• Executive Directors Column
• Coordinator Expansion Underway
• Dear Booster
• Inspirational Story - Go kick the ball..
• Vendor of the Month - CDI
• Seeking Nationwide Support
• Taking Time to Recognize Real Leaders
• Do-It Yourself Fundraiser
• Spotlight of the Month - MV Sport
• 7 Things You Should Know About Insurance
• Fast Facts

BUILDING SUCCESSFUL BOOSTER CLUBS
This month my article continues with the third of four topics related to addressing the four greatest areas that challenge booster clubs. The remaining topic will continue in December.

Booster Club Challenge #3: Organizational Structure
The proper organizational structure for booster clubs is traditionally the same regardless of whether it's sports music, school or non-school related. Organizational structure can be broken into three (3) segments.

1. Corporate Registration
2. Officers & Directors, and
3. Policies & Procedures

Corporate Registration; with the exception of a small number of clubs, the initial step in structuring your booster club should include filing for a non-profit corporate registration with your state Corporations Division. Before you can file, you will need to determine the clubs official name, establish a mailing address, decide who will become the registered agent and pick the initial incorporators. At the time of filing you will need to either submit a set of Articles of Incorporation, or in most cases you can fill out a downloadable template from the Corporations Division.

Registering as a non-profit does not mean that you have filed for tax exempt status with the IRS. This is a much more involved process and will require your filing more extensive paperwork as well as paying a filing fee of $500. The progression from non-profit to tax exempt is one that should be considered once your club has established itself and has a well positioned executive committee and Board of Directors.

Officers & Directors; selecting your officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) is a task that is required to complete your state filing and to properly establish the organizational structure of your group. In most all states you are required to have at least a President and Secretary, which must be a different person. You will want to check your state requirements to insure compliance. Regardless of the size or number of people your club is starting out with, hold some form of recorded elections to position your officers. This can be from simply asking who would like to become the President and then all agreeing that this person will take the initial position, to holding official nominations, allowing the candidates to speak and then holding elections that become recorded and permanent record within your corporate book. When electing your officers set a term that will fit your group. Traditionally terms are set for 1 year at a time, with some positions carrying a longer term of 2 years.

Policies & Procedures; establishing the guidelines, which need to include a set of by-laws is the last of the organizational structure process your club will need to incorporate if you want to build a successful club. Your by-laws are the set of policies and procedures that typically govern the internal affairs of your organization. By-laws typically include rules concerning the election of directors, terms and responsibilities of the officers, and establish the procedures for handling money, conducting meetings and the scope of business.

Include all three of these steps in establishing proper organizational structure and your booster club can insure itself that it is taking the right steps to get your club moving.

I wish each of you the best of success.
Happy Boostering!

Steve M. Beden
Executive Director

Enroll Your Club

Dear Booster........

The NBCA is now recruiting Area Coordinators nationwide.
- Unlimited opportunity
- No competition
- Part-time or Full-time
- Help make a difference in your community!

To find out more email us your contact information and one of our qualified staff members will personally contact you or click here to learn more: Coordinator Opportunity

Dear Booster,
I live in Central California and my two sons go to a local public high school. I recently got involved with the booster club and at our last meeting we were told by our Athletic Director that our booster club had to raise over $10,000 to cover expenses like travel, officials and supplies that were being cut from the school budget. Can the Athletic Director really require us to raise this money?
Terri P.
Centennial HS Boosters


Dear Terri,
The answer is yes, and no. Let's start with the no first. The Athletic Director, Principal or even your clubs President cannot demand that your club raise a set amount of money. This is something that your executive committee, which are tasked with the responsibility of guiding the club can enact. Now that we have the legal statement out of the way, let's review the situation, which as you stated was your Athletic Director telling you that the local budged was cut and there was not going to be sufficient funds to cover expenses. First, I would suggest that you confirm this is actually happening. Once you get confirmation, which you can get from the school district, your club will need to decide if it wants to help play a pro-active role in keeping your program alive.

Unfortunately there is a growing shortage of funding that supports extra-curricular programs. School budgets are facing shortfalls and in many cases extra-curricular programs are being cutback and eliminated. The fact that your Athletic Director took the initiative to let you know that you needed to step up and help out, tells me that your Athletic Director is interested in seeing that your programs makes it through the shortages.

Send us your Dear Booster.... article and we will select one each month to share with the readers of Booster Trends. To submit your email send to: dearbooster@boosterclubs.org.

When I popped in the DVD of the Ironman 2004 World Championship - I had no idea what I was in store for. My friend gave it to me and told me I had to watch it. He told me there was something very special on this DVD - and it didn't have anything to do with swimming, running or cycling.

