Post by Steve Gardener on Sept 18, 2007 16:48:33 GMT
David and I, being like-minded and experienced competitors and promoters have a fairly clear idea on why we need to create the BHSA.
Via the medium of MSN and working at our desks most of the day we are able to quickly debate and decide issues. It was this ability to do so combined with strong opinions and having some talent that has enabled us to go from a dead start about 14 days ago to where we are now and to where we hope to be in 14 more days time.
I'll copy some of the stuff we've debated so you have an idea of where we are and then leave it open for you to add some ideas of your own.
standardization
One word which appears often in our agenda is standardization. We want more lifts to be included without needing to debate across four continents who likes what. One of the problems with the WHSA was the sheer time zone variety involved in the few members that were visible in taking part. If, via the BHSA, we are able to influence other potential associations to set up and use ourselves as a model then they wont need to debate, decided and get together the info with one member online at 2am, another 7am and another 5pm yet all at the same time. So much will have been done.
standardization of equipment
It makes sense to enable as many as possible to take part if the source or sources for equipment (esp in bending) sells the same strength and standard regardless of where you are when buying it. Bending stock needs to be the same length, same tensile strength and so on. We have seen and can identify the differences in quality of bars, be they of the kind for bending or lifting.
standardization of competitions
While as a promoter myself I appreciate the costs involved we want to set a standard for which any incoming promoter can adhere to (as best they can). At the same time hidden costs (even silly things like cold drinks for spectators means out of pocket expenses for a promoter) can easily mean that the fees paid to compete NEVER cover the total costs for events.
I know from personal experience how costly putting on events can be. At my first British Grip Championships the room hire alone was more than the fees taken on the door and from the athletes. That's without refreshment costs or the actual trophies. This is something we aim to put a stop to. By doing so any organizer or promoter will not feel hard done by and so be encouraged to continue to provide opportunities for the athletes.
Another aspect which can be included in event standards is food. If the entry fees are high enough snacks can be provided yet all too often the snack itself is all wrong. I've attended many kinds of strength and strongman events and food, normally sold but occasionally given is burgers or pizza. Great for the crowd and very nice after an event (although a decent steak is better
) Instead food of the kind which provides energy for the athletes DURING the event is the kind needed. Flapjacks, bananas, energy drinks are all far more suited to getting the best from the guys and gals.
Although it might well seem a bit much just getting spectators (almost always friends and family) to chip in 50p or a £1.00 can easily cover the costs of informal teas, coffees, a biscuit and juice for them. Thus the event organizer isn't out of pocket, the athletes are provided with the best fuel for the job and there is refreshments for visitors.
More chances to compete and set records
Mentioned elsewhere and sure to be expanded on soon is the greater opportunity to get down and dirty with the iron and steel.
As it currently stands we are hoping for one event of one kind or another PER MONTH. Some will be record days, others dedicated to just one kind of event (steel bending for example) whereas others will be could easily be regional qualifiers (something for discussion).
One of the previous problems with the old system and something you'll know I personally took issue over was arguing the toss with the person who maintained the records list over getting records accepted. I have also stated that while we ALL appreciate the work done to this point having to argue a record on or off the list was not the way forward. Thus if we can work together toward a more open system which allows more chances yet still maintains a decent standard then YOU as BHSA members will find more and more openings available to you to get your name listed.
None of the above can be done without your support. Like the both of us you'll be putting your time in in the gym and then on the platform and so as we are all athletes TOGETHER we can make our little niche sport a little bigger and a little better.
So let's see some lists of how events, equipment and more can be improved.
Thanks
Via the medium of MSN and working at our desks most of the day we are able to quickly debate and decide issues. It was this ability to do so combined with strong opinions and having some talent that has enabled us to go from a dead start about 14 days ago to where we are now and to where we hope to be in 14 more days time.
I'll copy some of the stuff we've debated so you have an idea of where we are and then leave it open for you to add some ideas of your own.
standardization
One word which appears often in our agenda is standardization. We want more lifts to be included without needing to debate across four continents who likes what. One of the problems with the WHSA was the sheer time zone variety involved in the few members that were visible in taking part. If, via the BHSA, we are able to influence other potential associations to set up and use ourselves as a model then they wont need to debate, decided and get together the info with one member online at 2am, another 7am and another 5pm yet all at the same time. So much will have been done.
standardization of equipment
It makes sense to enable as many as possible to take part if the source or sources for equipment (esp in bending) sells the same strength and standard regardless of where you are when buying it. Bending stock needs to be the same length, same tensile strength and so on. We have seen and can identify the differences in quality of bars, be they of the kind for bending or lifting.
standardization of competitions
While as a promoter myself I appreciate the costs involved we want to set a standard for which any incoming promoter can adhere to (as best they can). At the same time hidden costs (even silly things like cold drinks for spectators means out of pocket expenses for a promoter) can easily mean that the fees paid to compete NEVER cover the total costs for events.
I know from personal experience how costly putting on events can be. At my first British Grip Championships the room hire alone was more than the fees taken on the door and from the athletes. That's without refreshment costs or the actual trophies. This is something we aim to put a stop to. By doing so any organizer or promoter will not feel hard done by and so be encouraged to continue to provide opportunities for the athletes.
Another aspect which can be included in event standards is food. If the entry fees are high enough snacks can be provided yet all too often the snack itself is all wrong. I've attended many kinds of strength and strongman events and food, normally sold but occasionally given is burgers or pizza. Great for the crowd and very nice after an event (although a decent steak is better
) Instead food of the kind which provides energy for the athletes DURING the event is the kind needed. Flapjacks, bananas, energy drinks are all far more suited to getting the best from the guys and gals.Although it might well seem a bit much just getting spectators (almost always friends and family) to chip in 50p or a £1.00 can easily cover the costs of informal teas, coffees, a biscuit and juice for them. Thus the event organizer isn't out of pocket, the athletes are provided with the best fuel for the job and there is refreshments for visitors.
More chances to compete and set records
Mentioned elsewhere and sure to be expanded on soon is the greater opportunity to get down and dirty with the iron and steel.
As it currently stands we are hoping for one event of one kind or another PER MONTH. Some will be record days, others dedicated to just one kind of event (steel bending for example) whereas others will be could easily be regional qualifiers (something for discussion).
One of the previous problems with the old system and something you'll know I personally took issue over was arguing the toss with the person who maintained the records list over getting records accepted. I have also stated that while we ALL appreciate the work done to this point having to argue a record on or off the list was not the way forward. Thus if we can work together toward a more open system which allows more chances yet still maintains a decent standard then YOU as BHSA members will find more and more openings available to you to get your name listed.
None of the above can be done without your support. Like the both of us you'll be putting your time in in the gym and then on the platform and so as we are all athletes TOGETHER we can make our little niche sport a little bigger and a little better.
So let's see some lists of how events, equipment and more can be improved.
Thanks
