NATA Now

H.R. 302: The Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act (formerly H.R. 921) was passed by voice vote in the House of Representatives, only three days after being reintroduced Friday, Jan. 6.

This is the second time this piece of legislation has reached this milestone. It was first passed by the House on Sept. 12, 2016, a momentous occasion for NATA and the athletic training profession. After being approved by the House, H.R. 921 did not make it to the Senate floor for consideration before Congress adjourned for 2016, so a reintroduction of the bill was required.

Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA) reintroduced H.R. 302 (formerly H.R. 921), the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, to the House of Representatives. All NATA members are encouraged to contact their representatives to ask him/her to support the bill. Visit the Federal Legislative Alert Center to contact your representative. We anticipate H.R.

By Ellen K. Payne, PhD, ATC, EMT, David C. Berry, PhD, AT, ATC, and S. Robert Seitz, MEd, RN, NRP

The January NATA News featured a story on the successful 2016 Safety in Football Campaign held by the Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association toward the beginning of the football season.

By Shelly Jones, ATC

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.