Athletic Performance Training

The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the certified athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary school, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and other athletic health care settings.

EDUCATION
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. New standards enacted by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Board of Certification require that all candidates in hopes of being eligible for the certification exam must possess a post-baccalaureate degree in athletic training from an accredited college or university.

In addition to the introductory and advanced athletic training classes, athletic trainers study human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, and psychology/counseling.

ATHLETIC TRAINER'S ROLE
A certified athletic trainer has many different responsibilities when providing athletic health care. In March 1982 the National Athletic Trainers Association, in conjunction with the Professional Examination Service, completed a Role Delineation study. The study identified six "major tasks" or areas of competency for the certified athletic trainer.

Prevention of athletic injury/illness
Evaluation of athletic injury/illness
First aid and emergency care
Rehabilitation and reconditioning
Counseling and guidance
Organization and administration

In the athletic training room for treatments BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. That is, if an athlete or a parent contacts Mr. Matzoll and arranges a meeting to have an athletic injury evaluated or treated during that time, it will be arranged. Otherwise, there will be NO REGULAR TREATMENT HOURS DURING SCHOOL. Regular Training Room hours begin daily at 2:30 p.m. 

Totino-Grace High School will follow the MSHSL policy on caring for a student-athlete with a concussion.  The rule states: any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as the loss of consciousness, headaches, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest, or practice, and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.  Additionally, Totino-Grace coaches will be educated in recognizing the signs & symptoms of a concussed athlete and the appropriate steps to follow.

The athletic training coverage policy of the various sporting events we have are as follows: 

Full coverage of home events by a certified athletic trainer (ATC) in the following sports: football, volleyball, boys and girls soccer, wrestling, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls ice hockey, dance team, baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, and track & field. On the days where we have multiple home events at different venues we do make every attempt to provide medical coverage at both locations. Totino-Grace will provide medical care and taping for our visiting teams. Totino-Grace will also have an AED on the field for outdoor events and in the gymnasium for indoor events.

Dr. Steve Elias 
Dr. Elias earned his BA from Carlton College in 1972, his MD at the University of Minnesota in 1976, and completed his PhD in 1979. Dr. Elias currently is employed through Fairview Health Services in pediatric and adolescent medicine. In addition to his many contributions at Totino-Grace, Dr. Elias serves as Medical Director for USA Cup in Blaine.

Dr. Pearce McCarty 
Dr. McCarty is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of injuries to the shoulder and elbow, with an emphasis on advanced arthroscopic techniques and cartilage restoration procedures. Dr. McCarty currently practices medicine with Sports and Orthopedic Specialists where he provides medical care for the Minnesota Twins.