5 Professional Associations for Sports Science

5 Top Organizations and Associations in Sports Science

  • American College of Sports Medicine
  • National Association of Sports Medicine
  • American Council on Exercise
  • International Society of Sports Nutrition
  • Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

Professional associations provide those working in sports science opportunities that they may not find anywhere else. Those professionals may work in rehabilitation therapy to help patients recover from injuries and in occupational therapy to help clients get back to their activities of daily living. They can also work in nutrition and exercise science. The top organizations welcome new members to join every year.

1. American College of Sports Medicine

Though its name might make some think that it only accepts students, the American College of Sports Medicine is a prominent organization. It hosts the International Health & Fitness Summit each year, which brings together sports professionals working in different industries around the world. This summit allows them to discuss the changes that the field should make and how they can implement those changes. The American College of Sports Medicine is home to more than 50,000 members.

2. National Association of Sports Medicine

Anyone who wants to become a certified fitness trainer may want to join the National Association of Sports Medicine. As one of the top professional organizations for fitness professionals, it offers courses and programs that help individuals get their certifications. It offers one program for certified personal trainers and another for corrective exercise professionals. NASM workshops take place in cities across the country and allow students to learn from licensed trainers. The association also accredits programs offered by schools in the United States.

3. American Council on Exercise

More than 75,000 professionals who work in sports fitness and exercise are members of the American Council on Exercise. ACE offers certification programs for college and high school graduates who want to work as personal trainers and in similar fields. It also provides access to journal articles and online resources via its website. Those articles cover topics such as the training routines used by professional athletes and how trainers can help their clients learn to love their bodies. ACE offers continuing education classes for professionals too.

4. International Society of Sports Nutrition

Another organization that some may want to join is the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Also called ISSN, it offers opportunities for nutritionists and other professionals from around the world. The ISSN puts on a conference each year and allows members to register for the event online. New members can join as students when they’re still in school or professionals when they enter the workforce. The organization names some members fellows after they make significant contributions to the sports nutrition world. According to the ISSN, the benefits of becoming a member include access to journals published by the organization and a subscription to its journal.

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5. Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

Professional associations for those in the sports science world include organizations such as the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. This organization has approval from the National Association of Sports Medicine to offer continuing education and certification programs for students today. It offers programs for personal trainers who want to lead small groups and work with individuals. Students can also sign up for new programs when they need to renew their certifications. This organization certified more than 70,000 trainers across the United States.

Organizations and associations help professionals get the certifications they need and allow them to attend special events such as conferences in major cities. Those who work or want to work in a sports science field can access loads of benefits when they join at least one of these professional associations.

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