Elections will open May 1st and run through May 15th for the Executive Board positions of President, Secretary, and West Tennessee Representative. Here are the candidates:
President: Mike Van Bruggen, Helen Binkley, and Racheal Lawler
Secretary: Shellie Acocello
West Tennessee Representative: Katie Perkins
The Tennessee Athletic Trainers' Society seeks from its members a call for nominations for the TATS Executive Board. The following offices on the TATS Executive Board are up for regular elections in 2024: President, Secretary, and West Tennessee Representative.. TATS Executive Board Elections will begin May 1st and end on May 15th, 2024 per TATS Bylaws. Nominations will be accepted by completion of this form on the TATS website which are sent to the TATS Parliamentarian and/or Secretary for verification of qualifications.
Click below to nominate an athletic trainer.
Join us for the ATs Care event on May 31 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee! This program is designed to offer crisis management training opportunities for athletic trainers dealing with the aftermath of a critical incident1. Enhance your knowledge of crisis intervention and equip yourself to support your peers in the aftermath of a critical incident. The cost of the event is $100 per person. However, Tennessee Athletic Training Society members will receive a $50 discount on their PEC registration. At the completion of this event, each member will receive 8 category D CEUs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and support each other in our community. Stay tuned for more registration info. Please address any questions to TATS.communications@gmail.com.
Calling All Members! Submit Your Proposals Today!
We invite all Tennessee Athletic Trainers' Society members to showcase their expertise and contribute to our shared knowledge by submitting a proposal. Let your voice be heard and shape the future of our profession. Your innovative ideas and valuable insights are crucial in advancing the field of athletic training. Don't miss this chance to make a difference – submit your proposal now and help us create a stronger and more united community of athletic trainers in Tennessee! Click Here
There is a run-off for both the position of East Tennessee Representative and Vice President. Please take a minute to cast your vote for our Executive Board positions.
To review the candidate bios for Matt Cahoon, Noel Evans, Thad Avery, and Wade Bartlett, click the link below.
Election for Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society Vice President is now open. Election will be open until May 19th.
Please click here to read the bios of your three East Tennessee Representative Candidates.
The Tennessee Athletic Trainers' Society seeks from its members a call for nominations for the TATS Executive Board. The following offices on the TATS Executive Board are up for regular elections in 2023: Vice President TATS Executive Board Elections will begin May 1st and end on May 15th, 2023 per TATS Bylaws. Nominations will be accepted by completion of this form on the TATS website which are sent to the TATS Parliamentarian and/or Secretary for verification of qualifications.
Click below to nominate an athletic trainer.
The Tennessee Athletic Trainers' Society seeks from its members a call for nominations for the TATS Executive Board. The following offices on the TATS Executive Board are up for regular elections in 2023: Vice President and East Tennessee Representative. TATS Executive Board Elections will begin May 1st and end on May 15th, 2023 per TATS Bylaws. Nominations will be accepted by completion of this form on the TATS website which are sent to the TATS Parliamentarian and/or Secretary for verification of qualifications.
Click below to nominate an athletic trainer.
Proposed By-Law Changes
Proposed By-Law Change #1
Article IV, Section 3
Current Language:
Section 3. In the event there is only one candidate nominated for any elected position and remains the only qualified candidate at the close of nominations, that candidate must still be duly elected. Regarding the election of Regional Representatives, each voter may vote for one (1) candidate from each of the regions.
Proposed Language:
Article IV, Section 3
Section 3. In the event there is only one candidate nominated for any elected position and remains the only qualified candidate at the close of nominations, that candidate will automatically be elected. Regarding the election of Regional Representatives, each voter may vote for one (1) candidate from each of the regions.
Proposed By-Law Change #2
Current Language:
Article IV – Governing Body: Election and Removal from Office; Eligibility to Run for Office
Section 6. The newly elected officers will take office and begin their terms at the TATS Annual Clinical Symposia & Members Meeting. Officers elected as a result of special elections shall assume office as set forth in Article V, Section 3 in these By-Laws.
Proposed Language:
Section 6. The newly elected officers will take office and begin their terms at the first meeting of the Executive Board that occurs 90 days after the election results are verified and tabulated.
Proposed By-Law Change #3
Current Language:
Article XII – Committees
Section 4. Selection of Committee Members: Recommended by the Chair/Co-chairperson and appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Board from the appropriate membership categories of the Society. Every effort should be made to have at least one member from each of the three (3) regions.
Proposed Language:
Section 4. Selection of Committee Members: Recommended by the Chair/Co-Chairperson and appointed by the President with the approval of the Committee’s Executive Board Liaison from the appropriate membership categories of the Society. Every effort should be made to have at least one member from each of the three (3) regions.
