Adding AT Facilities Post Construction
By Ciara Taylor, EdD, LAT, ATC, NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee Chair
The September/October NATA News includes the article “Before the Blueprint,” which outlines things to consider before a face-lift, renovation or new construction project. To further shine a light on the topic, in this article series, the NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee and other ATs share practical insights and lessons learned from their recent facility projects.
Good things come in threes. We opened a new athletic training facility at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, Alabama, in the multipurpose building in July 2025. One of the main challenges was logistics of the new facility with the existing facility, which is located in the main high school building. One year prior, we were fortunate to add an athletic training facility at Oak Mountain Middle School. As a staff of three athletic trainers, we had to determine who would staff each athletic training facility, duration and hydration supplies for each facility.
The biggest change of maintaining two facilities on campus was the medical supply order. I had to essentially order double. The start-up costs were higher. I was creative with saving money. For example, I used a cosmetics holder as a band aid and first aid organizer.
Flexibility
When the athletic training facility opened, the ice machine was installed immediately. We had a plan of where the taping decks, table, sink and medical supplies would go but quickly had to alter. We graciously received a treatment table that required a plug. We can raise or lower the injured athlete, depending on the evaluation and treatment required. We rearranged the athletic training facility three times before permanently placing our equipment.
This showed us that we must be willing to make changes. The original plan may not be the final plan. With spacing issues, be willing to adjust.
Communication
Relationships on campus between the athletic trainers and key personnel are vital. We quickly learned we needed more electrical outlets. I was able put in a request with the head of maintenance and it was fulfilled. Athletic trainers should take into account stationary equipment that needs plugs (ice machine, rehab equipment) and administrative devices (laptops, cell phones). We also had batteries to the water cow and massage guns that needed to be recharged. We are extremely fortunate to have parents, EMS and community leaders that donated items for the sports medicine department.
Administrative Support
Administration came to the middle school from the high school; they supported the sports medicine staff. The principal and athletic director understood there needed to be space for evaluations, treatment and rehabilitation. The middle school athletic trainer needed an office or area for administrative duties, such as documentation.
Equipment/Supplies
To equip the middle school facility, we relied on community market/garage sale for treatment tables. Desk and chairs were obtained within the school, and we were able to allocate funds for medical supplies and rehab equipment.
