Legislative History

2023 Legislative Priorities  |  Legislative History

History of The Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association Governmental Affairs

Since the formation of Texas State Athletic Trainers Association in 2000-2001, the Association has had an active role in governmental affairs in the State of Texas. Before the formation of the association, all dealings with Texas state agencies were handled through the National Athletic Trainers' Association District Six trade association-The Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association with Michael K. (Spanky) Stephens serving as the voice of Athletic Trainers in Texas. Since the formation of TSATA, the Association has handled all matters dealing with State Licensure with a variety of state agencies and other affiliated associations. Spanky Stephens was hired as Executive Director of TSATA in 2001 and has since served as the voice of Athletic Trainers in Texas.

The Athletic Trainer licensing law was passed in 1971. Since then, no state funds have been used to support this law. In 2004 TSATA hired HillCo Partners as the lobbying firm representing Athletic Trainers.

Since its inception, TSATA has been involved in several legislative efforts as well has collaborated with several State agencies in promoting Athletic Training and promoting health and safety for student athletes participating in University Interscholastic League activities.  Since the reformation of the UIL Medical Board via sunset legislation in 2015, the board is now comprised of physicians, athletic trainers, and UIL staff members to promote a healthy environment for all student athletes who participate not only in physical activity but also band and cheerleading.

TSATA has promoted legislation through its own efforts as well as through collaboration with other entities to improve health care and safety for student-athletes and the physically active individuals in Texas.  Some agencies and trade groups TSATA has been involved with are the Texas Medical Association, the University Interscholastic League, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas High School Boys and Girls Coaching Associations. TSATA also participates in a biannual Hit the Hill Day during National Athletic Trainers’ month in March to meet and greet Texas legislators to promote the Licensed Athletic Trainer as well as to promote the health and safety for high school athletes in Texas. Since 1971, the License Athletic Trainers have never used state funds to support this licensing program. It has paid its own way since our licensing act was passed.

Since its inception, TSATA has been a driving force in the promotion of health, safety, and well-being initiatives for secondary school student athletes in across Texas and in individual school districts. The organization and its individual members have been involved with physician practices, hospitals, working with physically active individuals in Texas. Recently, military leaders reached out to TSATA to help provide health care during physical training for the elite forces who guard our nation.  As our scope of practice requires physician involvement, athletic trainers work under their direction. Physicians’ faith in our profession has grown our field of dreams yearly. Licensed athletic trainers serve both the student athletes and physically active individuals across the Great State of Texas.

Legislative and Collaboration highlights include: