By Gene Willis, Director of Marketing
March brings about much excitement in the sports world. The freshness and hope of baseball spring training and opening day for Major League Baseball. The excitement of collegiate basketball tournaments on all levels, with last-second miracles. The first full month of NASCAR’s auto racing schedule. High school track and field meets, golf tournaments, and other interscholastic competitions take shape.
None of these events would be possible without proper medical
care from allied health professionals. They’re a core part of the “team behind
the team” that works compassionately for the health and safety of athletes. March
is a celebration of certified athletic trainers (ATCs) – “National Athletic Training Month” – with organizations
throughout sport supporting their work. Support and follow the movement online with
the hashtag #NATM2018.
Since 2013, Drug Free Sport has provided more than $85,000
toward the assistance of certified athletic trainer continuing education
opportunities. We are continuing this
outreach with our Continuing Education Awards competition, supporting high
school and collegiate ATCs who are on the front lines of preventing drug abuse
and dietary supplement misuse.
Last
year, five recipients used Drug Free Sport Continuing Education Awards to
attend industry conferences while also earning valuable continuing educational
units (CEUs) from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), via the
Board of Certification (BOC). The judging committee for the awards is comprised of a
diverse group of sport drug testing professionals and certified athletic
trainers, including two former award recipients.
