Athletic trainer Kelley Michael has resigned from her position at Ipswich (Mass.) High School amid concerns raised by parents and officials about medical coverage at school sporting events.
As reported by The Local News, Michael's resignation comes after a varsity lacrosse player suffered a broken forearm and another sustained a concussion during a March 21 scrimmage. Michael and Ipswich athletic director Tom Gallagher were not present at the scrimmage, prompting parents to question the district’s emergency preparedness and policies.
Michael, who had served in the position for 11 years, announced her resignation in three separate letters submitted to The Local News and addressed “to whom it may concern,” “the Ipswich Athletic Community,” and “all my current and past athletes.” She later posted the letters on her personal Facebook page, The Local News reported.
In her letters, Michael cited “recent circumstances” and the impact of public criticism on her personal and professional life.
“In light of recent events and defaming remarks published by the local paper, and then perpetuated by social media posts, it seems as though my skills, knowledge and presence are not wanted,” she wrote. “I do not wish to work with a target on my back.”
Michael had not responded to repeated requests for comment from The Local News before sending the letters announcing her resignation on Thursday, the community news organization reported Thursday.
Michael seemed to suggest that safety measures she developed were not followed in her absence March 21, writing that “the preparation and protocols I have curated for all venues in my absence fell apart. I am not the only person responsible for the students’ wellbeing.”
Under Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules, a certified athletic trainer is not required at all sporting events, including scrimmages and regular-season lacrosse games. Medical coverage is required, however, for all levels of football, wrestling, rugby and varsity ice hockey games.
“When [an athletic trainer] is not present, our staff follow established safety protocols,” Gallagher told The Local News in response to questions about the March 21 incident.
According to The Local News, parents described “chaos” and “confusion” in the immediate aftermath of the injury, with one spectator calling 911 and tending to the player who suffered a broken forearm while other spectators improvised care until first responders arrived.
The injured player was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he later underwent surgery.
The incident raised other questions about the district’s emergency preparedness, including field access for ambulances and the availability of an automated external defibrillator, which parents discovered was not in its cabinet near the field at the time of the injury.
Superintendent Brian Blake told the School Committee last week that the district is tightening procedures to ensure AEDs are properly placed and checked before each season. He noted that the device had not yet been installed at Jack Welch Stadium ahead of the March 21 scrimmage.
Blake said the district is also evaluating whether to expand athletic trainer coverage, particularly for higher-contact sports such as lacrosse, The Local News reported.
“We understand that parents are concerned about player safety, and so we’re looking at … how we can cover more of our athletic events,” he said.
School Committee members called for a broader review of the district’s response to the incident, with some questioning whether protocols were followed and whether there was sufficient communication with the committee.
With Michael’s resignation, it is unclear if there will be an athletic trainer at upcoming school sporting events. Blake and Gallagher did not immediately respond to questions from the Local News on Thursday.
“Throughout my tenure as the Athletic Trainer I have prioritized the student athletes above all else,” Michael wrote, as reported by The Local News. “Due to the level of commitment and hours this position requires, I have sacrificed relationships, friendships, career growth and the pursuit of other passions. All while being compensated less than an entry level part time athletic training position.”
While addressing the athletes, Michael wrote, “My relationship with each and every one of you is tucked safely away in my heart and the memories we made will never be forgotten,” she wrote. “The decision to step away from my position as the Athletic Trainer has nothing to do with you.”
