Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

DOI

10.4085/1062-6050-0493.24

Publication Title

Journal of Athletic Training

Volume

Advance online publication

Pages

32 pp.

Abstract

Context

Diverse representation in athletic training leadership is essential for fostering inclusion and innovation in the profession. Despite efforts to enhance leadership diversity, disparities persist, underscoring the need to explore barriers to leadership and the effectiveness of leadership in meeting the needs of athletic trainers (ATs).

Objective

To examine racial and ethnic differences in ATs' desire, pursuit, and attainment of leadership positions in the profession in addition to perceptions of current leadership effectiveness.

Design

Cross-sectional, web-based survey.

Participants

A purposeful sample of 1,173 racially and ethnically diverse ATs from an organized professional network followed by a random sample of 6,000 members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). A total of 488 participants completed the survey for a 14.7% response rate.

Data collection and analysis

Data were collected via a web-based survey, including 7 demographic items, 4 Likert-scale items, and 5 open-ended questions. Independent samples Kruskal-Wallis tests, chi-square tests, and ANOVA tests were used to compare differences between subgroups, with pairwise testing conducted using the Bonferroni correction.

Results

Irrespective of race and ethnicity, most ATs expressed desire for and pursuit of leadership positions in the profession. 56.5% of ATs reported attaining such roles, primarily at departmental or institutional levels. African American ATs perceived greater barriers to attaining leadership positions due to their race and ethnicity and felt their needs were less met by current leadership as compared to white counterparts.

Conclusions

Systemic biases and in-group favoritism may impede attainment of leadership positions in athletic training organizations and influence perceptions of leadership effectiveness for racial and ethnic minority ATs. Consequently, there is a pressing need for intentional efforts to diversify leadership within athletic training and foster more inclusive leadership. Implementing strategies, such as diversifying selection processes and promoting allyship, are critical to ensuring equitable opportunities and advancing diversity within leadership.

Rights

© 2025 National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Included with the kind written permission of the publisher.

ORCID

0000-0003-3171-9141 (Cavallario)

Original Publication Citation

Harris, N. A., Williams, A. H., Cavallario, J. M., & Bacon, C. E. W. (2025). Perceptions of leadership opportunities and effectiveness among athletic trainers: A comparison across racial and ethnic groups. Journal of Athletic Training. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0493.24

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