1. health and fitness
2. sports medicine

News
Spring 2015
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Greetings MAATA Athletic Trainers,
Happy Athletic Training month! I want you to know that this is a great time to be an
Athletic Trainer! It’s also a great time to be an Athletic Trainer in District III. I have
recently returned from Dallas where the NATA Joint Committee Meeting was held.
Hearing the many committee chairs, and then the NATA staff describe their projects,
ways in which they are bringing distinction to the profession and ways in which they are
moving athletic training forward as a respected healthcare profession was inspiring. As
you read the reports our DIII representatives to these committees have submitted in
this Newsletter, I hope you will focus on how you can work with these leaders to assist
in this movement at your own work setting. If you are not involved, please know we
need you to be involved. This can simply be by applying for an NPI number if you have
not already, by donating to NATAPAC, by donating to the Foundation, or by connecting
with a state leader to begin working for the advancement of the profession. Please
consider making the athletic training profession your hobby as well as your profession.
To celebration all that has been accomplished in the NATA, I’ve decided to throw a huge
party for everyone in District III. It will be at the beach and involve a lot of socialization.
The Director’s Reception will be Saturday night, May 30th at the Founders Inn and Spa.
This is your personal invitation to join us!
Also on Saturday, May 30 we will induct John Bielawski and Bob Casmus into the
MAATA Hall of Fame. We will give MDAT awards to deserving ATs in our District and
thank those who have earned Service Awards. I would like to congratulate all of
these excellent colleagues as well as those who are being recognized with
NATA Awards. We recognize all award winners in this newsletter.
Please review
the Proposed
May 30, 2015 is going to make DIII history because we will also have our
MAATA Annual Business Meeting. This meeting is of great importance
Constitution and
as we vote on proposed Constitution and By-Laws (C&BL) changes. We
ByLaw changes.
have
been unable to do business in DIII because the present C&BLs dictate
Click HERE to read!
that a quorum will consist of 50% of the pre-registered members at the
symposium. We would like to change this and the election dates, as well
as update the documents. The proposed changes have these advantages:
1. Producing a quorum at our business meeting will be less restrictive; allowing
us to conduct business and vote on the important issues of the District and
NATA. Currently our district has one of the most restrictive quorum requirements
of the ten districts and our current requirements have prevented us multiple times
from doing business and voting on important issues. The proposed revisions
address this issue.
2. Provide elected officers the opportunity to learn the job prior to actually serving
in the position. Our current election schedule provides little time for elected
Executive Council Officers to learn/observe from the current office holder. Our
objective is to provide a longer “elect” period allowing the successful candidate
to learn the process before serving. This is especially important for the district
director’s position. Serving on the NATA BOD has a steep learning curve and the
sooner we can acquaint our new leaders with the duties the better they can serve
our district and our association. As with the quorum revision, this revision aligns
us more closely with the other ten districts.
3. A constitution should be a living document and while it should not be amended
without careful consideration, the proposed changes will allow future leaders
Continued...
Patricia Aronson, PhD, ATC
2015 Supporters
of the MAATA
The MAATA would like to thank
the following companies for
supporting our profession and
our association. You may visit
their website by clicking on their
logo below.
MAATA NEWS
26
P2
District III Council
Director Aronson’s letter continued from Page 1.
and the members they serve an efficient process to propose changes to our Executive
Council and for those changes to be enacted if it is the will of the membership.
I want to thank all of the people that had a hand in working through these changes;
there have been many. I believe these proposed changes to be in the best interests
of the MAATA and most importantly the members we serve. Please be present for the
Business Meeting luncheon on May 30th.
This year I enjoyed attending another successful Capital Hill Day. I had 3 meetings with
my Virginia legislators to lobby their support of the 3 pieces of legislation introduced last
week: the SAFE PLAY Act, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act and the Secondary
School Student Athletes’ Bill of Rights. You can investigate these bills and how you can
help support the legislation at the NATA Now blog.
I had a great time at the WVATA meeting and I’m looking forward to attending the
NCATA meeting later this month.I certainly do enjoy spending time with Athletic Trainers
in District III.
I want to thank Lori Bristow, Jason Mitchell, Andi Bender, John Knaul, and Pat Lamboni
for all the work they have put into the MAATA Annual Business Meeting and Symposium.
Many thanks go to the DIII Student Senate for providing an exciting program for our
students. It’s going to be AWESOME! I hope to see you there!
Pat Aronson, District Director
[email protected]
Patricia Aronson, District Director
[email protected]
Kevin King, District Secretary
[email protected]
Ray Davis, District Treasurer
[email protected]
Martin Baker, Past District Director
[email protected]
Craig Clark
South Carolina President
[email protected]
Scott Barringer
North Carolina President
[email protected]
Vincent Stilger
West Virginia President
[email protected]
Gregory A. Penczek
Maryland President
[email protected]
Three Candidates Will Run For
District III Secretary
Please read each candidates’ bio by clicking their name below.
Jay Sedory
Virginia President
[email protected]
Jennifer Rheeling
District of Columbia President
[email protected]
MAATA News
James Bazluki
James Berry
Jay Scifers
Watch for an election ballot in
your e-mail box soon!
This electronic newsletter is published
twice a year by the Mid-Atlantic Athletic
Trainers’ Association, for its members.
For information contained in this
newsletter or to submit articles/ideas,
please contact the MAATA Secretary:
Kevin King
Created by Sharri H. Jackson
26
MAATA NEWS
P3
From the Secretary
Kevin King, MA, LAT, ATC
Fellow District III
Members,
Many of our members,
in various settings,
act as leaders in
the athletic training
profession. They serve
as leaders in healthcare,
injury prevention,
management and rehabilitation. It’s these
leaders and the rest of the membership
who perform their chosen jobs so well
that make this District exceptional.
Congratulations to the award winners for
service to our community and profession.
Much appreciation to Sharri Jackson
for her great efforts with improving our
website. Lastly, we should all have great
anticipation for a wonderful Symposium
and Business Meeting in Virginia Beach
in May.
The question for everyone in this District
is whether we are helping or hindering the
progress of athletic training. I encourage
each of you to contribute in someway
to your state and District. I continue to
be amaze at the strength through the
diversity of our District.
I’m confident that our members will
continue to improve the health and
safety of the active individuals we serve.
I’m confident that our organization will
continue to support philanthropic efforts,
such as scholarships. I’m confident
that together, we can continue to make
progress to increase awareness of athletic
training.
Kevin King, District III Secretary
[email protected]
Mark Your Calendar!
2015
MAATA
MAR 20-21 NCATA Spring Symposium & Awards Luncheon
Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast, Concord, NC
MAR 21
SCATA Annual Student Athletic Training Aide Works Westwood High School, Blythewood, SC
MAY 1-2 MAY 15-16
MAY 29-31
Connect with Us!
2015
3rd Annual Sports Concussion Symposium, Atlanta
MATA Annual Symposium, Burdick Hall Towson, University, Towson, MD
DIII Annual Symposium and Business Meeting, Founders Inn and Spa, Virginia Beach
NATA
JUN 23-26 Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, St. Louis
JUN 23 NATA Foundation Block Party, St. Louis
JUN 23 NATA Welcome Reception
JUN 26 NATA Scholarship Breakfast
JUL 10-11
BOC Athletic Training Regulatory Conference, Omaha, Nebraska
2015 MAATA ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
MAY 29-31, 2015
2015 MAATA ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
THE DEADLINE FOR EARLY REGISTRATION IS APRIL 26!
LINK HERE FOR INFORMATION
The Founders Inn & Spa
5641 Indian River Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Hotel block cut-off date is April 28th.
To ensure that you received our group room rate, please click HERE.
Registration can be done ONLINE at any time. On-site registration will be held Friday, May 29 from 11:30-5:30pm and
Saturday, May 30 from 7:30-10:30am. Those who have pre-registered online can pick up their materials at those times
or during our “Pick-up ONLY” times. These times are Thursday, May 28 from 5:30-6:30pm and Friday, May 29 from
5:30-6pm and are reserved for those who have pre-registered only (no on-site registration will be conducted at those
times). The on-site location will be at the Registration Desk, which is located just past the Atrium/Foyer.
PLEASE NOTE DATES FOR RATE CHANGES! REGISTER TODAY!
If we haven’t received payment by the rate deadline, your registration
will be cancelled; this will force you to re-register under the increased fees.
