In 1973, Rollin Mallernee was asked to formally organize NBA athletic trainers as a professional association. The National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association became the first association of employees in professional sports that was not a union. The NBATA was so successful in providing a voice and means for NBA athletic trainers to transact business that it became the model for athletic trainer associations in the NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS.

While Rollin Mallernee continues as general counsel emeritus, Jason Daffner has succeeded Rollin as general counsel for the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Society, Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society, Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society, Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society, Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers, and the Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers Society. Jason and Rollin are experts in negotiating sponsorship agreements with major companies in the sports medicine arena. They are also experts in athletic trainer employment contracts and pension benefits.