For those on the inside, a state sports council affords an unparalleled opportunity to exchange information on sports chiropractic. For the outside world, by tapping into our broad-based talent pool throughout the country, we create a network of professionals to serve as communicators who generate national and international awareness of our interdisciplinary techniques.
When Pennsylvania chartered the first state sports council in 1991, it quickly demonstrated what we knew all along: With the ACA Sports Council serving as the backbone, we could create a network that would serve the needs of local communities in an organized, professional, and meaningful way.
I am proud to have served as a catalyst in the creation of state sports councils. Today our challenge is to expand their reach, scope, and diversity.
Stage I -- Looking for a Few Good Men and Women
The vision of a single person can change history, yet when all else fails, form a committee. The dedication of two, three or four area doctors can serve as the impetus to bring a state-wide mandate for change and direction.
With a steering committee in place, the first step is to prepare a simple focused action plan. Contact the local chiropractic association. They can provide all necessary background and details to establish bylaws, a constitution, and the blueprints for the structure needed to proceed. It also grants instant access to a network of chiropractors, a "must have" to ensure the growth of local organizations. The ACA Sports Council's bylaws also help provide a model for objectives.
Petition your local chiropractic association for acceptance as a recognized state sports council. Solicit their support (to date, no request has ever been denied) to assist in the dissemination of information and to carry the message of chiropractic, not just within a state, but throughout the country and ... the world.
Stage II -- Cost of Success
Once accepted, and with an action plan ready, compile a modest budget including expenses for postage and stationery. The major ingredient for a successful state council is commitment -- emotional, time, and financial commitments.
This is when most people contact the ACA to acquire further guidance on the development of a state sports council. It can provide a wealth of information to explain the importance of maintaining precise records and recognizing the tax benefits and consequences a group offers.
As an organization grows, costs can be defrayed through dues, special events, continuing education courses, seminars, and sponsorships.
Stage III -- First Official Duties
An important consideration in any organization is leadership. This is accomplished by electing a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. With a slate of officers, a group is prepared to meet the first major challenge -- getting members.
Here are two tried and proven ideas:
- Work with a local member or state representative to set up a seminar or continuing education course. Invite local doctors and a select group of influential state leaders. The goal is to establish the viability of an organization. Set a modest fee ($25-$35) to recoup costs.
- Compile a comprehensive list of sporting events in your area. It's best if the list contains events in which you or your local group have previously participated. Invite area doctors to participate in a hands on learning experience in the field of sports chiropractic. Use this opportunity to explain the council's mission and how DCs can play an active role.
With the advent of the first member, determine who processes applications and handles the accompanying fees. The state organization can act as a clearing house or, upon approval, this can be coordinated in-house.
State IV -- Delegating Responsibility
At the outset, and even after a council is up and running for a few years, it is important to convey a sense of responsibility and significance for each member. One way to accomplish this is to use a system of delegates. The Pennsylvania Chiropractic Society divides the state into nine districts which are represented by a delegate and co-delegate. These individuals oversee a region where they are responsible for contacting potential members, setting up seminars, working a sporting event, and acting as a local spokesperson.
The ACA Sports Council can provide organizational guidelines to make the most effective use of this delegation system. In addition, state councils in Ohio, California, Florida, and Iowa, to name a few, have outstanding track records and can serve as a model.
Not only do these well-established entities offer help and counsel, but they have a national data bank culled from the input of all state organizations. By adding new member lists, local sporting events, and related activities, it is possible to cross reference names and locations to secure people who may be overlooked. It is also important to maintain communication with the national network run by the ACA Sports Council. This helps everyone know what is going on and prevents mixups when national events come to a local area.
When setting out on the road to create a state council, remember the road is long, though not necessarily winding. Think in terms of 18-24 months. Use state organizations and the ACA as a road map, and don't be afraid to admit that you're lost and need help.
I cannot stress enough the importance of compiling a complete list of local sporting activities, everything from major and minor league play, little league to high school, Olympic to professional. Each event is a stage for sports chiropractic to be performed. Each provides fieldwork and hands-on experience to stimulate other DCs to join an organization; most importantly, it takes the message of sports chiropractic to the people, generating knowledge, awareness, and acceptance. It also helps lay a foundation for the next generation of chiropractic sports physicians.
I truly believe there is but one way to unite the chiropractic community, to give it one voice -- through the power of sports. I'll save the dissertation on athletic competition as metaphor for life for another article.
We have a great responsibility: one we should use carefully and wisely for the public good.
For more information, please feel free to contact me or the other resources listed in this article.
Al Latronica, DC, CCSP
Warminster, Pennsylvania
(215) 672-6070