AMERICAN SOCIETY 
OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS
 
 

Leadership Manual 
RESPONSIBILITIES
Year: 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS 

MEMBERSHIP
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY 
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
CODE OF ETHICS
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICERS
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TREASURER
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHAIRPERSONS
ASEP COMMITTEES/BOARDS TERMS OF OFFICE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF CERTIFICATION 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF ACCREDITATION
RESPONSIBILITY TO STATE CHAPTER AFFILIATES
AMENDMENTS
 
 


AMERICAN SOCIETY OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS
ASEP is a national non-profit professional organization committed to the advancement of exercise physiologists. Founded in 1997 in the state of Minnesota, the Society provides a forum for leadership and exchange of information to stimulate discussion and collaboration among exercise physiologists active in all aspects of the profession. The Society works to set standards for exercise physiologists through ASEP-approved curricula in universities and colleges in the United States (ARTICLE XIV, Articles of Incorporation).

Any exercise physiologist can belong to the Society. ASEP members are educated professionals who have a minimum of a bachelor's degree (or emphasis) in exercise physiology (or science). They are recognized as leading scholars and practitioners in the study and application of exercise physiology to fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation, and sports training. Exercise physiologists belong to ASEP because they sense a need for a unified voice that speaks to the academic, medical, and lay communities about problems confronting them in their professional development.
 

Vision

1.  To be recognized as the leading professional organization of American scholars and practitioners in the study and application of exercise physiology to fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation, and sports training.
2.  The Society is dedicated to unifying all exercise physiologists in the United States and worldwide to promote and support the study, practice, teaching, research, and development of the exercise physiology profession.
3.  Through proactive and creative leadership, the Society empowers its members to serve the public good by making an academically sound difference in the application of exercise physiology concepts and insights.
 

Objectives

The objectives of the ASEP corporation are (ARTICLE 1, Bylaws):

1.  To provide a powerful, unified forum and opportunity for exercise physiologists to present and discuss current research in exercise physiology.
2.  To promote and encourage the exchange of ideas and information regarding all phases of exercise physiology.
3.  To promote the advancement of teaching and research in exercise physiology within the academic environment.
4.  To encourage and implement undergraduate and graduate education programs to meet the diverse interests and career opportunities in exercise physiology, regardless of age, gender, race or disability.
5.  To promote the growth and application of the highest quality research and professional application of exercise physiology in health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation, and sport fitness and training.
6.  To promote the development and exchange of scientific information between ASEP and other professional organizations with an interest in exercise physiology.
7.  To set the agenda, determine the direction, and make the decisions about the future of the exercise physiology profession.
8.  To be a dynamic and action-oriented clearinghouse for questions regarding the exercise physiology profession.
9.  To increase visibility and enhance the image of the exercise physiology profession.
10. To represent exercise physiologists whose professional work is mainly clinical, and to help ensure that federal agencies and legislators understand their work and needs of the clinical professional.
11. To participate in the development and implementation of public policies and procedures concerned with exercise physiology.
12. To make a commitment to quality and integrity in exercise physiology through adherence to the Society's Code of Ethics.
13. To facilitate and promote positive public policy and professional, ethical behavior by providing ongoing peer review and quality assurance programs via the accreditation of the exercise physiology (science) academic programs.
14. To expand federal and private funding of exercise physiology research and training.
 

MEMBERSHIP
The American Society of Exercise Physiologists requires that a prospective member be a graduate of a qualified college exercise physiology (science) program. Provision for a non-exercise physiologist to belong to ASEP is found in the affiliate member category. An academic exercise physiologist not from the United States can qualify as an international member. Affiliate, international, emeritus, sustaining, honorary, and student members enjoy all the benefits of membership except holding office.  All members have the opportunity to influence the direction of ASEP through their participation in the national meeting, and by communication with their regional society representatives. For example, given an ASEP member's interest in a particular facet of exercise physiology, direct communication with the regional representative, through the respective committee chair, may result in a recommendation to the President for the member to be appointed either to a committee or to chair a new committee (ASEP, Charter).
 

Membership Categories

The categories of membership shall be (ARTICLE 5.4, Bylaws):

1. A Professional Member must be a graduate of an accredited institution with an academic emphasis or degree in exercise physiology (science).
2. A Certified Professional Member is open only to professional members who have passed the ASEP National Certification Exam.
3. An Affiliate Member is a non-exercise physiologist actively engaged in the health, fitness, physical and/or cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and/or sports medicine fields of work.
4. International Membership is for an academically prepared exercise physiologist or an individual who is working professionally in an exercise physiology related profession in a country other than the United States.
5. Emeritus Membership is for an active member in good standing for at least 15 years who retired from regular employment. Emeritus members retain all privileges of membership except eligibility to hold office.
6. Honorary Membership is for an individual who is not an ASEP member, but otherwise has attained eminence through scientific and/or public service contributions to the conceptual framework of exercise physiology.
7. The Student Membership is reserved for students actively engaged in an academically approved exercise physiology (science) program of study in the United States and worldwide.
8. The Sustaining Membership is aimed at encouraging affiliation by commercial organizations that market products used by the exercise physiology research community, or companies that otherwise engage in activities that fall within the Society's general interests. Each member is entitled to discount advertising rates in selected ASEP publications and reduced exhibit booth rental fees at the National Meeting.
9. The Fellow Membership is given to members as a Distinguished Award of Fellow for exceptional support of the goals and objectives of the Society. 

