Public policy / advocacy agenda 2011

VATA is dedicated to the health and well-being of Virginians who are physically active. The Association focuses on enhancing the professional development of Virginia’s certified athletic trainers and on communicating between all persons and agencies invested in the health and well-being of athletes and the physically active. VATA supports the advancement of the athletic training profession through legislative and educational endeavors that promote and ensure the highest standards of professional practice.

Access to injury prevention and accurate and timely assessment and treatment of injuries and illnesses for Virginia’s athletes and the physically active.

Support legislation, regulations and policy guidelines that:

• Promote the use of athletic trainers as the appropriate health care providers in prevention, recognition, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of injuries and illnesses caused by physical activity.  
• Ensure that Virginia’s athletes, the physically active and their support systems receive education regarding prevention of injuries and illnesses.
• Reduce the risk of injuries associated with athletic competition and physical activity through adequate physical, psychosocial, and nutritional preparation of the physically active.
• Reduce the risk of sports or physical activity related injury and illness through assuring that the performance environment is safe.
• Support funding for athletic trainers in public secondary schools.

Promotion of excellence in athletic training education to ensure an adequate workforce to meet the needs of Virginia’s student athletes and the physically active.

Support legislation and regulations that:

• Adequately funds athletic training entry level and post-professional education.
• Support continuing professional education sufficient to maintain the expertise of certified athletic trainers.

Participation of VATA members in policy-making and advocating for the profession

• Increase VATA membership and participation in coalitions whose goals are consistent with VATA goals.
• Increase numbers of VATA members with skills in grassroots advocacy.
• Increase numbers of legislators with VATA members as key contacts.