National Athletic Training Month – Mar. 1, 2027

National Athletic Training Month
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National Athletic Training Month is celebrated throughout March, recognizing the indispensable expertise and dedication of athletic trainers. Take time to acknowledge these healthcare professionals who prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries across all levels of sport. Support their work, share their stories, and advocate for their profession.

Want to sponsor National Athletic Training Month? Learn how

Expected National Athletic Training Month Deals

Throughout National Athletic Training Month, many brands and organizations offer special recognition and discounts for athletic trainers. Expect companies like Athletico Physical Therapy and ATI Physical Therapy to highlight their AT staff and potentially offer community workshops. Sports medicine suppliers such as Mueller Sports Medicine and Cramer Sports Medicine often run promotions on essential supplies. Apparel brands like Under Armour and Nike may extend professional discounts or feature trainers in their campaigns. Local sports clinics and university athletic departments might host appreciation events or offer free injury screenings to the public. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March approaches.

Platform Guide for National Athletic Training Month

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalAthleticTrainingMonth. Share stories of athletic trainers making a difference.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalAthleticTrainingMonth. Highlight the impact of ATs in real-time sports news and injury prevention.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalAthleticTrainingMonth. Post photos or reels showcasing athletic trainers in action.

Social Media Tips for National Athletic Training Month

Individuals

Thank an athletic trainer you know personally. Share a post on social media explaining how an AT has positively impacted your life or a team you follow.

Creators

Produce a short video interviewing an athletic trainer about their daily challenges and rewards. Create content that debunks common myths about the profession.

Brands

Run a campaign highlighting the importance of athletic trainers in sports safety. Partner with local high schools or colleges to sponsor AT appreciation events.

Partners & Brands for National Athletic Training Month

  1. National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)

    Founded in 1950, NATA is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession. It represents more than 40,000 members worldwide.

  2. Gatorade

    Established in 1965, Gatorade is a leading manufacturer of sports drinks, snacks, and other performance-enhancing products. It frequently partners with athletic trainers and sports organizations to support athlete hydration and recovery.

  3. Under Armour

    Founded in 1996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank, Under Armour is a global leader in performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand often collaborates with athletic trainers on product development and athlete care.

  4. Mueller Sports Medicine

    Founded in 1959 by Curt Mueller, a registered pharmacist, Mueller Sports Medicine is a family-owned company that provides sports medicine products, including braces, supports, and tapes. Their products are staples in athletic training rooms worldwide.

  5. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

    Founded in 1863 in New York City, HSS is the world's oldest and largest academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. It is a major referral center for athletes and works closely with athletic trainers on injury prevention and rehabilitation.

  6. American Medical Association (AMA)

    Founded in 1847, the AMA is the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States. It recognizes athletic trainers as allied health professionals, supporting their integration into comprehensive healthcare teams.

  7. Athletico Physical Therapy

    Founded in 1991 by Mark Kaufman, Athletico Physical Therapy is a leading provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training services. They partner with numerous professional sports teams, colleges, and high schools.

National Athletic Training Month Hero

Samuel E. Bilik

Often considered the 'Father of Athletic Training,' Dr. Samuel E. Bilik (1889-1974) was a physician and author who published 'The Trainer's Bible' in 1917. This foundational text helped standardize practices and elevate the profession during its early development. His work provided the first comprehensive guide for athletic care, influencing generations of trainers.

History of National Athletic Training Month

Sports and athleticism have always been an important part of U.S. culture. While American Football is the most popular sport in the U.S., other sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer have played an important role in creating the overall culture of sports and athleticism. Sports are part of the academic curriculum in every school and college in the U.S. and the role of athletic trainers is extremely important in the story of athletes’ development.

Since 1896, American athletes have competed in every Olympic event (except in 1980) and the country has been the top performer in the Olympics, with a medal tally of 2,635 medals out of which 1,061 are gold medals. Such has been the participation and high level of performance in every athletic competition that the next best sporting nation is Russia which sits at 1,627 medals. There is a difference of just over 1,000 medals between the two! Another interesting fact is that the U.S. government has never funded the Olympic team.

