News

The NFL “Collective Bargaining Agreement” (CBA) is set to expire, Thursday at 11:59. Numerous sources are indicating that a lockout is almost certain. The International Sports Professionals Association is interested in how the lockout will affect professionals who work with athletes. Sports Professionals, if there is no NFL this upcoming season do you anticipate your business to be affected? Please respond to this blog with your comments.

The International Sports Professionals Association is pleased to announce the launch of the electronic version of the ISPA Journal of Sports and Ethics. We are very excited to share with you this wealth of knowledge from our Credentialed Professionals. You will find this journal to be an exciting blend of articles based on research, qualitative method, and commentary. ISPA always prides itself on being a trendsetter and the ISPA Journal is no exception. Nowhere will you find a journal with such diversity. Throughout the journal both the expertise and passion of our Credentialed Professionals will be evident. To order the online edition please click the following link: ISPA Journal of Sports & Ethics. Please note hard copies will be available for purchase in April.

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What is ISPA Organizational Membership? – ETHICS. PASSION. SERVICE. This is the mantra of the ISPA Organizational Membership Program. Proudly displayed on the ISPA Organizational Membership plaque, these are the values that embody an ISPA Organizational Member. As the world’s largest and leading international accreditation body for professionals and academic institutions serving athletes and academic communities, ISPA has been elevating the standards of professional practice in the sporting world for over 20 years. Now, it is ISPA’s mission to do the same for the organizations that serve it. Through aligning organizations with ISPA, we seek to foster a positive environment for the athletic community and as a result, raise the standards of service provide to athletes worldwide. An ISPA Organizational Membership is a cost-effective way to gain both domestic and international exposure for your organization. An organization with an ISPA Organizational Membership adds prestige and an added layer of credibility to its operation. ISPA Organizational Members show their commitment to excellence to the public while also benefiting from a multitude of professional benefits for use by the organization itself and its employees.

What professional benefits does an ISPA Organizational Member receive? – In addition to recognition by ISPA as the best practices, elite organization serving the athletic community and alignment with the world’s largest and leading international sports accreditation authority, ISPA Organizational Members also receive the following professional resources, opportunities, and benefits:

•  ISPA Organizational Membership plaque for display at facilities
• A listing in the semiannually published International Journal of Sport and Ethics
• Opportunity for employees to contribute articles and research to the International Journal of Sport and Ethics
• Subscription to the International Journal of Sport and Ethics
•  Listing with organization’s logo and linkage on ISPA’s website
•  “Careers In Sports” 3-course CEU training program for all employees of the organization
• Opportunity to contribute news, special offers, and other announcements on the ISPA blog
• 25% discount on professional and specialty certifications and products through ISPA for all employees
• Use of ISPA logo and Organizational Membership badge for any and all marketing and strategic outreach purposes
• Worldwide promotion of your organization through ISPA outreach

What is the cost of ISPA Organizational Membership? – ISPA Organizational Membership fees are determined based on the number of full-time employees in the organization. ISPA Organizational Membership starts at $175 per year (or $14.58 per month) for 20 or fewer full-time employees. Fees can be invoiced on an annual or monthly basis. Discounts for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are also available (please inquire for rates). Please click here for the full pricing structure of ISPA Organizational Membership.

How do I become an ISPA Organizational Member? – Simply visit www.theISPA.org, scroll over the “ISPA for Organizations” tab, click “Applications” and fill out the short application either online or download it and send it to ISPA Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, IL. Click here to be linked directly to the applications page.

According to a recent article published by ADVANCE for Physical Therapy Practitioners®, the feature on the Certified Workers’ Compensation Healthcare Provider credential entitled “Should you take the CWcHP Exam” (published on September 20, 2010) ranked third on its list of the top 10 news stories of 2010. The article features interviews of ISPA Director of Business Development, Andrew Teunis, and provides a detailed objective overview of the certification’s development, components, and the current issues it aims to address.

The original article can be read by clicking here.

If you interested in learning more about the CWcHP Certification, please visit the ISPA website at www.theISPA.org

We recently returned from the National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Conference^® & Expo in Las Vegas. It was a pleasure meeting so many great people. We were really blown away by the wealth of knowledge we encountered. An estimated 3,000 people attended the conference! This was a tremendous opportunity for ISPA to raise awareness not only about the CWcHP Exam but also for the organization as a whole. We look forward to seeing you at the next convention!

Date: November 10, 2010

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Now in its 19th year, the National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Conference^® & Expo remain the nation’s leading event for anyone involved in the workers’ comp and disability management industries.

The full conference officially kicks off Wednesday, November 10, with an opening keynote followed by 2-1/2 days packed more than 30, topic-oriented breakout sessions.
The Expo portion of the conference brings more than 250 exhibitors together under one roof for 2 full days to display and answer questions about their products and services relevant to the workers’ comp and disability management industries. The Expo provides an additional venue for you to gather knowledge to take home plus numerous opportunities to network with your peers. For more information please visit: http://www.wcconference.com/

In another blemish on the face of pro cycling, Alberto Contador, a three-time Tour de France winner, has been suspended from cycling for suspicion of taking a banned substance. This allegation is based on small amounts of the steroid Clenbuterol that were found in Contador’s blood. Along with this allegation, the French publication L’Equipe is now reporting that traces of plastic, that are used in transfusions bags, have also been found in Contador’s blood. Both claims are still under investigation, however, based on the finding of Clenbuterol in Contador’s blood he will be suspended until further notice.

Contador is claiming that the Clenbuterol found in his blood was due to the tainted steak he consumed during the 2010 Tour de France. Some experts have concurred that this is a plausible story, noting that occasionally cows are injected with Clenbuterol. However, others have noted that the likelihood that the Clenbuterol in steak would have survived the cooking process and then survived in Contador’s system is unlikely. It seems very suspicious that Contador is able to pinpoint the cause of Clenbuterol being in his blood so quickly. When pro cyclist Floyd Landis (self-admitted blood doper) was accused of blood doping, he immediately put forth numerous, some very compelling, explanations that lead to the negative test results. It is hard not to be skeptical of Contador when many individuals before him were initially so convincing of their innocence, but eventually would be proven guilty. I hope Alberto Contador is innocent not only for his sake but for the sake of cycling.

Regardless of the outcome, this story is yet another blow for the already reeling sport of cycling. Another champion has the cloud of drugs hanging over him. With all the clouds hovering over the sport of cycling it is becoming hard to see the stars.

Justin Mayer

Executive Director-ISPA