W. Va. Code R. § 126-136-20

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-136-20 - [Effective 1/11/2025] Athletic Training and Limited Sports Training

20.1. General Requirements. A county board of education is required to employ an individual as a registered athletic Trainer(s), or an individual(s) with a limited sports training authorization, to perform duties during football practices and games for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. A school serving students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 that does not have an athletic trainer or an individual with a limited sports training authorization, is prohibited from participating in football practices or games. A candidate applying for an Athletic Training or Limited Sports Training Authorization is required to submit documentation that they meet the applicable general requirements for licensure in accordance with section 9. A county board of education is prohibited from employing a candidate for an Athletic Trainer or Limited Sports Trainer in good faith on the anticipation that the candidate is eligible for a certificate. An Athletic Training or Limited Sports Training Authorization is effective for the employment start date provided on the candidate's application or the date that the application was received by the WVDE, whichever occurs last.

20.2. Athletic Training Authorization. A candidate applying for an Athletic Training Authorization is required to submit documentation that they are certified as in athletic training through the Board of Certification, Inc. for Athletic Trainings and registered with the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. An Athletic Training Authorization may be renewed annually upon application and submitting documentation that the candidate has a valid West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy registration and is recommended for reissuance by the employing county superintendent. Additionally, an individual employed for the purpose of athletic trainings shall attend the required athletic trainer workshop provided by the WVSSAC.

20.3. Limited Sports Training Authorization. If a county board of education cannot employ an individual in athletic training, they may employ an individual with a medical background including, but not limited to, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, an RN, a licensed practical nurse, a physician, a physician's assistant, a paramedic, an occupational therapist, an emergency medical technician, or a nurse practitioner for a Limited Sports Training Authorization. An individual employed under this section shall complete the requirements established for a Limited Sports Training Authorization and submit documentation that they hold a high school diploma or a state-approved high school equivalent.

20.3.a. A county board of education is required to post a position for Athletic Trainer(s) with a closing date prior to the WVSSAC season start date for fall sports. If an authorized or authorization-eligible athletic trainer does not apply for the position, the county board may employ an individual from the list of health care professionals in accordance with section 20.3. The county board of education, along with the candidate, must complete the appropriate WVDE application for licensure with documentation that the candidate meets the following criteria: holds a high school diploma or state-approved high school equivalent; holds a valid health care provider license; and, has completed the athletic training workshop required and provided by the WVSSAC; or assurance that the candidate will attend the athletic trainer workshop pursuant to the WVSSAC guidelines.

20.3.b. Renewal of a Limited Sports Training Authorization. A Limited Sports Training Authorization may be reissued annually upon application submitted with documentation that the candidate holds a valid health care provider license and is recommended for reissuance by the employing county superintendent.

20.4. Student Support Certificate for Athletic Trainer. Student Support Certificates for Athletic Trainer issued prior to July 1, 2011, may be renewed in accordance with the renewal requirements for a Professional Student Support Certificate in accordance with section 10. Initial Professional Student Support Certificates for Athletic Trainer will not be issued after July 1, 2011.

20.5. A county superintendent aware of any act(s) on the part of any individual licensed athletic trainer or limited sports trainer for which a certificate may be revoked is required to report the information, including all facts and evidence, to the State Superintendent for any action the State Superintendent deems appropriate. Additionally, the county superintendent is required to report any act of misconduct committed by a licensed athletic trainer to the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy and any other appropriate licensing entities.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-136-20