Criteria for Fellow status are:

1. Attainment of exercise physiology certification within ASEP.
2. At least two consecutive years of membership.
3. Record of presentations at the ASEP national meeting.
4. Record of publication in JEPonline or PEPonline.
5. Recommendations from two ASEP fellows.
 

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The American Society of Exercise Physiologists does not knowingly violate federal and state laws in its employment activities, membership policies, membership programs, educational activities, certification program, or program funding nor knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual preference, military status, age, national or ethnic origin, disability or handicap.
 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Board Members and Chairpersons

No member of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists should serve on the ASEP Board of Directors or as a Chairperson if there is an ongoing conflict of interest, real or perceived where an inappropriate professional relationship with an outside interest results in: "Unwarranted benefit to be gained or potentially gained by that relationship to the detriment of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists."

Where a potential, real, or perceived conflict of interest may exist, the member of the Board of Directors or Chairperson should withdraw from any deliberations that could influence performance and decisions on behalf of ASEP.  Any connection, financial or otherwise (e.g., agency, institution, or business) that could influence the Board Member or Chairperson's representation of ASEP is not acceptable.  Disclosures are made to the "Founding Members" of ASEP as part of a biographical statement with other professional affiliations and academic background.  Complaints to the Code of Ethics Committee concerning a member of the Board of Directors or Chairperson's perceived violation of ASEP's Code of Ethics are considered allegations of either misrepresentation or a conflict of interest.  Misrepresentation requires only evidence.  An alleged conflict of interest between a member of the Board of Director's dual relationship with ASEP and an outside interest requires in-depth review of the allegation to arrive at an understanding. It is the responsibility of the "Founding Board Members" to remind other Board Members and Chairpersons of the presence and significance of ASEP Code of Ethics.

Committee Members

No member of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists should serve on any ASEP committee if there is an ongoing conflict of interest.  Where a potential, real, or perceived conflict of interest may exist, the member should withdraw from any deliberations that could influence performance on the committee.  Information discussed or presented in print copy or otherwise acquired by a member through ASEP committee membership, which is to be published or released for public consumption in association with specific ASEP initiatives, is to be respected as exclusively proprietary and confidential.  No member may disseminate or otherwise use such information for financial or other gain before such resources are made available in the public sector by ASEP.  It is a responsibility of the Committee Members to inform the Chairpersons of existing disclosures or an alleged conflict of interest.

ASEP members shall not accept favors, funding, gifts, honoraria or other valuables in exchange for commercial endorsement, promotion or advertisement unless the commercial relationship is fully and simultaneously disclosed. Members shall not make professional referrals, prescribe products, services or devices without fully and simultaneously disclosing significant potential or implied conflicts of interest. Members who make endorsement shall not make references to membership in ASEP, or use the name, logo, or the national certification (EPC) of the Society in endorsement of any product for commercial use.

The following guidelines shall be followed to avoid conflict of interest, or the appearance of such conflict, in the solicitation and receipt of funds from the public and private sectors:

1. Members shall not enter into a contract if the outcome of the study determines whether or not the results will be submitted for publication. Members may enter into a contract to do private research, which is not to be published.
2. Members shall disclose professional and/or funding relationships in making public statements when professional relationships and sources of research and personal support are or may be interpretable as a source of bias.
3. Members shall avoid conflict of interest or appearance of such conflict in the review of research manuscripts, grant proposals, other technical or non-technical forms of written material, or other activities of colleagues or organizations.
4. Members shall fully disclose relationships (friendly or otherwise) they have had with individuals or agencies whose work or activities are the subjects of review. 
5. Whenever conflict is possible, members shall remove themselves from the review.
 

CODE OF ETHICS
The significance of the Code is that both students and professionals in the study and application of exercise physiology to health, fitness, exercise, preventive and rehabilitative services can turn to it for guidance in professional conduct. Adherents to the Code is expected, and is based on the belief that exercise physiologists are self-regulated, critical thinkers who are accountable and responsible for their high quality competence in the practice and the delivery of exercise physiology concepts, ideas, and services (ASEP Charter).

1. Exercise physiologists should accurately communicate and provide health and fitness, educational, preventive, rehabilitative, and/or research services equitably to all individuals regardless of social or economic status, age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, diverse values, attitudes, or opinions.
2. Exercise physiologists should be responsible and accountable for individual non-medical judgments and decisions about health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, educational, and/or research services.
3. Exercise physiologists should maintain high quality professional competence through continued study of the latest laboratory techniques and research in preventive and rehabilitative services.
4. Exercise physiologists are expected to conduct health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, educational, research, and other scholarly activities in accordance with recognized legal, scientific, ethical, and professional standards.
5. Exercise physiologists should respect and protect the privacy, rights, and dignity of all individuals by not disclosing health and fitness, rehabilitative, and/or research information unless required by law or when confidentiality jeopardizes the health and safety of others.
6. Exercise physiologists are expected to call attention to unprofessional health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, educational, and/or research services that result from incompetent, unethical, or illegal professional behavior.
7. Exercise physiologists should contribute to the ongoing development and integrity of the profession by being responsive to, mutually supportive, and accurately communicating academic and other qualifications to colleagues and associates in the health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, educational, and/or research services and programs.
8. Exercise physiologists should participate in the profession's efforts to establish high quality services by avoiding conflicts of interest and endorsement of products in the health and fitness, preventive, and/or rehabilitative services and programs.
9. Exercise physiologists should participate in and encourage critical discourse to reflect the collective knowledge and practice within the exercise physiology profession to protect the public from misinformation, incompetence, and unethical acts.
10. Exercise physiologists should provide health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, and/or educational interventions grounded in a theoretical framework supported by research that enables a healthy lifestyle through choice.


RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The executive government of ASEP shall be controlled by the Board of Directors, consisting of the founding members and any new members elected to the Board.  The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than three nor more than ten persons as determined by the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring because of the death, resignation or removal of a director shall be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired term of such director. The Board of Directors shall have the power to declare a "position" (i.e., membership) on the Board vacant by a majority vote, upon refusal or neglect of any member of the Board to perform the duties of the position, or for any conduct deemed prejudicial to ASEP.  Written notice shall be given to the member that the Board declared the "position" vacant. 

The presence of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at any meeting thereof, but the directors present at any meeting, although less than a quorum, may adjourn the meeting from time to time.  At all meetings of the Board of Directors, each director shall be entitled to cast one vote on any question coming before the meeting.  A majority vote of the directors at any meeting, if there is a quorum, shall be sufficient to transact any business.  A director shall not appoint a proxy for himself or herself or vote by proxy at a meeting of the Board of Directors (ARTICLE 4.4, Bylaws).

Additional responsibilities of the Board of Directors are:

1. Supervise all the business and activities of ASEP within the limitations of the Bylaws.
2. Adopt and rescind standing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of ASEP.
3. Grant "chapter" status and have the power to revoke "chapter" status.
4. Perform such other duties as may be necessary or appropriate for the administrative management of ASEP.
5. Accept the slate of Chairpersons and/or committee members identified by the President.
6. The office of President shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors for the first “4” years of operation and, then, beginning with the 5th year of operation and throughout the life of the organization, the office of President shall be filled by an election for the President among the membership base.
7. No person shall be eligible for re-election for the office of President.
8. Determine remuneration, stipends, the amount of membership dues for the following year, and other related matters, after consideration of the budget.
9. The date and place of the Annual Meeting (including any additional meetings) shall be decided in advance by the Board of Directors.
10. The number of members to the Board of Directors shall be determined on majority vote by the Board.
11. The Board of Directors is responsible for identifying annual honor awards, special membership, fellow membership, and outstanding member contributions to the professionalization of exercise physiology.
12. For purpose of accounting, the fiscal year shall begin in January and shall terminate in December.  The members of the Board of Directors are responsible for the financial status of ASEP.
13. The Board of Directors may from time to time elect one or more ex officio or honorary directors, who shall be advisory members of the Board of Directors.  Such members of the Board shall be elected to serve for "however" long the Board of Directors deems necessary.  The members shall be non-voting directors (ARTICLE 3.3, Bylaws).
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICERS

The ASEP officers are the:

1. President
2. President-Elect 
3. Vice-President
4. Secretary
5. Treasurer
6. Immediate Past-President

Any officer may at any time be removed by the Board of Directors' wish or without cause (ARTICLE 6.1, Bylaws).
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT

The President has the following responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the general supervision, direction, and management of the affairs of ASEP, and thus may execute on behalf of ASEP all contracts, deeds, conveyances, and other instruments in writing which may be required or authorized by the Board of Directors for the proper and necessary transaction of the business of ASEP (ARTICLE 6.2, Bylaws).
2. Participate in and support the Chairpersons' responsibilities to the Board of Directors.
3. Serve as Program Committee Director for the next ASEP National Meeting.
4. Identify and appoint Chairpersons and/or committee members where slots need to be filled, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
5. Serve as an active (voting) member of the Board of Certification and Board of Accreditation.
6.   Write the monthly President's Report that is posted on the ASEP Internet contact page.
7. Serve as Chairperson (who will prepare an agenda for the annual meeting) and presiding officer of the Board of Directors Meeting in October.
8. Provide input to the Board of Directors in the identification of candidates for the next year's President.
9. Serve as Liaison to the Board of Directors in the identification of the next Annual Meeting site.
10. Support and promote ASEP's "Coalition Efforts" with other "similar" organizations worldwide.
11. Continue the implementation strategy of ASEP's affiliation with exercise physiology state chapter associations and the development of new student chapters.
12. Continue to review and update all ASEP public initiatives, documents, and position statements, scope of practice, and to provide input as often as possible and necessary.
13. Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
14. Present to the Board of Directors an annual report of ASEP's activities at the October meeting.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT

The President-Elect shall:

1. Assume the duties of the President in the event of the President's absence, resignation, or disability. 
2. Perform such other duties as shall be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
3. Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT

The Vice-President shall:

1. Assume the duties, but not the office, of the President-Elect in the event of the President-Elect's absence, resignation, or disability.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TREASURER

The Treasurer shall:

1. Be in charge of all funds and securities of ASEP.
2. Endorse checks, notes, or other orders for payment of bills.
3. Disburse funds as authorized by the Board of Directors and/or in accordance with the adopted budget.
4. Deposit funds as the Board of Directors may designate.
5. See that full and accurate accounts are kept.
6. Submit a written financial report to each meeting of the Board of Directors.
7. Comply with all state regulations required by the Articles of Incorporation.
8. Prepare an annual audit of ASEP's finances and shall, annually, file all applicable Federal, State, and Local income tax returns.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY

The Secretary shall:

1. Have charge of keeping the minutes of the Board of Directors' regular, annual business meeting.
2. Submit a copy of the minutes of the annual meeting to the Board of Directors.
3. Execute the general correspondence; and in general, perform all duties as from time to time shall be assigned by the President or Board of Directors (including the handling of ASEP Membership Certificates, mailing, and other responsibilities associated with ASEP merge files.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT

The Immediate Past-President shall:

1. Serve as a resource person for the President.
2. Perform other duties as assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHAIRPERSONS

The President appoints all Chairpersons of the committees.  Filling these positions is a challenging task, especially the identification of the right person to fill a slot.  The Chairperson determines the success of the committee. 

