FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla – Nova Southeastern University head athletic trainer, research and development, Dustin Gatens, presided over three sessions at the recent Broward County Basketball Officials Association/FHSAA State Field Clinic, held at Cypress Bay High School in nearby Weston.
 
Gatens led seminars that educated nearly 60 officials on general health, injury prevention and concussion awareness.
 
"Lee (Lazerson, the co-clinic director) wanted someone to come speak about general health and wellness, and how it can relate to officials, improving their health and how it may improve their ability to officiate on the court," he said. "It was a very receptive crowd. We talked about some things they could do nutrition-wise, and hydration pre- and post-game. Officials may not technically be participating in a sport, but they're sometimes doing up to five games a week, which is a lot of activity, an athlete-level type of load, and to learn what they can do to be healthier and have injury prevention can be very beneficial."
 
Another large part of Gatens' speech was concussion awareness, which is of course a hot-button topic on all athletic levels. He specifically talked about the relationship that he as an athletic trainer has with an officiating staff during the course of an athletic contest.
 
"The Florida High School Athletic Association does a great job of mandating rules after a student-athlete gets a concussion," said Gatens. "I was able to provide some insight in terms of what referees can be looking for and recognizing concussions otherwise since it's not always such a clear-cut injury. Officials have the power just like athletic trainers to remove someone from play, or if they've been put back in a game prematurely, to keep them out."
 
The experience was invaluable, said Gatens.
 
"I've gotten a lot of great feedback," he said. "A few officials have emailed me more questions and thanked me for the presentation, and said it was nice exposure for them to get to know an athletic trainer and get information they can use. I really jump at the chance to let them know what we as a training staff do here at NSU, and getting the NSU Athletics and the NSU Sports Medicine brands out there is really important to me."
 
Lazerson had nothing but good things to say about Gatens' presentation.
 
"It was one of the highlights of our BCBOA/FHSAA State Field Clinic for Basketball Officials," said Lazerson, who also officiates both high school and collegiate games. "Dustin's presentation provided eye-opening information into the physical and mental effects caused by excess body weight as we run a basketball floor. Moreover, his tips for stretching and nutrition will truly impact how many of us prepare for our games. Furthermore, his advice for how we handle concussions in our games provided a deeper understanding for necessity of immediate care to the injured player, and the importance of keeping that player quiet for days following the concussion. Every sports official, athlete and weekend warrior should take note of the information provided in his presentation."

Those interested in more information on Gatens' seminars can email him directly at gatens@nova.edu.