Head Athletic Trainer - Football

Position Summary

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a Head Athletic Trainer to lead its Football Sports Medicine department. This position is responsible for the prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and medical management of injuries and illnesses for Division I Football student-athletes. This position coordinates comprehensive healthcare services for the Football program, including practice and competition coverage, rehabilitation planning, emergency preparedness, injury prevention programming, medical documentation, and supervision of Football athletic training personnel. The position works collaboratively with team physicians, strength and conditioning staff, coaches, and other sports medicine personnel to support the health, safety, and performance of student-athletes while ensuring compliance with NCAA, Conference, and University policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

1. Injury Evaluation, Treatment and Rehabilitation (30%)

• Coordinate and facilitate the prevention, evaluation, management, and post-acute care of athletic injuries and illnesses for Football student-athletes.
• Evaluate athletic injuries and acute medical conditions and determine appropriate treatment plans in consultation with team physicians.
• Design and implement individualized rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise programs for injured student-athletes.
• Administer therapeutic modalities, manual therapy, taping, bracing, padding, and protective equipment applications.
• Monitor rehabilitation progress and modify treatment programs as appropriate.
• Communicate injury status, rehabilitation progress, and return-to-play recommendations with physicians, coaching staff, and sports performance personnel.
• Provide and facilitate rehabilitative therapy as directed by team physicians.

2. Injury Prevention and Student-Athlete Wellness (25%)

• Design and implement injury prevention programs specific to the demands of Division I Football.
• Conduct and assist with pre-participation physical examinations, screenings, and functional movement assessments.
• Coordinate substance abuse education and screening initiatives as assigned.
• Consult with athletic performance staff and coaches regarding conditioning programs, recovery strategies, and student-athlete wellness.
• Educate student-athletes regarding injury prevention, nutrition, hydration, sleep, recovery, and overall wellness strategies.
• Monitor the safety and proper fitting of athletic equipment and assess the safety of practice and competition venues.

3. Practice, Game Competition, and Travel Coverage (20%)

• Provide athletic training and medical coverage for all football practices, conditioning sessions, home competitions, and away contests.
• Perform immediate injury assessment, emergency care, and sideline management during athletic activities.
• Travel with the football team as required for away competitions and training activities.
• Collaborate with team physicians regarding medical decisions and return-to-play determinations.

4. Administration, Documentation, and Compliance (10%)

• Establish and maintain accurate and confidential medical documentation, including injury reports, treatment records, rehabilitation plans, insurance information, health questionnaires, and medical referrals.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, NCAA, Conference, and institutional documentation requirements.
• Participate in the NCAA Injury Surveillance System and other required reporting initiatives as applicable.
• Coordinate medical appointments, referrals, and communication with healthcare providers.
• Assist with management of medical supplies, inventory, equipment, and budget needs for Football sports medicine operations.
• Supervise football athletic training facilities and daily clinical operations.

5. Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management (10%)

• Develop, implement, and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for football-related venues and activities.
• Respond to medical emergencies including concussion, heat illness, orthopedic trauma, and cardiac events.
• Maintain readiness and compliance related to CPR, AED, first aid, and emergency medical procedures.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA, SEC, institutional, and sports medicine safety protocols and best practices.

6. Leadership, Supervision, and Other Duties (5%)

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate assistant athletic trainers, interns, graduate assistants, and student workers assigned to Football.
• Provide educational instruction and mentorship related to athletic training practices and procedures.
• Communicate directly and regularly with the Head Football Coach and coaching staff regarding student-athlete medical status and participation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Athletics administration, the designated supervisor, and team physicians.
• Adhere to and ensure compliance with University, NCAA, SEC, and departmental rules, policies, and procedures.