The responsibilities of the Chairperson are:

1. Analyze, monitor, and direct the work assignments of the committee members to realize the objectives of the committee.
2. Identify and develop a plan to achieve new objectives, if any, that are considered important by the President and the ASEP Board of Directors.
3. Conduct committee meetings either by teleconferences, mass email, or via timely documents and other professional means to lead, stimulate, and keep the committee members on target.
4. After consulting with the President, who will in turn consult with the Board of Directors, the Chairperson will make assignments to committee members, set deadlines for completion, and adjust the committee's activities, if necessary, in accordance with the wishes of the Board of Directors.
5. Evaluate annually and submit a report to the President, who reports to the Board of Directors, the committee members' professional commitment to achieving the objectives of the committee.  Each member is expected to participate fully in the deliberations and work of the committee.
6. The Chairperson is first responsible to the President, then to the Board of Directors.  However, should the Board of Directors request support of an activity(s), the Chairperson and committee are directly responsible to the Board of Directors.  This may be interpreted as a re-examination of data, analysis of trends, budget preparation and/or constraint, preparing summary documents, and the preparation and distribution of an agenda, the communication documents and/or flyers that might influence the public and legal standing of ASEP.  NOTE: It is the duty of the Board of Directors to accept or reject a committee's "final" documents, given the strengths and/or limitations of such documents to influence the Goals and Objectives of ASEP.
7. Before incurring ASEP expense or incurring a contractual obligation, all Chairpersons are required to get prior approval from the President who then consults with the Board of Directors.  Special committee meetings with associated expenses not in conjunction with the ASEP National Meeting must be approved by the President and the Board of Directors, which will only take place in extraordinary circumstances.
8. Upon request, the ASEP National Office will make available small amounts of money for distribution of correspondence and preparation of the final documents for Committee Members, President, and Board of Directors.  ASEP does not pay for the Chairpersons' travel and/or housing at national meetings.
9. Chairpersons are encouraged to observe the following guidelines at all committee meetings:

  • develop an agenda for each member; 
  • begin the meeting on time; 
  • introduce members (name, profession, place of work, etc.); 
  • prepare and distribute the objectives of the meeting; 
  • engage everyone in the discussion and analysis of facts and ideas; 
  • summarize major points during the meeting; 
  • make specific assignments with tentative deadlines for completion; 
  • adjourn on time; 
  • follow-up in timely fashion; and 
  • monitor progress and deadlines.
10. Chairpersons are required to submit two reports, mid-year and annual.  The first report is submitted in April.  The second report is submitted in conjunction with the Annual Meeting.  A copy of each report is sent to the President and the Board of Directors.
11. It is the Chairpersons responsibility to: 
  • inform committee members not to engage in discussions outside of the committee that deal with termination of members, code of conduct, member's conflict of interest, credentialing, and sensitive issues of the American Society of Exercise Physiology and the profession.  When appropriate, the Chairperson should consult confidentially with the President who will direct concerns to the ASEP Board of Directors for immediate resolution; 
  • ensure that the activities of each ASEP committee are consistent with the objectives of the Board of Directors and the ASEP Vision; and 
  • help members abide by the ASEP Code of Ethics.
ASEP COMMITTEES/BOARDS
The members of the following standing committees/boards shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors:
 

Accreditation Committee

Members:  Dale Wagner (chair), Tommy Boone, LaGary Carter, Todd Comstock, Tamara Penn, Robert Robergs, Donald Rodd, Rachel Yeater

The accreditation committee has been deactivated.  The objectives for this committee have already been achieved, namely, composing the process and requirements for the accreditation of undergraduate programs in Exercise Physiology/Science.   The committee will resume its function should the accreditation process require future modifications. 
 

Annual Meeting Committee 

Members:  Richard Kreider (chair), Tamara Penn (co-chair), Matthew Kerner, LaGary Carter, Tommy Boone, Rob Robergs, Serge von Duvillard, Kathy Alexander 

The previous three annual meetings of ASEP have been successful.  It is the intent of the Board of Directors to increase the magnitude of every annual meeting.  Therefore, it is essential that committee members consider ways to increase the attendance by enhancing the personal and professional scope of the annual meeting.  The quality and affordability of the meeting lends to attracting new members to ASEP as well as retention.  This year (2001) the meeting is slated to be in Memphis, Tennessee.  Dr. Richard Krieder is to serve as the chief liaison (on site) for this committee.   The city of Memphis has many individual and family attractions.  The EPC examination will also be administered during the annual meeting at the University of Memphis Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory.   It is necessary that this committee coordinate the schedule for the annual meeting to accommodate the EPC exam.  This committee is given the task of securing the hotel or facility to host the annual meeting.  The meeting headquarters should preferably be close to the University of Memphis Department of Human Movement Science and Education.    This would help minimize the travel necessary for EPC candidates.  You must consider room rates, airport transportation, entertainment and nearby dining options available to those in attendance.  Please submit your final comments or recommendations to the Board of Directors by May 1, 2001. 
 

