Science and sports are partnered with each other directly and indirectly. In team and individual sports, the trainer must attend to the immediate medical needs of all participants. In the event of a significant injury, a team physician must be on hand to handle all problems. Strength coaches often play an integral part in the success of a team or individual.
Sports Trainer
A trainer is on hand at athletic contests to attend to players' immediate physical needs after they get injured in a game. A trainer can help stop all bleeding from a cut and provide initial treatment in the event of a strain, sprain or broken bone. After a major injury, the trainers will be involved in planning a player's rehabilitation. The trainer may have to show the player how to execute rehabilitative exercises and supervise them as well.
Sports Team Physician
The team physician associated with a sports team or athletic program oversees all treatment of major injuries and illnesses for players and team members. In nearly all cases, the team physician will be an orthopedist because there are so many bone and joint injuries. Surgery is often indicated after these injuries. If the team physician is not a surgeon, he has to find the best surgeons to help facilitate recovery for all athletes.
Strength Coach
Many athletes and teams work with strength coaches so they can be at their physical peak for all athletic events. All 32 NFL teams employ strength coaches, who try to give players the right strength and conditioning program to help them avoid injuries and remain in the lineup. At the start of the 2010 season, the Chicago Bears appeared to have a below-average team that would likely lose more games than it won. The Bears ended the season with an 11-5 record and won the NFC North. They advanced to the NFC championship game. While most NFL teams suffer eight to 12 key injuries a year, the Bears kept injuries to a minimum and head coach Lovie Smith recognized strength and conditioning coach Rusty Jones as being responsible for the team's outstanding overall health.
Dietitian
Many athletic teams employ dietitians to provide healthy menus for all athletes. In addition to making out the menus in training camp, the dietitian will design a diet or meal plan for individual athletes to follow. Athletes who follow a professional dietitian's menu have a better chance of maintaining a high-energy level throughout the season. To become a registered dietitian, you must have a degree in food sciences, complete a nine-month American Dietetics Association-approved internship and pass the certification test.
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