​​​In 1976, a group of athletic trainers and students met with John Sciera who was an athletic trainer at the State University of New York at Cortland.  They initiated the idea of having a state organization (even meeting in John’s living room).  The New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NYSATA) was founded in 1976 and Incorporated in 1989.  John Sciera was the first President of the NYSATA.

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The state organization had a focus to get licensure right away, but with a bank account of only $273 and debt of over $900, it was going to be a long road!

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Education Law Article 162 was passed in 1994 after hard work from many individuals, particularly past presidents Steve Norman, Jenny Monaco, Mike Matheny, and Tim Kelly, and including others like Lou Rende and Lou DeNitto.  Athletic Trainers were required to be certified through NYS Education Department by 2000.  It became illegal to work and call yourself a certified athletic trainer in NYS unless you became certified through NYSED.

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During the Presidential tenure of Todd Hirsch, the NYSED began to interpret “Certification” in NYS as “Licensure,” however it is not in our legal language.  NYSATA will pursue actual licensure beginning in 2012 and change of the practice act to encompass the many changes in the profession of athletic training as it has evolved in the nearly 20 years since passing.  Once NYSATA achieves the passing of a bill through legislation and athletic training becomes a NYSED licensed profession, it will be illegal to practice in NYS as an athletic trainer without a NYS license.

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You can read the full NYSATA history HERE or view the PowerPoint presented at the NYSATA 40th Anniversary/Hall of Fame dedication HERE.

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We have attempted to develop a historical perspective but we have some gaps.  Can you help us fill in the gaps?  Please contact Deanna Errico

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