member statement

To focus on NATA’s primary goal of advocating for the athletic training profession, NATA avoids divisive political issues while recognizing and respecting the diverse perspectives within our membership.

Athletic training is among the fastest growing professions in health care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17%* job growth over the next 10 years, much faster than average growth projections. The domains of athletic training, along with continued clinical and professional development, have positioned the athletic trainer (AT) as one of the most versatile clinicians in health care, with a transferable skill set that is reflected in a growing demand and expanding settings.

In the spring of 2021, the American Medical Association (AMA) issued a statement identifying that when access to gender affirming care is denied, it is “a dangerous intrusion into the practice of medicine.”1 This threat to the basic human rights of individuals in the transgender community has been significantly elevated within the past year.

Note: In August 2022, NATA released an updated statement on gender-affirming care. Please read the most up-to-date version here.

Several states have initiated and/or passed legislation that affects health care for transgender youth in sport. Given that transgender individuals suffer behavioral health issues at a higher rate than their cisgender peers, it is imperative that athletic trainers (ATs) are cognizant of how these laws affect the well-being of their transgender patient population.1-3

APTA, NATA Update.mp4 from National Athletic Trainers' Assn on Vimeo.

Update: Watch the above video of APTA President Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, and NATA President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC, discussing the recently released joint policy principles.

NATA 2021 Announcement from National Athletic Trainers' Assn on Vimeo.

No one should be subject to sexual discrimination, harassment or abuse. As part of NATA’s continued commitment to foster and champion a safe and inclusive profession and association, the NATA Board of Directors established a workgroup of board members, in partnership with committee members and subject matter experts, to evaluate the NATA Code of Ethics and related areas within NATA during its board meeting on Monday, Nov. 23.

To promote individual health and well-being and advance population health, NATA and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) have announced a commitment to greater collaboration in a joint statement released Dec. 19. The statement outlines how both organizations can work together to advance patient care and encourages members of the two organizations as well as stakeholders to do the same.