Longitudinal cross-sectional study compares athletic training services in public and private high schools, revealing significant differences in service delivery.
Key Points
Public schools reported more student-athletes and sports compared to private schools, indicating a higher demand for services.
Private schools had greater numbers of athletic trainers and more contracted hours for athletic training services than public schools, highlighting disparities.
Ratios of student-athletes to trainers were higher in public schools, while private schools showed greater contracted and actual hours of service per athletic trainer.
Both public and private high schools increased their full-time athletic trainers, suggesting a growing recognition of their importance in student-athlete safety.