Board of Accreditation

Members:  Tommy Boone (chair), LaGary Carter, Don Diboll, Matthew S. Kerner, Terry Housh, Melissa Knight-Maloney, Robert Robergs, Serge von Dullivard, Dale Wagner, Darryn Willoughby

It is the responsibility of this board to evaluate accreditation applications and observe the stipulations set forth by the accreditation committee.  This board is also responsible for marketing ASEP accreditation among four-year institutions, starting with their own respective institutions or select colleges/universities in their given state.   It would be beneficial for this board to have open dialogue with members of the Licensure and Public Education committees.  When necessary, members should assist institutions in making the appropriate changes in program curricula to receive accreditation.  Program accreditation is essential to the integrity and credibility of our profession and ASEP.  It will also play a major role in the future attempts for state licensure.  It is an objective of ASEP to have at least one accredited program in all fifty states within the next five years. 
 

Board of Certification

Members: Tommy Boone (chair), Jose Antonio, Turi Braun, William Cooke, Brett Dolezal, Mariane Fahlman, Steve Figoni, Timothy Ford, Steven Jungbauer, Matthew S. Kerner, Robert Robergs, Donald Rodd, Terry Tabor, Tim Ziegenfuss

It is the responsibility of this board to maintain quality improvement and quality assurance relative to the EPC examination.  The scope of the examination should consistently reflect the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities inherent to an exercise physiologist.  The integrity of the certification examination should undergo scrutiny, by the board, through routine field experiences and psychometry analysis.  In conjunction with the Certification Committee, this board will assist in the expansion of test sites and marketing. 
 

Certification Committee

Members:  Tommy Boone (chair), Greg Bradley-Popvich, Emily Johnson, LaGary Carter, Marian Fahlman, Sarsu Raiyani, Robert Robergs, Donal Todd, Dale Wagner, Joe Weir, Lee Brown, Dan Drury, Stephen Glass, Richard Kreider

It is the responsibility of this committee to promote the EPC examination and establish test sites across the United States and eventually within foreign countries.  This committee should work closely with members of practically every committee within ASEP.  It should be the goal of each member of ASEP to achieve the EPC credential.  The EPC examination, along with program accreditation, brings national recognition to ASEP.  Professional organizations, related to our profession, are commonly identified through a respective certification(s). Therefore, as the notoriety and respectability of the EPC increases - so does that of ASEP.  As the shear number of EPCs increase more test sites could be made available which, in turn, would result in even more exercise physiologists with this unique credential.  This committee must develop convenient and cost efficient avenues to market and implement this credential within our professional ranks.  The five-year objective for this committee is to have at least one EPC examination, offered annually, in all fifty states and three foreign countries. 
 

International Affiliations Committee

Members:  Robert Robergs (chair), Tommy Boone (co-chair), John A. Hawley, Saavedra Carbos, Martim B. Marques

It is a vital interest of ASEP to advance Exercise Physiology both home and abroad.  It is therefore necessary that professional collaboration exist between ASEP and other organizations outside of the continental United States.    The open exchange of research and ideas serves to strengthen our profession across both hemispheres.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of this committee to develop and propose innovative strategies to establish an affiliation between ASEP and other international organizations.    International affiliations are instrumental in furthering the goals and objectives of ASEP.  Such affiliations can prove to be evident through additional research publications in JEPonline and PEPonline and an increased international membership representation at the annual meeting. 
 

Licensure Committee

Members:  LaGary Carter (chair), Tommy Boone, Dan Drury, Robert Robergs, Donald Rodd

It is imperative that members of this committee work closely with the Accreditation Committee, Certification Board and State & University Chapter Committee.  It is plausible that the licensure of Exercise Physiologists will evolve on a state-by-state basis.  This process will invoke support from ASEP at the national, state and regional level.  Members should thoroughly investigate previous licensure attempts in several states (e.g., Louisiana, Kentucky, Utah, etc.) and obtain insight into how to better approach state licensure in the future.  The licensure process should be well researched and planned.  Attempts for licensure must not be rushed.  The professional notoriety and growth of ASEP accreditation and certification (EPC) will play a major role in the licensure of Exercise Physiologists. 
 

Membership Committee

Members:  David Armstrong (chair), Steve Jungbauer, Larry Nickell, Tommy Boone, Don Diboll, Darryn Willoughby, Donald Rodd, Dale Wagner

This committee is vital to the long-term success of our organization.  It is imperative that ASEP adopt additional avenues to both attract new member and retain current members.  We must explore additional opportunities that exist to market ASEP through the internet, print media, journals, and etc.  A strong numerical membership base would allow this organization to pursue costly marketing strategies that yield positive results.   I would encourage this committee to examine the current application process for membership and suggest ways in which to streamline the process.  Do we need to increase membership dues or decrease fees?  I would encourage this committee to work closely with the Professional Organization Affiliations Committee to discuss ways to attract members of other related organizations.   We all can make a difference regarding this endeavor by simply promoting ASEP by “word of mouth” to our students and colleagues.  I would like to recommend that members establish a “link” to ASEP as a part of their email correspondence (e.g., signature line).  Members with a personal or professional homepage could also provide a link to the ASEP website.  Imagine the number of individuals that would be introduced to ASEP through such measures.  Please submit your final comments or recommendations to the Board of Directors by April 1, 2001.


