Download 2009 Constitution

Download 2009 Standing Rules

The origin of the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association was to advance, encourage and improve the athletic training profession. That process included forming a constitution and by-laws to enable the founding members to initiate, formulate and administrate those initiatives. Our constitution was written to coordinate and not to conflict with the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association.

The original constitution and by-laws, written in 1987, have not had any major revisions since its formulation. The NATA and SWATA have expended many hours revising and changing their constitution and by-laws in order achieve and administrate progress for the athletic training professions and its members. We, as members of the AATA, have the same obligation to our state association and members.

The executive board, elected by the AATA membership, has vision for our state association that requires changes in our governing documents. A presidential directive was issued to establish a task force for evaluation of our constitution and by-laws. The task force members consist of the Parliamentarian and a majority of the non-voting AATA membership. After considerable discussion and review of NATA and SWATA constitutions, by-laws, standing rules and the policies and procedures, the task force has decided to bring to the membership changes to enhance the function of our constitution, and institute standing rules in place of our by-laws. The change is not to conflict with the NATA or SWATA, but to enable our state association to progress our profession in a manner parallel to the NATA and SWATA.

Some of us have differentiating views of change. To be stagnant and not pursue excellence for our profession and association would invalidate everything that our founding constitution initiated. The changes are to enable our present and future leaders in our state association to administrate and further achieve the positive goals of our association.

Each AATA member has equal input and voice into the administration of our association. The executive board is always available to answer questions and consider our recommendations and input for the betterment of our association.

As a member of AATA for twenty years, I view these changes as a positive step for our membership.

Sherry Riggins, ATC

Parliamentarian

Constitution and Standing Rules Task Force, Chairman