Factors Influencing Retention of Male Athletic Trainers in the NCAA Division I Setting

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Ashley Goodman ◽  
William A. Pitney
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Division I ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Coworker Relationships ◽  
Support Autonomy ◽  
Type Data

Context:Social support, autonomy, and job satisfaction are among the factors influencing female athletic trainers' decisions to remain in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I (NCAA D-I) setting, but the male perspective has not been documented.Objective:Identify factors that affect male athletic trainers' decisions to remain in the NCAA D-I setting.Design:Qualitative study. Participants: 11 male athletictrainers who averaged 6 ± 6 years of NCAA D-I clinical experience, 66 ± 10 working hours per week during the traditional sport season, and 34 ± 5 years of age.Data collection and analysis:In-depth, semistructured interviews. Two researchers followed the steps of a grounded theory study and analyzed data independently.Results:Two main persistence themes emerged from the data: (1) D-I atmosphere and (2) workplace environment.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that male athletic trainers remain in the NCAA D-I setting because of satisfaction with their employment, which includes a competitive atmosphere, strong coworker relationships, and support from their supervisors.

scholarly journals Career and Family Aspirations of Female Athletic Trainers Employed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Setting

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
Elizabeth M. Ferraro ◽  
Ashley Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Division I ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Collegiate Level

Context: Female athletic trainers (ATs) tend to depart the profession of athletic training after the age of 30. Factors influencing departure are theoretical. Professional demands, particularly at the collegiate level, have also been at the forefront of anecdotal discussion on departure factors. Objective: To understand the career and family intentions of female ATs employed in the collegiate setting. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-seven female ATs (single = 14, married with no children = 6, married with children = 7) employed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I setting. Data Collection and Analysis: All female ATs responded to a series of open-ended questions via reflective journaling. Data were analyzed via a general inductive approach. Trustworthiness was established by peer review, member interpretive review, and multiple-analyst triangulation. Results: Our participants indicated a strong desire to focus on family or to start a family as part of their personal aspirations. Professionally, many female ATs were unsure of their longevity within the Division I collegiate setting or even the profession itself, with 2 main themes emerging as factors influencing decisions to depart: family planning persistence and family planning departure. Six female ATs planned to depart the profession entirely because of conflicts with motherhood and the role of the AT. Only 3 female ATs indicated a professional goal of persisting at the Division I setting regardless of their family or marital status, citing their ability to maintain work-life balance because of support networks. The remaining 17 female ATs planned to make a setting change to balance the roles of motherhood and AT because the Division I setting was not conducive to parenting. Conclusions: Our results substantiate those of previous researchers, which indicate the Division I setting can be problematic for female ATs and stimulate departure from the setting and even the profession.

scholarly journals Perceptions of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Female Athletic Trainers on Motherhood and Work-Life Balance: Individual- and Sociocultural-Level Factors

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 854-861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason
Keyword(s):  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Division I ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Sports Management ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Context  A multilevel model of work-life balance (WLB) has been established in the sports management literature to explain interactions among organizational/structural, individual, and sociocultural factors and their effects on individual responses and attitudes toward WLB. These factors influence experiences and outcomes related to WLB. Objective  To examine individual and sociocultural factors that may influence perceptions of female athletic trainers (ATs) employed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I setting, particularly any sex-specific influences. Design  Qualitative study. Setting  National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. Patients or Other Participants  A total of 27 women (14 single with no children, 6 married with no children, 7 married with children) currently employed as full-time ATs in the Division I setting participated. Data Collection and Analysis  Participants responded to a series of open-ended questions via reflective journaling. Data were examined using a general inductive approach. Trustworthiness was established by multiple-analyst triangulation, member interpretive review, and peer review. Results  Participants recognized that their sex played a role in assessing WLB and a long-term career as an AT. In addition, they identified various individual- and sociocultural-level factors that affected their perceptions of WLB and attitudes toward a career goal. Conclusions  Our data suggested that female ATs may hold traditional sex ideologies of parenting and family roles, which may influence their potential for career longevity.