**These proposed changes will be brought to a vote in the 2023 May election.**
Nominate a deserving athletic trainer in Tennessee for any one of the following awards:
Presidents Award: There are always a small group of individuals in any organization who take on the responsibility of providing the resources and effort for meeting the goals and completion of projects. This is particularly true in TATS as it is in our profession. We have been blessed with good leaders and members who have provided their time and talents in many ways. Many have served their time and then stepped aside to let others continue to build on the foundation they have started. However, there are some special individuals who, no matter what achievements they have reached and no matter how much they have contributed still find ways to be involved in the athletic training profession. The Presidents’ Award of Merit has been created to recognize those individuals who have continued to distinguish themselves beyond the call of duty. It stands for the unselfish dedication and sacrifice that epitomizes the certified athletic trainer and is one of our organization’s highest awards.
Sports Medicine Person of the Year Award: Each year, the Honors and Awards Committee is provided by the membership names of special individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to sports medicine with influence on the athletic training profession. The Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society proudly recognizes this person for their service and dedication by honoring them with this award.
Joe Worden Clinical/Professional AT of the Year Award: Joe Worden, former head athletic trainer at Vanderbilt University has been described as the consummate athletic trainer. His regard for each athlete in his care provided a level of compassion and professionalism that was demonstrated both on and off the field. This award is given to that individual who best exemplifies the qualities that Joe Worden demonstrated in his illustrious and unselfish career.
Eugene Smith/Mickey O’Brien College AT of the Year Award: The College Athletic Trainer of the Year Award is named for former head athletic trainers Eugene Smith of then Memphis State University and Mickey O’Brien who served at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. These people were some of the most talented athletic trainers in sports and helped set the model that others have followed in providing care at the collegiate level. This award honors those whose work epitomizes that legacy.
Sandy Sandlin High School AT of the Year Award: Sandy Sandlin was a special person whose tireless work as an athletic trainer at the University of Tennessee — Chattanooga flowed over into the surrounding communities. His dedication to athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels set an example for others to follow. The High School Athletic Trainer of the Year is given to those individuals whose effort exemplifies the perseverance and dedication for which this award is named.
Backbone Award: Behind many great leaders there are personnel who demonstrate a work ethic that often goes unrecognized. The professional dedication and personal sacrifice of these individuals allows those with supervisory responsibility to better meet their obligations. The Backbone Award is given to that person whose commitment and enthusiasm exemplifies the unselfish loyalty to their respective programs, staff and athletes.
Corporate Award: The Corporate Award is presented to individuals or groups who have distinguished themselves by making significant contributions or provided outstanding support of the athletic training profession in the State of Tennessee.
Jerry Robertson Educator of the Year Award: The Jerry Robertson Educator Award is named for former head athletic trainer Jerry Robertson of East Tennessee State University for his work in creating, implementing, and establishing the first undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program in the state. This award is given to an individual who is an Athletic Trainer in the educational setting and who’s dedication and service to Athletic Trainers’ and/or Athletic Training Students exemplifies their desire to learn and/or teach regarding the profession of Athletic Training.
Lifesaver Certificate of Recognition: Following the guidelines of the NATA Lifesaver Recognition Program, TATS would like to recognize when an Athletic Trainer has been directly involved with a Lifesaving event. A lifesaving event is defined as a situation in which the victim(s) would have or most likely have died had the Athletic Trainer not intervened by providing skilled medical care and assistance. The Athletic Trainer will receive a Certificate of Recognition at the annual TATS Meeting.
Attention Undergraduate and Graduate Athletic Training Students! Apply today for a chance to receive a $1,500 scholarship. Recommendations required. Applications close January 31st.
The Safe Stars Act (SB-1259/HB-1410) is officially in effect for the 2022-2023 school year. This bill applies to all “city, county, business, or nonprofit organization that organizes a community-based youth athletic activity” as well as each LEA and public/public charter school that provides a youth athletic activity. The goal of this bill is to enhance safety standards in youth sports by implementing policies around topics like concussion, weather safety, and injury prevention.
This means that there are certain requirements that must be met if you qualify as one of the above organizations. Click the link below to review the requirements for each level (bronze, silver, and gold).
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is starting their 18th year of the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, more commonly known ad the High School RIO. The RIO is funded by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and is managed by researchers at the Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, a 501c(3) non-profit organization. By participating in this important study, you can help us move toward the goal of reducing the rate and severity of sports-related injuries among high school athletes.
