Title: Explain the role of the athletic training student aide (ATSA) in recognizing an injury.
Course: Sports Medicine/Athletic Training I (14062-I) > Section: Assessing Injuries and Illnesses

Explanation should include the

- role of the ATSA in the overall health care of student athletes and the sports medicine team
- limitations associated with this role
- difference between subjective and objective information
- difference between signs and symptoms
- verbalization of observations.

It is imperative for the student to demonstrate the understanding that the role of the ATSA is not to practice the skills and competencies of a certified or licensed allied healthcare professional but to assist that professional in his or her daily duties.

Teacher Resource:

Official Statement on Proper Supervision of Secondary School Student Aides, National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?
- What is the difference between the ways an allied healthcare professional and a spectator observe an athletic event?
- What are important observations to make in an athletic setting?
- What are important observations to make in an injury or potential injury situation?
- What is the difference between subjective and objective information in observation of an injury?
- What is the role of an ATSA?
- What are the limitations of an ATSA?
- How and when should observed information be reported to the allied healthcare professional?
- What are the consequences of not following the responsibilities of the ATSA role?