Petition for Access to an Athletic Trainer for Club Sports

Dear University of Rochester,

We are writing this petition on behalf of the approximately 3,000 individual undergraduate members of the 39 club sports teams at the University of Rochester. We, the undersigned, believe that access to a dedicated athletic trainer for club sports is essential for the well-being and safety of the entirety of our participants. We request that the University of Rochester provide the club sports on campus with access to and funding for a qualified medical professional who can offer support, guidance, and medical assistance when needed.

Club sports play a significant role in the overall student experience, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and a sense of community on campus. As passionate members of the undersigned organizations, we appreciate the university’s commitment to fostering a healthy and active campus environment. However, the addition of a dedicated athletic trainer for club sports would greatly enhance the safety and overall experience of our members.

Below are significant reasons access to an athletic trainer is crucial for our club sports:

1. Injury Prevention and Management: A dedicated athletic trainer can provide valuable guidance on injury prevention techniques, warm-up routines, and proper recovery strategies. In the event of injuries, timely intervention can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
2. Emergency Response: Having a trained medical professional on-site during club sports events ensures a rapid and effective response in case of emergencies. Quick access to first aid and trained medical attention can mitigate the severity of injuries and potentially save lives and livelihoods.
3. Education and Wellness: An athletic trainer would be able to educate club members and leaders on proper nutrition, hydration, and wellness practices, contributing to the holistic development of student-athletes and promoting healthy habits that extend beyond the playing field.
4. Enhanced Performance: With professional guidance, club sports participants can receive personalized training programs to optimize their performance and minimize the risk of overuse injuries. This would contribute to the overall success of our club sports programs, many of whom are highly competitive within their respective leagues.
5. MERT: While we appreciate the invaluable support provided by MERT, their capabilities at this time are not enough to consistently meet our needs. MERT is also a reactive, not proactive program, they cannot provide preventative medical advice or training to our team members.

In light of the aforementioned, we request that the University of Rochester allocate sufficient funding to provide its 39 club sports teams with access to a dedicated athletic trainer. This investment in the well-being of our student-athletes aligns with the University’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.

The addition of an athletic trainer will not only enhance the safety and capabilities of our club sports participants, but will also contribute to the overall success and reputation of the University of Rochester in the realm of intercollegiate athletics.

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this matter further and explore the ways in which we can work together to make this appeal a reality.

Sincerely,

Women’s Rugby

Signatures

Signature Count: 48

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