This study uses RIO™ (Reporting Information Online), an internet-based surveillance system, to collect data from a national sample of high school athletes to identify rates and patterns of injury as well as risk and protective factors for sports injuries at the high school level. ATs who participate in High School RIO will receive a virtual gift card to thank them for their participation. While the amount of the incentive varies slightly based on the number of sports reported, last year’s participants received $300 each for reporting ten sports. Participating ATs will also receive ten category B CEUs and an individual school report that can be directly compared to the larger High School RIO summary reports.
This year, High School RIO will again capture data on 20 sports (boys’ football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ wrestling, boys’ baseball, girls’ softball, girls’ field hockey, boys’ ice hockey, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving, boys’ and girls’ track and field, boys’ and girls’ cross country, and cheerleading). You are not expected to report for all 20 sports. Instead, you will be asked to report for 10 randomly selected sports that are offered at your school and that you provide services for.
If you and your school would like to participate in the 2022-23 National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study or would like to learn more about this important study, please click on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/highschoolrio22_23
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working with you! Also, please feel free to forward this invitation to any other ATs who work in the high school setting who may also be interested in participating.
The contact for this study is below:
Christy Collins, PhD
President
Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Inc
6151 Central Ave., Suite 117
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317-275-3667
The TATS Professional Education Committee would like to extend a call for proposals to present at the 2023 TATS Annual Symposium & Members Meeting, which will be held March 17-19, 2023, at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, TN. The TATS Professional Education Committee oversees development of the educational program, which consists of committee-developed programming AND proposal submissions.
The Professional Education Committee welcomes proposal submissions from NATA members and nonmembers for the following program formats: lecture presentation, interactive lectures, learning labs, and pre-conference workshops. Be sure to read the proposal guidelines for each program format (described below) prior to submission. The deadline for submission is October 15, 2022. All proposals must be submitted using this form linked below.
Lecture Presentation; 55 minutes; 1-2 presenters; 45 minute lecture with 10 minute discussion/ Q &A
Interactive Lecture; 75 minutes; 1-2 presenters; 45 minute lecture interspersed with interruptions for attendee engagement (videos, demonstrations, group activities/discussions, audience participation)
Learning Lab; 75 minutes; 1-2 presenters; 20-30 minute lecture with 45-55 minute lab session
Pre-Conference Workshop; 4 hours; varies; workshops must include an opportunity for participants to interact in group activities such as skill demonstrations, discussion sessions, etc.
Proposal topics must fall within one of the five domains of practice for athletic training. Detailed domain information can be found in the Board of Certification Practice Analysis.
Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion
Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis
Immediate and Emergency Care
Therapeutic Intervention
Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility
Proposal submissions must avoid any affiliation with a commercial product or service.
Proposals must be complete and accurate with confirmed topic and list of speakers.
Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
Speakers must be available for scheduling on any of the 3 days of programming.
Speakers understand that TATS will provide speakers a $100 honorarium, complimentary meeting registration, and all conference-provided meals.
Speakers agree to allow the TATS to record presentations and make them available on a secured website behind a “attendee only” log in.
The submission form will be available by July 1, 2022.
The deadline for submission is October 15, 2022.
Proposals will be reviewed by the PEC and informed of acceptance by December 1st. Any questions relating to the proposal submission process can be directed to Shellie-Acocello@utc.edu.
The following information will be needed to complete the proposal submission process:
Presenter Information: Name, Credentials, Title/Position/Affiliation, Email/Phone
Title of Presentation
Presentation format and length
Domain(s) of athletic training that the presentation pertains to:
I - Injury and Illness Prevention & Wellness Promotion
II - Examination, Assessment & Diagnosis
III - Immediate & Emergency Care
IV - Therapeutic Interventions
V - Healthcare Administration & Professional Responsibility
5. Level of presentation descriptions:
Essential- Includes core theory, concepts and applications,
Advanced- Includes in-depth theory, concepts and applications of information
and/or techniques that are presented beyond the Essential Level,
Mastery- Includes the highest level of theory, concepts and applications of
knowledge of technique within a specific area
6. Abstract/Knowledge Gap (100 words or less)
7. State the Learning objectives of the session (3-5)
*The objectives should follow best practice for learning objective construction.
Please use Bloom’s Taxonomy Action Verbs, you may find examples at this link.
Avoid “understand” and “appreciate”.
*DO NOT begin the learning objective with ‘Following this session, participants will
be able to…’ Please start the learning objective with a verb.
8. Clinical Bottom Line: a summary of the evidence (3-4 sentences) that identifies the
clinical recommendation/s outlined in the learning objectives.
9. Provide 3-5 references/sources (e.g. peer reviewed publications) that support the
content of the presentation. Utilize format as described in the Journal of Athletic
Training authors guide found here.
TATS Professional Education Committee
