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.
Retention: A Performing Arts Perspective
By Amanda Donahue MS, ATC, NATA COPA Performing Arts Workgroup Member
Free Injury Infographics Available
For the past year we have been including monthly injury infographics in the NATA News, and we have accumulated a nice library of resources. Those infographics are now available in one place on our website for members to download, print and distribute.
Important H.R. 921 Hearing Wednesday
UPDATE: H.R. 921 was passed unanimously at the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee full committee markup at 3:40 p.m. CT on July 13. Another huge step for this important piece of legislation!
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NATA Foundation BOD Nominations
The NATA Research and Education Foundation has the following positions open for nominations until Monday, August 15.
• President
• VP District Relations
• VP External Affairs
• At-Large Member
Download Ankle Sprain Handout
About 28,000 ankle injuries occur each day in the United States. An ankle sprain is believed to be the most common sports injury, however, not all ankle sprains are alike. To help you educate members of your community on ankle sprains, how they’re treated and how to prevent them, NATA has created an ankle sprain handout (pdf).
NATA Launches New Website for the Public
As NATA President Scott Sailor, EdD, ATC, addressed the crowd during the NATA General Session and Annual Members’ Meeting, Friday in Baltimore Convention Center, Swing Hall, he announced that the association will launch a new public website, www.atyourownrisk.org, to better communicate the role of athletic trainers in work, life and sport.
Hamilton Delivers Inspirational Keynote
“Athletic trainers – man, you guys are the unsung hearos,” said famed figure skater and Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton as he addressed the pack Baltimore Convention Center Swing Hall during his J&J Keynote Friday, June 24.
Hamilton spoke about the stages of his life, beginning with his childhood. Adopted at six weeks old, Hamilton grew up in a loving family with a mother who was compassionate and full of humor.
J&J Adds NATA Logo to its Coach Tape Packaging
By Beth Sitzler
The next time you’re perusing the aisles of your favorite retail store to refill your supply of Johnson & Johnson Coach Brand tape, be sure to check the packaging – you may see a familiar sight.
At the beginning of the summer, J&J added the NATA logo to its Coach Brand tape, a marketing idea that was in the works for two or three years, said Jack Weakley of J&J.
My First Convention: Megan Little, ATC
Megan Little, ATC, head athletic trainer at Hedgesville High School in Martinsburg, West Virginia, decided her close proximity to Baltimore made 2016 the perfect year to attend her first NATA convention. She is one of the volunteers who helped NATA staff prepare for the convention this week and took a few minutes to share her thoughts on the convention experience with us.
More Than 400 ATs Hit the Hill to Support Athletic Training Legislation
In conjunction with the 67th Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, NATA held its annual Capitol Hill Day Wednesday, June 22, the association’s biggest advocacy event of the year.