Experiences and Perspectives of High School Football Coaches in Managing Athletic Injuries and Medical Conditions in A Rural Setting

Abstract

Rural high schools are less likely than urban or suburban high schools to employ an athletic trainer, and this places the responsibility for injury evaluation and management on the coaches. This interpretive case study included interviews and observations of two football coaches from rural Tennessee high schools—one coach who had an athletic trainer and the other who did not have an athletic trainer prior to the fall of 2020. This study aimed to provide an understanding of the coaches’ experiences and perspectives in managing football players’ medical emergencies, acute and chronic injuries, and illnesses. Preliminary study findings will be discussed.