The athletic trainers at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) are responsible for the delivery of health care to all student-athletes participating in sponsored WNMU athletic events. The WNMU athletic training staff will provide reasonable medical coverage for all student-athletes who compete in intercollegiate athletics. Each member of the athletic training staff will do his/her equal share to provide this service.
The athletic training staff will operate within the guidelines outlined in the WNMU Athletic Training Policies and Procedures, WNMU Drug Testing Policy, Drug-Free Sport, the NCAA banned substance list, the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, and the NCAA Division II Manual.
Services provided include prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illness sustained as a direct result of participating in practices and/or games. The program also provides educational opportunities for students interested in learning about and obtaining experience in a sports medicine environment.
For hotels, restaurants, medical information, contact information, media information, and a campus map, go to our Visitors' Packet.
STUDENT-ATHLETE FORMS
In order to play sports at Western New Mexico University, new and returning student-athletes must complete and provide the WNMU athletic training and insurance forms.
Note: All physical examinations for new WNMU student-athletes must be dated AFTER May 1, 2010. In addition, all prospective WNMU student-athletes, prior to try-outs, must present a complete current physical examination form (within six months of try-out date) to a WNMU athletic staff member.
For questions, please contact the athletic trainer at (575) 538-6236 or via email at straint1@wnmu.edu.
INSURANCE
Effective August 1, 2008, all WNMU student-athletes are required to provide primary insurance for themselves in order to practice and/or compete. The athletic trainers can provide student-athletes who currently do not have coverage with information regarding available purchase options. Click here for complete insurance requirements.
DEFINITION OF AN ATHLETIC TRAINER
"An athletic trainer is a qualified allied health care professional educated and experienced in the management of health care problems associated with sports participation. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics and other athletic health care settings. The athletic trainer functions in cooperation with medical personnel, athletic administrators, coaches, and parents in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive athletic health care delivery systems."
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION
The athletic trainer's professional preparation is directed toward the development of specified competencies in the following domains: prevention, recognition and evaluation, management/treatment and disposition, rehabilitation, organization and administration, and education and counseling. Through a combination of formal classroom instruction and clinical experience, the athletic trainer is prepared to apply a wide variety of specific health care skills and knowledge within each of the domains.