• July 1, 2026 | 2:10 PM - 3:05 PM
• PCC,105AB

Caring for the Athlete vs. Covering the Game: The Care Gap and Reality of PRN in Recreational Sports

Recreational athletes represent a large and often overlooked population, which may result in athletes participating in high-risk sports without direct medical care. Many institutions and organizations address this gap by outsourcing athletic training coverage on a PRN or per-event basis. While this model provides flexible employment opportunities, it limits continuity of care and often fails to address the unique needs of the recreational athlete. This presentation will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the recreational athlete, risk factors and common injuries in this population, and strategies to enhance care, connection, and value in these settings.

Learning Objectives - Define the recreational sports patient population.
- Outline responsibilities of the athletic trainer providing PRN healthcare services in recreational settings.
- Compare and contrast injury risk among recreational athletes and elite sport populations (e.g., collegiate, professional).
- Identify challenges within healthcare for recreational athletes that may impact their continuity of care.
- Consider effective approaches to injury management for unique populations like recreational sports.

Keywords: risk management; recreational sports; patient education