Local athletic trainers work to keep student athletes safe

JACKSON, Tenn. — Should it be a law to have athletic trainers at football games?

It’s something local authorities are questioning after a football player collapsed and died at a game in Mississippi.

Before the lights turn on and players hit the field, Liberty Tech High School athletic trainer Jay Roberts is hard at work.

“We tape our guys up and I’ll make sure our coaches and everyone is on the same page as far as warming up,” Roberts said.

Roberts says student athletes are at a high risk of injury to help prevent injuries.

To help prevent those, Roberts attends football games and practices.

“Common injuries include concussions,  separated shoulders,  dislocated shoulders and torn a ACL’s,” he said.

Roberts says athletic trainers help decide if injured players should be taken out of the game.

He also says trainers help find physicians for certain injuries and communicate with parents.

“I think they’re going to get hurt whether we’re here or not,” Roberts said. “Our job is to make sure nothing happens afterward.”

While it’s not a law in Tennessee to have athletic trainers at high school sporting events, those at Liberty Tech say having one can make all the difference.

“We need all the help we can get in identifying injuries and helping the kids when they need to seek medical attention,” head Liberty Tech football coach Orentheus Taylor said.

Taylor says keeping a close eye on the heat before the game is also crucial.

“When the heat index is at 105, we need to take precautions get off the field,” Taylor said.

With football season well underway, trainers like Roberts say injuries are unavoidable, but he can help with the recovery process.

“We want to get these children the best chance to recover and come back to full speed as quickly as possible,” Taylor said.

School officials say athletic trainers attend all high school football games in Madison County.