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Health On & Off the Field

PlayConnected is PlaySafe USA’s flagship athletic training program. We connect Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) with communities, ensuring athletes always have access to top-quality medical care and support. 

Are you…

  • An Athletic Trainer looking for employment or an event? 
  • A school in need of hands-on help?
  • An event organizer in search of ATCs?

We’ve got you covered!

PlayConnected is here to help meet your unique needs with our Certified Athletic Trainers.

Find out if PlaySafe USA operates in your area! Contact info@playsafeusa.com to find out more. 

Explore ATC Services

FAQS

Certified Athletic Trainers are allied healthcare professionals who specialize in examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries—they are not personal trainers! They are found at middle and high schools, colleges, tournaments, and community sporting events. ATCs manage athletic training rooms and emergency care, and they are in constant communication with parents, coaches, school administrators, and fellow medical professionals. Athletic Trainers don’t just treat injuries—they save lives. When seconds matter, from sudden cardiac arrest and heat stroke to catastrophic head, neck, or spinal injuries, ATCs are trained to recognize life-threatening emergencies, respond immediately, and coordinate critical care. Their presence can mean the difference between a devastating outcome and a life saved—making Athletic Trainers an essential part of every athletic program.

With the growth of youth sports in the United States, increasing numbers of students are involved in multiple sports throughout the year. Athletic Trainers are the support system for parents, athletes, and coaches. Injuries can happen to any athlete, at any skill level, playing any sport, and it is important to have a healthcare professional on the sidelines that can quickly respond and adapt to any situation. 

Each ATC undergoes years of preparation and dedication. Their training includes:

  • Graduate-level education: New Athletic Trainers must earn a master’s degree from a professional athletic training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The profession transitioned the entry-level degree requirement from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree. 
  • Extensive clinical education: Students complete supervised clinical experiences in real-world healthcare and athletic settings. Their education includes emergency care, injury and illness prevention, examination and diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, rehabilitation, concussion management, heat illness, sudden cardiac arrest, and other areas of patient care. 
  • National certification: Graduates of an accredited professional program must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination to become a Certified Athletic Trainer. 
  • State requirements: In addition to national certification, Athletic Trainers generally must meet their state's requirements to legally practice. In South Carolina, Athletic Trainers are licensed healthcare professionals regulated by the state. 
  • Ongoing education: Certified Athletic Trainers must maintain their BOC certification through continuing education and other ongoing professional requirements.

Leading Athletic Trainers make yearly updates to policies, procedures, and emergency action plans. They communicate this with all parties involved in athletic safety by training athletic directors, coaches, student aides, and fellow medical professionals on all updates. ATCs also attend parent and coach meetings to help establish an understanding of the ATCs’ scope of practice. 

Sports medicine is constantly evolving, and so are our Athletic Trainers. Our ATCs stay current on best practices, allowing our athletes the highest-quality medical care. This foundation ensures that PlayConnected Athletic Trainers are equipped with evidence-based and compassionate care capabilities, no matter the level of sport.

For more information contact info@playsafeusa.com