North Carolina LATs are required to possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited athletic training education program and possess national certification as a certified athletic trainer from the Board of Certification, an organization independent of NATA.  Training and education of the LAT is consistent with the skills needed to prevent, evaluate, treat and rehabilitate student athletes suffering injuries or illnesses.  LATs are, furthermore, qualified to make return-to-play decisions that impact the ultimate health and well-being of secondary school student athletes.  

Since 1974, the NCATA has served to support athletic trainers, to promote and advance the profession of athletic training in North Carolina. The NCATA is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association (District 3) and the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

The mission of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to advance the athletic training profession.  Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients.  Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

For information on:

• The Injury Management Course for your use in LEA – contact Elton Hawley at elton.hawley@carolinashealthcare.org or Scott Barringer at scott.barringer@cabarrus.k12.nc.us

• The Coaches Clinic Course – contact Scott Barringer at scott.barringer@cabarrus.k12.nc.us

• - The current or upcoming policies – contact David Gardner 919-807-3859

6 NCAC 6E .0203 as published in 16 NCR 19:2067, with changes, is amended as follows:

.0203 ATHLETIC Injury Management
(a) Each LEA must designate for each high school within its jurisdiction either a licenses athletic trainer who is qualified pursuant to Article 34 of Chapter 90 of General Statutes of North Carolina or a first responder. These persons may be employed on a full-time or part-time basis or may serve as a volunteer.
(b) A first responder must complete and maintain certification or be in the process of completing courses in the following:
(1) cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as certified by an organization such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association;
(2) first aid as certified by an organization such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association; and
(3) injury prevention and management as certified by an organization such as the National Athletic Trainers Association, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. In addition, each first responder must complete 20 hours in staff development each school year.
(c) The licensed athletic trainer or first responder may not have coaching responsibilities during the season in which the person is working as a licensed athletic trainer or first responder. A licensed athletic trainer or first responder must attend all football practices and games, unless excused by the superintendent due to emergency. The LEA may require a licensed athletic trainer or first responder to attend practices or games that involve other sports.

History Note: Authority G.S. 115C-12(12); N.C. Constitution, Article IX, Sec. 5;

Eff. July 1, 1986;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2002;
Temporary Amendment Eff. December 31, 2001.