REGISTRATION TYPE
MAATA Members
Non-MAATA Members
Hall of Fame
(NATA/MAATA) Member
Certified Students
Non-Certified Students
(HS or College)
EARLY
ADVANCED
ON-SITE
Before Midnight EST
April 26, 2015
$170
$230
April 27, 2015 through
May 23, 2015
$185
$260
$0
$0
$0
$90
$110
$150
$90
$105
$120
May 24-30, 2015
$200
$290
FRIDAY, MAY 29
SATURDAY, MAY 30
for the most
current agenda.
TIME
EVENT
8:00AM – 9:00AM
How the Position Statement Works
Susan Yergin (U of SC)
8:00AM – 9:00AM
NATA Resources for Secondary Schools
George Wham (Secondary Schools Committee)
9:00AM – 10:00AM
Use of Clinical Predictions Rules and Evidence Based Manual Therapies for Lumbar Spine Rehabilitation
Michael Higgins (Towson U)
10:00AM – 10:30 AM
Visit Exhibitors
8 available
10:30AM – 11:30AM
Care of the Injured Athlete
EBP credits, with
MaryBeth Horodyski (U of Florida)
an addition of 4 more
11:30AM – 12:30PM Awards Presentations
12:30PM – 1:30PM
Business Meeting
for the pre-conference
2:00PM – 3:00PM
Using Ocular Motor Assessment in Concussibe Athletes
workshop.
Ryan Tierney and Jamie Mansell (Temple)
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Tapping into the Mind-Body Wellness
Jessica Nash and Emily Dietz (U of Idaho)
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Functional Role of Dietary Carbohydrate Sugars for Athletic Performance
Suzanne Bowser (VA Tech)
4:00PM – 5:30PM
Free Communication
4:00PM – 5:00PM
Breakout Sessions
A. Sideline Management Assessment Response Techniques Steve Cole (W&M)
B. Tapping into the Mind-Body Wellness Jessica Nash and Emily Dietz (U of Idaho)
C. C-Spine Immobilization Mary Beth Horodyski (U of Florida)
5:00PM -6:00PM
Breakout Sessions
A. Sideline Management Assessment Response Techniques Steve Cole (W&M)
B. Tapping into the Mind-Body Wellness Jessica Nash and Emily Dietz (U of Idaho)
C. C-Spine Immobilization Mary Beth Horodyski (U of Florida)
8:00PM – 11:00PM
Directors Reception
SUNDAY MAY 31
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
TIME
EVENT
7:00AM – 2:00PM
Golf outing
12:00PM – 4:00PM
Evidence-Based Evaluation and Treatment of the Sacroliliac Joint
Jay Scifers (WCU)
12:00PM – 6:00PM
Exhibits open
1:00PM – 3:00PM
District Council Meeting
5:00PM –6:00PM
What is Evidence Based Practice and How Can It Be Implemented in the Athletic Training Educational Programs and in Athletic Training Clinical Practice?
Sarah Christie, DHSC, ATC, NASM-PES, CES
6:00PM – 7:00PM
Integrating Patient Centered Outcome Measures into Clinical Practice and Education
Jennifer O’Donoghue, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS (NC State) and Rich Patterson (Barton)
7:00PM – 8:00PM
Past, Present, and Future of Athletic Training Education
Paula Maxwell (JMU)
7:00PM – 8:00PM
Ethics in Athletic Training: Knowing What is Right and Doing It
Dawn Minton (USC)
Please check the
8:00PM – 9:30PM
Exhibitor Social
9:00PM – 10:30PM
Quiz Bowl
symposium website
TIME
EVENT
7:30AM – 8:30AM Mentor’s Breakfast
8:30AM – 10:00AM
I’ve Been in School This Long, Now What? - Job Application Workshop
Amy Fraley
9:00AM – 10:00AM
Is My Lacrosse Helmet Helping? Connecting Impact Data with Helmet Drop Testing Results Tom Bowman (Lynchburg)
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Early and Strategic Interventions for Managing Joint Injury and Optimizing Long-Term Outcomes
Joe Hart (UVA)
26
Questions to Our Leadership
In this edition of the Mid Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association
newsletter, we attempt to illustrate the various concerns facing
our states and district. In addition, we hope to capture the change
offered by various leaders in our District to address our issues. The true strength of the organization is in our membership’s
appreciation of the issues and involvement in the solutions. By
asking questions to our assorted state presidents, committee
leaders, executive board, we attempt to capture the concerns vital
to our states and district. Please enjoy this article and discover
the concerns and appreciate the attempts to intervene.
MAATA NEWS
P6
appropriate policies and safeguards for our high school athletes.
Additionally, our Governmental Affairs Committee promotes
visibility with state lawmakers. Annually the association provides
a college scholarship to a dependent of a SCATA member. SCATA
also enhances the professional lives of our members by hosting
our Annual Symposium, which consists of an excellent educational
program, while also providing an opportunity for our members to
network with other athletic trainers within our state.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
We attempt to provide volunteer opportunities to be engaged
with our profession through projects and initiatives. We also want
to provide education and resources to young professionals that
address issues we have in our careers.
How is the State Association making a difference in your
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
members’ professional lives?
Governmental Affairs and advocacy touch the professional lives
WEST VIRGINIA
The West Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association has been active
within the past few years helping to create awareness to
legislators, and the general public, of what we do on a daily basis.
Through these efforts, we’ve made a concerted attempt to create
more awareness within the state on the benefits and advantages
of athletic training and the professional awareness surrounding
our profession.
We are also trying to bring more recognition to those members
who have made contributions within the state. Whether that is
through those schools, and individuals that have received the
NATA Safe Sports School Award, or achievement for athletic
training recognition, the WVATA is trying to provide an avenue
through our website and social media to promote those who are
advocating for athletic training in West Virginia!
MARYLAND
• Outreach to other Allied Healthcare Professionals to help
bridge the gap with the athletic training profession
• Working with our lobbyist to make sure we have a practice
act that allows our members to be employed in a wide variety
of settings with a broad patient population
• Offering an avenue for regular professional conversation
between the members, along with communication of CEU
opportunities
DC
• Improving the text of the licensure bill
• Planning free CEU opportunities
• We have established the per diem rate for DCSAA hosted
events at $50/hour
• We maintain a per diem opportunity database
SOUTH CAROLINA
The South Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association strives to improve
the professional lives of each of our members. We collaborate
with the South Carolina Medical Association in advocating athletic
trainers in every South Carolina High School. We also work
closely with the South Carolina High School League in developing
of athletic trainers in ways they often can’t imagine. Raising
the profile of the profession in front of legislators, bureaucrats,
insurers, and the public creates opportunities to defend athletic
trainers’ ability to practice to the full extent of our scope. On
many occasions, this visibility has provided ATs a “seat at the
table” for discussions about health care law and policy. Third party
reimbursement efforts are often spearheaded by governmental
affairs committees. As athletic trainers in all settings contemplate
novel models of care, the efforts of Governmental Affairs and
Legislative Advocacy groups will be more evident.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
We provide opportunities by offering scholarships for eligible
members to apply towards their continuing education.
What is the most significant challenge, unique circumstance,
or pressing frustration facing athletic training in your state
and how is it being addressed?
WEST VIRGINIA
We are looking to certainly increase the number of certified
athletic trainers at the middle and secondary school levels within
the state. Our association has advocated for this primarily through
educating legislators and creating a professional presence within
the state capitol. We feel we can advance the profession by
gaining licensure in the state and that is where most of our efforts
are focused upon at this point. However, we’ve faced opposition
from the state physical therapy association in our quest to obtain
licensure within the state. We want to provide a bill that doesn’t
cost current athletic trainers in the state their jobs but rather
provide a comprehensive and inclusive bill that enables us to fully
practice within our education and training but yet also provide
for additional job opportunities within the state, primarily at the
middle and secondary school levels.
MARYLAND
• As with most states, I think our biggest challenge is how
we can improve the work place for the athletic trainer. Compensation, benefits and hours have always been an item
of concern for the majority, but the bigger concern now is
26
MAATA NEWS
P7
how can we get colleges, universities, and secondary schools
properly staffed with athletic trainers to ensure adequate
access to healthcare for the student athlete.
• Another concern is how we can continue to improve the
education to the public in terms of what athletic training is,
and what we do. along with some of these legislative efforts. I’ve had more “OMG”
and “Oh no they didn’t…!” moments related to Governmental
Affairs than in any other volunteer arena.
DC
• The overwhelming focus has been that of improving the
licensure bill. The original language was quite frightening!
