What was one of the founding goals of the athletic training profession in the early 20th century?

One of the founding goals of the athletic training profession in the early 20th century was to establish professional standards and practices. This need arose from the recognition that athletic trainers play a crucial role in the safety and enhancement of athletic participation. As various stakeholders began to acknowledge the importance of physical health and injury prevention in sports, there was a clear necessity for formal guidelines and standards to ensure that practitioners were well-equipped to support athletes effectively.

The establishment of professional standards involved defining the qualifications, responsibilities, and educational requirements for athletic trainers, which were essential steps toward recognizing athletic training as a legitimate profession. These standards helped to distinguish certified trainers from those without formal training, thereby improving the overall quality of care provided to athletes. The focus on professional standards was instrumental in shaping the future of athletic training and ensuring that practitioners adhered to a set of guidelines aimed at protecting athletes' health and wellbeing.