Awards

This award is designed to recognize healthcare organizations that offer a variety of services to patients/stakeholders, while employing athletic trainers who function in a variety of roles, promoting the utilization of their skills. 

1. 1. Eligibility Requirements include that the organization should be involved in the IATA/GLATA/NATA and should contribute to the field of sports medicine and the athletic training profession. 
   2. Nomination requirements include a Director or Leadership letter to acknowledge information submitted in the supplementary materials, a stakeholder letter supporting the healthcare organization, and completion of the nomination form.

The IATA Impact Athletic Trainer Award recognizes an athletic trainer who exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and longevity in the profession of athletic training. The award recognizes athletic trainers in the state of Illinois who may not seek professional involvement on the IATA Board of Directors, but who play a vital role in the state through their efforts within the athletic training profession.

1. Eligibility requirements include completing 10 years of Illinois Certified service, being an active or retired IATA member, and having an NPI number (unless AT Retired).
2. Nomination requirements include the sponsor's letter stating your reasons for nominating this individual, the nomination form, and the candidate's resume or CV.

Individuals not meeting Hall of Fame induction requirements may be given a Special Recognition Award. Additionally, this award can be received by an individual, group, organization, etc. that is not eligible for the IATA Hall of Fame Award (e.g., non-certified members, physicians, administrators, schools, etc.). This award is reserved for those who have made significant contributions to the athletic training/sports medicine profession and have a history of providing quality service to our state’s athletes. This award is given at the committee’s discretion. 

1. 1. Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 10 years of active practice or service to the athletic training/sports medicine profession and/or patient population in the state of Illinois, and a history of quality personal and professional contributions to the athletic training profession in the state of Illinois. 
   2. Nomination requirements include a sponsor's letter (from an IATA member) stating your reason for nominating this individual or group.  The letter shall contain the nominee's qualifications, activities, and contributions to athletic training, sports medicine, and/or the patient population of the State of Illinois, a nomination form, and the candidate's resume or CV (if nominating an individual). 
      1. Nominations for an athletic trainer must include being Certified, being an active or retired IATA member, and having an NPI number (unless AT Retired). 

The Karen Hovorka Humanitarian Award will be awarded on behalf of her family by the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association (IATA) to an individual who displays acts of kindness and service by volunteering their time to a charity/non-profit organization. 

1. 1. Eligibility requirements include that the nominee  be a Certified member of the IATA (active or retired), having an NPI number (unless AT Retired), and have volunteered with the charity / non-profit organization for a minimum of 12 months.
   2. Nomination requirements include an IATA member must nominate the individual, completion of the nomination form, submission of a letter of recommendation from a personal reference, submission of a letter of recommendation from a member of the charity/non-profit organization, and a submission one-page personal statement reflecting on his/her philosophy of “The Importance of Giving”. 
   3.  Once the Honors and Awards Committee has received all applications, they will be given to the Hovorka family for review and selection of the award winner. All nominee information will be anonymous when presented for review.
   4. The award is an engraved trophy presented to the recipient; in addition, a $250 honorarium will be given to the Les Turner ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Foundation in honor of Karen Hovorka, in the recipient’s name
      
      

The Dedicated Service Award is named in honor of Rich Carey, a founding member of the IATA. Rich was instrumental in the IATA’s early development, serving as its first treasurer from 1982-85, doing grassroots work on the state’s first registration legislation, and serving on the IATA Board of Directors once again from 2006-2008. This award recognizes athletic trainers for their dedicated service to the IATA/GLATA/NATA and the fields of sports medicine and athletic training profession.

1. Eligibility requirements include completing 10 years of Illinois Certified service, being an active or retired IATA member, and having an NPI number (unless AT Retired).
2. Nomination requirements include the sponsor's letter stating your reasons for nominating this individual, the nomination form, and the candidate's resume or CV.

The IATA Young Professional Award aims to recognize a young professional (12 years Certified or less at the time of nomination submission) who is a member of the IATA and has made outstanding contributions to their patients, community, and athletic training profession. The ideal candidate is professional, dedicated, and highly regarded  by their peers for their qualities and contributions. Consideration will be based on recommendations from peers, service, community involvement, and professional development. 

1. Eligibility requirements include being a Certified Athletic Trainer for 12 years or less at the time of nomination submission, being an active or retired IATA member, and having an NPI number (unless AT Retired).
2. Nomination requirements include the sponsor's letter stating your reasons for nominating this individual, the nomination form, and the candidate's resume or CV.

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The IATA Educator Award recognizes an IATA member who has demonstrated sustained excellence, innovation, and leadership in athletic training education. This award honors those who have significantly impacted the development of athletic training through formal instruction, mentorship, professional presentations, and educational program development. 

 

Nominees may serve in a variety of educational roles, including but not limited to:

• Professors or instructors in CAATE-accredited professional or post-professional athletic training programs.
• Athletic trainers within their distinct clinical setting who mentor students or lead educational initiatives in their institution or community. 
• Preceptors who guide athletic training students in real-world settings. 
• Avid scholars who present at local, state, or regional athletic training events or publish research in scholarly journals.

 

Eligibility requirements include:

• The nominee must be an active member of IATA for at least five (5) years prior to nomination
• hold a valid NPI number
• be BOC certified, and licensed to practice athletic training in Illinois.
• Nominees must be in good standing with all organizations listed above.

Nomination requirements include: Completion of the nomination form, current CV or résumé of nominee, two or more letters of support (one must be from a current or former student, mentee, or supervisee), summary of educational contributions (max 2 pages; from the nominee), and a summary of scholarly activity or presentations (if applicable)