Abstract

Currently, a gap in the literature and research exists to fully address the concern of rising injury rates of high school athletes. However, different circumstances must be considered to address this issue fully. The sports performance team, as constructed at the high school level in the United States, is currently under tremendous pressure to mitigate the risk of injuries while improving the sports performance of their athletes. Current research shows a breakdown in communication, specifically between the athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach. As communication is diminished within the sports performance team, a measurable increase in both acute and secondary injury rates is observed. The breakdown of communication may create diminished outcomes from the break in continuity in their performance training and rehab protocols. This paper evaluates the current communication disconnect and the opportunities for improvement.

Keywords:Strength and Conditioning (S&C); Athletic Training (AT); Higher Education; Interprofessional collaboration