Retention Factors for Head Athletic Trainers in the NCAA Division I Collegiate Setting

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 10-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
William A. Pitney ◽  
Ashley Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Retention Factors ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Type Data

Context:Retention factors for athletic trainers (ATs) generally include autonomy, work-life balance, and job satisfaction, but little is known specifically about the position of Head AT.Objective:To investigate factors that influence retention of the Head AT in a leadership role.Design:A qualitative study that employed structured interviews.Patients or Other Participants: 18 Head ATs (13 males, 5 females; 44 ± 8 years of age; 22 ± 7 years of experience in the role) participated.Data Collection and Analysis:Participants responded to a series of questions presented through an online interview. The data were analyzed through a general inductive approach.Results:Two key retention factors that were identified by the analysis were enjoyment of the work setting and professional motivation.Conclusions:Head ATs remain in their positions due to rewarding relationships with staff members and student-athletes. A commitment to lifelong learning for professional development also exerts a positive influence for retention.

scholarly journals Motherhood and Work–Life Balance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Setting: Mentors and the Female Athletic Trainer

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 532-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Ashley Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Division I ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Context: One of the greatest catalysts for turnover among female athletic trainers (ATs) is motherhood, especially if employed at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level. The medical education literature regularly identifies the importance of role models in professional character formation. However, few researchers have examined the responsibility of mentorship and professional role models as it relates to female ATs' perceptions of motherhood and retention. Objective: To evaluate perceptions of motherhood and retention in relation to mentorship and role models among female ATs currently employed in the collegiate setting. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Female athletic trainers working in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-seven female ATs employed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I setting volunteered. Average age of the participants was 35 ± 9 years. All were full-time ATs with an average of 11 ± 8 years of clinical experience. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants responded to questions by journaling their thoughts and experiences. Multiple-analyst triangulation and peer review were included as steps to establish data credibility. Results: Male and female role models and mentors can positively or negatively influence the career and work–life balance perceptions of female ATs working in the Division I setting. Female ATs have a desire to see more women in the profession handle the demands of motherhood and the demands of their clinical setting. Women who have had female mentors are more positive about the prospect of balancing the rigors of motherhood and job demands. Conclusions: Role models and mentors are valuable resources for promoting perseverance in the profession in the highly demanding clinical settings. As more female ATs remain in the profession who are able to maintain work–life balance and are available to serve as role models, the attitudes of other women may start to change.

scholarly journals National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletic Trainers' Concussion-Management Practice Patterns

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 665-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kassandra C. Kelly ◽  
Erin M. Jordan ◽  
A. Barry Joyner ◽  
G. Trey Burdette ◽  
Thomas A. Buckley
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Division I ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Consensus Statements

Context: A cornerstone of the recent consensus statements on concussion is a multifaceted concussion-assessment program at baseline and postinjury and when tracking recovery. Earlier studies of athletic trainers' (ATs') practice patterns found limited use of multifaceted protocols; however, these authors typically grouped diverse athletic training settings together. Objective: To (1) describe the concussion-management practice patterns of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I ATs, (2) compare these practice patterns to earlier studies, and (3) objectively characterize the clinical examination. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 610 ATs from NCAA Division I institutions, for a response rate of 34.4%. Main Outcome Measure(s): The survey had 3 subsections: demographic questions related to the participant's experiences, concussion-assessment practice patterns, and concussion-recovery and return-to-participation practice patterns. Specific practice-pattern questions addressed balance, cognitive and mental status, neuropsychological testing, and self-reported symptoms. Finally, specific components of the clinical examination were examined. Results: We identified high rates of multifaceted assessments (ie, assessments using at least 3 techniques) during testing at baseline (71.2%), acute concussion assessment (79.2%), and return to participation (66.9%). The specific techniques used are provided along with their adherence with evidence-based practice findings. Respondents endorsed a diverse array of clinical examination techniques that often overlapped objective concussion-assessment protocols or were likely used to rule out associated potential conditions. Respondents were cognizant of the Third International Consensus Statement, the National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement, and the revised NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook recommendations. Conclusions: Athletic trainers in NCAA Division I demonstrated widespread use of multifaceted concussion-assessment techniques and appeared compliant with recent consensus statements and the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook.

