1. Call the Red Cross
Most people think of the Red Cross as a place to give blood or take a CPR class. Even thought this is what they're most widely known for, the Red Cross is also a great place to take other first-aid classes such as wrapping and taping. The Red Cross offers two different levels of sports wrapping and taping. The first level focuses on the beginner or people with little to no experience in the area of sports medicine. This eight-hour course helps beginners learn the basics of taping and wrapping injuries for both prevention and treatment. A step-by-step instruction manual is included in the cost of the course. Level II wrapping and taping is a 4-hour review of the skills taught in level I and adds more hands on experience with practice in all areas of sports taping learned in level I. Contact your local Red Cross for information on hosting one of these onsite training classes.
2. Concerned Community
One of the best places to take practical courses like wrapping and taping for sports injury protection and prevention is at your local community college. Community colleges offer a variety of first aid training classes in many areas including sports wrapping and taping. Most classes meet a few times a year and offer those who finish the course a certificate of completion. Many of the classes are prerequisites to other classes in sports medicine or physical therapy for those working toward a degree. Call your local community college for a catalogue of upcoming first-aid and sports medicine classes.
3. Call for Coaches
A great place to learn sports wrapping and taping is through coaching associations and clinics. Any person who is involved in coaching at any level can benefit from a course in taping and wrapping. Most school districts require coaches to take courses in sports first-aid and injury prevention. After initial classes, refresher courses are also required at different intervals during the school year. Volunteer coaches in many communities take wrapping and taping classes as well as other sports first aid classes to prepare them to care for injured athletes. Because of the high demand for volunteer coaches for local sports who are trained in first-aid and wrapping techniques, many community and adult education departments offer sports wrapping and taping as a continuing education class at an affordable price. Contact the adult and continuing education department in your city or municipality.
