Some answers to common questions about the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, its member benefits and award programs. If you don't see the answer to your question, send us an e-mail at webmaster@sportswriters.net.

About the USBWA

• Eligibility: The U.S. Basketball Writers Association is open to all accredited members of the media and members of schools and organizations directly affiliated with college basketball. Although we are the basketball writers, editors, radio and television broadcasters, publicists and even photographers are eligible to join. Please note that all applications are subject to the approval of the board of directors and the USBWA cannot guarantee that any paid dues will be refunded if your application is rejected. For new members, we encourage you to indicate if you were recommended by a colleague on your application. For questions about eligibility, contact Joe Mitch (314-421-0339 or mitch@mvc.org).

• Dues: Annual dues are $50 and are payable with your application. Dues for retired members are $20 and students are eligible for reduced dues of $25. Generally, the USBWA opens its application process each year on the second Monday in April. For dues payment, the USBWA accepts major credit cards (through PayPal.com) and checks. Please do not send cash. For more information about joining the USBWA or to renew your membership, click here.

Membership in the USBWA does not grant you any accreditation nor does it promise you access or credentials to cover any event. Any and all access granted is subject to the decision of the school, conference or other governing entity of that event.

Partnering with the USBWA

• Founded in 1956, the USBWA has now grown to a record 900 members. With that growth, the USBWA has also been able to advance and support its member benefit and awards programs through partnerships and sponsorships above and beyond funds from membership dues. If you have interest in supporting the USBWA and any of its programs through sponsorships or partnerships, contact Executive Director Joe Mitch (314-421-0339 or mitch@mvc.org) or Ted Gangi (214-909-9314 or ted.gangi@sportswriters.net).

Publications

• Member Directory: The college basketball media "bible" is revised and edited each summer in time for the season. In order to ensure that you are included in the directory, you must pay your dues by Oct 1. The USBWA prints only a limited number of books. The directory is generally mailed to the membership in mid- to late November. If you pay your dues after Oct. 1, you are not guaranteed to be listed, nor can you be guaranteed to receive the directory in time for the start of the season. The USBWA does its best to ensure that all members get a copy of the directory in a timely fashion, regardless of when dues are paid. No member will receive a directory until dues are paid. For questions about the directory, its contents and distribution, contact Executive Director Joe Mitch (314-421-0339 or mitch@mvc.org).

• The Tipoff: The association's newsletter is produced five times per year and posted to the website and distributed in print to members via Basketball Times. A printable .pdf version of each newsletter is available and a limited number of printed newsletters are mailed. The Tipoff generally features a column from the USBWA president and a recap of the latest news. An archive of The Tipoff dating back to 2001 is available on the website. For questions about The Tipoff, its contents and distribution, contact Editor John Akers (johna19081@gmail.com).

Member Benefits

• Hertz Corporate Discount Plan (CDP) Card: As a member of the USBWA, you are entitled to discounts offered by Hertz. To take advantage of the discounts, simply enter the USBWA's CDP code (1646337) when you make your reservation. Hertz no longer prints CDP cards, but you may download your card from the USBWA website. The card also includes codes for additional discounts. If you are a Hertz #1 Club member, you can enter the CDP code in your profile so you don't have to manually enter it each time you make a reservation. For questions about the Hertz CDP Card, contact Ted Gangi (214-909-9314 or ted.gangi@sportswriters.net).

• Basketball Times: USBWA members receive a complimentary 7-issue subscription to Basketball Times, "The Real Voice of Collegiate Basketball" for over 25 years. Widely read by coaches, administrators and basketball media, Basketball Times combines award-winning writing with incredible amounts of inside information. With a stable of writers and personalities that includes USBWA members Bob Ryan and Dick "Hoops" Weiss, BT not only discusses the shape of basketball, it's fair to say it shapes basketball as well. From the high schools to the colleges at all levels and the pros, BT introduces you to today's people aiming to be tomorrow's stars. For information about Basketball Times, contact Editor John Akers (johna19081@gmail.com).

• Hotel Booking Discount: The USBWA announces its own booking engine for discounted hotel rooms. In conjunction with Texas-based MPE Travel, this new service allows members to view various rate plans and availabilities in an easy and familiar format through a link on the USBWA website. With this program, members will
get the guaranteed lowest rates due to MPE's extensive contractual agreements and discounts; be able to search by preferred brands; earn points in preferred loyalty programs; receive immediate confirmation and details of the stay upon booking; be able to cancel reservations as necessary, according to hotel policy (unlike non-refundable rates at Expedia and other sites; sort and search hotels by city, price, or proximity to landmarks or venues. For questions about this benefit, contact Margaret Mason at 704-451-1136 or marg.mason@mindspring.com.

• StuffBak.com Discount: StuffBak, the leading provider of permanent identity labels, has teamed with the USBWA to offer a 10 percent online discount to members. To take advantage of this offer, all you have to do is pick out the set of labels you would like and order them directly through StuffBak.com. When you check out, simply enter the promotion code – sportswriters – in the order form of your shopping cart and you will automatically get the discounted price. For questions about this benefit, contact Ted Gangi (214-909-9314 or ted.gangi@sportswriters.net).

Award Programs

• Men's and Women's All-America Teams

• Oscar Robertson Trophy (Men's National Player of the Year)

• Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook

• Henry Iba Award (Men's National Coach of the Year)

• Women's National Player of the Year

• Women's National Coach of the Year

• Men's and Women's National Freshmen of the Year

• Men's All-District Teams

• Most Courageous Award (men and women)

• Katha Quinn Award

• USBWA Hall of Fame

• Good Guy Award

• Best Writing Contest: Each year the association conducts a best writing contest open to all active USBWA members. Generally, the contest includes five categories for stories written in the 12-month period between May 1 and April 30. Cash and other prizes are awarded to the winners and up to four runners-up in each category at the annual USBWA business meeting on site at the NCAA Men's Final Four. Click here for contest rules and entry information and for further questions about the Best Writing Contest, contact Joe Mitch.