ATTENTION: The Secondary Athletic Trainer of the Year Award will begin taking applications on Oct. 1, 2022.
The NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Committee has established the Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year Award to recognize deserving athletic trainers in secondary schools across the country. Speifically this award recognizes ten district winners and one overall national winner who:
- Elevate the athletic training profession at the secondary school level.
- Provide public awareness, promotion and education about the AT’s role in their local communities.
- Contribute to their communities beyond their athletic environments.
- Help establish and maintain the athletic trainers’ presence in the secondary school setting.
- Provide an exemplary level of patient health care.
Award Eligibility
- NATA member in good standing.
- Current NPI number (with appropriate taxonomy code).
- Registered/licensed by state (if required).
- Current BOC certification.
- In fifth year of their career.
- Candidates must follow best practices, including the NATA Secondary School Statement on Proper Use of High School Athletic Training Student Aides.
Nomination Process
Nominators must submit a letter (500-750 words) on the candidate’s contribution to furthering their secondary school’s athletic care program or the overall profession of athletic training at the secondary school level. The nominator letter should specifically address the candidate’s leadership qualities, advocacy, and service to the profession. Individuals cannot self-nominate. Nominations may be initiated by one of the following:
- School administrator (i.e. principal, vice principal, superintendent, athletic director)
- Athletic health care team member (i.e. athletic trainer, team-supervising physician, physician, physical therapist, school nurse, registered dietitian, strength and conditioning coach)
- Coach
- Parent
Upon nomination, the nominee will receive an email alerting him/her to the nomination and provide instructions to accept/decline the nomination and complete the application.
We will begin accepting nominations on Oct. 1, 2022 and ending Dec. 1, 2022. Winner will be announced in Spring of 2023.
Award Winners
All district winners will be notified by February 1 each year to allow adequate time for travel arrangements to be made.
Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year Award District Winners (11) will receive:
- Award certificate to be presented at the finalist’s district meeting.
- District Winner Award piece and recognition at the annual NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo.
- Finalist banner to hang at workplace.
Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year Award National Winner (1) will receive.
- National Winner Award piece and recognition at the annual NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo.
- Winner banner to hang at school or worksite.
To Nominate an AT for this award, click HERE.