Public Education and Job Market Committee

Members:  Robert Robergs (chair), Saavedra Carbos, Todd Comstock, Tamara Penn, Sarsu Raiyani

This committee serves as the voice of ASEP.  Members should be well versed in the mission, goals and objectives of ASEP.  A key responsibility of this committee is to discover ways to educate the public about exercise physiology and/or related topics through various media avenues.  The professional contributions of ASEP must be made known in the public sector and throughout organizations interested in the expansion of exercise physiology/science, health and fitness, athletics and sports medicine.   Therefore, this committee must be actively involved in promoting ASEP at the national, state, and local level within different markets.   However, each member of ASEP can make a huge difference in educating the public or colleagues by “word of mouth.”  We all can promote ASEP through a personal homepage, email correspondence, publications, certification (EPC) and etc. 
 

Research Committee

Members:  Serge von Dullivard (chair), Tommy Boone, Greg Bradley-Popovich, Maria Falman, Tamara Penn, Robert Robergs, Donald Rodd, Tom Woltz, Jo Weir

The research committee is composed of individuals dedicated to the furtherance of our profession through scientific research.  The Journal of Exercise Physiologyonline (JEPonline) and the Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline (PEPonline) are a measure of the scientific and academic foundation of ASEP.  Therefore, the quality of these online journals cast a mirror image of ASEP and ultimately our profession.   This committee is charged with the promotion of JEPonline and PEPonline among clinicians, academicians, and scientists as a reputable peer review journal to publish experimental and descriptive research, respectively.  Members of ASEP are highly encouraged to submit manuscripts to JEPonline or PEPonline in an effort to support the quality and quantity of information found within these trademark publications.  In addition, colleagues and students should be encouraged to submit manuscripts to JEPonline and PEPonline.   Members of the Public Education Committee should also be involved in the professional expansion of JEPonline and PEPonline. 
 

Standards of Professional Practice Committee

Members: Tommy Boone (chair), Robert Robergs, LaGary Carter

This committee shall address the issues and concerns related to the professionalization of exercise physiology and, in particular: (1) professional titles; (2) certification; (3) accreditation; (4) licensure; (5) conflict of interest; (6) code of professional conduct; and (7) discipline.
 

State Organizations and University Chapters Committee

Members: Steve Jungbauer (chair), Matthew Wattles, Michelle McCrank, James Meyer

It is the responsibility of this committee to assist other states and university in establishing state and university affiliations with ASEP.  A template already exists based on the hard work of others.  Therefore, whenever possible, state organizations and university chapters are encouraged to follow in a similar fashion the bylaws and/or charter of other states and universities. This committee shall be comprised of state chapter Presidents and/or a representative of their choice to confer on matters of affiliation and professional growth and support as well as the issues underlying the matter of state licensure
 

Women and Minorities Committee 

Members:  Tamara Penn (chair), Rachel Yeater

Exercise Physiology encompasses many variables inherent to scientific research.   Many findings are intrinsic to one’s age, gender, race, and etc.  These fundamental and physiological differences contribute to the ever-expanding role of exercise physiologists within the scientific community.  I a similar fashion, the role of the exercise physiologists, among clinicians, is growing in certain arenas.  As professionals, we are traditionally employed as researchers, educators and clinicians. Therefore, exercise physiologists must possess the knowledge and skills to serve diverse populations.  It is true that strength can be gained through diversity.   This committee should encourage and report the exciting contributions being made by minorities within our profession.  The membership base of ASEP should not only reflect occupational diversity among exercise physiologists, but also the gender and ethnic backgrounds of society in general. 
 

TERMS OF OFFICE
The term of office for ASEP officers shall be for one year.  The term shall begin following the October National meeting at which announcements were made.  The President and President-Elect shall not serve more than one consecutive term in the same office.  The Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall not serve more than three consecutive terms in the same office.  The President-Elect shall serve in three consecutive years, as President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President before serving in another office.

The term of office for committee members, including the Chairpersons, shall not serve more than three years.  In the event of a vacancy, the President shall appoint committee members in good standing with ASEP.  Committee members shall have voice and vote at all meetings of the standing committees.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF CERTIFICATION
Exercise physiologists are discovering they need certification to keep pace with other health care professions. The commitment to an ASEP National Certification program for exercise physiologists is a commitment to the exercise physiology profession. On behalf of the profession, the ASEP National Certification Board is committed to quality certification. Exercise physiologists are, therefore, held accountable to employers, consumers, and other practitioners by demonstrating that they have met the ASEP standards of accountability and proficiency by passing the examination. When certified by ASEP, the only organization of exercise physiologists in the United States, the certified professionals will create a new image for exercise physiology. The certification will provide, among other marks of a profession, increased quality, protection for the consumer, more and better paying jobs, higher standards of ethical and professional conduct, and credible service.

ASEP National Certification represents the highest exercise physiology certification credential in the field because it is based on an assessment of academic outcomes. The consumer, whether the public or the college student, can be assured that the certified exercise physiologist has the academic and hands-on skills, abilities, and attributes to lead, test, and analyze health, fitness, rehabilitation, and human performance concerns.

