NATA Now

By Kim Diggs

Over the years, schools have taken more interest in proper post-concussion procedures, ensuring return-to-sport protocol is implemented. In addition, a key component to the recovery and adjustment of student athletes is the development of return-to-learn policies.

It is up to the athletic trainer to advocate for student athletes who have recently suffered a concussion to guarantee they are able to safely recover without being rushed to return to their normal schedules.

Advancing its intentional strategy to meet members where they are, NATA is pleased to announce the AT EducATionalist Community. The dynamic and progressive evolution of athletic training provides unique opportunities and challenges for the numerous settings in which ATs are employed. Diversity in thought and representation of various perspectives throughout the athletic training profession are critical to addressing the possibilities of tomorrow and exploring innovative ways to improve patient care. This can be accomplished by remaining sensitive to serving specific setting areas.

By Kim Diggs

Following the award ceremony and financial report, NATA President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC, delivered the State of Association Wednesday, June 26, in Shoreline, Mandalay Bay. Each year, during the NATA convention, the president discusses the major accomplishments of the previous fiscal year and lets attendees know what to expect in the coming fiscal year.

By Kim Diggs

Throughout the 70th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, attendees have participated in one or more of the charitable initiatives taking place on-site. Though it is the last day of NATA 2019, it is not too late to contribute to organizations aiming to change the lives of others. The National Basketball Athletic Trainers’ Association Gary Vitti Blood Drive, Be the Match Marrow Registry Drive and Project 150 School Supply Drive are still going strong.

Find out how these initiatives have fared thus far and learn how you can contribute.

By Kim Diggs

The NATA Research & Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization aiming to push the profession forward by providing grants for research projects.

“The money helps us further the advancement of the AT profession,” said  NATA Foundation Director Jennifer Yoder. “It helps us facilitate our research and education programs.”

During the course of NATA 2019, there are a few ways attendees can help the NATA Foundation reach its goals.

By Kim Diggs

At 7:15 a.m. June 25, more than 300 members assembled in South Seas GH for what President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC, called “the largest NATAPAC Breakfast yet.” The breakfast is an annual fundraiser for the NATA Political Action Committee (NATAPAC) to fund the political efforts necessary for the progression of the profession.

This year, the keynote speaker was Ronnie Barnes, ATC, the first president of NATA Research & Education Foundation and a NATA Hall of Famer.

By Kim Diggs

General Session Day is one of the biggest gatherings of the year for NATA members, staff, family and friends to celebrate accomplishments and look onward toward the future. This year is no exception with a bevy of events taking place throughout the day in Shoreline.

Featured Presentation

11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

By Kim Diggs

Prior to the 70th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo beginning, six preconference workshops were held on a variety of topics, primarily in the South Seas ballroom. Workshops ranging from three and a half to six hours incorporated lectures and hands-on labs to explore topics such as joint dislocation evaluation and suturing minor skin wounds.

By Kim Diggs

For the first time, the LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee will host a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. June 25 in Oceanside F.

One of the youngest committees in NATA, LGBTQ+AC was created to push the athletic training profession toward further inclusion and advocacy of diverse patient populations and athletic trainers of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

By Kim Diggs

While today marks the official start of the 70th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, yesterday we brought in NATA 2019 with a bang. The Welcome Reception, held Monday, June 24, brought the neon lights of the strip to the dance floor in Oceanside D. NATA members, family and friends donned their glow-in-the-dark finest as they danced to the tunes of DJ Daddyfats and ’80s New Wave band, The Spazmatics.