| The aim of this study was to identify the perceptions and expectations of coaches on certified athletic trainers (ATs) treating the psychological aspects of athletic injury. Data was collected via online survey emailed out via Qualtrics to1080 coaches of all levels across the United States, and there was a 7% return rate (n=285). The average amount of years coached was 14 years with 82% having experience coaching high school sports, 60% have coached youth sports, and 37% have coached at the Division I level. More than 60% reported that they are either not sure who or no one is in charge of treating their athletes psychological needs, while 10% stated an AT currently fulfills this role. Nearly 90% of respondents have experience working with an AT and 83% correctly identified the undergraduate requirements of an AT. However, less than 1% or n=2 participants correctly distinguished the psychosocial competencies from an AT's domain as opposed to a clinical psychologist's domain. Over 60% perceived ATs to be at least moderately qualified to treat psychological health issues and psychological aspects of athletic injury. Respondents had moderate perceptions and expectation on ATs to utilize/teach/perform fundamental psychological skills, with the mean expectation being higher than the mean perception for each psychological skill. Open-ended questions identified six individuals that were currently in charge of treating athletes' psychological needs (coach, psychologist, AT, parents, physician, and no one). Qualitative responses included recognition, referral, treatment, no treatment, and involve coach as a ATs role in treating psychological aspects of athletic injury. |
