Financial resources for conducting athletic training programs in the collegiate and high school settings

The distribution of resources to athletic training programs varies greatly, depending on the size and scope of the athletic program. No research has been found that assesses the differences in dollars allocated within various athletic training settings or assesses whether the different program levels allocate similar proportions of their resources to like categories of expenditures. In this study, I assessed the financial resources available to athletic training programs at major football NCAA Division IA schools, small football NCAA Division IA schools, NCAA Division IAA schools, NCAA Division II schools, NCAA Division III schools, and high schools. All schools had men's and women's sports and football programs. Categories assessed included: size and scope of the athletic program, supplies and equipment, operating expenses, medical expenses, salaries and benefits, malpractice insurance, and use of competitive bids in purchasing. Data supported the conclusion of wide disparities within many categories and in total expenses. Large-scale football NCAA Division IA programs spent $925.86 per athlete, while NCAA Division III programs spent $181.22, and high school programs spent $95.62. However, athletic trainers at all levels are conducting athletic training programs governed by the same professional competencies and standards of care.