Committee on Professional Ethics District 9 At-Large Representative

District 9 is looking for an at-large representative to serve on the NATA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE). The mission of the COPE is to ensure enforcement of the NATA Code of Ethics and the Membership Standards, Eligibility Requirements, and Membership Sanctions and Procedures. The committee is composed of 22 representatives, one regular member and one at-large member from each district. The committee term will begin in July 2023, with the opportunity to renew annually.

Specific expectations include:

• Addressing complaints of alleged violations of the Code and Standards
• Periodically reviewing and recommending changes in the NATA Code and Standards, as well as procedures for processing complaints
• Educating the membership as to the NATA Code of Ethics (Code) and Membership Standards (Standards) and the process for adjudicating complaints again members
• Responding to requests for interpretations of the Code and Standards
• Ensuring that the Code and Standards, as well as the complaint process, are not in conflict with any federal or state laws, rules and regulations, or any policies of the NATA
• Attend annual meetings throughout the term
• Participate on scheduled committee conference calls

Qualifications:

• Have experience within the athletic training profession
• Have a solid character and passion for upholding professional standards
• Be able to remain objective as information is gathered
• Abide by the confidential nature of the process
• Be willing to professionally navigate uncomfortable situations
• Be willing to work as part of a dedicated team
• Effectively communicate in a timely manner with fellow members, committee chair and staff liaison
• Participate in case and committee conference calls and meetings
• Be in possession of an NPI number
• Certified or retired certified member in good standing with the NATA.

Expectations of all committee members:

1. Communicate with the chair, including promptly informing the chair of any scheduling conflicts or contact information changes.
2. Communicate with the member's district director about the committee’s progress.
3. Contribute to discussions at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background support materials relevant to the meeting. Display courteous conduct at all meetings.
4. Openly debate issues with respect and rapport, without making personal attacks.
5. Promote what is best for the entire committee and for the profession, not a personal agenda.
6. Complete all assignments within time frames established by the committee chair.
7. Serve as project or workgroup leader if assigned by the chair.
8. Participate in the annual Volunteer Experience survey.
9. Represent the NATA and the committee in a positive and supportive manner at all times.
10. Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the committee, even when the member disagrees with such actions.
11. Uphold the NATA Code of Ethics and Policies and Procedures as they pertain to the committee.

Conflict of Interest

Committee members avoid conflicts of interest between the position as an NATA volunteer and the member's personal and professional life. When necessary, members declare a conflict of interest and abstain from both the discussion and voting of any matter in which the member has a personal or business interest. (A conflict of interest is defined as any social, professional or economic relationship with individuals or the matter at hand that could affect one's judgment and result in an outcome that might not reflect the best interests of the NATA and/or the committee.)

Intellectual Property

Work and materials developed, created or written—as a committee, work group, or board member, or in any other volunteer capacity for NATA—shall be deemed work-for-hire under copyright, intellectual property, and other laws. NATA is granted sole and exclusive ownership of all such work. Committee members waive all claims and/or so-called “moral rights” to the work, and assign these rights to NATA.

NATA and its committees, councils and commissions are committed to represent, engage and foster the continued growth and development of the athletic training profession and athletic trainers as unique health care providers. To advance the mission and promote unparalleled delivery of athletic training services amid ever-growing global and diverse populations, NATA and its committees, councils and commissions embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and access as a leadership imperative for our association. All NATA members are welcomed and encouraged to serve on the association’s committees, councils, commissions, etc., as diverse backgrounds, experiences and knowledge help advance the profession and work of NATA