Below is a selective list of associations in this field where you can find white papers, policy papers, conference information and more.
ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. With more than 50,000 members and certified professionals worldwide, ACSM is dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
The American Kinesiology Association promotes and enhances kinesiology as a unified field of study and advances its many applications. AKA does this by advocating for kinesiology at national and international levels as well as by supporting its member departments by providing resource materials and leadership and educational opportunities for university administrators in kinesiology.
Definition of Kinesiology. Kinesiology is an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. It includes, but is not limited to, such areas of study as exercise science, sports management, athletic training and sports medicine, socio-cultural analyses of sports, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education-teacher education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health related fields.
APTA is a recognized leader in the national and state-level health care debates, and we need the power of your voice in the regulatory and legislative arenas.
Founded in 1986, the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional organization with over 2,300 members in 57 countries. AASP promotes the development of science and ethical practice in the field of sport psychology and offers certification (CC-AASP) to qualified members with a masters or doctorate degree that have met specific course requirements in sport psychology and have completed an extensive, supervised work experience to develop competency in enhancing performance from a psychological standpoint.
CEPA originates as an affiliate society of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). As an affiliate society, CEPA is autonomous, but operates with administrative support from ACSM. CEPA, along with ACSM, is committed to the development of CEPA as an independent, self-sufficient professional organization. The primary purpose of CEPA is to advance the scientific and practical application of clinical exercise physiology for the betterment of the health, fitness, and quality of life for patients at high risk or living with a chronic disease.
The mission of NAKHE is to foster leadership in kinesiology administration and policy as it relates to teaching, scholarship and service in higher education.
NATA’s mission is to represent, engage and foster the continued growth and development of the athletic training profession. Learn more about becoming an athletic trainer.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the world leading membership organization for thousands of elite strength coaches, personal trainers and dedicated researchers and educators.
Links to 15 specialized PT associations.
SHAPE America's mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance, and sport. Shape was founded in 1885 and was called the Association for the Advancement of Physical Education. In 2013 it became SHAPE.