When it comes to developing athletes, strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers share a common mission — keeping athletes healthy, strong, and performing at their best. While each role is distinct, the partnership between S&C coaches and ATs is one of the most impactful collaborations in athletics.

Scope of Practice

Strength coaches and ATs overlap in athlete care, but their domains are different:

  • Athletic trainers – injury evaluation, treatment, rehab, and clearance.
  • Strength coaches – performance, long-term development, and responsible training practices.

Different Settings, Same Goal

Some schools are fortunate enough to have a full-time athletic trainer on staff, readily available for daily athlete care and communication. Other schools may contract local sports medicine clinics, having an AT on campus a few hours a week or during games. Regardless of the situation, the athletic trainer is an invaluable resource for keeping athletes safe and guiding them back to full performance after injury.

For schools with limited AT access, the goal is to make the most out of the time given. Even if ATs are only seen on game nights, building a professional relationship with them and sharing information about athletes makes collaboration much smoother when challenges arise.

Working Together With Injured Athletes

When an athlete gets injured, the strength coach and athletic trainer are critical components of the recovery process. The AT’s expertise in evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation is what guides the roadmap for safe return to play. The S&C coach, on the other hand, safely rebuilds strength, conditioning, and movement quality in the weight room.

Therefore, synchronization between both parties is essential:

  • Setting boundaries – The AT is the authority on medical clearance and rehab timelines. Follow their lead when safety is a concern.
  • Informed approach – The S&C coach modifies workouts to meet the athlete where they are, adjusting load, volume, or movement patterns to avoid re-injury.
  • Progress updates – Frequent check-ins ensure both the AT and strength coach know how the athlete is responding to training and rehab.

When these two professionals are in sync, the athlete experiences a seamless, supportive structure for physical development and rehabilitation.

Respect the Athlete’s Trust

Athletes may share sensitive details (pain levels, mental health struggles, etc.) with an AT or a coach. Respecting confidentiality, while staying open to communication, helps create a unified support system without overstepping.

Share Observations Early

Strength coaches often spend the most time with athletes out of all coaches. Coaches may notice athletes struggling with mobility, hydration, or minor aches that may call for the AT to intervene.

Red flags:

  • Sudden decreases in strength or conditioning performance
  • Changes in movement quality (limping, guarding, stiffness)
  • Unusual fatigue or mood shifts

Return-to-Play Protocols

When an athlete is cleared to start training again, the AT and strength coach should be on the same page to prevent setbacks and build athlete confidence.

What to know:

  • Which movements are safe or restricted
  • Load and intensity guidelines
  • Progression milestones before full clearance

Value Beyond Rehabilitation

Collaboration between ATs and coaches shouldn’t only happen after injuries. Proactive communication helps prevent potential issues before they happen. Invite the AT to observe lifts, ask their input on mobility or recovery protocols, or bring them into staff meetings. When a crisis hits, the foundation of trust and teamwork will already be in place.

  • Monitor workload – ATs often have insight into practice intensities and game-related stressors. Sharing this data with strength coaches helps balance training demands.
  • Coordinate recovery – When coaches and ATs work together to implement recovery strategies (mobility, stretching, sleep education), they support long-term health of athletes.
  • Communication method – Ask the AT how they want updates—email, text, a shared document, or in-person check-ins.
  • Consistency – Even a quick 5-minute chat before practice can prevent miscommunication.

Consistent communication—whether weekly emails, sideline chats, or shared athlete logs—strengthens the partnership and benefits athletes immensely.

Building a Culture of Care

Collaboration between athletic trainers and strength coaches isn’t just about preventing injuries or getting athletes back on the field. It’s about creating a culture of care where athletes feel supported, valued, and confident that their health is in good hands. Whether there’s an AT in the building every day or on the sidelines during games, the relationship strength coaches build with them directly influences the safety, development, and performance of athletes.