MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers Society (PSATS)
is to serve as an educational resource for the Major League Soccer
athletic trainers. PSATS serves its members by providing for the continuing
education of the athletic trainer as it relates to the profession
thereby improving the athletic trainers understanding of sports medicine
as it relates to soccer. PSATS strives to improve the education of
its members so that they may better serve Major League Soccer, their
organizations, and the professional soccer players under their care.
PSATS also serves as an educational resource for those outside of
the professional soccer community to better educate them on the role
of the athletic trainer within the sports medicine team.
NATA PRESS RELEASE:
On January 12, 2008, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers Society (PSATS), and Major League Soccer teamed up for the 2008 Soccer Industry Medical Symposium (SIMS). This annual event has grown yearly with the number of participants, vendors, and international attendees. Members of the Mexican Football Federation once again joined the conference. Topics this year included discussion on hip arthroscopy, cardiac screening, concussion testing and support, hydration, and heat illness. Symposia in the past have focused on topics such as, cartilage replacement, athletic pubalgia (sports hernia) surgery, and knee ACI procedures and rehabilitation, given by renowned experts in their respective fields. For a summary of past events, please visit www.PSATS.net
PSATS held their annual meeting and seminar with a newly elected executive committee presided over the affair. Jason Mathews, MS, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer of the Columbus Crew replaced the inaugural president, Theron Enns, MS, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer of Houston Dynamo. Mathews stated, “The growth of our society and this event is directly related to the support of MLS and the leadership Theron has provided. We thank him for his service and MLS for their support.” Brian Goodstein, MS, ATC, CSCS, Head Athletic Trainer of DC United remained as the Vice President. Josh Watts, Head Athletic Trainer for FC Dallas is the newest member of the executive committee, replacing Mathews as the Secretary/Treasurer PSATS was founded in 2004 by the then, 10 Head Athletic Trainers and one assistant athletic trainer of the ten team league. MLS has grown to 14 teams, with rapid expansion projected for 18 teams by the year 2010. Membership has also grown to over 20 members and several honorary members. For the young organization, handling growth and providing soccer specific continuing education opportunities is the goal of all the members.
PSATS would like to thank all the vendors, attendees, USF, MLS, SIMS, distinguished speakers and everyone who contributed to making this year’s symposium a success. Information about PSATS and the next year’s meetings can be found at www.PSATS.net