He also told me it would change my life.

He was right....and it did.

The DVD contained one of the most inspirational stories I have ever heard. And I would like to share it with you...

When they interviewed Sarah Reinertson, she looked like all the other Ironman athletes. Thirty years old and in great shape. She was extremely confident that she would do well in the race and had that "eye of the tiger" glare. They showed clips of her training, and I have to admit, she was quite impressive. I am in absolute awe that anyone can swim 2.4 miles then bike 112 miles and then run a full 26.2 mile marathon. Being able to do any one of those feats is incredible, but doing all three of them, back-to-back, is mind-boggling.

But, that's not the amazing thing about this story.

The amazing thing is, Sarah was not always such a great athlete. Not even close. You see, when Sarah was 8 years old she wanted to play soccer. So, her parents signed her up for a recreation team. Sarah went to practice just like all of the other kids, but when it came time to play, her coach made her go off, all by herself, and kick a ball against a wall.

Sarah was the only child this "coach" did this to. Why would he do such a thing?

Because Sarah Only Had One Leg.

That experience changed Sarah's life forever. Instead of being devastated and quitting after this, sick and deranged coach's actions, Sarah decided to take lemons and make lemonade. She burned that experience into her mind and used it as an unbelievable motivation force that drove her to work harder than anyone else. To practice harder than anyone else. To persevere when times got tough. Quitting was never an option - in anything.

Sarah trained and trained for years and, in 2004, qualified for the Ironman World Championship.

One of the best parts of this story is that Sarah didn't finish the race. Like so many who attempt, she just couldn't do it. But, just this morning as I was writing this newsletter, I checked on the Internet, and, she had qualified again for 2005! I bet this time Sarah is going to finish.

I'd also bet that Sarah will be successful at whatever she chooses to do in her life. She's figured out the secret formula - that it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. I have to admit that I went through a wide variety of emotions watching the DVD. I felt complete outrage at the coach. After all, how could anyone act like that? Then I felt sorry for Sarah or having been dealt such a miserable hand in life. And finally, I felt a little ashamed that I had been blessed with so much and so many advantages and hardly took advantage of them. What gave me the right to ever complain about anything when people like Sarah are achieving such greatness.

I hope you find something in Sarah's story that helps you live a happier and more fulfilled life.

Computer Digital Imaging
Computer Digital Imaging (CDI) Corporation was founded in 1997 and is the largest US manufacturer of licensed collegiate gift items. Our products are sold on every major university and college campus in the country under the brands COLOR SHOCK Decals, GameDay Magnets and Xstatic Cling Decals. CDI is also the creator and producer of the leading championship and record board products in the US - EZ CHANGE Sports Boards.

The success of our product lines in both the large and small college markets directly applies to the booster club market place. CDI brands offer the dual value of substantial revenue generation and spirit promotion at both a high and middle school level.

Our brands offer new fund raising alternatives to booster clubs of any size or location with innovative, high quality products that require low minimums and short lead times. We work closely with your booster club to create custom products to fill your needs.

Check out our web site at www.cdi-corp.com or contact us at 1-800-941-6716.

NBCA Advocate - This is an ideal opportunity for anyone with contacts to local booster clubs, teams and businesses. The NBCA Advocate position does not require you to make any commitment other than your interest to periodically refer the NBCA to local booster clubs, teams and businesses. NBCA Advocates receive a commission or override for simply referring the association’s services to booster clubs, teams and businesses. This is an outstanding opportunity for any person who understands the role that extra-curricular activities play in shaping our society. If you would like to register and become an NBCA Advocate, please email your contact information or visit BoosterWorld and register today.

Area Coordinators - The NBCA is now seeking individuals who would like to assist local clubs, teams and businesses. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone looking for an opportunity to work part-time, or looking to help make a difference in your community. Coordinators will receive high commissions for introducing the association’s services to businesses, schools and parent organizations. This is an outstanding opportunity for any person who understands the role that extra-curricular activities play in shaping our society. If you would like to register and become an NBCA Advocate, please email your contact information or visit BoosterWorld and register today.

Club Coordinators - The NBCA is seeking individuals who are currently working with or involved with a booster club or extra-curricular program. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone currently involved with a club, team or extra-curricular program and who would like to turn the time you are spending into an opportunity to receive prizes, awards, recognition and compensation. Club Coordinators simply do what they are currently doing, nothing more. If you would like to register for the position of Club Coordinator, please email your name, club affiliation, city and state. Email us today at marketing@boosterclubs.org

In the feel good story of the day, we want to recognize an individual who not only supports extra-curricular programs, but also, who step above the norm in helping to bring life changing opportunities to the boys and girls who participate in these activities.

This article is focused on SE Washington State where Southridge High School 9th grade football coach John Hogg and his staff took an opportunity to help bring a young man with autism the dream of a life.

In a recent game against a visiting school from Walla Walla, Washington coach Hogg was approached by the Walla Walla coach and told about a young boy on the team with autism who had never scored a touchdown. After some short discussions, a plan was hatched where the players would help to bring about the opportunity for this young man to score a touchdown.

The play was set and the ball was handed to this young man. As he ran through the players on his way to his first touchdown the stands on the visiting side jumped to their feet and rallied him on with a roar of support that could be heard for blocks. Both sidelines including players and coaches jumped up and down and for one young man whose love of the game was stronger than any other that the coaches had seen, a life changing moment was taking place.

Although the moment only lasted a few seconds, to this young man whose smile lit up the stadium, the pride of scoring a touchdown, the crowd roaring their support, his teammates raising him in victory, this moment will be remember for a lifetime.

On behalf of the National Booster Club Association we want to congratulate Coach Hogg, his coaching staff and the players for not only keeping the game in perspective, but for helping to create a memory that will last a lifetime.

MV Sport
MV Sport/Weatherproof is a division of David Peyser Sportswear, a family owned and operated supplier of sportswear and outerwear since 1948. The MV Sport division is a leading maker of custom decorated apparel to college bookstores, resorts, golf shops, military and the advertising specialty industry. MV Sport/Weatherproof is among the largest marketers of licensed apparel. The company markets two exciting labels: the Weatherproof Garment Company and MV Sport. The Weatherproof Garment Company is the number one brand of better men's outerwear in top department stores. MV Sport is the company's line of exciting sweats, tees, blankets and athletic apparel.

MV Sport is the leader in "packaged apparel" programs. Apparel items are wrapped in and around special packaging media or bundled with specialty hangtags. These items stand out at the point of sale, or make truly unique and memorable gifts. Our blankets, rolled tees, cap and tees, sweatshirt albums make great items for fundraisers due to their versatility with students, parents and school staff members. The special packaging of these items has become extremely popular with booster clubs, sports teams, bands, orchestras etc... These concepts have been tried and true in the collegiate market and because of their strong appeal , it is a natural transition for MV Sport to move into the "club" market segment. MV Sport has been very successful in the college market for over 25 years. We are the value leaders in price and quality.

Contact MV Sport motivate@mvsport.com or 800-367-7900 for your next fundraiser. Visit us at www.mvsport.com to see our product line.

A new school year is here. You have meetings to plan, fundraisers to run, and responsibilities that you had no clue of when you agreed to volunteer with your booster club. In the midst of all of these tasks that you are taking care of, one of the most important details that you can’t forget is your insurance. We’ve compiled a list for you of the top 7 things you should know about insurance.

1. Your school’s policy probably covers less than you think. Make a list of everything you are planning this year and take it to the Risk Manager in your district to see what you do and don’t have coverage for.
2. Fill the gaps to cover your events. Make sure that when you buy a liability policy, it will cover you activities such as concession stands, fundraisers, car washes, and other events you have planned.
3. Don’t give your money away. There are many types of bond policies available to you. Do not purchase a bond policy that only covers one position or one person. Make sure that you have a blanket bond that covers anyone that you trust with the money, not just the President or Treasurer.
4. Your assets aren’t covered. Usually, most school insurance policies will not cover items that your booster club owns and has stored on campus. Most policies only cover property that the school can inventory and depreciate at tax time.
5. You have more than you think! In general, the majority of booster clubs don’t think they have a whole lot of personal property. Personal property is defined as any property that is in your possession. This includes things that the club owns such as popcorn machines, barbecue grills, cash registers, etc. At the same time, personal property can include raffle prizes, auction items, and fundraising merchandise while it is in your possession. Make sure that if you have any of these items throughout the year that you have a Property policy to protect it against robbery, theft, or natural disaster.
6. Cover it all. Your booster club is just as vulnerable as a commercial business when it comes to being held liable. Make sure that your insurance company can cover you for all of the risks you are exposed to: General Liability, Bonding, Property Coverage, Officers Liability, and Accident Medical insurance.
7. Education is key. Do your homework and find an insurance company that knows your events and knows how to protect you. Paying $1,700/year for a Commercial Liability policy is not a requirement to owning a good insurance policy. Find a company with a reasonable rate that will take time and educate you about your insurance policies. If you don’t know what is covered, how can you know how to plan effectively?

Provided by AIM Association Insurance Management, Proud Insurance Provider of the National Booster Club Association. For more information on booster club insurance, visit www.aim-companies.com or call 1-800-876-4044.