Who must be educated regarding infection-control policies and procedures?

Infection-control policies and procedures are critical in any athletic environment to ensure the health and safety of all participants. The correct answer includes a broad range of individuals: administration, coaches, athletes, and custodians. Each of these groups plays a vital role in maintaining a safe athletic environment.

Administration is responsible for overseeing policies, ensuring compliance, and providing necessary resources for implementation. Coaches need to understand infection-control measures to protect their athletes and themselves, as they often have close physical interactions with players and must recognize signs of infections. Athletes must be educated on these policies to take personal responsibility for their health and to recognize the importance of hygiene, which can prevent the spread of infections. Custodians are essential in maintaining cleanliness and enforcing hygiene standards within facilities used by athletes.

By educating all these key stakeholders, the likelihood of infections spreading can be significantly reduced, promoting a healthier environment for athletic participation. In contrast, narrowing the focus to only one group, such as just coaches and athletes or just athletic trainers, overlooks the comprehensive approach needed for effective infection control.