The ASEP certified non-PhD exercise physiologists, in particular, are more marketable with increased recognition and credibility. He/she is set apart from their peers who may be certified, but not as an exercise physiologist. The increased uniformity, commitment to professionalism, to required professional conduct and responsibility to ASEP's Code of Ethics protects both the consumer and the integrity of the profession.

Ethical service and professional commitment are required outcomes of both the certification process and membership in ASEP. All members must read and agree to uphold the ASEP Code of Ethics that stress ethical conduct and commitment to professionalism and the professionalization of exercise physiology.

Requirements For ASEP National Certification

1. Minimum of a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from an ASEP approved or accredited college or university.
2. Satisfactory completion of the following academic courses:

  • kinesiology
  • exercise physiology
  • biomechanics
  • sports nutrition
  • exercise prescription
  • exercise physiology laboratory research and/or instrumentation
  • adult fitness/rehab stress testing protocols
  • cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and
  • electrocardiography
3.  The following courses are highly recommended:
  • physiological assessment
  • functional electrocardiography
  • psyhophysiology of exercise and/or stress
  • advanced exercise physiology
  • cardiovascular physiology
  • clinical exercise physiology
  • biochemistry of exercise
  • applied anatomy, and
  • muscle testing
3. Documentation of 400 hours of hands-on laboratory experiences in an exercise physiology (or related) laboratory (e.g., gross anatomy, kinesiology, etc.) under the direction of an exercise physiologist.
4. A signed agreement to uphold the ASEP Code of Ethics and standards of professional conduct.
5. Pass a 3-hour examination that consists of two sections:
  • Part I (2 hours) consists of a written examination to evaluate knowledge in exercise physiology course work; and
  • Part II (1 hour) consists of a practical examination to evaluate hands-on laboratory skills and techniques.
Note: If only one section of the examination is passed, the applicant is allowed to take the other section at a later date without repeating the section already passed.The applicant is certified for 5 years. Recertification requires continuing education credits to keep up with new and emerging trends.

ASEP Certification Board

The ASEP Certification Board is the certification body for the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. ASEP is in the process of establishing the members of the Board. 

Certification By ASEP

In our view, the central concern is whether exercise physiologists, as ASEP representatives of the profession have control in defining certification standards and practice. At no time have ASEP members considered it appropriate to relinquish authority to non-exercise physiologists or members of other professions to define standards for the exercise physiology profession. No private corporation, group, or agency will share in or have the authority to hold exercise physiologists accountable to standards of certification or regulation. All authority to control or to regulate members' certification is defined specifically by the ASEP members who are identified (elected) to serve on the ASEP Certification Board of Exercise Physiologists.

Defining competence in the exercise physiology profession is the responsibility of the exercise physiologists! This point is critical to the autonomy and integrity of the profession. ASEP members are therefore responsible to giving voice and shape to the ASEP Vision for the profession of exercise physiologists. By demonstrating self-governance and participation in the professionalization of exercise physiology, ASEP members are in control of the checks and balances. Issues, concerns, and professional standards are heard by designated ASEP members to assure that the interests and welfare of the profession are balanced with the needs of the members.

Mission Of The ASEP Certification Board

The mission of the Board is to serve the professional development of exercise physiologists. Members of the Board are accountable to upholding the Bylaws and Constitution of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists and "in good faith" protect the public's interest from harm by certifying credible, autonomous professionals.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF ACCREDITATION
Accreditation, unlike ASEP Certification that evaluates and judges the individual, is a system for evaluating professional education programs. The purpose of the ASEP Accreditation Board is to identify the academic programs that meet the minimum standards in preparing students for 
professional work in exercise physiology. The Accreditation Board testifies to the institution's academic credibility, integrity, and quality. Accreditation status signifies a voluntary decision on behalf of the institution to determine if the academic major (or emphasis) in exercise science (physiology) is fundamentally sound, responsible, and meets ASEP's standards of scope, quality, and relevance.

The Accreditation Board works cooperatively with the educational institutions to ensure that graduates entering the exercise physiology profession are professionally prepared. The 10-member Board is comprised of representation from the college and university community, the clinical cardiopulmonary rehabilitation sector, pure and applied exercise physiology research, the fitness industry, and health/wellness promotion. The vast array of professional experience and expertise of the Board in leadership and exercise physiology professionalism provides assurance that accreditation is fair, reliable, and effective.

How Does An Institution Become Accredited?

Note: The following information represents a brief overview of the accreditation process. The following steps represents a brief overview of what is necessary to become an accredited college/university academic exercise physiology  (science) program. After ASEP's careful evaluation of an institution's academic offerings or either by voluntarily submitting a letter of intent to the ASEP Accreditation Board, stating the institution's:

1. Desire to be evaluated for accreditation; and 
2. Commitment to an ongoing assurance of developing and maintaining the ASEP's professional standards of quality, relevant education, ASEP will initiate the accreditation process (given an interest and/or request by the institution). The ASEP Accreditation Board contacts the designated authority at the institution to request: 

  • A carefully and accurately presented report that describes in detail the exercise physiology (science) program, specifically the designated exercise physiology faculty, laboratories, internships, and course work; and 
  • When deemed appropriate by the Board, additional reports may be requested, including an onsite visit by an ASEP qualified evaluator.
The institution is expected to: 

1. Demonstrate compliance with ASEP's evaluation, consultation, and assistance during the evaluation period, which is then extensively evaluated every six years to ensure continuing compliance with the evaluative criteria; 
2. Continue self-evaluation to maintain educational and hands-on program quality; and 
3. Pay the appropriate accreditation fee.
 

