Athletic Training Practice Act

With the popularity of “The Biggest Loser” showcasing various motivational methods and weight-loss programs, people search for inspirational professionals to help guide them through weight room exercises and their aerobic workouts. College athletes depend on trainers for rehabilitation and physical training. Professional athletic teams always have trainers on their staff. Athletic trainers become the key factor in maintaining fitness and creating physical transformation; therefore, verifying whether or not the athletic trainer adheres to the Athletic Training Practice Act is crucial in distinguishing excellent professional treatment from mediocre management from noncertified personnel.

  1. Facts

    • Personal trainers are important to individuals working out in health clubs.

      When dealing with matters of health and fitness, the decisive elements for individuals looking for guidance come in the form of qualifications, education and experience. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association and the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers, the Athletic Training Practice Act serves as a regulatory initiative requiring athletic trainers to adhere to certain guidelines and protocol when training athletes at any level.

      The Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers lists 45 states registered with licensure and state practice acts. As of 2009, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maryland and West Virginia provide no regulatory measures nor state practice acts with the Board of Certification. This does not suggest that trainers practicing in these states are not certified. However, there are no state-mandated licensure measures or policing practices registered with the board.

    Significance

    • The importance of the Athletic Training Practice Act revolves around the safety and quality of care individuals receive. Each of the 45 states enforces its version of the practice act. The importance lies in holding trainers accountable to a higher standard of excellence to assure competence and a professional code of conduct. In addition to the state regulatory agencies, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education also oversees the development and continuance of minimum athletic training standards.

    Specifics

    • Each state drafted its own Athletic Training Practice Act and implements it in different ways. The practice acts vary in nature but essentially the core parts of the document remain the same. First, they list the purpose or importance of the act, then follow it with definitions, information regarding the athletic training advisory committee, overseeing agencies, license or certification requirements, application information, procedures, compliance and implementation process, disciplinary actions and penalties.

    Definitions

    • The very first points of order that the Athletic Training Practice Act addresses are the definitions outlining the job, duties and expectations of an athletic trainer. The acts define athletic training in similar ways as “the practice of prevention, recognition, and assessment of an athletic injury and the complete management, treatment, disposition, and reconditioning of acute athletic injuries upon the referral of an (authorized) individual.”

      The act also classifies an athletic trainers as one who meets the qualifications for
      “… licensure and who is employed by an educational institution, professional or amateur organization, athletic facility, or health care facility to practice athletic training.”

    Disciplinary Actions

    • Trainers committing misconduct, negligence, fraud or incompetency, whether it results in an injury or not, provide grounds for the board to examine the trainer’s license. Disciplinary measures for violating any part of the Athletic Training Practice Act include the revocation of the trainer’s license or imposing penalties. The severity of the punishment depends on the state oversight committee.