HONORS & AWARDS
Nominate a SEATA Member for Recognition!
Do you know an individual who should be recognized for their
outstanding contribution to the profession as a SEATA? If so, take a
few moments to nominate them.
All nominations must be submitted by
September 15th at 11:59 pm CST
​
Recognition Awards Timeline (all deadlines are 11:59 pm CST)
-
August 1 – September 15: Nomination Period.
-
September 15 – October 15: Submission Period for any supporting materials (see email for what is required). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
-
October 15 – November 15 Committee Review Period
-
December 2 – 15 – Notification of Award Recipients
Available Honors and Awards
​
Hall of Fame
The SEATA Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to recognize the very best of the athletic training profession in SEATA and is the highest honor which may be bestowed upon a SEATA member. Individuals inducted into the SEATA Hall of Fame exemplify the mission statement of SEATA by enhancing the quality of health care provided by athletic trainers and advance the athletic training profession with such qualities as leadership, service, dedication, scholarly activities, promotion and professionalism. CLICK HERE (Temporarily Inactive) for the separate nomination.
​
Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award
The Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award is one of SEATA’s highest honors, recognizing certified athletic trainers in District IX who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained service to SEATA and the athletic training profession. To be eligible, nominees must have at least 11 years of certification as an athletic trainer while living or working in District IX, and a minimum of 15 years of professional service. They must be nominated by another certified member from District IX—self-nominations and any attempts to influence the selection process are not allowed. Members of the SEATA Hall of Fame are not eligible for this award. Nominees are evaluated based on meaningful contributions to SEATA, including participation in or leadership of SEATA conferences, symposia, and committees. Points are awarded for roles such as speaker, coordinator, or chair, as well as for attendance and service on standing or ad hoc committees. Additional consideration is given for holding SEATA or state-level offices, receiving SEATA honors, and other notable service to the organization. CLICK HERE (Temporarily Inactive) for the separate nomination.
Early Professionals’ Distinction Award & Career Advancement Committee Professional Distinction Award
Formerly known as the “Young Professionals’ Distinction Award”, these two new awards have been created to reflect the division of Early Professionals and Career Advancing Professionals. The awards are designed to recognize one early professional and one career-advancing professional who have positively impacted the athletic training profession at the state and district level. This award is unique to District IX young professionals and explores the depth and breadth of character, service, and professionalism. An award, including complimentary basic registration for the SEATA Clinical Symposium and Members' Meeting, goes to each recipient. These awards are selected by their respective committees. CLICK HERE (Temporarily Inactive) for the separate nominations.
Chuck Kimmel Award of Merit
On January 30, 2008 the SEATA Executive Board renamed the SEATA Award of Merit to the Chuck Kimmel Award of Merit to honor Chuck Kimmel for his many contributions to the profession of athletic training through his work in SEATA and the NATA. It is one of the highest awards given to a member of the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association, the Chuck Kimmel Award of Merit recognizes individuals who have worked for the District on a national level, bringing honor and recognition to the District IX. This distinction is reserved for the most able noteworthy professionals in the field of athletic training. Nominees must have 10 years of service as an active Certified member of SEATA, served in a leadership capacity for SEATA for a minimum of five years, and exhibited exemplary leadership in their service role, significantly advancing the mission and goals of SEATA and the profession of athletic training.
R.T. Floyd District Award
In March 2015, the SEATA Executive Board renamed this award to recognize R.T. Floyd for his outstanding contributions to SEATA and the athletic training profession. The R.T. Floyd District Award is dedicated to individuals who have given of themselves to promote, lead, and work for the District IX, making significant contributions at the district level even if they have not served on a national level. Nominees must be active members of SEATA for at least 10 years, with 5 years immediately preceding their nomination, and must have been involved in a specific initiative or project to further the goals of SEATA, demonstrating measurable outcomes of their efforts and involving and leading other members in the process.
Nick Pappas Legislative Advocacy Award
In honor of Nick Pappas’ unwavering dedication and unselfish efforts for legislative and governmental affairs initiatives, the SEATA Executive Board created this award on September 16, 2019. It recognizes a dedicated SEATA member who follows Nick’s example of leadership, passion, and service as an advocate for the athletic training profession.
Jack C. Hughston, M.D. Sports Medicine Person of the Year Award
The SEATA Executive Board renamed this award in December 2004 to honor Dr. Jack C. Hughston, M.D. This award is given to individuals who have contributed to SEATA and the athletic training profession, including both medical and non-medical persons. It is the highest award given to a person who may not be an athletic trainer and is designed to show the district’s appreciation for related contributions to the field of athletic training in the southeast. Nominees must have 15 years of service in an area of athletic training within the geographical region of SEATA and be nominated by three people, two of whom must be certified members of SEATA.
Backbone Athletic Trainer Award
One of the first awards given by SEATA, the Backbone Athletic Trainer Award recognizes an assistant athletic trainer who has played a major role in supporting the Head Athletic Trainer. This award is for the true professional in the trenches, working day-to-day to meet the needs of the athletic training room. Nominees must currently be certified members of SEATA, licensed to practice Athletic Training in their respective state, and employed as an assistant or associate athletic trainer at any level or environment.
​
​
High School Athletic Trainer Award
This award recognizes athletic trainers at the secondary school level who have made a significant impact on their communities and institutions. Many of these individuals may not have had the chance to serve on the District or National levels, but their importance is seen in the state and communities where they reside. They have contributed to the growth and awareness of the profession of athletic training. Nominees must currently be certified members of SEATA for a minimum of two years, licensed to practice Athletic Training in their respective state, and be employed or working in the high school setting in District IX with a total of two years cumulative experience in the setting. If employed by a clinic, at least half of their hours must be working in the high school setting.
​
Kenny Howard College/University Athletic Trainer Award
The SEATA Executive Board renamed this award in March 2017 to honor Kenny Howard, a SEATA charter member, for his lifelong leadership and excellence in the profession. This award recognizes athletic trainers at the college or university level for their service to the institution, community, and SEATA. These individuals serve many functions in addition to athletic training. Nominees must currently be certified members of SEATA for a minimum of two years, licensed to practice Athletic Training in their respective state, and employed in a college, university, or community college setting in District IX with a total of two years cumulative experience in the setting.
Clinic/Industrial/Corporate Athletic Trainer Award
This award honors athletic trainers who have represented the profession well in a clinic, industrial, or corporate environment. This venue of service enlightens the public to the many benefits of having an athletic trainer in the workplace. Nominees must currently be certified members of SEATA for a minimum of two years, licensed to practice Athletic Training in their respective state, and employed in a clinic, industrial, or corporate environment in District IX with a total of two years cumulative experience in the setting.
Professional Athletic Trainer Award
This award recognizes athletic trainers associated with professional sports teams in the district. These individuals represent the profession well and make athletic training more visible. Nominees must currently be certified members of SEATA for a minimum of two years, licensed to practice Athletic Training in their respective state, and employed in a professional sport environment with a total of two years of cumulative experience in the setting.
​
​
Education/Administration Award
Many athletic trainers serve as educators or in administrative positions. This award is given to members committed to teaching athletic training skills and functioning in a leadership capacity at an institution. Nominees must currently be certified members of SEATA for a minimum of two years, licensed to practice Athletic Training in their respective state, and show specific evidence of making a significant educational or administrative contribution to the SEATA membership.
Sponsor Award
This award honors businesses, medical practices, and organizations that have made an impact on the organization through their contributions. SEATA is very appreciative of the many friends who have supported athletic trainers through the years. The award is open to service-oriented businesses, medical practices, and organizations that have supported healthcare services above and beyond the expected, in support of athletic trainers in District IX.