What is an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic trainers are highly educated and skilled allied health care professionals specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care providers, athletic trainers function as integral members of the athletic health care team within the school setting. Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. In addition, athletic trainers study human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition and psychology/counseling. Certified athletic trainers also participate in extensive clinical affiliations with athletic teams under appropriate supervision. Certified athletic trainers are required by their national certifying body (NATA Board of Certification) and the State of Georgia to maintain their skills through continuing education requirements or they lose their authority to practice.

Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, INC. (NATABOC). The certification examination administered by NATABOC consists of a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical section that evaluates the skill components of the domains within athletic training; and a written simulation test, consisting of athletic training related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making. The last portion of the test evaluates athletic trainers' ability to resolve cases similar to those they might encounter in actual practice.

The examination covers a variety of topics within the six domains of athletic training:

- Prevention
- Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment
- Immediate Care
- Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
- Organization and Administration
- Professional Development and Responsibility

Athletic Insurance

Students who participate in the intercollegiate athletic program at Young Harris College are covered under YHC athletic insurance. YHC's athletic insurance is a secondary insurance policy only and the students regular insurance is primary. YHC athletic insurance coverage starts only after the students primary insurance has been billed and has paid the maximum amount. This insurance only covers sport related injuries or illness. YHC also offers separate insurance coverage that all students can purchase at the beginning of each year to cover them for non-sport related injuries and illness. If you have any questions regarding insurance coverage or claims please contact the Head Athletic Trainer.

Pre-Participation Forms

All students who participate in intercollegiate athletics at Young Harris College must have a current physical, HIPAA consent form, and a copy of their primary insurance card on file in the YHC training room. YHC policy requires that this physical be performed by a "licensed Medical Doctor". Physicals signed by Nurses, Nurse-Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Chiropractors are NOT valid. A physical is valid for one calendar year from the date it was taken. For a physical to be valid for the following school year, it must have been taken after June 1st.

The physical must be obtained prior to participating in any practices, scrimmages, or games. Each year, YHC offers free physicals during the first week of school for those students who have not turned one. Students are strongly encouraged to have their physicals performed prior to this time; especially those athletes who begin practices begin before school starts.

Printable physical and HIPAA forms can be downloaded off this website. Please direct all questions concerning pre-participation forms to Lance Markham the Head Athletic Trainer.

Tips for Pre-Season

Drink plenty of fluids

Adequate fluid replacement is important to prevent dehydration, fatigue, excessive weight loss, and possible heat related illness. Drink on a schedule, not just when you're thirsty. By the time thirst kicks in, you're already low on fluids and not playing your best. Avoid soft drinks and juice during play. The high carbs may cause stomach problems. The NATA recommended fluid intake is to drink 17-20 oz of fluid 2-3 hours before exercise, then another 7-10 oz 10-20 minutes before exercise. During exercise the NATA recommends 7-10 oz of fluid every 10-20 minutes and at least 20 oz per pound of weight loss after exercise within two hours. Some of the warning signs of dehydration are a dry mouth, fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, light-headedness, infrequent urination, and nausea.

Eat Well

With the increased activity that comes with sports there is a increased need for calories to provide energy. The athlete should consume complex carbohydrates such as breads, pasta, fruits, and vegetables. Stay away from high fat and high salt foods. Protein is important for rebuilding of muscle tissue and should be increased if insufficient amounts are not normally consumed. Stay away from soft drinks as well because they are high in simple sugars.

Stretch often

Stretching often will help the athlete's performance and help avoid injury. We recommended that you stretch in the morning, before practice, during practice if needed, and again after practice. The stretches should be held for 20-30 seconds to get the best benefits. Do not bounce when performing your stretches, they should be done slowly and with enough tension, but should be pain free.

Tips on Injury Care

If an injury occurs, initial treatment should include the R.I.C.E. Principle in order to reduce pain, swelling, and promote healing.

The RICE Principle

R= REST the injured area. Do not move it needlessly, walk on it to test the area, or continue to exercise if it hurts. We will give you crutches, a sling, or splint if necessary.

I= ICE the injured area to reduce swelling. Ice application should be 20 minutes on then 60 minutes off. Do Not heat an Acute injury.

C= COMPRESSION should be applied to the injured area to reduce swelling. Use an elastic wrap to control the swelling. The wrap should not be applied so tightly that it causes numbness, tingling, or loss of circulation to occur in the injured area or areas below it. The wrap may be removed at night while you are sleeping.

E= ELEVATE the limb to reduce swelling. Injured legs should be rested at the hip level and arms should be rested on a table or armrest whenever possible.


If there is any doubt as to the severity of an injury, seek appropriate medical attention. Please remember to report any and all athletic injuries to the YHC sports medicine staff. If you seek treatment from a physician or at the hospital, please be sure to obtain written instructions and medical findings and give them to the sports medicine staff. These reports allows us to provide the best possible follow-up care for our student-athletes and also allow us to know when the athlete is allowed to return to practice and competition.


Ice or Heat- Which should I use?

Ice should be used to treat any acute injury where pain and swelling are present. Ice should be applied immediately for 20 minutes and its use should be continued for the next two or three days after injury. The ice will reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes then removed for 40-60 minutes. Do NOT apply ice for longer than 20 minutes and DO NOT fall asleep while icing. Skin irritation and tissue damage may result from improper or excessive use.

Heat comes later and is beneficial for dull, achy pain over large muscle areas or joints, where no swelling is present. This type of soreness is usually due to muscular tightness or joint stiffness and may be associated with improper preparation for activity, or as a result of an injury. Heat should be applied for no more than 20 minutes then removed for at least two hours.

Contact Information

Lance Markham MS, ATC, CSCS
Head Athletic Trainer
PO BOX 37
Young Harris, GA 30582
Voice (706)379-4311 ext. 5199