Return to Learn Advocacy - The Athletic Trainer’s Role

As Return-to-Learn (RTL) in athletics is becoming an increasingly important topic, athletic trainers (ATs) play a crucial role in supporting student-athletes following an injury. As part of the athlete care ecosystem and as trained healthcare professionals, ATs are ideal candidates, from a patient advocacy perspective, in supporting athletes during the RTL process.

The incidence of concussions among youth athletes in the United States is significant, with almost

The most significant barrier to successful RTL adherence is likely due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the topic. To increase knowledge, adherence and implementation of Return-to-Learn protocols among youth athletes, the entire athlete care ecosystem should understand its importance. As the first line of defense in concussion management, ATs play a unique role in leading efforts to build a culture focused on RTL education and implementation. As a partner in advocacy, sports safety organizations like InjureFree can support various educational needs, including Return-to-Learn.

Click here to learn more about the Athletic Trainer’s role in the RTL process

1. https://blog.injurefree.com/athletes-return-to-learn-process
2. Runyon, L. M., Welch Bacon, C. E., Neil, E. R., & Eberman, L. E. (2020, April). Understanding the athletic trainer’s role in the return-to-learn process at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and III Institutions. Journal of athletic training. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164560/