Membership: Investing in ATs, the Profession’s Future
Discover the benefits of NATA membership for athletic trainers. Access continuing education, career resources, advocacy and a nationwide network that advances the athletic training profession.
Rule Changes Would Help Reduce MLB Injuries
By John Doherty, ATC, PT
Baseball is unquestionably the safest of our major team sports. However, as the National League Championship Series shifts to Wrigley Field, the Mets are without a starting infielder, while the Cubs still have their best pitcher only by the grace of good fortune.
Low Back Surgery Requires Serious Consideration
By John Doherty, ATC, PT
Tiger Woods had his first low back operation in March of last year yet still managed to play in seven PGA tournaments in 2014. This year was better only in the sense that he played in 12 tournaments. However, he never finished higher than 10th, missed the cut four times, and withdrew — after only 12 holes — from another.
New Funding Available For Safe Sports School Award
Updated 1/18/16
The Safe Sports School award is an NATA initiative to promote youth athlete safety, injury prevention, as well as athlete and parent education among secondary schools. District and state associations are showing their support by offering assistance to minimize the cost of applying for the award.
If your district or state is interested in starting a grant program, please contact Britni Adams.
Athletic Trainer Initiative Contest
The NFL Foundation’s AT Grant Initiative launched with a bang in May 2014 when President Barack Obama announced an important new partnership between NATA, the NFL Foundation and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers’ Society (PFATS) during the White House Healthy Kids and Concussion Summit in Washington, D.C.
AT Spotlight: Hope and Nysa Allen
The October NATA News highlighted the accomplishments of University of La Verne athletic training students and sisters Nysa and Hope Allen. The twins, both graduating in May 2016, shared the challenges that came with being student athletes, what interested them in athletic training and what they hope to accomplish in the future.
Concussion Information Should Be Viewed With Discerning Eye
By John Doherty, ATC, PT
Too many members of the media, too enthralled with concussion, apparently subscribe to Mark Twain’s notion that one should “never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”
The most egregious example of late is this Yahoo headline from 11 days ago: “Study reveals 96 percent of NFL players' brains tested positive for CTE.”
Safe Sports School Award Honorees June to August
The Safe Sports School Award recognizes secondary schools that take the crucial steps to keep their athletes free from injuries. The recipient list continued to grow this summer with 96 additional schools honored. The schools represented eight NATA districts. You can see the full list below.
Fractures to Key Players Could Influence Seasons
By John Doherty, ATC, PT
Within fairly short order last week, three teams vying for two different championships had their hopes fractured by one type of injury: a broken bone.
Legislative Update
Our Government Affairs team has been working hard to help these three pieces of legislation gain traction. Here are the latest updates on each bill:
H.R. 921: The Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act
- H.R. 921 clarifies medical liability rules for athletic trainers and medical professionals to ensure they are properly covered by their malpractice insurance while traveling with athletic teams in another state.
- Currently has 82 co-sponsors
- The Senate version, S. 689, has 7 co-sponsors.
ATEC Subcommittee Seeking Presenters
The Athletic Trainers’ Educators Conference (ATEC) planning subcommittee is currently seeking dynamic individuals to present at the 2016 NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo in Baltimore, Maryland. The title of the presentation is Best Practices in Delivering Full-time Clinical Education. For the purpose of this presentation, the working definition of full-time clinical experience includes 30-40 hours per week without concurrent competing classroom time. We invite you to volunteer yourself and/or nominate another in one of the following categories: