Policy Center

ACSM's evidence-based information informs public policy that encourages healthy lifestyles and the safe enjoyment of sports and other physical activity. Our members serve as expert resources for federal, state and community-level policy makers, ensuring that decisions are founded on the latest research.

Behind the ACSM policy program is a growing cadre of members who blend their professional expertise with a dedication to enact lasting change that will improve the health of all Americans. They do so by filling three important roles:

• Member Advocates. Responding to email Action Alerts, Member Advocates send messages to congressmen and congresswomen using provided sample language or their own text. Become a Member Advocate.
• Key Contacts. Key Contacts develop an ongoing dialogue with his or her senators and representative, presenting the ACSM policy agenda and serving as a resource for congressional staff. The goal is to have a Key Contact in each of the 435 U.S. congressional districts, allowing ACSM to communicate effectively with every member of Congress. Become a Key Contact.
• Regional Chapter Advocacy Coordinators. Regional Chapter Advocacy Coordinators recruit Key Contacts. They also facilitate a two-way flow of information, carrying policy priorities to Regional Chapter members and reporting issues and opportunities that may arise on the state or local levels.

Learn more about why you should advocate with ACSM. For more information on these opportunities and the ACSM policy program, contact ACSM Policy staff.

ACSM Members: Access Weekly Policy Updates

ACSM members get Policy Corner articles in each week’s issue of Sports Medicine Bulletin. To access archived issues of SMB, enter your username and password into the red login box at the right.

The Policy Roundtable: Collaborative Action Bears Fruit

In April 2006, ACSM convened representatives of more than 40 national organizations at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.. The result was a call to action articulating a shared agenda for a healthier America through increased physical activity and exercise. Two of the six policy priorities already are well under way:

U.S. National Physical Activity Plan
The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan's vision is that one day, all Americans will be physically active, and they will live, work and play in environments that facilitate regular physical activity.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
In October 2008, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the first federal Physical Activity Guidelines, drawing on the expertise of several ACSM members. The Roundtable called for guidelines that are regularly developed, updated and promoted like the federal dietary guidelines. In October 2009, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act was filed in the U.S. House (HR 3851) and Senate (S 1810) as a major step toward accomplishing this goal. Advocates are working with Congressional champions and administrative officials to establish review and updating of the Guidelines.