I simply can't understand why they wouldn't take every step possible to showcase this amazing fundraising series. Local charities across the US benefit from the efforts of countless individuals, players and TD's. Some of the ICE BOWL events are even sanctioned. Use this event as a marketing tool instead of ignoring it until you read about it in Disc Golf World.

No link, no mention. Please explain.

The sanctioning proces is not easy. Most TDs of Ice Bowls are busy around the holidays with non-disc golf related matter (family). For them to be showcased, they need to be sanctioned. Besides, they don't always follow the rule. The Ice Bowl in Raleigh allowed mulligans for 1$. Some players shot 16 under, but with a crap load of mulligans... hence, not fair to rate those rounds.

His question was not, "Why don't TDs sanction their ice bowls?" but "Why doesn't the PDGA try to publicize the ice bowl thing a little in hopes that it will reflect well on disc golf in general?"

And it is a good question.

word...

Generally, an organization will use its resources to promote its own events. That makes sense for the viability of the organization, economically. Why use marketing or promotional space for something someone else owns when you have more to promote of your own stuff than you have room for?

That's why you don't see anything but Majors or similar events on the PDGA front page, and why only sanctioned events are in the PDGA calendar. Other events/groups purchase banner ads, like Marshall Street.

However, I think you overlooked the facts that (a) Ice Bowl events are constantly promoted in DISCussion, as well as (b) promoted in Disc Golf World, the official magazine of the PDGA, and (c) those events which are sanctioned are in the PDGA calendar. Plus, (d) the Ice Bowl was mentioned in a couple issues of PDGA Member News.

what i posted in your other post:

I wish I didn't have to be forced to read/receive Disc Golf World News but that's another topic alltogether

I agree with what your trying to say but I don't think it matters that much that its not promoted on the PDGA site. What is more important is that Ice Bowls get the local media involved. This will have a much larger impact than the PDGA promoting a "series" to the thousands of people that are already in the know.

Our Ice Bowl made it into the local paper and onto the staff writer's blog page. A little local effort will go a long way to raising awareness--in a positive light. However, this requires someone to be proactive and seek the media attention (we so often crave).

Cheers,
Steve

I would agree that the PDGA should give some "Charity" and add the Ice Bowl Logo w/ link on the main page. How hard would it really be to add it just below the Players Cup Logo.

How does having a link promote a local Ice Bowl? You think your local media is searching PDGA for information for a story to run in the Sunday paper?

Local players need to promote it. Contact radio, television, and newspapers. A PDGA link will not get you anything, while you can get yourselves very much!

I would agree that the PDGA should give some "Charity" and add the Ice Bowl Logo w/ link on the main page. How hard would it really be to add it just below the Players Cup Logo.



The PDGA already "gives" enough to the Ice Bowl promoter in the form of some big checks for the print mag all of us receive.

Check for yourself, none of the purchases from the Ice Bowl merch goes to any charity (at least unless something's changed since I asked a few years back).

Maybe if the Ice Bowl wasn't another way to turn plastic into cash (and it'd be my bet that all that plastic wasn't even paid for but instead came in exchange for advertizing) but was instead a direct way to support a charity, PDGA promotion might be well considered. As it is, I suggest there's no need to pimp the ice bowl event.

Joe

Do PDGA sanctioned tournaments give a portion of entry fees to local charities? If not, why? Surely, this could be a great vehicle for publicity all year long, not just during the winter IB series.

IBs showcase what is right about disc golf. Good people having fun for a good cause.

IMHO, we should be doing more of this every time a field of players takes to the course.

Charity begins at home.

Charity begins at home.




Which of course should be the under-rewarded TDs and staff in many cases.

Are they truly in need? Perhaps volunteers would be more abundant and motivated if they were serving for a cause greater than the event itself.

While I agree with the point you make, it is tangential to the point I made.

While I don't disgree with charitable efforts, there are many people that have done wonderful things for their communities developing disc golf facilities with their time and money from their pockets. Many of these same people are also called upon to run these charitable events. In many cases, they step up out of a sense of obligation, because they know how to do it and no one else will step up, but would be happier if the situation provided at least some compensation for their ongoing efforts.

Many communities haven't even recognized these civic volunteers like they have other volunteers that may have helped get some soccer fields or hockey rinks installed. So, while these sometimes reluctant volunteers may have food to eat while some receiving the charitable contributions don't, these people have made personal sacrifices in terms of family time, marriages and even general economic security in support of disc golf.

Ice Bowls showcase disc golf in a light that likely will resonate with viewers of TV, print media, et al. more than a PDGA tournament. The latter is more of a sporting novelty, while the former combines sports and a humanitarian cause. Media outlets look for stories that (among other things) pull at your heartstrings, that make you want to read on, that impact you in some way.

Ice Bowls have the potential to do that, and so I've seen more press locally about them than DG in general. If DG is going to move from the fringe and more into mainstream, it needs more of that kind of attention.

But the best strategy is to hustle the media. They won't come looking--at least not initially. Let them know about your event (whatever it is), and tell them why is makes for a compelling story.

And to Chuck's point, DG volunteers do get the shaft. But it is their love of the game that keeps us all moving forward, albeit slowly...

Happy Friday!
Steve
:)

I realize this is the Ice Bowl thread, but my comments weren't so much about Ice Bowls which have been excellent PR and have provided much needed charitable help all over the country. My soapbox was more about the general ongoing sacrifices that our volunteer TDs and staff make throughout the year.

I realize this is the Ice Bowl thread, but my comments weren't so much about Ice Bowls which have been excellent PR and have provided much needed charitable help all over the country. My soapbox was more about the general ongoing sacrifices that our volunteer TDs and staff make throughout the year.



I agree , volunteer TDs and staff make the difference !!!!!

Each year we get at least some recognition in the media for our Ice Bowl. From the 6 and 10 news, to cover shots on smaller local papers, to an article in a major paper. It's really great to come to work Monday and have people mention that they saw something about 'that disc golf thing you do'. Of course it often starts with 'Did you that such and such was going on?' 'Actually I was pretty involved in it.' It feels good.

-mikew