scholarly journals Barriers to the Role of the Head Athletic Trainer for Women in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and III Settings

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (7) ◽  
pp. 557-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason
Keyword(s):  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Collegiate Athletics ◽  
Division I ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Organizational Barriers ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Division Ii ◽  
Old Boys Network

Context: Very few women assume the role of head athletic trainer (AT). Reasons for this disparity include discrimination, motherhood, and a lack of interest in the position. However, data suggest that more women seek the head AT position in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and III settings. Objective: To examine the barriers female ATs face as they transition to the role of head AT. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Divisions II and III. Patients or Other Participants: In total, 77 female ATs participated in our study. Our participants (38 ± 9 years old) were employed as head ATs at the Division II or III level. Data Collection and Analysis: We conducted online interviews with all participants. They journaled their reflections to a series of open-ended questions pertaining to their experiences as head ATs. Data were analyzed following a general inductive approach. Credibility was secured by peer review and researcher triangulation. Results: Organizational and personal factors emerged as the 2 major themes that described challenges for women assuming the role of the head AT. Organizational barriers were defined by gender stereotyping and the “good old boys” network. Personal influences included a lack of leadership aspirations, motherhood and family, and a lack of mentors. Conclusions: Female ATs working in Divisions II or III experienced similar barriers to assuming the role of the head AT as those working in the Division I setting. Stereotyping still exists within collegiate athletics, which limits the number of women in higher-ranking positions; however, a lack of desire to assume a higher position and the desire to balance work and home inhibit some women from moving up.

scholarly journals National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Certified Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of the Benefits of Sport Psychology Services

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 398-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Zakrajsek ◽  
Scott B. Martin ◽  
Craig A. Wrisberg
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Division I ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Injury Rehabilitation ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Rehabilitation Team ◽  
Injured Athletes

Context: Certified athletic trainers (ATs) are responsible for integrating relevant professionals into the rehabilitation team to assist with the holistic care of injured athletes. Objective: To explore National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I (DI) ATs' experience with sport psychology consultants (SPCs), willingness to encourage athletes to use SPCs for injury rehabilitation, and perceptions of the benefits of sport psychology services. Design: Quantitative study. Setting: A Web-based survey was administered to a national sample of DI ATs. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 659 (341 men, 318 women) ATs completed the survey. Main Outcome Measure(s): Athletic trainers' experience with SPCs, willingness to encourage athletes to seek sport psychology services, and perceptions of the benefits of those services in injury-rehabilitation settings were self-reported using a rating scale that ranged from 1 (never or not at all) to 5 (definitely or extremely). Results: Logistic regression revealed that the availability of SPCs, previous encouragement to athletes to seek sport psychology services, and previous positive interactions with SPCs predicted the ATs' willingness to encourage athletes to use these services (P < .0001). The services ATs rated the highest for injury rehabilitation were managing anxiety and emotion, improving coping techniques, and building confidence (ie, confidence in returning to sport and building confidence). Chi-square analyses indicated that female ATs' ratings of perceived benefits were higher (P ≤ .001) than those of male ATs, and the ratings of ATs who were likely to encourage the use of SPCs were higher (P ≤ .001) than those who were unlikely to encourage SPC service use. Conclusions: Athletic trainers in our study who had previous positive SPC experiences were most likely to use SPCs and their services during the injury-rehabilitation process. Possible implications are offered for how ATs interested in sport psychology services might call on SPCs to complement their work with injured athletes.

scholarly journals Athletic Trainers' Influence on National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes' Basic Psychological Needs During Sport Injury Rehabilitation