• We are just beginning to have the “luxury” of redirecting our
attention to more personal concerns.
• We need to increase member involvement so that our efforts
have a greater reach.
WEST VIRGINIA
Over the past few years, our association has made a concerted
effort to establish more of a presence within the state and to
advocate for what we do as health professionals. Our primary
objective was to promote our profession and the advantages and
services that we can provide to protect the general public. We
began these efforts during the spring of 2013 by having a small
group of individuals associated with the WVATA and interested
athletic training programs from throughout the state that went
to the capitol in Charleston, West Virginia to simply educate
legislators about athletic training. From that endeavor, the
momentum has continued to grow. On February 21, 2014 we
organized a WVATA lobby day at the Capitol from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. and had over 80 individuals in attendance. We coordinated
these efforts with our state meeting and symposium that took
place on February 21 & 22, 2014 in Charleston, WV. Then during the
fall months in 2014, we had specific athletic training programs that
attended Legislative Interim Sessions at the Capitol to continue
to promote our profession and advocate for athletic training
licensure. On January 29, 2015 we again held the WVATA lobby
day in Charleston at the Capitol and had over 100 individuals in
attendance! The experience generated by seasoned professionals
combined with the youthful exuberance of young aspiring
athletic training students provided great motivation and energy
to continue to advance our cause. The efforts started by pastpresident Drue Stapleton in 2013 has certainly been an impetus
for us to continue to move forward within the state.
SOUTH CAROLINA
One of our most significant challenges is increasing the number
of high school athletic trainers within our state. We collaborate
with the South Carolina Medical Association in advocating athletic
trainers in every South Carolina High School. Another great
challenge is simply promoting our great profession. Our Executive
Council and Public Relations Committee work diligently to improve
our visibility within the state. This is done through our website,
social media, legislative activities, as well as collaborating with
other associations such as the South Carolina Medical Association,
Brain Injury Association of South Carolina, South Carolina Coaches
Association, and the South Carolina High School League
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
An overarching challenge for young professionals is twofold:
transition to practice and balancing life events. Whether it is salary,
ethics, workplace conflict, making clinical decisions, deciding
on a retirement package and paying off debt, retention in the
profession or professional involvement (the list goes on), most
issues that are brought to the YPC fall within these two realms.
This is what makes the YPC unique. We do not focus on one issue or
clinical setting, but numerous issues that face young professional
athletic trainers.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
As the District 3 Representative to the NATA Governmental Affairs
Committee, I see each states’ unique frustration. To a great
extent, legislative situations change slowly which can create a
feeling of futility in a group of people like athletic trainers who
tend to like to check things off their “to-do” lists. Our opponents
are generally the same and sometimes use not-so-friendly tactics.
“Wins” sometimes feel more like compromises and the promise
of more work. It wears on people after a while, creating apathy
or burnout. Complicating matters, many advocacy efforts are
intentionally kept quiet during the planning stages to prevent
interference from the opposition. It really is a challenge to “sell”
governmental affairs and legislative advocacy to volunteers. Each
state educates its members on the impact of governmental affairs
and legislative advocacy on their profession and setting in their
own way. I try to help members overcome any perceived lack of
competence they might feel and encourage others to contact their
states’ GA chair. I also try to express the excitement that comes
What is the Association’s proudest accomplishment?
MARYLAND
Passing of our law in 2009, along with the continued push to better
our situation in Maryland
DC
Our greatest accomplishment is the establishment of an active
association and the election of an executive board following
a nearly 20 year dormant period. It is satisfying to hear people
now have to say “and DC” when referring to state activities and
business!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Our members. We have over 600 members working in a variety
of settings, which include high school, collegiate, professional,
clinical, outreach, industrial, military, and law enforcement.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Increasing our presence at events (district and state meetings)
and providing opportunities for young professionals. We are a
very young committee, in regards to our existence, so reaching
out to not only young professionals but informing all members
about who we are and that we are willing to help has been an
26
important goal.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
The positive awareness of athletic training created by the ongoing
efforts of each Governmental Affairs or Practice Advancement
Committee always puts a smile on my face. Sometimes it’s a
successful meeting or introduction that’s been sought for years,
other times it’s a more obvious event like “Capitol Hill” Day or
passing of a bill. When a legislator approaches an athletic trainer
for support, it’s a big day! These incremental and hard fought
successes make it easier for me to advocate on each state’s behalf
when it comes to NATA GAC Grant application time.
The NATA Governmental Affairs Committee has always awarded
the Dan Campbell Awards to state associations for their efforts. In
2014, we awarded the first William T. Griffin Award for Outstanding
Leadership in Legislative Advocacy. Every time the award is
granted, the proud legacy of a cherished member of MAATA will
be remembered. It is incredibly humbling to be a part of the award
creation process.
Do you have a particularly successful advocacy or recruitment
strategy to share?
WEST VIRGINIA
The WVATA recently created a student task force with
representation from all of the CAATE accredited programs from
throughout the state. Currently we have seven programs and
another program in candidacy. The purpose of this task force
was to provide representation to the WVATA through the student
voices. These reps in turn were a voice to their fellow athletic
training students at their respective institutions. This has helped
to serve our membership, assisted with encouraging student
involvement, and involving younger students and ideas into the
goals and focus of our association.
MARYLAND
We try to foster leadership through our students at a young
age. We also try to reach as many members as possible with our
communication, so as to leave the door open for them to ask
questions, pose solutions, and be a contributing member of the
MATA.
SOUTH CAROLINA
We’ve recently re-constituted our entire committee structure,
which has greatly increased the level of association involvement
for many our members, while also allowing us to develop future
leaders.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Some of the more successful strategies have been increasing
our use of social media. Since most students and current young
professionals typically use those avenues to exchange information
this was an important move for us. Creating networking
opportunities is also very important and we have received great
feedback from these events. We hold a social event at the district
meeting where we invite students, young professionals, and
MAATA NEWS
P8
seasoned leaders of the profession. We also attempt to create
sessions at meetings that allow YPs to network with seasoned
ATs they may not have had the chance to otherwise.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
You don’t have to be particularly politically savvy to help with
governmental affairs and legislative advocacy efforts, just be a
passionate professional.
What should every athletic trainer know about the Association?
WEST VIRGINIA
The WVATA wants to be representative of its membership! We
also are asking the membership to give back to the association.
We are attempting to move forward within the state and in
order to be successful, we need more involvement. We’ve had
individuals step forward as members asking what they can do to
become involved and that simply is the first step! We are looking
to create more job opportunities for athletic trainers within the
state. Obtaining licensure in the state will assist us in our efforts
to provide the highest level of protection to the general public
and recognize us as a practicing health professional.
MARYLAND
The MATA and the athletic training profession in Maryland would
not be where it is today without the dedication, work ethic, and
sacrifice of all those who have been involved over the past 30+
years. However, work in this state is far from finished and the
MATA and its leadership are always working to make Maryland a
great state to be a part of.
DC
We have a very small membership base to cull from. Our very
existence is dependent upon individual involvement. ANY
contribution is welcome and necessary. Additionally, we can’t
be what you need us to be if you aren’t involved enough to tell
us what that is!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Our members are the reason for our association. We strive daily
to improve the professional lives for our 600 plus members.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The primary purpose of the YPC is to support the needs of young
professional athletic trainers. As part of that purpose we want
to utilize the skills, knowledge, and drive of YPs to improve the
entire profession. By simply having a young professional on a
committee or work group, or attend a meeting we can make a
difference. We hope the entire association membership will value
that and seek us out.
Scholarship Committee
Members are the heart of the organization and are essential. The board, committee chairs, and countless others keep the
profession strong by providing a powerful blend of education,
collaboration and advocacy. 26
MAATA NEWS
P9
An Athletic Trainer Evaluates
Options of Student Debt
Contributions by Collin Francis and Kevin King
As students graduate from ATEPs this spring and head into the
athletic training field, they will have many concerns. According
to the NY Times, student loan debt is at record high of $1.1
trillion. In addition, nearly 20 percent of student borrowers are in
default. Our government has attempted to intervene with Loan
Repayment Programs, such as Income-Based Repayment. District
III member, Collin Francis shares his student loan experience.
Like many of my colleagues, graduation day was one of the
best days of my life. I was so happy to have completed my
undergraduate career and get my degree. Shortly after graduation
my parents sat me down and handed me a piece of mail that would
change my whole outlook. The letter was from my loan company
and it explained just how much I owed in student loans. Speaking
with my Athletic Training Classmates I realized that most of us
were in the same boat and none of us knew how we were going
to pay them off.
