Legislators' Perceptions and Knowledge of the Athletic Training Profession: Specific Considerations for Secondary Schools.

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Legislation has played a role in advancing the athletic training profession and improving the health and safety of student-athletes. However, few researchers have examined state legislators' perceptions and awareness of the skills and qualifications accompanying the athletic trainer (AT) role. To explore state legislators' perceptions of the athletic training profession and knowledge related to qualifications and responsibilities of ATs. Cross-sectional study. Web-based questionnaire. State legislators representing 34 states (N = 143; 67.13% male, 32.87% female). Their average age was 58.7 ± 11.7 years, and they had served 7.4 ± 6.9 years in their current role. A majority served as members of the state house or assembly (n = 98, 68.5%), and 31.5% served in the state senate. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Spearman ρ correlations assessed relationships between perceptions and knowledge of the profession. Stepwise regression analysis determined predictors of knowledge and perceived value of athletic training. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively. Approximately 69% of respondents considered an AT to be a trusted source of medical information, and 16% considered an AT as the most appropriate individual to provide medical care to an injured athlete on a daily basis. Thirty percent of state legislators selected AT employed at the school as a top sports safety measure. Three themes emerged from the inductive analysis: (1) recognition of the prevention domain, (2) misconception of ATs as personal trainers or strength and conditioning coaches, and (3) lack of knowledge regarding ATs' educational requirements. Legislators demonstrated limited knowledge of the AT profession. When legislator knowledge of AT qualifications and responsibilities was high, value of the AT profession also significantly improved. Future efforts should focus on enhancing legislators' knowledge to increase the value placed on the athletic training profession and improve health and safety for secondary school athletes.