Application ProcessHow to start a NHSSM-NHSSMA ChapterStep 1 - Commit to establishing a chapterFollow the NHSSM-NHSSMA Constitution Guidelines.
Select a faculty member to serve as chapter adviser. Appoint a three-member Faculty Advisory Council to develop and administer the selection, discipline, and dismissal procedures for the chapter. Agree to provide the facilities and material support to maintain the chapter including appropriate time and resources for the chapter adviser to Maintain an active annual affiliation with the NHSSM-NHSSMA National Office. Step 2 - Contact the National Office
Obtain a charter application packet.
Download the NHSSM-NHSSMA packet on this page or contact us Please identify a specific contact person (adviser or principal) and the full name and complete address of your school when contacting the NHSSM-NHSSMA National Office. (Parents and students cannot apply for a charter, but may print out this information and submit it to local school officials for their consideration.). Step 3 - Complete the chapter application
Please type all appropriate information on chapter application
A Chapter Adviser MUST be appointed and listed on the application. You will be asked to answer the following questions: -Chapter Name (Which is simply the School Name/ROP Name + NHSSM-NHSSMA). -Name of Sports Medicine Course. -Course Type (Traditional, ROP, SLC, Academy, etc) -Credit Course is given at institution (Lab science, College Elective, School Elective, etc.). -List amount of hour's students must work (at games and practices). Please provide proof of accreditation by supplying name of the accrediting agency and the date of your school's formal accreditation and expiration. Accreditation must be completed and on record for the school to gain approval for a chapter. A list of the accredited agencies accepted by the NHSSM-NHSSMA National Office is found on our accreditation page This list includes the six major regional accrediting agencies among other groups. Proof of formal approval by the school's state department of education can be submitted in lieu of accreditation. Payment of the chartering fee of $50.00 must accompany the application. This fee will automatically include affiliation with the national office for the remainder of the current school year (through June 30). This affiliation is required by the national constitution. Payment can be by check no purchase orders are accepted in payment for this fee. The adviser and principal's/administrator's signature is required to indicate approval of the application and the stated conditions. Step 4 - Submit the chapter applicationOnce the form is completed, return it with payment to the NHSSM-NHSSMA National Office where it will be processed. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for approval and processing.
Should you wish to check on the status of your charter application, please e-mail the NHSSM-NHSSMA National Office. Applications are approved from July 1 through April 1 each year; submissions after April 1 will be processed after July 1. Step 5 - Maintain your chapter
Once your chapter has been approved, a letter of congratulations, a chapter certificate and other relevant information from the NHSSM-NHSSMA National Office will be mailed to the school to the attention of the adviser identified on the chapter application.
Selection Procedures Please follows the NHSSM-NHSSMA National Guidelines and member application form when going the application process. Discipline and Dismissal procedures: Local chapters may wish to elaborate on or extend the national guidelines and should do so in writing to guarantee compliance with local school system policies and to assure consistency. Chapter bylaws. All chapters must develop local bylaws. It is recommended that student members be involved in the formation of local chapter bylaws. Bylaws should make reference to all obligations of membership including participation in both the annual chapter service project and individual service projects (as required by the national constitution). It is recommended that you become an active chapter first, than develop bylaws and marketing strategies for the chapter. |
All the forms needed for students and schools are available here
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