I was fortunate enough to go to graduate school and during this
time I was in a period of deferment. Once I graduated I finally
sat down and read the fine print of my Federal Perkins Loan and
noticed something interesting. It had a section that was titled
“apply for cancellation.” I read on and it listed Medical Technician
as a qualifying occupation for loan cancellation. It then said this:
“To qualify as a Medical Technician, you must be certified,
registered, or licensed by the governing State agency where
you provide service. You must be employed as an allied health
professional working in a field such as therapy, dental hygiene,
medical technology, or nutrition. You must assist, facilitate, or
complement the work of physicians or specialists in the health
care system.”
Although Athletic Trainers are not listed in this description, I
decided to call and plead my case to get my loans forgiven or
cancelled as well. I worked with the Federal Ombudsman office,
submitted my job description and official documents from the
NATA. After consideration, the office granted my request to alter
my loans by cancelling a certain percentage of the loans for every
year I am employed full-time as an Athletic Trainer. As I waited for
the cancellation process, I verified my employment and the rest
of my loans are placed in deferment. This results in cessation of
loan payments. Overtime, the federal government will forgive
(or cancel) a percentage of my loan.
I have only attempted this for my Federal Perkins Loan, but I
have shared this idea with coworkers. They have federal loans
and/or private loans and have had success. I encourage anyone
with student loans to first, read the fine print, and second, call
your loan officer and see if you can qualify for loan forgiveness.
My experience may not be beneficial for everyone, but hopefully
this experience useful!
For more information, please visit the following sites:
Federal Student Aid
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Loan Repayment
Program
NATA Proposed By-Law Changes
In May, at the MAATA Annual Meeting & Symposium’s Business
Meeting, the Executive Council will present the following
proposed NATA By-law changes (scroll to bottom of FEB Eblast)
to the membership for discussion and vote .
NATA Foundation Celebrates National Athletic Training Month
NATA Foundation
The NATA Foundation celebrates National Athletic Training Month
by demonstrating how your generous gifts make a significant
impact on advancing the profession through research and
education. Learn more here.
Ambassador Positions
NATA Foundation
The NATA Foundation continues to seek NATA Foundation
Ambassadors. Ambassadors work with their respective District
Chairs to enhance communications about NATA Foundation
opportunities and programs at the local, regional, state and
conference levels. This is a great way to become involved in the
profession and cultivate (or improve) your leadership skills. If
you are interested, please contact Scott Johnson, Vice President
of District Relations, or reach out to Jill Manners, our NATA
Foundation District Chair.
NATA Convention City
Have you ever wondered how the NATA picks their locations?
Lori Marker from NATA does a great job in breaking down the
specifics in the NATA blog.
MAATA NEWS
26
From the District Treasurer
Ray Davis, MSS, LAT, ATC
I’m hopeful your winter weather is coming to an end. My spring sports are finally
beginning and with that comes another
very busy season in High School Athletics.
I was able to attend the January DST
meeting in Dallas and had the opportunity to continue representing you as the
DIII Treasurer at the “power meetings”.
The weekend was very informative and
exhausting but allowed for quite a bit of
networking. I’m hopeful I continue to serve the membership as
a Treasurer is expected.
P10
STUDENTS
Students Plan Medical Service Trip
Student, if you are looking for a great opportunity THIS is it! Please
email Sara Buckley with questions at [email protected].
edu and check out the application on NATASC website.
For AT Students
This is an opportunity for students to read to children in the
community and expose those children to Athletic Training by
reading a new children’s book about the AT profession. There is
a $200 prize for the student organization who reads to the most
groups.
The 2015-2016 budget continues to be a work in progress and will
be presented at our annual business meeting in May. I encourage
you to register and attend.
Stay Healthy!
Ray Davis, District Treasurer
[email protected]
2015 MAATA Symposium
Service Project
Get Involved!
Look at our amazing District 3 Student Senate
and Director Pat Aronson at ILEAD!!!
New Investigator Award
DIII Contratulates Brian Pietrosimone, PhD, ATC, Assistant
Professor, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill on winning
the prestigious New Investigator Award from the The NATA
Foundation Brian will be recognized during the NATA Foundation's
Distinguished Lecture Series at NATA 2015 in St. Louis on
Wednesday, June 24 from 4-6 p.m.
Brian Pietrosimone, PhD, ATC
Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill
DIII Leaders at the NATA Joint
Committee Meeting in Dallas, Texas
January 30-31st.
26
DISTRICT III STATES
MAATA NEWS
P11
our profession and set a high standard for athletic training
professionals in our state, district, country, and abroad. I wish
all of you the best throughout the Spring and as always, Keep
‘Em Healthy!
Gregory A. Penczek, Maryland President
[email protected]
Dear MAATA Members, Friends, and Colleagues,
Greetings and salutations from The Land of
Pleasant Living! I hope that most of you are
staying warm and are off to a great start to 2015!
Greg Penczek With the Holiday break passing, along with 2014
coming to an end, the horizon of 2015 in Maryland
is bright! To start, the MATA is in the process of updating our
practice act, which will not only include language to help expedite
the process of obtaining the privilege to practice, but also extend
our reach in the state throughout all work place settings, including
those Tactical Athletes who can benefit from the healthcare an
athletic trainer can provide. I understand that this will be a long
and arduous process down in Annapolis, however the MATA
Executive Council feels confident that we will have the support
to get it done!
Outside of our legislative efforts, the MATA has taken an active
role in bringing together the athletic training professionals and
emergency medical providers throughout the state. Just recently,
TK Morgan and myself were able to be a part of the Baltimore City
Advanced Life Support Refresher Course, where we were able to
provide valuable information on lacrosse and football equipment
removal, while educating those in attendance on who we are as
Allied Healthcare Professionals. TJ and I will continue our efforts
with Baltimore City, having already been put on the schedule for
future educational events.
This collaboration with Baltimore City would not be possible if
it wasn’t for the work of TJ Morgan, Julie Frymyer, and Mary
Nadelen, who worked with the MATA and myself on educating
the staff down at the R. Adams Cowley Trauma and Resuscitation
Unit on the proper removal of football equipment in a hospital
setting. This was the first step that the MATA took to reach out
to all the Emergency Medical providers throughout the state,
helping to strengthen the relationship with those Allied Healthcare
Professionals and help bridge the gap to ensure top tier care for
the injured student-athlete.
I would be remiss if I did not spend a short moment to recognize
the Johns Hopkins University Athletic Training staff, who endured
the unthinkable when one of their young student-athletes passed
away at the end of January. Our thoughts and prayers are with
Brad, his staff, the administration, coaches, and athletes at Johns
Hopkins.
In closing, I would like to thank all those who continue to promote
Greetings from the Nation’s Capital!!
The DCATA has experienced a great deal
of growth in the past year. Following our
formal elections last February we embarked
on our “licensure improvement” campaign.
The City Council of the District of Columbia
passed an Omnibus bill which provided for
the licensure of, among other professions,
athletic trainers. Upon review, this bill did
not accurately reflect our scope of practice Jennifer Rheeling
and would potentially result in practice
restrictions and perhaps the loss of jobs for athletic trainers. We
made good progress with our initial lobbyist group then hired
a local lobbyist with extensive history in DC and with the City
Council. We are confident the language has been revised to our
satisfaction and are awaiting City Council’s final review. For that
we are currently in a holding pattern as they handle more pressing
issues and personnel changes. We are grateful to the MAATA and
the NATA GAC for their support and help and guidance along the
way.
Our attention is now being directed toward committee
development, establishing State Honors & Awards and growing
the DCATA’s footprint with regards to local recognition and
involvement and establishing DC athletic trainers in the District
and National activities and awards. We have many athletic trainers
whom are long overdue receiving the appropriate accolades for
their efforts and service. Additionally, we are in the planning
stages of a fall 2015 symposium offering that will be free to our
members.
We have a much smaller base of athletic trainers from which to
cull expertise and engagement than our State counterparts. If you
live and or work in DC and would like to assist us in our endeavors
please visit our website. We would love to hear from you!
Jennifer Rheeling, District of Columbia President
[email protected]
26
MAATA NEWS
P12
Bowl, a well-attended event which saw the team of Joe Wood,
Kaity Harris, and Rachel Malboeuf of Bridgewater College bring
home the trophy this year.
