What is a Sports Trainer
What do sports trainers do?
Sports Trainers are often responsible for taping players before a game, warm up sports massages, basic first aid, injury management, injury prevention and dealing with on-field incidents. Sports Trainers also liaise with coaching personnel and committee members regarding player’s injuries and may be responsible for injury record keeping and ordering stock.
Roles can vary depending on the sporting club or event. For some sporting clubs, Sports Trainers have separate roles; e.g. there are individual trainers whose sole responsibility is to tape, massage or manage on-field first aid requirements. For other clubs, sports trainers may be required to undertake as many roles as possible including taping, massage and first aid.
Where do sports trainers work?
Sports Trainers are often employed or volunteer for many sporting games and events. Some trainer’s assist with school sporting events (cross country, football carnivals and athletics) and some provide services for special community events (including concerts and awareness days). Opportunities to work at these types of events can be difficult to obtain.
The Bendigo Sports Trainers Association primarily works with local Football (AFL) and Netball clubs to find trainers for vacant positions. These roles are the primary ones that are advertised through the Bendigo Sports Trainers Association.
Sports Trainers at Football (AFL) and Netball Clubs:
Some clubs require trainers to work training nights as well as game days.
Some clubs just require trainers for game days.
Some clubs prefer Sports Trainers to have a first aid certificate and sports trainers qualification.
Some clubs already have fully qualified Sports Trainers and therefore do not require additional new trainers to be fully qualified.
Remuneration for every club is different and is determined between the club and the sports trainer. Some clubs pay a flat rate, some pay based on an hourly wage and some pay via vouchers. There are a few clubs who run entirely with volunteers.
Benefits of being a Sports Trainer:
An opportunity to gain extra money.
Giving back to the community and gaining work experience.
A way to keep active and have a social outlet.
Flexible options to suit other employment, study or family commitments.