As a long time athletic trainer and dry needling educator, I support athletic trainers being able to use this modality.  They have a master's level education and strong grasp of the human body and human movement.  Dry needling is very different than acupuncture and they should not be viewed as competing.  When properly trained by a quality dry needling organization, it can be done well and very safely and I see performed well by ATs all over the country.