Dear Fellow Athletic Trainers and Friends,
2015 is already proving to be an exciting
year for the VATA. Our Annual Meeting
& Clinical Symposium was held January
9-11 at the Wyndham Virginia Crossings
in Glen Allen and had record attendance
for the second straight year. Kimberly
Pritchard, PhD, ATC, chair of the Annual
Meeting Planning Committee and her team
Jay Sedory
once again did an amazing job creating a
wonderful program of events.
The final day headlined by Joe Hart, PhD, ATC of the University
of Virginia presented an engaging and well-attended Evidenced
Based Practice (required by Board of Certification) session to
attendees. The success of the event has prompted us to offer the
“Early and Strategic Interventions for Managing Joint Injury and
Optimizing Long Term Outcomes” session as a home study course
which will be available on the VATA website as soon as possible!
Some highlights from the weekend include:
Matt Gage, PhD, ATC of Liberty University was elected to the role
of President-Elect. Beth Funkhouser, MEd, ATC, CSCS of Emory
& Henry College was re-elected as Secretary for a second term.
Other elections included two new region representatives. Region
2 will now be represented by Anna Sedory MS, ATC, CSCS of the
DEA Office of Training and Caitlyn Richbourg, MEd, VATL, ATC an
assistant athletic trainer at Ferrum College will be representing
Region 6. With these new additions we said thank you to outgoing
representatives Jason Doctor, MS, ATC and DC Cobler, EdD, ATC
for their many years of service to the VATA.
Several new committee chairs have also recently been appointed.
Michele Heisel, MEd, ATC of Pinto Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
has taken the reins of the Clinical & Emerging Practice Committee.
David Pawlowski, MEd, ATC has returned to chair the Governmental
Affairs Committee, taking over a very active committee from Rose
Schmieg, DHSc, ATC, PT, OCS, CSCS, who championed many
successful legislative efforts for athletic trainers in Virginia. GAC
presented on many upcoming issues in the Virginia legislation
for ATs mostly centering on concussion and athlete safety and
announced their Hit-The-Hill Day to be February 17.
The newly revamped Student Symposium at the VATA Annual
Meeting also drew a record crowd, nearly doubling the anticipated
number of attendees. Jamie Frye, PhD, ATC, Chair of the Student
Affairs Committee and Dan Carroll, MEd, ATC, Co-Chair, organizing
a unique blend of programming for the students including
Abdominal Assessment, advances in concussion assessment,
Kinesiotaping and making the transition from student to
professional. The evening was capped off with the Annual Quiz
(Pictured L-R: Joe Wood, Rachel Malboeuf, Kaity Harris)
Those weren’t the only folks to walk away a winner this year. Grace
Weniger, MEd, ATC, PES and our Honors & Awards Committee
assembled another wonderful class of honorees for the Annual
Honors and Awards Ceremony. The following individuals were
recognized:
Tom Kuster, MS, ATC, PES, CES was awarded the College/
University Athletic Trainer of the Year as the Assistant Athletic
Director for Sports Medicine at James Madison University in
Harrisonburg, VA. The Educator of the Year award was given to Bonnie Van Lunen,
PhD, ATC, FNATA, program director for the post-professional
athletic training education program at Old Dominion University
in Norfolk, VA. Michael Puglia, ATC, athletic trainer at Powhattan High School
in Powhattan, VA, was awarded the Dr. Vito Perriello Secondary
School Athletic Trainer of the Year award. Thomas Bowman, PHD, ATC, PES, assistant professor of athletic
training at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA, was honored as
the Researcher of the Year. Hall of Fame Inductees included Marty Bradley, MS, ATC, and
Dennis Spurrier, MS, ATC. Bradley has been the head athletic
trainer at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, for the past 39
years. Spurrier is the director and sports medicine coordinator
for Virginia Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy since 2005 and
has been the athletic trainer for Douglas Freeman High School in
Richmond, VA since 1978.
Another proud moment for the VATA came when it was
announced that Dr. Douglas Gregory, a pediatrician and primary
sports medicine specialist and a staunch advocate of Athletic
Trainers, was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Board
of Certification as Physician Director. Dr. Gregory has mentored
many athletic trainers in Virginia and is a loyal friend to the
profession.
A number of improvements have been made internally and
externally for the VATA to improve how we conduct business. A
Continued...
MAATA NEWS
26
P13
Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on July 8, 2015. More
details to follow.
Another committee hard at work is our Public Relations
Committee. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Twitter: @SCATCs Facebook: South Carolina Athletic Trainers Association Craig Clark, South Carolina President
[email protected]
Pictured left to right: Grace Weniger (VATA Honors & Awards Chair), Tom Kuster,
Michael Puglia, Dennis Spurrier, Tom Bowman, Marty Bradley,
Jay Sedory (VATA president)
dues increase was voted on and received full support from the
voting members. This funding will hopefully help with many GAC
and Public Relations initiatives as well as offer funding for other
projects across the state. We have been amending and cleaning
up the language of the Constitution and Bylaws to create full
agreement between the two documents and improve the way
the organization functions in the present and future and continue
to develop a functional policy and procedures manual to help
facilitate our day to day business.
We are looking forward to seeing the other district members in
Virginia Beach this May for the MAATA Annual Symposium.
Jay Sedory, Virginia President
[email protected]
Marshall Hosted West Virginia Athletic
Trainers’
Association
Conference
and Sports Medicine Symposium in
Flatwoods
Vince Stilger
The Department of Athletic Training
hosted the West Virginia Athletic Trainers’
Association (WVATA) Conference and
Sports Medicine Symposium March 6-7
in Flatwoods.
The conference provided an opportunity for athletic trainers
across the state to discuss the introduction of House Bill 2746
and Senate Bill No. 506, which required athletic trainers be
licensed, instead of registered, according to program director,
Dr. Joseph Beckett. Click HERE to read more.
Vincent Stilger, West Virginia President
[email protected]
Greetings from South Carolina:
Happy National Athletic Training Month.
Please support our great profession in using
March to raise awareness of athletic trainers.
It’s been a busy 2015 for SCATA. Our committees
are all hard at work.
On March 21, 2015, we will once again host our
Annual Student Athletic Training Aide Works at
Westwood High School in Blythewood, South
Carolina. For registration details, please visit: www.scata.org
Craig Clark
The program committee is again preparing for another great
program. Please mark your calendar for SCATA’s Annual
Symposium, July 9-10, 2015 in Columbia, South Carolina. Please
also join us for a round of golf for a good cause. SCATA’s Annual
THANK YOU WEST VIRGINIA!
Dear West Virginia Athletic Trainers,
Thank you for your hospitality at your March WVATA
meeting. The drive was beautiful through the snow-laddened
mountains and well-worth the education and connections I
made while attending your symposium. Thank you for the
invitation, accommodations, the EBPs and the WVATA t-shirt.
I hope to see you again next spring at Flatwoods!
Pat
Patricia A. Aronson, PhD, ATC
District III Director
MAATA NEWS
26
P14
MAATA TO INDUCT TWO HALL OF
FAME MEMBERS IN MAY
Greetings,
NC Athletic Trainer Association
Executive Board of Directors has
been very busy meeting with various
stakeholders at the state level to push
for requiring a licensed athletic trainer
in high schools. The meetings have
been very positive. The Board has been
working with legislators and the NC
Scott Barringer
Board of Athletic Trainers Examiners on
an Occupational Licensing Regulatory consolidation concerns.
The 38th Annual Spring Clinical Symposium & Awards Meeting
will be held on March 20 – 21st Carolinas HealthCare SystemNorthEast in Concord, NC. We have a record number of
registrations for this meeting with 154 Professional and 105
Students.
2015 NCATA Honors and Awards Recipients
North Carolina Athletic Trainer of the Year
Elton G. Hawley Secondary School (EMPLOYED)
JEFF GUFFEY
North Carolina Athletic Trainer of the Year
Elton G. Hawley Secondary School (OUTREACH)
NATE SOWLE
North Carolina Athletic Trainer of the Year- College/University
DR. CRAIG EILBACHER
North Carolina Athletic Trainer of the YearClinical Emerging Practices
TONY BENZ
North Carolina Athletic Trainer of the YearEducator of the Year
DR. JIM HAND
Sports Medicine Person of the Year
DR. RYAN DRAPER
Corporate Service Award
PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS
2015 Hall of Fame
MARK WHITE RAY DAVIS
NCATA Presidential Scholarship for Leadership
JENNA NEUMANN (Western Carolina)
NCATA Hall of Fame Scholarship for Academic Excellence
LEAH HOLLIDAY (North Carolina Central University)
Join us at the MAATA Annual Business Meeting and Symposium
May 29-31 to induct Mr. Robert Casmus (pictured left) and Mr.
