Free Communications Program

The NATA Foundation’s Free Communications program, is often the first chance an AT has to present their research and clinical case studies on a topic during the NATA convention.  Through 2026, more than 9,578 oral and 9,800 poster presentations have been provided through the Free Communications program.

The Free Communications program provides a forum for researchers and clinicians to disseminate research and clinical case studies. Those abstracts selected by the Committee are published in the Supplement to the Journal of Athletic Training and are presented at the NATA Convention via oral or poster presentation.

The Free Communications Committee solicits and reviews abstracts for inclusion in the Free Communications program.

Additional Information on Free Communications Program Process

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: SEPT 15 – NOV 2, 2026

NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo
June 21– June 24, 2027, New Orleans, LA

DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS NOVEMBER 2, 2026 (11:59 PM CT)

All abstracts submitted for presentation must be submitted ONLINE at this link.
Link will be live by end of day on September 15

Start preparing your abstract today! Instructions for Peer-Reviewed Abstracts can be found HERE.

Updates for the 2027 Annual Meeting 

  • Oral Presentation Timing – Abstracts selected for oral presentation will now have 8 minutes for presentation followed by 1-2 minutes for questions. This change allows for more in-depth presentations while preserving time for audience questions. It will not affect the total number of abstracts accepted, though it will result in more abstracts being presented as posters. 
  • Abstract Notifications – All authors on an abstract will be notified when a decision is made regarding the acceptance or rejection of the abstract. 
  • Awards Categories – Students pursuing a Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) degree will now be considered in the Post-Professional Advanced Clinical Track Student instead of the Post-Professional Academic Doctoral Student, better aligning with the purpose of each track. 
  • Student Awards Session – The top 3 abstracts in each student track will be presented in a special Outstanding Student Abstract session at the annual meeting. Presentations will be judged by experts in athletic training and sports medicine research, and winning presenters will receive their awards at the Distinguished Scholars session hosted by the NATA Research and Education Foundation. 
  • Abstract Mentoring Sessions – The Free Communications committee will be hosting 2 or more online sessions during which attendees can hear committee members discuss common characteristics of successful abstracts as well as reasons for abstract rejection. Breakout sessions with topic-area experts will also be available for authors to ask specific questions about their upcoming submissions. Session dates and registration details will be posted on this page and shared through NATA communications as they are finalized. 

Questions?  Please contact velmam@nata.org

Submission Guidelines
Presentations Guidelines
Moderator Guidelines

2027 Call for Free Communications Abstracts and Submission Instructions
Patient Release of Information Form
Common Reasons Leading to Rejection of Clinical Case Study Abstracts
Disclosure and Presenter Commitment Policy
NATA Style Guide
Style Guide for Cultural Competency
Required Submission Elements

Oral Presentation Guidelines
Poster Presentation Guidelines

Rapid Fire Oral Moderator Guidelines
Moderator Script

 

 

 

Video Series: Tips & Tricks for submitting a Free Communications Abstract

The Free Communications Committee, with support from the Educational Resources Committee, presents a new video series to assist individuals with submitting an abstract. Join Free Communications Committee members as they share tips and tricks for submitting a Mixed Methods, Survey or Qualitative Abstract. The videos will cover topics such as abstract guidelines, submission elements, and common reasons for rejection. Presentations are available below.

Please be sure to review the 2027 Submission Guidelines document when preparing your abstract. Additional detailed submission guidelines and instructions can be found in the Submission Guidelines menu above.

Award Categories:
The Free Communications award categories include 5 types of awards across the research spectrum, which will all be presented as Oral Presentations. Details and past awardees can be found on the Awards Page.
Criteria for Awards Consideration