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew P. Bejar ◽  
Johannes Raabe ◽  
Rebecca A. Zakrajsek ◽  
Leslee A. Fisher ◽  
Damien Clement
Keyword(s):  
Sport Injury ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Division I ◽  
Injury Rehabilitation ◽  
Injured Athletes

Context Athletic trainers (ATs) have indicated a desire to better understand the motivations of athletes during rehabilitation. Self-determination theory offers an ideal lens for conceptualizing the antecedents, mediators, and consequences of motivated behavior. Objective To explore athletes' perceptions of ATs' influence on their basic psychological needs as well as their motivation during sport injury rehabilitation. Design Qualitative study. Setting National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I universities in the northwestern and southeastern United States. Patients or Other Participants A total of 10 injured and previously injured athletes (7 women, 3 men; mean age = 20.9 ± 2.0 years) active in a variety of sports. Data Collection and Analysis Participants completed semistructured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. Trustworthiness techniques (eg, bracketing interview, discussion of biases, member checking, external auditor) were used throughout the process. Results Four domains were constructed: (a) athletes' concerns about injury and rehabilitation, (b) ATs' feedback and athletes' perceptions of competence, (c) a person-centered approach from ATs and athletes' perceptions of autonomy, and (d) a connection between ATs' and athletes' perceptions of relatedness. Athletes' experiences were largely influenced by the degree to which they perceived that ATs satisfied their 3 basic psychological needs, which, in turn, was determined by the presence or absence of particular AT behaviors, such as providing encouragement (competence), soliciting input (autonomy), and building rapport (relatedness). Furthermore, the degree to which they perceived these basic psychological needs were fulfilled (or thwarted) affected their overall motivation during sport injury rehabilitation. Conclusions Self-determination theory is a promising framework for ATs to consider when addressing motivational challenges among injured athletes.

scholarly journals Challenges Faced by Collegiate Athletic Trainers, Part I: Organizational Conflict and Clinical Decision Making

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia M. Pike Lacy ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Stephanie Mazerolle Singe
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Job Performance ◽  
Medical Decision Making ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Collegiate Athletics ◽  
Division I ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Organizational Conflict ◽  
Perceived Pressure

Context Organizational conflict, particularly between coaches and medical professionals, has been reported in collegiate athletics. Different values create room for conflict between coaches and athletic trainers (ATs); however, ATs' experiences when making medical decisions are not fully understood. Objective To investigate the presence of organizational conflict regarding medical decision making and determine if differences exist across athletic affiliations. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Collegiate athletics (National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA], National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics [NAIA], National Junior College Athletic Association [NJCAA]). Patients or Other Participants A total of 434 ATs responded (age = 27.7 ± 3.2 years, years certified = 5.2 ± 2.7), representing the NCAA Division I (DI; n = 199), Division II (DII; n = 67), Division III (DIII; n = 108); NAIA (n = 37); and NJCAA (n = 23) settings. Main Outcome Measure(s) The survey instrument contained quantitative measures and open-ended questions, with affiliation as our primary independent variable. Responses to Likert-scale questions (1 = strongly agree, 5 = strongly disagree) regarding organizational pressures within athletics served as the dependent variables. Kruskal-Wallis analysis-of-variance and Mann-Whitney U post hoc tests assessed differences in organizational conflict across affiliations. Open-ended questions were analyzed inductively. Results We obtained a 14.47% (434 of 3000) response rate. National Collegiate Athletic Association DI ATs disagreed less than NCAA DII and DIII and NJCAA ATs that they would worry about job security if turnover in the head coaching position occurred (P < .05). Regarding the influence of coaches on job performance, differences were found between NCAA DI and DIII and between DI and NJCAA ATs (P < .01). Visibility of the injury and situational factors influenced the level of perceived pressure. Conclusions Athletic trainers perceived pressure from coaches regarding medical decision making. Division I ATs placed greater emphasis on the role that coaches played in their job performance and job security. Athletic departments should consider transitioning to patient-centered models of care to better align values and reduce the external pressures placed on ATs.

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