Mark Anderson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COLUMN:
SCHUTT SPORTS SPONSORSHIP JUST THE BEGINNING

We recently took the largest step in the Arena Football League Writers Association's three-year existence with the agreement with Schutt Sports to sponsor our weekly poll.

To say this has an enormous impact on the AFLWA's future is an understatement.

First of all, the sponsorship gets us out of debt, which is huge. Frankly, I had been considering disbanding the AFLWA because it was becoming almost impossible to survive financially. The $40 dues, while appreciated, weren't enough to cover the bills. Perhaps a continuing relationship with Schutt will even allow us to lower the dues and attract more members.

But beyond financial survival, the sponsorship allows us to take the next step of becoming a first-class association that can truly treat its members special. AFLWA members will soon receive a small token of appreciation. It's not much, but it's something and meant to show I value having you in the association.

Our board members will receive something beyond a small token as a way of saying their work in promoting the AFLWA is especially vital. Also, by improving the type of gift for a board member, it's also a way to encourage all members to want to become more active in the future.

Even more important, though, I hope this season we can use the sponsorship money to fulfill a dream I've had of putting together a dinner the week of the ArenaBowl to honor the AFLWA Player of the Year and the AFLWA Al Lucas Courage Award winners. I can't say for sure we will be able to pull that off this year, but I'm hopeful.

Putting together such a dinner would further legitimize us as an organization.

These are all small steps, and we are still a very young group. But I see great things for the AFLWA, especially as the league continues to grow. Maybe one day we can have several sponsors and host elaborate dinners for the members at the end of each season.

At the same time, I don't ever want to lose sight of the primary reason the AFLWA was created. We are here to help the media members better do their jobs in covering the various teams.

The AFLWA would not be anything without its members, and I thank you for signing up for the 2006 season. I hope we can be supportive to your needs and welcome any input.

Mark Anderson is the executive director of the AFLWA. He also covers the Gladiators for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.