Edgar may contract for athletic trainer
School board also discusses impacts of online ticketing for games
During a brief meeting last Wednesday, the Edgar School Board discussed two topics related to athletics — some possibilities to help fill the athletic trainer gap and online ticketing for games.
According to an article published in the Record-Review back in June, the Edgar School District has been unable to find a trainer after the Covid pandemic. The district has leaned on the WIAA requirement that all paid coaches be certified in first aid, CPR and AED operation to help fill any gaps left by the lack of an athletic trainer at sporting events. According to District Administrator Cari Guden, there is typically an ambulance on site to assist with any injuries at football games and during other sports, coaches will assist until other help arrives if necessary. At last week’s meeting, Guden shared that district officials are considering contracting with Marshfield Clinic to provide an athletic trainer at home sporting events, although it is not mandated by WIAA to have one on site. Based on preliminary numbers, the cost for the athletic trainer through Marshfield Clinic would be $40 per hour. District officials estimated there would be about 130 hours worth of game time at Edgar this coming year, which would put the total contract cost estimate at $5,200. Guden expected to have more information about the proposal at a future date.
During another sports related discussion at the meeting, Guden asked board members to share their thoughts on the Marawood Conference’s potential use of GoFan ticketing for athletic events. Conference principals and administrators will be meeting next month to discuss the possibility of moving to online ticket sales through the GoFan platform.
Based on information shared, it seems the online ticket sales would eventually replace cash sales on site if the idea moves forward. Edgar School Board members opposed the idea for local games, saying it made sense for larger events like state finals but would likely hamper attendance at weekly events.
“I don’t want to prevent fans from just coming to games,” board member Rebecca Normington said, noting that it may cause particular issues for those who aren’t tech savvy. “… That seems a little bit too flashy for Edgar in my opinion.”
Guden will share the board’s feelings about the online ticketing proposal at the upcoming conference meeting.
