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.
Sports Medicine-Related Topics From A to Z, Part Two
By John Doherty, ATC, PT
Since my first appearance in The Times sports section, I have found there typically is more to discuss than space available. Last week’s effort, to mark this column’s 30th anniversary, was no different. Promising to review sports medicine-related topics from A to Z, I only made it to the letter M.
AT, SPL team up to increase awareness of vocal cord disorder
When an athlete has trouble breathing, pinpointing the exact cause can be a challenge. While ailments such as asthma are well known, others, including Vocal Cord Dysfunction-Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (VCD-EILO), are less recognized and harder to diagnose.
Sports Medicine Column Celebrates Thirty Years
By John Doherty, ATC, PT
When then-Times assistant sports editor Paul Mullaney approached me about writing this column early in the summer of 1985, I thought I could do a pretty good job of it — for a year or two. Then, I expected, the ideas would run out.
Over the next 30 years, Mullaney ultimately became the managing editor of The Times before departing last year to become President of Bishop Noll Institute.
Students: Not Everything Needs to be Fun
By Jeremy Hawkins, PhD, ATC, ATP Director, Colorado Mesa University
Reducing Concussions in Soccer
By John Doherty, ATC, PT
The high school soccer season started yesterday in Indiana. A week from tomorrow, the boys will get started in Illinois. In the Land of Lincoln, the girls play in the spring. Having the two genders play in opposite seasons — as is done in the vast majority of states — is good for officiating and good for fields but that is another story for another day.
Because, no matter the season, the way the game is played now is bad for everybody.
CMS Publishes New Proposed Stark Law Rule
Celebrating Women in Athletic Training
When Marjorie King, PhD, ATC, PT, was helping plan the Women in Athletic Training Reception, an event during NATA 2015 designed to celebrate the legacy of the Women’s in Athletic Training Committee, she said she hoped at least 25 people would show up. Must to her delight, approximately 250 NATA members filled the Regency Grand, Landmark 4, Wednesday, June 24, to celebrate the history of women in leadership roles in the athletic training profession.
Kansas City Announces Berry’s Return to Play
It was announced Wednesday, July 29, by Kansas City Chiefs Head Athletic Trainer Rick Burkholder, MS, ATC, and head coach Andy Reid that Eric Berry was cleared to resume football activities. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive back was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, cancer of the lymphatic system of the immune system, about eight months ago.
- Nov. 24, 2014: Burkholder discloses to the media that a mass was found in Berry’s chest.
Helpful Hints For NATA Awards Candidates and Nominators
Applying for an award
Please keep the following tips in mind when completing your candidate profile:
· While the entire profile is considered for the Gail Weldon Award, an area of particular importance is the mentorship provided to women in athletic training.
· Honorary Membershipis awarded to a non-AT with 15 years of involvement with the profession or the NATA.
The Future of Biking in America?
A common refrain in this space is “exercise is medicine.” And if you are looking for proof, go no further than the current edition of HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” In one segment, the host doubles as field reporter and offers some startling numbers on just how much in health care savings the citizens of Copenhagen realize by biking to work.