Post by craftsman on Feb 6, 2007 1:15:54 GMT 8
With the Bejing Summer Olympic Games only two years away, and the first International Blowgun Games being held this summer in France, I thought it was time to post an update on the progress we're making about getting Competition Sport Blowgun Target Shooting recognized as a sport by the various National Olympic Committees and the International Olympic Committee. The individuals that I have been in communication with from the various National Olympic Committees (NOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have been very helpful, and have provided a great deal of information to me towards getting our sport recognized and sanctioned.
First the bad news.
1. No National Olympic Committee recognizes our sport as an "official" sport. Why? Lack of participation! Not even in Japan is it recognized by the Japananese NOC ... although they are the ones with the largest national participating membership, and meeting all the other requirements for recognition. They will most likely be the first IFA affiliated organization to be recognized by their NOC.
2. Any new sport must be admitted to the Olympic program at least seven years before the next Olympic Games. For the original goal set (2016), that means we have to be on the list by 2009! Sadly, Talon-xls may have called it - we may not be able to meet our original goal.
3. In order for a sport to be played at the games, the sport's International Organization must be recognized by the General Association of International Sport Federations. The General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), founded in 1967, groups together the International Sports Federations and various associations with the aim of defending world-wide sport, becoming better informed and making themselves known, and cooperating and coordinating their activities. Its aim is to create a forum which brings together all the sports bodies once a year for an exchange of views on subjects of common interest. Its mission is to maintain the authority and autonomy of its members, promote closer links between its members and all sports organisations, coordinate and protect common interests and collect, verify and disseminate information. Currently, the International Fukiyado Association (IFA) is not recognized (see #1, above). But, Air sports, Netball, Bandy, Orienteering, Billiards, Sports Pelote Basque, Boules, Polo, Bowling, Powerboating, Bridge, Racquetball, Chess, Roller Sports, DanceSport, Rugby.
Golf, Squash, Karate, Surfing, Korfball, Sumo Wrestling, Life Saving, Tug of War,
Motorcycle Racing, Underwater Sports, Mountaineering and Climbing, Water Skiing, and Wushu ( a martial Arts sport) are - and are ahead of us on the waiting list, with the smallest following having more than double the number of participating nations that we have.
Now, the good news:
1. We have over a dozen national organizations, representing nations on four continents. Some of these actually have held national level competitions. However, we need to get a lot more official participants on the national level (come on, USA - 50 registered blowgunners? That will never do!)
2. National competitions have been held in Japan, France, the USA, and Germany.
3. The first International Blowgun Games will be held in France this year.
What needs to happen next?
In a word - PARTICIPATION!
If you are reading this post ... participate!
Join your national organization if you already haven't.
Form a local club, if you already haven't.
Have a membership drive (Hey! This IS a sport ... we're behind boules (lawn bowling ...petanque, or bocce ball), Tug-of-War, chess, Korfball, Netball, and Orienteering ... Curling actually IS an Olympic Sport already (quick, hand me a broom! LOL).
Be proud of the fact that you are a Blowgun Target Shooter, and good at it!
Wear your local club or national organization logo.
Hold a local competition and advertise it in the media (newspapers, radio, TV), and publish the results!
Want more information? Here's some that might help you -
FAQ's and more -
General Olympic Information
Q: Who is eligible to compete in the Olympic Games?
A: Each athlete must be a citizen of the country of the National Olympic Committee which he/she represents, and must also meet the eligibility requirements of his/her respective sport's International Federation, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. No competitor in the Olympic Games may allow his/her person, picture or sports performance to be used for advertising purposes during the Olympic Games.
Q: Is there an age limit for Olympic athletes?
A: The only age limit for Olympic competitors are prescribed for health and safety reasons in the competition rules of certain IFs, including bobsled (minimum of 14 years old), boxing (17-32), diving (minimum of 14), equestrian (16 or older), figure skating (15 by July of previous year), gymnastics (must be 16 years old in Olympic year), judo (15 or older), luge (16 or older), soccer (under 23), team handball (over 18), weightlifting (17 or older) and wrestling (must be at least 17 on day of Opening Ceremonies). There are no general restrictions among the International Federations on an "upper" age limit.
Q: How does a new sport, discipline or event get added to the Olympic program?
