NATA Now

It seems as though America’s pastime is on its way to becoming a little safer for those who pitch. There has been a renewed focus on pitch count associated with baseball and softball. The research is skewed toward baseball and the throwing mechanics associated with pitchers. Softball pitching is also being investigated as well, but it seems that the mechanics associated with the underhand release is less harmful to the human body than the overhead release. As stated earlier “it seems” like steps are being taken. If nothing else, awareness and education has been enhanced.

By Meg Schneider, MS, ATC

Assistant Athletic Trainer- Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Athletic Trainer- Chicago Bulls Entertainment team

By Jeremy Hawkins, PhD, ATC

Colorado Mesa University

This fall I took on some new responsibilities at work. I now serve as the head of the Department of Kinesiology in addition to my role as the athletic training program director. I have enjoyed getting to know other aspects of the department while doing my best to continue to meet the needs of the athletic training students within the program. Admittedly, one of the largest challenges I have faced is maintaining balance. As a student, I imagine many of you can relate.

NATA staff conducted an interview with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban about the importance of athletic trainers. The full interview will be posted to the At Your Own Risk website next spring.

At Your Own Risk is a public awareness campaign aimed specifically at educating parents, student athletes, school administrators, legislators and employers on the athletic trainer's role as an expert in prevention and safety.

Last week NATA staff conducted an interview with recently retired Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. In the interview, Bryant talked about the role athletic trainers played throughout his career. The full interview will be posted to the At Your Own Risk website next spring.

At Your Own Risk is a public awareness campaign aimed specifically at educating parents, student athletes, school administrators, legislators and employers on the athletic trainer's role as an expert in prevention and safety.

Johnson & Johnson has made the decision to change its sponsorship level with NATA. While they will continue to support NATA and the profession, it will be in a reduced capacity. 

In 2016, 589 NATA members celebrated 25 years with the association while 27 celebrated 50 years of membership. In addition, 162 NATA members celebrated a personal milestone: retirement. Congratulations to all of the NATA members who are celebrating a special anniversary with the association as well as those who experienced significant milestones of their own!

50 Years with NATA

A. Andersen

David Ambrose

Dean Kleinschmidt

Dean Weber

Doris Wickel

Gene Gieselmann

George Borden

Glenn Renollet

The Health Care System’s Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
By Kara Gainer

We are in the midst of the 2016 NATA Salary Survey and are excited to share a midway update! We are off to a good start at 9 percent overall participation, but still have a way to go to achieve our 35 percent goal. Approximately 4,440 have completed the survey meaning we need about 12,700 more members to complete the survey to reach our goal.

Although shin splints and stress fractures both affect the lower legs, the two overuse injuries are different. To help you educate members of your community, the NATA has created a shin splint and stress fracture infographic handout featured in the November NATA News. The infographic handout can be downloaded and distributed to coaches, parents and students to help educate them on these two injuries and how they can minimize risk.