California Athletic Trainers' Association (CATA) Bill Meant to Protect Kids Vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

CATA Says Life-Saving Credentials of Certified Athletic Trainers Overlooked by Governor

SAN DIEGO -- According to the California Athletic Trainers' Association (CATA), California will remain a dumping ground for unqualified practitioners, who call themselves "athletic trainers," to work with athletes and consumers. Governor Schwarzenegger recently vetoed SB 1397, watchdog legislation calling for statewide regulation of athletic training, leaving athletes and consumers at risk for injury or disability.

California is one of just six states in the nation without any laws for the profession. This means anyone can label themselves an "athletic trainer" and medically treat Little Leaguers, high school athletes, factory employees and multi-million dollar professional sports heroes without consequence.

"Athletic trainers provide a vital service to our athletes," said Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), the bill's author. "An unqualified person working with athletes is like a doctor practicing medicine without a license. Properly trained athletic trainers need to be recognized for their medical support services that help teams and people."

"What the Governor and the public don't understand is that qualified athletic trainers are a necessity, not a luxury," said Mike West, CATA Governmental Affairs chair. "We feel the Governor misunderstood the bill's intention and the critical roles and responsibilities of our profession. If he recognized the protection this bill would bring to high school, collegiate and even professional athletes, he would have given us his signature."

In April 2006, the CATA presented their bill in Sacramento calling for statewide registration of athletic trainers, making it a law for those who practice as an athletic trainer to register with the state.

"SB 1397 would have assured the public that the person calling him/herself an athletic trainer is legally recognized in California and has met educational and clinical training standards," said West. "Without the title protection afforded by state legislation, the proliferation of unqualified athletic trainers in California presents a serious health hazard to athletes in the state."

Not Just Ankle Tapers, Athletic Trainers Are Healthcare Professionals

Recognized as allied health care professionals, athletic trainers are physical medicine and rehabilitation experts who have earned a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, completed appropriate clinical training and are certified nationally by the Board of Certification. They are physician extenders providing prevention, assessment and treatment of acute and chronic injuries.

Athletic training has evolved over the past few decades into a high reliability profession where errors in judgment and actions can cause catastrophic consequences. A high school coach or physical education teacher is not qualified to offer this level of medical care.

Is Your Child's Athletic Trainer Safe?

The following check-list shows parents and school administrators how to confirm the athletic trainer working with and treating their children is properly certified by the Board of Certification.

* Visit www.bocatc.org and select "ATC" on the top toolbar 

* On the left-hand toolbar click "Verify Certification" then "Online Verification"

* Enter the practitioner's name and/or state to verify the individual is currently certified. This database also includes athletic trainers whose certifications have been suspended or revoked.

The CATA will not give up their fight to regulate the profession in California and plans to re-submit their bill in 2007.

About the California Athletic Trainers Association (CATA):

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the provision of physical medicine and rehabilitation services, serving as physician extenders in the prevention, assessment and treatment of acute and chronic injuries and illnesses. The California Athletic Trainers Association (http://www.cata-usa.org) represents and supports 2,200 members of the athletic training profession through communication and education.