This remarkable feat is the result of the sheer competitiveness and dedication of athletic trainers — highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals — who have played the most important role in athletes’ training. In addition, the performance of these athletes — who did not let their athletic trainers down — is an achievement in itself.

In acknowledgment of the expertise and efforts of the athletic trainers, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association has been celebrating this month since 2000. Every year, this month has seen nationwide sporting and athletic events taking place in schools, colleges, and universities, at local and national levels.

National Athletic Training Month timeline

1896
First Olympics Entry

The U.S. first participates in the Summer Olympics.

1952
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Formed

The first bench — consisting of four people — to maintain and organize athletic sports in the country is formed.

2000
Inaugural Celebrations

National Athletic Training Month is first celebrated, following an announcement by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

2013
Athletic Trainers and Healthcare

A survey reveals that people want more meaningful collaboration between athletics trainers and healthcare professionals, so a new logo for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association is designed.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Athletic Training Month

Local businesses can honor National Athletic Training Month by recognizing the athletic trainers in their community. Sports equipment stores could offer special discounts to certified athletic trainers throughout March, while local gyms might host free workshops on injury prevention led by an AT. Healthcare providers can collaborate with athletic training programs to offer joint educational seminars or highlight the importance of ATs in their patient care. Restaurants could offer ‘AT Appreciation’ deals, providing a simple way for teams and families to thank their trainers.

National Athletic Training Month FAQs

When is National Athletic Training Month?

In 2027, National Athletic Training Month will again be observed throughout March, beginning Monday, March 1, and concluding Wednesday, March 31. This annual observance is a cornerstone for the profession.

How many athletic trainers are there in the U.S.?

The number of certified athletic trainers in the U.S. continues to grow, with figures hovering around 50,000 professionals. They work in diverse settings, from high schools to professional sports and clinics.

What do athletic trainers do?

Beyond taping ankles, athletic trainers provide comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and health education. Their expertise helps individuals maintain optimal physical function and well-being.

Is athletic training the same as physical therapy?

Athletic trainers are often the first responders for sports injuries, providing on-site evaluation and treatment. Physical therapists, conversely, typically receive referrals for longer-term rehabilitation plans for a wider patient population, including non-athletes.

National Athletic Training Month Activities

  1. Share your appreciation on social media

    It’s time to show your appreciation for athletic trainers! Why not put up a post on Facebook or Instagram about an athletic trainer who has inspired you?

  2. Host an athletic event

    This month is all about athleticism, so what would be better than organizing an event to encourage the participation of athletic trainers and athletes? It doesn’t have to be difficult to organize — you can host it at a local school or a park in your neighborhood.

  3. Add a personal touch

    If you have been an athlete yourself, and a particular trainer has made a difference in your life, it’s time to show your appreciation. Write them a letter and thank them for their service and dedication.

5 Fascinating Facts About Trainers

  1. They are members of the healthcare profession

    Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals and are recognized by the American Medical Association.

  2. Qualifications are required

    Athletic trainers must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to hold a training position at any institution.

  3. Certification is required

    In order to become a Certified Athletic Trainer, a candidate must pass an exam.

  4. The kingpin of athletic training

    Michael C. Murphy is honored as the best trainer of all time and is accredited as the one to revolutionize the art of training into a science.

  5. Athletic trainers get as excited as athletes do

    Firstly, athletic trainers are humans, and second, they get as excited and emotional about the game as the athletes do.

Why We Love National Athletic Training Month

  1. It honors the athletic trainers

    Athletes would never be as successful as they are without their trainers. Athletic trainers go through an athlete’s entire journey with them and they deserve to be acknowledged.

  2. Athletic training is an honorable profession

    There is an old saying that reads: “Those who can’t do, teach.” It is high time that this is replaced with a counter phrase along the lines of “those who teach create greatness in those who perform.” Training athletes is a highly rewarding and honorable career.

  3. It inspires people to get fit

    Most people are just looking for the right push to go out and train. This month’s celebration sees people come out in training mode, pushing themselves out of their busy schedules to make room for physical fitness.

National Athletic Training Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 March 1 Monday
2028 March 1 Wednesday
2029 March 1 Thursday
2030 March 1 Friday
2031 March 1 Saturday