John Bielawski (pictured right) into our Hall of Fame.
NATA Honors & Awards
Congratulations to the DIII winners of NATA Awards.
Sandra Janine Shultz, PhD, ATC, FNATA
NATA Hall of Fame
Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC
NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer
Darin A. Padua, PhD, ATC
NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer
Mark D. Buchman, ATC, SCAT
NATA Athletic Training Service Award
Peter J. Kotz, MS, ATC
NATA Athletic Training Service Award
M Allen Shelley, MA, ATC, LAT
NATA Athletic Training Service Award
Congratulations!
NATA STUDENT AIDE:
STATEMENT AND QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
CLICK HERE TO READ
26
MAATA NEWS
P15
FROM DISTRICT III COMMITTEES
Student Senate Update
Andi Bender, MS, LAT, ATC
Six senators attended the iLead
Conference in Dallas, TX on February 2729. They enjoyed meeting other students
from around the country, learning about
their leadership styles via Myers-Briggs
testing, and getting to meet prominent
leaders in the profession including NATA
President Elect, Scott Sailor, and District
III Director, Pat Aronson.
District III Public Relations Committee
Brandy Jones, MS, LAT, ATC, ROT
Happy National Athletic Training Month!
As you already know, the theme for
#NATM2015 is “we prepare, you perform.”
The NATA has several initiatives going
on and I can’t encourage you enough
to participate and get involved! These
include; social media and poster contest,
social media campaign, and PR contest.
Also, don’t forget about participating in
the great efforts of your state PR committees as well! If you have
any questions, or want to get involved, contact the your respective
state representative listed below.
Chair: Brandy Jones [email protected]
VA: Mike Shetley [email protected]
DC: Christina (Tina) Benson [email protected]
MD: Mattie Eckerman [email protected]
NC: Nina Walker [email protected]
Leslie Dent (Co-Chair) [email protected]
From Left to Right:
Hannah Zech, Julia Greiner, Elena Keretses, Scott Sailor,
Julie Kuhlman, Kelsey Holcomb, Danny Amacher
SC: Jane Steinberg [email protected]
WV: Hannah Harnar [email protected]
The social media sites are flooded with tweets about NAT Month
from District III student members. Keep the momentum going
throughout the entire month and tweet us @MAATA_Students!
Don’t forget to also submit your best photos/videos to #NATM2015
and you'll be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card and a $50
credit to the NATA Gear merchandise store.
NATA Social Media Contest
Registration is open for students to attend the 2015 MAATA
Student Symposium! Agenda is posted HERE.
We are collecting pop-tabs at the symposium for donation to the
Ronald McDonald’s House Charity. The state with the most poptabs collected will win points toward the AT Olympics Challenge
on Saturday evening! We will also be collecting donations on-site
toward the LivOn Foundation supporting Colon Cancer Awareness
in honor of Olivia Naples Bostic who lost her battle with this
disease last August.
I recently attended the NATA joint committee meeting and
one of my favorite parts was the unveiling of plans for a NATA
website facelift. What makes this even more exciting is that the
NATA PR committee was chosen as the advisory committee for
this project. We are getting to see and give feedback on all the
26
MAATA NEWS
P16
FROM DISTRICT III COMMITTEES
awesome behind the scenes stuff. I can’t share much right now,
but I want to assure you the progress that has been made thus
far has been fabulous and I’m confident the end product will be
something you are proud of and find to be more organized and
user/member friendly!
If you haven’t already done so, please “follow” and “like” the
districts social media accounts and interact with us. These are
great tools to use in disseminating information and keeping our
members interconnected.
Thank you for your continued support and efforts in making
our district and the athletic training profession the best it can
possibly be!
and response was outstanding. By mid-February all funds had
been awarded. Congratulations to our grant winners and all
District 3 AT’s who have helped their school be recognized as
a NATA Safe Sports School! We hope this initiative goes a long
way towards recognizing the value of the AT in the secondary
school setting.
NATIONAL NEWS
Special Edition of NATA News
NATA SSATC members were pleased to provide content for the
secondary school-themed NATA News in October. This issue
highlighted some of the topics in AT specific to the secondary
school.
Electronic Newsletter
NATA SSATC recently launched an electronic newsletter
specifically designed for secondary school athletic trainers. We
plan to send this out on a monthly basis, and if you work in the
secondary school setting, you should be already receiving this
through email. If not, please contact the NATA office.
NATA Clinical Symposium
The SSATC will be hosting a session at the NATA convention in
St. Louis titled “Effective Communication and Ethical Behavior in
the Secondary School Setting,” on Friday, June 26 from 5-7pm,
with a Gatorade reception to follow.
NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee
George Wham, EdD, ATC, SCAT
Things have been quite busy with several
exciting projects and initiatives aimed at
the secondary school level. Both national
and district level committee members
take great pride in the secondary school
setting and sincerely appreciate the
many great things our members are
doing in our secondary schools. Here
are a few key projects and initiatives I
want to highlight.
DISTRICT NEWS
MAATA Safe Sports School Award Grants
This winter MAATA designated funding to assist secondary
schools with the cost of applying for the NATA Safe Sports
School Award in the form of 40 MAATA Safe Sports School
Award Grants. The grant application period opened January 15
Secondary School Value Model
We are pleased to announce the nearing completion of the
Secondary School Value Model. This document is the result of
a multi-year collaboration between the Committee on Revenue,
the Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee, and the
Secondary School Value Model Workgroup. It is designed to help
secondary school athletic trainers articulate their value and worth
to school administration. Watch for release announcements in
the near future. It’s a great complement to our existing Position
Improvement Guide, and Position Proposal Guide. Please visit
www.nata.org/SSATC for these resources.
Student Aides
If you work with student aides, please review the NATA Student
Aide Statement and forthcoming Q and A document found on
the NATA SSATC webpage. Appropriate use of student aides
has come to the forefront of committee discussions, and we ask
that in the best interests of our profession, you strictly adhere to
these guidelines.
NATA Awards
The NATA SSATC is concerned with the low number of secondary
school athletic trainers nominated for NATA Awards. Currently,
only about 10 percent of NATA Awards are going to secondary
school members. When nomination time comes around again in
the fall, please consider that special secondary school colleague
who deserves such recognition.
MAATA NEWS
26
P17
FROM DISTRICT III COMMITTEES
MAATA SAFE SPORTS SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM
The MAATA has award 40 DIII Secondary Schools with Safe Sports School
Grants! Congratulations to the excellent 40 schools in DIII.
Honors and Awards Committee
Bob Casmus, MS, ATC
Congratulations to this
year’s Most Distinguished
Athletic Training Award
STATE
SCHOOL ATHLETE TRAINER
Winners and to Athletic
SUBMITTING
Training Service Award
GRANT APPLICATION
Winners. (See following
page for winners.) This
Maryland
Boonsboro High School Katrina DeVore
is an outstanding group
North Hagerstown High School Keshia Williams
of recipients and they are
Walt Whitman High School
Katie Brodka
all
quite
worthy
of
the
accolades.
As you can see
Blake High School
Meghan Wilkinson
our
winners
come
from
a
variety
of
employment
North County High School
Michael Goodman
Walter Johnson High School
Tiffany Perrysettings and everyone one of them has been
Northwood High School
Kelley Croweinvolved directly with service to the athletic
Northeast High School
Melissa Readtraining profession at either the local, state,
James M Bennett High School Kelly Rosedistrict and national levels. We will be honoring
Snow Hill High School
Ben Waplesthese recipients at the May 2015 MAATA Meeting
Chesapeake high school
Megan Bapistellerand Symposium in Virginia Beach. I hope that all
Williamsport High School
Meghan Grayof us will share in the celebratory process for these
Meade Senior High School
Jason Hickmanoutstanding award winning athletic trainers.
Albert Einstein High School
Amber Kelso
I want to say thank you to the members of the
Magruder High School
Ashley Lazas Puk
scoring groups for these awards as I know the
North Carolina Davidson Day School Ashley Lake
assignment was fun and I am sure challenging at
Orange High School
Emily Jones Gaddy
times. I truly appreciate the leadership of Nancy
Cuthbertson High School
Erin Carlson
Burke for overseeing the MDAT group and Sherry
Charlotte Christian School
Erin Tatum
Summers with the Service group. I especially
Parkwood High School
Nicole Ross
would like to thank the MAATA members who
Asheville High School
Josh Owen
provided nominations and letters of support for
Erwin High School
Joel Moffat
the award nominees. Again, when the awards
Franklin High School
Lynette Gibson
process re-opens in August 2015, I hope that the
Asheville Christian Academy
Heidi Pieper
MAATA Honors & Awards Committee will receive
Mitchell High School
Erinn Yetter
even more nominations than we did this past year.
