Reflections of an Organizer AD
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Forum Name: A.D.
Forum Discription: This forum is for Athletic Directors to discuss issues involving running a Heavy Events competition.
URL: http://www.nasgaweb.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14392
Printed Date: 3/26/26 at 3:59pm
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Topic: Reflections of an Organizer AD
Posted By: Jason Cherry
Subject: Reflections of an Organizer AD
Date Posted: 7/21/11 at 11:44am
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Two years ago I got my feet wet in the Highland games. I
have met some very nice people and had a blast in all phases of the game. I decided in my second season to host a game in my home town. My pitch to the various agencies here were met with weird looks and such. After squeezing blood from turnips the games took place with 12 athletes all in the Open Class, one bag piper, and a volunteer food vendor. Despite lousy weather (cold and rainy) we made out to the good after T-Shirt sales were done. With some money in the kitty thoughts turned to this season. Realizing I had to look at more from a PR stand- point as opposed to a thrower's view I set out to make it more of a festival. Added to this year was a piper (they are expensive), volunteer dancers (who had to cancel today as they qualified for nationals - good for them!), a professional food vendor (as opposed to a volunteer center looking to us a fund raiser), black smith (complete with demonstrations), a kilt seller from Alma, hand made jewelry, UK Market (seller of fine Scottish goods), Celtic fiddlers, and more athletic classes: Masters, Open A's, Light Weight, and Ladies. While this Saturday is our second games and we look to have better weather (mid 80's with only a 25% chance of scattered showers) which makes for a better turn out. My thoughts turn to next year and the road this will take. Looking at my points of purpose: 1) Enjoy a game nearby 2) Celebrate Scottish heritage With this in mind it is more one than two. So do I go the route of opening it up from twenty athletes to forty+? Charge a modest fee (25-30 dollars) and make it the most thrower friendly environment I can? T-shirts, awards that are useful (high quality sporran, etc), provide drink and food, massage stations (local classes with folks needing hours!), tents and such. Or do I try to make this more and more a festival? Continuing to struggle with sponsors and the struggle for cash. By breaking down and charging to play it displaces the need to find a source of money for insurance, shirts, and the above ideas. Sell a few shirts and maybe get some seed money for the following year. Thoughts? ------------- "Example is the best precept." ~ Aesop |
Replies:
Posted By: Danny Bradley
Date Posted: 7/21/11 at 3:04pm
Hey! Add to your "Points of Purpose" -point 1a. Celebrate IRISH heritage!  See ya Saturday!!!
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