Job Title: Head Athletic Trainer – Knoxville Ice Bears Professional Hockey Team : Knoxville, Tennessee

Key Responsibilities:

• Injury Prevention:
  • Develop and implement injury prevention programs to reduce the risk of injuries specific to hockey.
  • Perform regular health and fitness assessments for players.
  • Design and monitor warm-up, cool-down, and stretching routines to prevent muscle strains and other injuries.
• Injury Assessment and Treatment:
  • Provide immediate on-ice care during practices and games.
  • Evaluate, diagnose, and treat acute sports injuries.
  • Make recommendations on player participation or removal based on injury status.
• Rehabilitation:
  • Design and oversee rehabilitation programs for injured players, ensuring safe return to play.
  • Work closely with team physicians, physical therapists, and specialists to coordinate comprehensive care.
  • Track and document player progress throughout rehabilitation and recovery phases.
• Collaboration with Coaching and Medical Staff:
  • Communicate effectively with staff on the health and fitness of players.
  • Coordinate with team doctors and other healthcare professionals for comprehensive treatment plans.
  • Collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches to integrate rehabilitation exercises into regular fitness programs.
• Game and Practice Coverage:
  • Provide medical coverage for all team practices, games (both home and away), and other team-related events.
  • Ensure medical kits and emergency response protocols are up-to-date and available during games and practices.
• Record Keeping and Documentation:
  • Maintain detailed medical records for all players, including injury history, treatment plans, and rehabilitation progress.
  • Ensure confidentiality of medical information and adhere to all legal and ethical standards.
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Be prepared to respond to emergencies on the ice, including CPR, spine boarding, and other life-saving techniques.
  • Regularly update and practice emergency action plans with team personnel.
• Player Education:
  • Educate players on injury prevention, nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies.
  • Promote mental and physical wellness, including sleep and stress management.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, or related field.
• National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) certification.
• State licensure as required.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience as an Athletic Trainer, preferably in a professional or collegiate hockey setting.
• CPR/AED certification.
• Strong knowledge of ice hockey-specific injuries and treatment methods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in professional sports, particularly in hockey.
• Strong understanding of the physical demands of the sport and the ability to adapt programs accordingly.
• Familiarity with the latest sports science technologies, including player monitoring systems.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to collaborate effectively with staff, coaches, and management, while promoting and supporting professional relationships with players
• Ability to work under pressure, especially during high-stress situations like game injuries.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining medical records and coordinating care.
• Ability to travel with the team domestically.
• Displays a strong passion for player safety, wellness, and performance enhancement.

Work Environment:

• Regular travel with the team during the season.
• Long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially on game days.
• Salary will be discussed upon interview.