Valley Springs Middle School Nicholas Fischer
Brevard High School
Katherine Collins
North Buncombe High School Matthew Smitley
TC Roberson High School
Michael Hodges
South Carolina River Bluff HS
Scott Ganucheau
Westwood High
Jason Nussbaum
Wando High School
Mark Buchman ATC
AC Flora High School
Andrew Ryan Lail Brookland-Cayce High School Bryant Parnell
Lower Richland High School
Greg Shedd
Virginia
Lee-Davis High School
Lafayette
Warhill High School
Altavista Combined School
Sara Edwards Salvato
Dan Gotthardt
Todd Korabek
Angela H. Emerson
26
MAATA NEWS
P18
We will be honoring these recipients at the May 2015 MAATA Meeting and Symposium in Virginia Beach.
MDAT
Winners 2014-2015
Scott Barringer, MEd, LAT, ATC, CAA
Carolinas Healthcare System
Concord, NC
Peter Kotz, MS, ATC, CES
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
Olney, MD
Dave Pawlowksi, MEd, ATC
Health & Event Programs for Special
Olympics of Virginia
Richmond, VA
Jennifer D. Rheeling, MS, ATC
District of Columbia Public Schools
District of Columbia
Vincent Stilger, HSD, ATC
Athletic Training Program Director
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
Bonnie L. Van Lunen, PhD, ATC, FNATA
Graduate Athletic Training Program
Director
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
MAATA
Service Winners 2014-2015
Brett Wood M.Ed., ATC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Theresa M. Zablocki , MS , ATC
Athletic Trainer – Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk, VA
Left
Ken Brown, M.Ed., ATC
Northern Durham H.S.
Durham, NC
Right
Lance Fujiwara M.Ed., ATC
Associate Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine & Athletic Trainer for Virginia
Military Institute
Lexington, VA
Robert Cable, M.S., ATC
Fairmount State University
Fairmount , WV
26
MAATA NEWS
P19
FROM DISTRICT III COMMITTEES
Committee on Practice Advancement
Ashley S. Long, PhD, LAT, ATC
The Committee on Practice Advancement
(COPA) enhances the athletic training
profession in business and employment
opportunities, compensation, and brand
recognition as health care professionals.
Members are district based and include ATs
from non-historic settings. Each setting is
comprised of its own subcommittee with
a number of ATs from across the nation.
Communications Workgroup
▪ The group was chosen to be a communication pilot
from the NATA created specifically for those in nonhistoric settings.
▪ Continue to look out for Business of Athletic Training
(BOAT) Webinars and materials.
Value Workgroup
▪ Working on arming our members with quantitative
data to prove worth to their employer via injury
tracking and return on investments (ROI) by creating
a guide to measuring revenue and determining
industry value.
▪ Developing billing Opportunities for services and
referrals.
Military Workgroup
▪ The Military Health System was formed in June
2014 as a working group to recommend a Tri-service
policy standardizing the role of ATs within the
military. ATs are represented within this working
group.
▪ Working on a Military VIP event for the 2016
symposium in Baltimore, MD.
▪ Michael Hooper will be the incoming COPA
representative from District 3. He is already involved
with teleconference calls and will assume full duties
in June.
Occupational Health Workgroup
▪ Ongoing work on value and worth of ATs via internal
and external sources.
▪ Creating a White Paper on proposing the value of
ATs.
▪ Targeting a national audience and external
organizations for ATs that would find the need for
our services.
▪ Communicating with interested parties to prepare
them for the work setting and interviews.
Performing Arts Workgroup
▪ Research and analysis of programs in the country
by survey and analyzing current membership
employment status.
▪ Increasing awareness of ATs with associations like
the National Music Teachers Association regional
and nationally by sending ATs to talk to their
members.
▪ Increasing opportunities on the Clinical
Opportunities in Emerging Settings (COES) database
Physician Extender Workgroup
▪ Developing resources for ATs working in the practice
setting and/or looking to enter the practice setting.
▪ Developing an increase residency programs.
▪ Look for Pre-conference workshops, introductory to
advance track.
▪ Surveying the membership to assess employment
status, setting, and responsibilities.
▪ Increasing awareness of ATs by sending more
representatives to conferences
Public Safety Workgroup
▪ Role Delineation of the Public Safety Athletic
Trainers’ Society (PSATS). The workgroup calls are
now attached with PSATS.
▪ Look for future speaking engagements and
progressing ATs within Linked-in.
▪ Encouraging ATs to step out of the normal and “Take
care of those who take care of us!”
Terminology Workgroup
Provide the memberships with definitions,
clarification and proper use on words such as
“emerging,” “internship,” and “fellowship.” How
long is the non-historic setting “emerging?”
Welcome
Michael L. Hooper MA, ATC-L, CSCS
Sports Medicine Program Manager Naval Special Warfare Development Group Virginia Beach, Virginia
as the new
COPA Chair!
26
MAATA NEWS
P20
FROM DISTRICT III COMMITTEES
Young Professionals
Dawn Minton-Emerson, MS, ATC
My time as DIII YPC Chair is quickly winding
down. I have found myself reflecting on what
we have accomplished these past three years as
well as the future of this committee. It has been
an incredible honor for me to represent you at
the district and national level. The opportunities, lessons, and friendships during this time
are invaluable and something I will carry with
me to whatever my future holds. At this time, I
would like to introduce you to incoming chair Amy Fraley. Amy has
served the past 3 years as the South Carolina state representative
to the DIII YPC. I know she will continue to propel this committee
forward with new projects, new opportunities for YPs and will
conquer new issues to come. She will do this with the passion
to positively impact our profession and with upmost distinction.
In regards to projects and events going on for our committee right
now we continue to revamp the “5 for 5: 5 Messages for the First
5 Years” project. Feedback on this project has been both positive
and constructive. Please keep in mind these presentations are not
just for senior athletic training students, but any YP group (eg,
graduate assistants, interns, etc.) who are working in their first
5 years as an AT.
This year we have several events at the MAATA meeting. On Friday night at 7:00PM we have a session “Ethical Issues in Athletic
Training: Knowing what Right is and Doing It”. The first part of
the session will regard various ethical issues we face as ATs and
overcoming barriers. Then we will conduct small group discussions on certain unethical scenarios as well as allow attendees
an opportunity to discuss issues they may have faced or are currently facing. While this session is focused from a YP perspective,
we encourage everyone to attend and participate. On Sunday at
8:30AM we will hold our second career development session in
conjunction with the student programming. We will also have our
annual YP social; look for information on time, day, and location
to be announced.
In national news, this year’s YPC National Distinction Award winner is Dorice Hankemeier from District IV. There are several YP
events at the 2015 NATA Annual Symposium:
▪ “See Something, Do Something, Say Something:
Addressing Ethical Issues as a Young Professional”
session will provide attendees 3 different
perspectives on ethical issues, including a personal
account on addressing unethical behaviors and
barriers (both personal and professional) to
reporting.
▪ Peer-to-peer discussion, Wednesday at 1:30PM, on
developing as a leader from a YP view, including
mistakes made, overcoming conflict, how to resign
from a position, and utilizing resources to help in
different leadership positions.
▪ Career skills workshop on Wednesday at 4PM. This
workshop is designed for YPs and students looking
for jobs who may want to participate in a mock
interview before the real thing or who want to gain
experience in applying, negotiating, and other career
skills.
▪ Lounge social event, “Remember our Roots, Forging
our Future”.
▪ Pinky Newell Leadership Breakfast, Friday at 8AM,
where we will honor our National Distinction Award
winner and all scholarship and award winners from
the NATA Foundation.
As always, if you have ideas or want to become more involved with
the YPC, please email us. I want to thank you all for your support
of the DIII YPC and of me as its chair. DIII will always be “home”.
Governmental Affairs Committee
Anna Sedory, MS, ATC, CSCS
Governmental Affairs issues continue to
march forward in MAATA member states
and Washington, DC.
Maryland hopes to update their practice
act to include military and law enforcement
settings.
