Athletic trainer working with student holding a soccerball

Strength in Solidarity: How Athletic Training Can Lead the Charge for Social Justice

Sports have been a stage for the advocation of equality throughout history, from Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball to Serena Williams advocating for gender and racial equality in tennis to today’s athletes taking a knee on the field to protest racial injustices.

Athletic training, as the backbone of athlete development, can play an equally pivotal role in promoting social justice. By fostering empathy and inclusivity, athletic trainers can help dismantle systemic barriers and promote equity within sports and beyond.

Athletic Training: A Platform for Social Justice

At its core, social justice aims to create systems that provide equitable opportunities for all, addressing disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes.

Athletic training working with client on ropes.

Athletic training embodies these principles when athletic trainers work to eliminate barriers that prevent athletes—particularly those from underrepresented groups—from accessing the support and resources they need to succeed. 

Inclusive athletic training can help drive social justice through:

  • Equitable Access: Ensuring that athletes from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to quality healthcare and facilities.
  • Representation: Encouraging diversity within athletic training programs to reflect and support a broad spectrum of athletic identities.
  • Advocacy: Standing against discrimination and bias within sports organizations and advocating for systemic change.

Fostering Empathy and Inclusivity in Athletic Training

Empathy and inclusivity are the foundation of social justice. When athletic trainers prioritize empathy and inclusivity, they help create environments where every athlete feels valued, respected, and supported regardless of their gender identity, race, cultural background, or socioeconomic status. 

Incorporating empathy and inclusivity into athletic training often looks like: 

  • Encouraging Open Dialogue: Athletes come from diverse backgrounds and may face different challenges based on their identity, culture, or life experience. Creating opportunities for athletes to share their stories and perspectives can foster empathy and connection among athletes, their trainers, and their communities.
  • Incorporating Education and Awareness: Ongoing education on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for both athletes and athletic trainers can deepen their understanding of different cultures and social justice issues. This could include resources and training on cultural competency, gender inclusivity, and the specific challenges faced by marginalized athletes.
  • Supporting Advocacy Efforts: Athletic trainers have the power to advocate for athletes who may be overlooked or marginalized. Whether it’s providing additional support for an athlete with a disability or amplifying the voice of an underrepresented athlete, advocacy plays a key role in promoting empathy and inclusivity. 
  • Leading by Example: Athletic Trainers are role models for athletes. By demonstrating empathy and inclusivity in daily interactions with athletes and their community, they set the standard for how to treat others in sports and in life.

When empathy and inclusivity are prioritized in athletic training, they ripple outward, creating a culture of compassion and understanding that benefits everyone. Trainers who embrace these practices not only enhance athlete experiences but also position themselves as leaders in advocating for systemic change within sports.

The Bigger Picture: From Athletic Training to Social Justice 

Athletic trainer on floor mat on laptop working with a client.

Sports are often seen as a reflection of society—a space where cultural attitudes and systemic inequalities are magnified. When athletic trainers prioritize empathy and inclusivity, they contribute to reshaping these narratives within the microcosm of sports, which can influence society at large by:

  • Building Advocates for Equity: Athletes who experience inclusive training environments are more likely to become advocates for equity themselves, amplifying the impact of these practices beyond the field.
  • Changing Perceptions: Inclusive practices challenge stereotypes and biases, helping to reshape public perceptions of marginalized groups in sports and beyond.
  • Creating Fairer Systems: By prioritizing equity in athletic training, athletic trainers contribute to dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent athletes and others from thriving. 

Empowering Future Leaders in Athletic Training

Athletic training does far more than just prepare athletes physically—it holds the potential to break down societal barriers and champion social justice. For athletic trainers and coaches looking to make a difference, additional training in inclusive and culturally competent athletic practices can help. 

Antioch University’s MS in Athletic Training program is dedicated to educating compassionate leaders who are ready to advocate for inclusivity and social justice, both on and off the field. Through a curriculum that integrates cultural competence, empathy, and inclusive practices, our program aims to produce professionals who can lead the charge for equity in sports.