RESPONSIBILITY TO STATE CHAPTER AFFILIATES
The internal organization, except where in conflict with the ASEP Bylaws shall not be the concern of the Board of Directors and President.  State chapter affiliates shall be encouraged to expand the membership of the organization and to develop educational activities and other such activities as is consistent with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.  A copy of the minutes of the governing body and business meetings of the state organization shall be sent to ASEP Board of Directors within thirty (30) days following the annual meeting.  A copy will also be forwarded to the Chairperson, State Chapter Affiliates Committee. 

Rationale and Objective

The rationale for affiliation is fundamentally related to three beliefs:

1. That by working together, exercise physiologists are in a better position to accomplish their organizational goals and objectives. 
2. That such affiliations are expected to add strength to the professionalization of exercise physiology in the United States.
3. That the process provides a consistent and more powerful lobbying agenda for each state’s specific needs to license exercise physiologists.

Benefits

Professional benefits include, but are not limited to:

1. Unity equals power, and power equals control and self-regulation, which ultimately equals prestige, respect, and the professional status desired by exercise physiologists.
2. Performance defined by a common Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice that heightens professional integrity.
3. Increased understanding and support of each organization's goals and objectives.
4. Sharing of concerns, issues, and information pertaining to the professionalization of exercise physiology.
5. Dissemination and support of ASEP Position Statements and Standards.
6. Support of education, advertisement, and marketing of exercise physiologists.
7. Mutual support and facilitation of ASEP national certification, licensure, and accreditation.
8. Access to reciprocal exercise physiology forums and conferences.
9. Small grants financial support for research and development of the state organization.
10. Facilitated identification of state members interested in membership on national committees.
11. Dissemination and support of the development of ASEP Student Chapters in the colleges and universities specific to the state organization.
12. Professional recognition and web page development and support of state organizations via the ASEP national web site.
13. Assistance to state organization's members in advertising and securing jobs.
14. Each state organization member shares in a 10% reduction in the ASEP annual fee and the ASEP certification fee.

Operations

The ASEP Board proposes that each state organization be recognized as a functional part of ASEP's national effort to unite exercise physiologists.  While each state affiliation represents the collective ideals of its own state membership, all state affiliations work together to support and further develop the agenda of ASEP, including code of ethics, accreditation, certification, licensure, and scope of Practice 

To improve interaction and cooperation between states in efforts toward licensure and the promotion of other ASEP directives, it is recommended that one member of each state organization within each 4-region division of ASEP will comprise an ASEP-regional committee. These regional committees will function to assist other states of the region towards accreditation, certification, and licensure, as well as other ASEP initiatives.

It is important that all state organizations recognize that the licensure of exercise physiologists in their state will influence how other states can progress towards the same objective.  Hence, a conceived scope of practice of an exercise physiologist that is too narrowly focused or inadequately prepared, that eventually attains approval for licensure, may actually be more detrimental to the professionalization of exercise physiology than no licensure at all.

To assist in the development of bills submitted to state specific legislatures, state organizations need to submit their bills to ASEP for evaluation, feedback, and support.  This process is not meant to provide a constraint to state-specific licensure, but rather: 

1. To provide a review process that exists to improve the quality of the bill; 
2. To adhere to the content and stated scope of practice of exercise physiologists adopted by other states; and 
3. To establish a consistent understanding of what exercise physiologists are professionally prepared to do. 

Such a nation-wide approach to state-specific licensure can only benefit the efforts by state organizations, ASEP, exercise physiologists, and the profession of exercise physiology. 

Existing Structures

Each state organization has its own specific structure and function that is appropriate to its membership and by-laws.  The proposed relationship between each state organization and the national office is in no way intended to alter this structure.

Membership Requirements

ASEP and each state organization maintain its own entry requirements for membership.  It is the organization itself that has become affiliated and not the individual members within the organizations. 

Process 

After careful discussion with officials of each state organization, ASEP Board Members via the ASEP President extends a Memorandum of Understanding "Agreement" to the state organization President to affiliate with ASEP.  The Memorandum itself is the "Agreement" that outlines the details of the pledge between the individual state organization and ASEP.  Respective members of both parties sign the “Agreement”.  The original "Agreement" is kept with official records at the ASEP National Office.  A copy is sent to the President of the state organization.  A state organization web site is created within the existing ASEP Internet pages.  Other web sites originating from each state organization may also be developed and linked to the ASEP home page.

Ongoing Functions

This “Agreement” is based on the need for state exercise physiology organizations to associate with ASEP for the further improvement of state and nation-wide efforts toward the professionalization of exercise physiology. The affiliation itself also sets into motion the promotion and support of reciprocal ideals and objectives via the Internet web sites, periodic meetings, and conferences. Time tables, schedules, and agendas can proceed accordingly.
 

AMENDMENTS
The Board of Directors may amend the Bylaws by adoption of a resolution setting forth the amendment by a majority vote of the directors present at a meeting duly called; provided that, unless waived by each director, notice of the proposed Bylaw amendment shall have been given to each director with or by incorporation in the notice of the meeting given in accordance with Section 3.3 (ARTICLE 10, Bylaws). 
 
 
 


 

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American Society of Exercise Physiologists 
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