North Carolina hopes to both introduce
a bill and defend its regulatory board’s
independence during this legislative session.
West Virginia is battling to upgrade their regulatory status from
registration to licensure.
Washington, DC continues to work with the City Council to
improve regulations related to licensure and concussion laws.
Virginia and South Carolina continue to plan advocacy events
and future governmental affairs efforts. While each state’s
Governmental Affairs efforts are unique, there is a universal need
for membership support of bills and initiatives placed in front of
politicians each year. Less glamorous roles in research and general
assistance are also vital to advocacy efforts. Whether or not you
plan to serve on a committee, please contact your state GAC Chair
to find out how you can be part of the solution!
MAATA NEWS
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FROM DISTRICT III COMMITTEES
Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee
College & University Athletic Trainers Committee
Megan Hammonds, MA, ATC
Andy Carter, MS, ATC
Graduate Representative, Ethnic Diversity
Advisory Committee
The Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee
(EDAC) invites candidates for a graduate
student representative to fulfill a one
year term (one time renewable). EDAC is
an advisory committee of the NATA. The
purpose of this committee is to identify and
address issues relevant to our ethnically
diverse community, both in the health care
arena and in the National Athletic Trainers'
Association. We also strive to promote
diversity in our membership and leadership.
Since the fall newsletter, the College
and University Athletic Trainers’
Committee (CUATC) has had a couple of
conference calls and a very productive
weekend at the NATA Joint Committee
Meeting in Dallas. The CUATC seeks to
identify and address issues affecting
college and university athletic trainers
and their practice. Further, it works
to develop tools to assist the college
and university athletic trainers deliver
health care more effectively and efficiently. To that end, we have
many of our own ongoing projects and are providing input and
leadership to many others. Below is a summary of what we’re
working on at this time.
All interested candidates, please send a resume and letter of
interest to Megan Hammonds at [email protected] by
February 28, 2015.
Graduate Student Representative
Selection Process:
• Candidates will contact the EDAC representative about
their interests
• Sub-committee will review application materials and
recommend potential candidates to Committee Chair
• Committee Chair will conduct interviews
• Position will be filled by end of March/early April
Candidates:
• First year graduate students, or college senior entering a
graduate program
• BOC certified, BOC eligible or enrolled in an entry-level
Athletic Training Master’s degree program
• NATA member
• Have an NPI number
Duties and Responsibilities:
• One year commitment to serve the NATA and EDAC on
issues related to diversity
• Attend, participate and record minutes for the all
committee meetings
• Update the History in the EDAC manual
• Assist with selection of and mentoring the incoming
Graduate Student Representative
• Coordinate the EDAC Annual Service Project Day at the
NATA Annual Meeting
• Assist in EDAC Career Day
• Serve as a liaison for the Young Professionals Committee
Click HERE
for EDAC Upcoming
Events!
10 for 10 Presentations: We continue to update and add to the
number of 10 for 10 Presentations available on the CUATC section
of the NATA website. These presentations provide athletic
trainers with concise presentations on a variety of common
health and safety issues affecting college student-athletes that
can be used to educate coaches, administrators, parents, and
student-athletes.
Guidelines for Appropriate Medical Coverage for Intercollegiate
Athletics: We continue to look for ways to demonstrate the
need for appropriate staffing levels for intercollegiate athletics.
We are working with Datalys to update the treatment and
injury rate data that serve as the foundation of the formula
used in the AMCIA document and worksheet. Athletic trainers
at all collegiate levels have used the document successfully to
demonstrate the need for additional staff, facility upgrades, or
adjustments to coverage priorities. A list of athletic trainers
who are willing to serve as “AMCIA mentors” is available on
the CUATC section of the NATA website. Future projects in this
area include research on how many institutions meet the AMCIA
guidelines and best practices for appropriate staffing and levels
of services for student-athletes. We ultimately hope to provide
a framework for institutions to strategically plan to meet their
health care needs today and in the future.
Organizing the junior college athletic trainers: Last summer in
Indianapolis, the CUATC led the effort to bring athletic trainers
from junior colleges and community colleges together to meet
and discuss issues. Ultimately we found that the most difficult
challenge was to integrate and form a communication model
for the 24 national regions and California. The regional groups
are in the process of identifying representatives who can
work together to lead on health care policy in their respective
organizations. So far, collaboration has been productive and
the junior college group has asked for space to gather again this
MAATA NEWS
26
P22
FROM DISTRICT III COMMITTEES
summer in St. Louis.
students, job descriptions, and adherence to practice acts.
Important legislation affecting college and university athletic
trainers: We received an update from Amy Callendar, NATA
Director of Governmental Affairs, on the proposed legislation
to allow physicians and athletic trainers to travel with teams
and legally practice beyond the state that issues their licenses
to practice. This bill helps to insure that athletic trainers aren’t
charged with practicing without a license when travelling to
away contests and placed in jeopardy of losing liability coverage.
Since Congress is transitioning this year, the bill will need to
be reintroduced. However, the NATA feels this bill is in good
standing with a wide range of support from legislators and other
medical groups collaborating on the lobbying efforts. Once
the bill is reintroduced, please join those efforts with letters of
support on your institutional letterhead to your Congressional
representative and Senator. You can follow the progress of this
bill online at the NATA Legislative Action Center.
As you map out your continuing education for the summer, join
us in St. Louis this summer at the CUATC Specialty Session on
Developing Alternative Staffing Models in the Collegiate Setting.
We’ll also be hosting a Peer-to-Peer Session on Behavioral Health.
I look forward to update you on our work again in Virginia Beach.
If you have any issues or questions that the CUATC may be able to
answer or address, please send them to me at [email protected].
Liability Tool Kit: We have developed a Risk Management
and Liability Assessment Toolkit to assist athletic trainers
in evaluating the extent of their own liability coverage and
identifying potential pitfalls that may place them in jeopardy
should a lawsuit be filed. This tool, currently in draft form, will
take the user through a series of questions and scenarios to
assess risk and liability specific to his or her own practice setting
and job description. Stay tuned for the release of the Liability
Tool Kit.
Update on Best Practices for Spinal Cord injuries: Stakeholders
in the prehospital care of the spine injured athlete including
athletic trainers, physicians, and emergency medical technicians
have collaborated to develop current best practices for managing
these patients from the field to the emergency department. The
document is under review, but we expect significant changes in
current practices, specifically in the areas of equipment removal
and the use of spine boards for immobilization.
College Value Model: This tool, developed collaboratively with
the Committee on Revenue, is designed to help the athletic
trainer quantify his or her worth and value to administrators and
employers. The College Value Model is slated for review by the
original committee for updates and enhancements. Specifically,
we are looking for more metrics to assist in the value assessment
of the various services provided by athletic trainers. If you have
tips or successes that you’d like to share with the committee, we
would welcome the feedback.
College Student Aide Document: There are institutions using
students not affiliated with accredited programs in the role of
student aide in the college setting. These students routinely
perform non-discretionary tasks, such as field set up, water
distribution, ice application, and basic first aid. The CUATC is
developing a document to provide guidance on the role of these
Please Consider Donating
to NATAPAC
Donations for the PAC are being solicited by Robert Cable,
DIII Representative to the NATAPAC.
For more information contact Bob
or visit the NATAPAC website.
MAATA Scholarship Committee
Joe Becker, ATC
The MAATA Scholarship Committee
welcomed two new members during the
summer of 2014, Eric Bengston and Adam
Weyer. Bengston is the North Carolina
representative and presently serves as
the Women’s Soccer Athletic Trainer and
Coordinator of Performing Arts Medicine
at Appalachian State University. Weyer, the
South Carolina representative, serves as
the Associate Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine and Assistant Professor in Athletic Training at Erskine
College.
Throughout the fall ’14 semester, the Scholarship Committee
reviewed and critiqued the application criteria, questions, and
format for each of the four scholarships the MAATA offers. This
was done to enhance the clarity and consistency of the various
applications. As a result, all of the 2015 scholarship applications
were modified from the 2014 versions. Additionally, the
Scholarship Committee reviewed and then modified the scoring
rubric that is used to evaluate the scholarship applications in
an attempt for committee members to more consistently and
transparently evaluate all candidate applications.
It is the desire of the Scholarship Committee that even more
eligible individuals will apply for one of MAATA scholarships in
2015 than what occurred in previous years. Furthermore, any
ideas or suggestions from the membership for enhancements to
the application forms or to the eligibility status and process for
selection of the four scholarships offered by the MAATA will be
greatly appreciated.