate and professional sports medicine teams?

Nutritionists, sports psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, and massage therapists.

What are the goals of sports medicine organizations?

Upgrade the field with professional standards and ethics; exchange ideas and promote research; enable group work with a shared purpose; achieve objectives not feasible individually.

What are the responsibilities of athletic trainers (ATCs)?

Injury prevention (pre-participation exam); ensure proper training and monitor environment; responsible for emergency care; therapeutic intervention.

What are the responsibilities of the team physician (MD or DO)?

Physical exams; diagnosing; deciding on disqualification; work closely with the trainer.

What is the role of Athletic Administrators (Director of Athletics)?

Builds the sports medicine team and establishes budgets.

What certifications are listed for coaches?

ASEP and NCACE.

What is a coach’s responsibility regarding player health?

Be aware of which players need sports medicine and ensure athletes receive the care they need.

What is the relationship between the sports medicine team and the athlete?

They work closely with the athlete.

What does the athletic team consider regarding family involvement for school-age athletes?

Parents’ decision regarding health care must be a primary consideration.

What key study points are highlighted in Chapter 1?

Definition of sports medicine; responsibilities of the coach, physician, S&C coach, and AT; and listing various members of the sports medicine team.