Athletic Training

The Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled allied health care professional who specializes in providing care for the physically active and athletic populations. In cooperation with physicians and other health professionals, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and physician offices. Other work settings for athletic trainers can include corporate and industrial institutions, the military, and the performing arts. Regardless of their practice setting, athletic trainers practice athletic training (or provide athletic training services) according to their education and state practice act.

The athletic trainers plays an important role in the health care of the physically active, especially in the prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation/reconditioning of injuries incurred as a result of activity. The care provided by an athletic trainer may help the individual avoid unnecessary medical treatment or aid in the referral to the appropriate physician.

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70% of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree.

More information about the athletic training profession can be found at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association website.

The Athletic Training Room (ATR) at Armstrong High School is located on the East side of the main gym. 

Daily hours:

• Fall season 3:25-6:30 p.m.
• Winter season 3:25-6 p.m.
• Spring season 3:25-5:10 p.m.

Learn more

Click the links in each area for more information about injury prevention, injury management, as well as various injuries and health issues:

Injury Prevention:

• Gatorade Sports Science Institute
• Hydration Recommendations
• National Federation of State High School Associations
• Stop Sports Injuries

Injury Management:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) Protocol

Common Injuries:

• Fairview Concussion Brochure
• MSHSL Concussion Protocol
• NFHS Parents Guide to Concussion
• National Athletic Trainers' Association
• Overuse Injuries

Physical therapy and rehabilitation is often a necessary step in returning the athlete to play quickly and safely. I am skilled in rehabilitation but do not always have the amount of time or proper equipment needed to accomplish what is necessary, and I may recommend that your child
has a few visits with a physical therapist when warranted. I will work with the therapist at M Health Fairview to determine a progression and coordinate care from clinic to school. M Health Fairview accepts most insurance plans and many plans will pay for direct access to the clinics. Please check with your insurance company for specific coverage benefits. I can assist you with appointments to one of the clinics or contact our central scheduling line at 612-672-7100 and tell them you are scheduling for an athlete from Armstrong. If you do not get in within a couple days of the call –
contact me for assistance.

M Health Fairview clinics closest to Armstrong:

Clinic 1                                                       Clinic 2                                                         Clinic 3
Golden Valley                                          Plymouth                                                    Maple Grove
8301 Golden Valley Rd.                         15655 37th Ave N                                        12000 Elm Creek Blvd

Matt Stoneberg MS, ATC, PES
Athletic Training Room phone: 763-504-8841
Matt.stoneberg@fairview.org

Athletic Training Services provided
M Health Fairview is proud to provide the contracted athletic training services to Armstrong High School. A certified athletic trainer is a qualified medical professional who manages the care and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. M Health Fairview provides orthopedic and sports physical therapy services at many Twin Cities locations, as well as these resources:

• Free injury screening and evaluations for recreational and competitive athletes
• Specialized programs for runners, throwers, golfers, back injuries, athletes needing advanced rehabilitation prior to returning to sport and a special program designed “For Women Only”
• Referrals to sports medicine physicians and physical therapists
• Referrals for concussion testing

Physical therapy services
Physical therapy and rehabilitation is often a necessary step in returning the athlete to play quickly and safely. I am skilled in rehabilitation but do not always have the amount of time or proper equipment needed to accomplish what is necessary, and I may recommend that your child has a few visits with a physical therapist when warranted. I will work with the therapist to determine a progression and coordinate care from clinic to school. M Health Fairview accepts most insurance plans and many plans will pay for direct access to the clinics. Please check with your insurance company for specific coverage benefits. I can assist you with appointments to one of the clinics or contact our central scheduling line at 612-672-7100 and tell them you are
scheduling for an athlete from Armstrong. If you do not get in within a couple days of the call – contact me for assistance.

M Health Fairview clinics closest to Armstrong:

Coverage and hours
Although I do not attend every event, all of the athletes are welcome to seek out my care. For the fall season I am contracted to cover these home games:
Varsity/JV/Soph/Fr Football, Varsity Volleyball, and Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer

My daily athletic training room hours are from 3:20pm – 6:00pm.

In the event of an injury, every effort is made to contact a parent or guardian. Should you have questions for me you may reach me during my daily hours at 763-504-8841 or you may contact me via email at matt.stoneberg@fairview.org. All efforts will be made to respond within one school day.

The Athletic Training Room
The Athletic Training Room (ATR) at Armstrong High School is located on the East side of the main gym. Student's injuries are evaluated on a “first come, first served” basis or triaged based on immediate care needs.

Physician visits
** At some point during the sports season it may be necessary for your child to see a physician. I can work with you to obtain an appointment with a sports medicine physician. It is important to keep open lines of communication with all members of the sports medicine team and I will communicate with the physician your child sees to ensure a safe return to play. If your son/daughter is seen or treated by a physician for an injury or serious illness, they must bring a written note from the physician before they can return to practice or play in a game. This is a Minnesota State High School League Rule (Bylaw 107.00). This is for the student’s protection as well as to keep everyone informed as to the student’s readiness. If you
forget to get a note, you can have one faxed to me at 763-504-8768.

I look forward to a fun and safe season working with you and your student athletes. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Matt Stoneberg MS, ATC, PES
M Health Fairview
Armstrong High School

The following rules are in effect for the AHS athletic training room. Student-athletes should follow these rules so they can be served efficiently.

• The athletic training room is first and foremost a healthcare facility and should be treated in such a manner. Only AHS student-athletes and staff are permitted in the athletic training room.
• The athletic training room will be open at the appropriate time each season (after classes finish). The athletic trainer will make every effort to treat student-athletes on a first come first serve basis. At times, in-season sports may have priority. Please plan accordingly.
• Student-athletes are expected to report their new injury/illness in a timely manner (same day/next day) so that coaching staffs can be updated on the student athlete’s status. The injury also needs to be documented as soon as possible.
• Student-athletes must come dressed appropriately for their treatment or rehabilitation. The athletic training room is not a place to dress and undress. Please leave your shoes, bags, other clothing, etc. outside of the athletic training room. DO NOT leave your things on the floor or in front of the doorway.
• Student athletes are not permitted to treat themselves or dictate their own treatment. All treatments are at the discretion of a staff athletic trainer.
• All return to play decisions will be made by a staff athletic trainer and/or the AHS affiliated physicians or other appropriate health care provider. Students are not cleared to resume participation in sport after injury by other parties (other staff, parents, etc). Outside clearance from a physician or other medical provider is only accepted with written notification per MSHSL rules. All MD notes should be given to the athletic trainer.
• DO NOT remove equipment or supplies from the athletic training room without the permission of a staff athletic trainer.
• DO NOT use the athletic training room equipment or supplies without permission.
• Student athletes using the athletic training room should refrain from loud and obnoxious behavior. Foul and/or offensive language is not permitted.
• DO NOT hang out in the athletic training room. Athletes should only be in the facilitiy when they are in the process of acquiring athletic training services. All others will be asked to wait outside.
•  Athletes should return all equipment and supplies (wraps, crutches, etc.) as soon as they no longer need to use them.
• Athletes will treat all athletic trainers with the utmost respect. This respect will then be returned in-kind to student-athletes.
• If a student athlete is not adhering to the rules and policies of the athletic training room, he or she can lose privileges to the facility. Coaches will be notified of any student athlete who is not compliant.