ACSM is updating its pronouncement development process and will implement a voluntary recruitment method to increase the initial pool of candidates to serve as authors. ACSM pronouncements are official statements of the college, reflecting the position or stance of the college on various topics. Each pronouncement type has a unique purpose and methodology with a rigorous review and approval process. The ACSM Pronouncement Committee will be seeking input from members to identify qualified individuals to widen the diversity and range of expertise of its Pronouncement Writing Groups.
A “Call for Volunteers” announcement will be published in the ACSM Bulletin newsletter outlining the topic and purpose of each new ACSM pronouncement. To volunteer as an author for a particular pronouncement’s writing group, each candidate will need to provide a copy of their CV and a summary letter detailing their level of interest, disclosing any conflicts of interest and outlining how their skills and expertise will benefit the development of the pronouncement.
Authors must meet the following criteria:
Be current ACSM members in good standing,
Demonstrate proficient writing skills as evidenced by previous professional publications,
Possess content knowledge and expertise in the pronouncement topic, and
Possess the ability to work collaboratively with other experts on the pronouncement topic.
All ACSM pronouncements are created remotely, and authors will be expected to participate in virtual meetings during the development period, typically 12-24 months depending on the type of pronouncement. In addition, authors will be expected to create tables/figures, as well as format bibliographies, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) style for references as required by the ACSM journals. Authors will have dedicated ACSM staff support and resources available such as a research librarian to aid in manuscript development.
All candidates will be screened and evaluated by the pronouncement committee based on established criteria to assemble a quality and diverse writing team. More than one author from the volunteer pool can be selected. If selected, all potential authors must also be approved by the ACSM Administrative Council and ACSM Board of Trustees. The pronouncement committee and the administrative council/board of trustees will maintain authority to nominate or select potential authors within pronouncement protocol guidelines. As this is a volunteer opportunity, and as pronouncements are written on behalf of the college, ACSM will retain all rights to the manuscript, including copyrights.
All ACSM pronouncements will be published in one of the six ACSM journals (in print and/or online) and freely accessible online at acsm.org.
ACSM pronouncements are one of college’s highest valued resources, and the pronouncement committee looks forward to opening this opportunity to more ACSM members. Look for announcements in the ACSM Bulletin soon!
If you have any questions about ACSM pronouncements or their development process, please email Laura Young, Ph.D., at lyoung@acsm.org.