The William S. Hart Union High School District announced it will be teaming up with Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital to bring athletic trainers to each of the six area high schools.

The move was announced during a press conference Thursday morning and officials hope it will keep student athletes healthier by giving them the proper treatment they need after suffering an injury.

“Having a certified athletic trainer on each one of our comprehensive campuses is going to help us to to protect the health of our student athletes and also ensure that their rehabilitation and return to play protocols, that are mandated by the state, are followed,” said Vicki Engbrecht, superintendent of the William S. Hart Union High School District.

Interviews are scheduled to start next week and there could be ATC’s, or certified athletic trainer, implemented in schools as early as mid-February, said Greg Lee, director of human resources and equity services at the William S. Hart Union High School District.

Once hired, ATC’s will have a full-time job and work with physical therapists and doctors from the hospital in addition to their duties at the schools.

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ATC’s will be in charge of identifying and rehabbing injured athletes and give the final word on when the athlete will be able to return to play.

“This represents a culture change,” said Lee. “In the past, the classical models have been that it’s up to the coach and that’s not really the best person to make that decision.”

The costs will be split between the hospital and the school district with some of the initial startup cost, like equipment and necessary supplies, being paid for by the hospital.

In addition to ATC’s, starting this year every school will have a sports medicine class.

If there are enough resources, the goal is to eventually extend past high school and possibly reach preteen athletes, according to Glenn Dabatos, director of rehabilitation services at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

“It’s all about making sure the kids are safe,” said Lee.