Letter: Keep our athletes safe

Being the former head athletic trainer of the Chicago Cubs and a person involved in athletic training on many levels since the early 1970s, I've got some strong suggestions on the recent episode that affected Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin but also affects athletes between the ages of 8-18.

Presently, many high schools provide athletic trainer coverage for all events. However, school districts need to hire more than one or two full-time athletic trainers. Here's why. At larger schools, especially during fall and spring, athletic trainers supervise the health of more than 400 athletes. That's like having a teacher supervise three classrooms and a study hall at the same time. High school athletic trainers work 60 hours or more a week and are also expected to work weekends and school holidays. That's far too much responsibility to handle.

With the Cubs, we had two to three athletic trainers for 50 athletes; then during the season, two athletic trainers for 25 players. Yes, we had more finances, but these high school athletes are just as important.

While the IHSA has done a good job of coverage for the state series, there is a big falloff during the regular season. I firmly believe the number of athletic trainers should correspond directly to the size of the schools, e.g. 8A-6A three to four trainers; 5A-3A, two to three; 2A-1A, one or two. As for cost, charge an added fee to play athletics and use it for athletic trainers. Parents pay for travel programs, so what's the difference? Don't make it a knee-jerk reaction. Travel and park district teams need to be alerted to this need immediately. No athletic trainer on site, no game.

During my 52-year athletic training career, I have experienced a situation like that which occurred in Cincinnati. It is something you never forget, and never want to be a part of again.

Tony Garofalo

West Dundee