NATA Beat: Fall 2025 Advocacy Updates
Every day, NATA and the NATA Government Affairs Department are working on behalf of the athletic training profession. With staff members experienced in all aspects of the legislative process, the NATA Government Affairs Department is the sole department focused on advocacy for the profession. NATA’s goal is to ensure that all ATs can work to the fullest extent of their education and skill set. These bipartisan efforts consist of five key areas: state legislation, federal legislation, regulatory, reimbursement and NATAPAC.
AT Irreplaceable in On-Campus Testing, Care
Over the past year, collegiate athletic trainers on campuses big and small have stepped up to slow the spread of and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. While many ATs have transitioned to testing and even vaccinating in the athletics department, some institutions have turned to their athletic trainers to take the lead for the entire campus as essential health care providers.
What to Look Forward to in March
There is a lot happening at NATA! Stay up to date on what’s to come each month in advocacy, engagement and development in this NATA Now blog series. Check out what else is in store for March, and follow our communication channels throughout the month for more information!
Watch the accompanying video as NATA President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC, discusses all the exciting events and opportunities during National Athletic Training Month.
Advocacy
Exceptional Care Starts With Research
In honor of Black History Month, NATA is conducting a weekly blog series throughout February that showcases Black athletic trainers who work with elite patient populations. This blog features three scholars: Shelby Baez, PhD, ATC, R.O. Corbett, PhD, ATC, PES, and Kemba Noel-London, PhD(c), MAT, ATC.
Whether working with elite athletes, performing artists or warehouse employees, athletic trainers provide the best possible care to their patients. At the heart of exceptional patient care is exceptional research.
Paving the Way for Women in the NBA
In honor of Black History Month, NATA is conducting a weekly blog series throughout February that showcases Black athletic trainers who work with elite patient populations. This blog highlights Jana Austin, LAT, ATC, CSCS, assistant athletic trainer with the New Orleans Pelicans’ basketball team.
New Chat Series Connects Preceptors
The NATA Professional Education Committee is hosting a monthly Preceptor Chats Series to provide and promote a preceptor-led, preceptor-attended professional development opportunity. The next chat, which will cover the new CAATE Standards, is at noon CST Feb. 23 and will be moderated by Gary Hanna, LAT, and Paul Capp, MS, LAT, ATC.
An Inside Look from an NFL AT
In honor of Black History Month, NATA is conducting a weekly blog series throughout February that showcases Black athletic trainers who work with elite patient populations. This blog highlights David Stricklin, MS, LAT, ATC, head athletic trainer with the Seattle Seahawks.
NATA, APTA Adopt Joint Policy Principles
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.
NATAPAC: What It Is and How It Works
Established in 2005, the NATA Political Action Committee (NATAPAC) has been the voice of the athletic training profession, seeking better working conditions, fair access and the right to practice for all athletic trainers across America. As a federal group, the NATAPAC provides campaign contributions to approved candidates on behalf of NATA. Nonpartisan, the NATAPAC gives primarily to candidates for the U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives whose view support the advancement of the athletic training profession.
Lifesaver Shares Story of Chaotic Night
In the February NATA News, the monthly Built for This article, which highlights the domains of athletic training, featured two ATs who sprang into action during emergencies to save lives (read more on p. 20 of the issue). Thanks to Domain Three, immediate and emergency care, ATs are able to face lifesaving situations at a moment’s notice.