Sensitivity training in the athletic department

The purpose of this research was to determine the perception of sensitivity training by athletic trainers in selected National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletic training departments. A survey was developed based on the purpose and delivered to 50 participants, completed, and returned for data analysis. The participants in this study consisted of NCAA Division I male and female athletic trainers (i.e. certified athletic trainers by the National Athletic Trainers' Association). The 25 athletic trainers who responded were from the following conferences:1) The Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC), 2) The Big Ten, 3) The Pacific Ten Conference (PAC Ten) and, 4) Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The results of the study were presented as follows: a) frequencies, percentages, tables and graphs were used to present demographic information in questions 1-6, b) fi-equencies, percentages, tables, and graphs were used to exhibit information in research questions 7-20, and c) fi-equencies, tables, and graphs were used to present information in research questions 21-28.

The conclusions that were drawn fi-om this research are as follows: 1) the majority of the athletic trainers surveyed were not required to go through sensitivity training, 2) the majority of the athletic trainers who were not required to go through sensitivity training did not see a need for such training, 3) the majority of those who had not gone through sensitivity training were willing to attend sessions if they were offered, 4) the majority of those who had sensitivity training, felt they gained something or realized some biases, 5) a majority of the participants were most willing to discuss gender issues within sensitivity training sessions, and 6) a majority of the participants have had to deal with gender issues that could be viewed as negative.