National Athletic Training Month is celebrated every year in March. It is celebrated in recognition of the expertise and efforts of athletic trainers across the globe and is dedicated to all those who play a vital role in the development and health care of athletes at various levels. It is common knowledge that not everyone has the capacity to be an athletic trainer. However, those who take this job seriously and give it their all — and train athletes who go on to win awards and medals at different levels — will tell you that it’s the most rewarding job in the world. So, as per the instructions of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the entire month of March is celebrated as National Athletic Training Month.
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
The U.S. first participates in the Summer Olympics.
The first bench — consisting of four people — to maintain and organize athletic sports in the country is formed.
National Athletic Training Month is first celebrated, following an announcement by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
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.
National Athletic Training Month FAQs
What is National Athletic Training Month?
National Athletic Training Month in March spreads awareness about the important work athletic trainers do.
What is the average salary for athletic trainers?
The median salary of an athletic trainer in the U.S. is around $49,860 a year.
Is athletic training a good career?
Athletic training is a growing field that offers good career prospects. Experts predict that the field will grow 23% between 2016 and 2026.
National Athletic Training Month Activities
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?
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.
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
They are members of the healthcare profession
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals and are recognized by the American Medical Association.
Qualifications are required
Athletic trainers must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to hold a training position at any institution.
Certification is required
In order to become a Certified Athletic Trainer, a candidate must pass an exam.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
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