A: First, the respective sport's IF must be recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a federation operated and organized under the principles and regulations of the IOC. Second, for a new sport to be considered for the Olympic program, the IF must present proof that the sport is widely practiced (i.e., national championships, regional competitions such as the Pan Am Games, world championships and other international competitions are held on a regular basis). Starting in the year 2000, for those sports seeking inclusion or currently on the summer Olympic program, sports for men must be played in at least 75 countries on four continents before being considered for inclusion on the Olympic program and, for women, the sport must be contested in at least 40 countries and on three continents. Any new sport must be admitted to the Olympic program at least seven years before the next Olympic Games and, with a few rare exceptions, no changes are permitted after that time. The standards for admission of disciplines or events to the Olympic program are very similar to those for a sport.
Q: What are the Paralympic Games?
A: The Paralympic Games (not to be confused with the Special Olympics), both summer and winter, are held for elite athletes with physical or visual impairments, representing the four international federations of the blind, paraplegics and quadriplegics, people with cerebral palsy, amputees and others (including dwarfs). The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome, Italy, in 1960, and have been held in the same city or country hosting the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games since then.
France has a website dedicated to Paralympic Blowgun Games! This is not part of the games in the USA.
Q: Where can I find information on Olympic drug and substance abuse policies?
A: The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is the organization responsible for setting and enforcing Olympic drug policies. To find out more about USADA and its policies, visit their official website.
Q: What is the Olympic motto and what does it mean?
A: The Olympic motto -- "Citius, Altius, Fortius" -- is Latin and means "Faster, Higher, Braver" in Latin, but the universally accepted meaning is "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." The motto is believed to have been conceived by Father Henri Didon, headmaster of the Arceuil School near Paris, to express the aspirations of all the athletes in the Olympic Movement.
Q: What is the Olympic creed?
A: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." These words, referred to as the Olympic creed, are commonly attributed to Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, although there is some question as to whether or not he was the actual author. De Coubertin is believed to have first delivered the Olympic creed following the Congress of Paris in 1894.
Q: What is the Olympic oath?
A: The Olympic oath is a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship that traces its origins to the 1920 Olympic Games. One athlete from the host country takes an oath at Opening Ceremonies on behalf of all the athletes. The oath is "In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams." A similar oath is also taken by a judge from the host country.
Q: What is the International Olympic Committee's role in the overall Olympic Movement and where is it located?
A: The International Olympic Committee was created by the Congress of Paris on June 23, 1894, and was entrusted with the control and development of the Modern Olympic Games. The IOC is the final authority on all questions concerning the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement worldwide. The Olympic Movement includes the IOC, International Sports Federations (IFs), the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Organizing Committees of the Olympic Games (OCOGs), the national sports federations and other associations. The IOC's headquarters are in Lausanne, Switzerland, and its web site is: www.olympic.org.
Q: What is the role of a National Olympic Committee (NOC) and how many are currently recognized by the IOC?
A: Each "nation" has but one NOC. Although most the NOCs that are recognized are from nations, the IOC also recognizes independent territories, commonwealths (such as Puerto Rico), mandated territories, protectorates and geographical areas. As of February 2000, the IOC recognized 200 National Olympic Committees. Each NOC has the responsibility for governing Olympic affairs within its nation, including identifying, training, selecting, entering and funding an Olympic Team from that nation to compete in the Olympic Games.
Q: What is the role of an International Federation (IF) and how many IFs are currently recognized by the IOC?
A: The International Federations (IFs) for Olympic sports and those sports wishing to be considered for the Olympic program establish the eligibility and competition rules, set the schedule of events (which then must be approved by the IOC and the host organizing committee for the Olympic Games), and select and identify the referees, judges and other officials to "run" the sport. The IFs can also make proposals to the IOC concerning the revision or development of the events in its own sport, and recommend the addition or deletion of an event on the Olympic program. The IF is responsible for resolving all technical issues such as officiating disputes and recognizes only one National Governing Body (NGB) per sport in each country. As of February 2000, there are 35 International Federations for the different medal sports on the programs of the Olympic Games or Olympic Winter Games. There are another 22 "Recognized International Federations" for those sports seeking inclusion on future Olympic programs.
Q: What is a National Governing Body and how many are currently recognized in the U.S.?
A: A National Governing Body is the sports organization that is recognized by and affiliated with an International Federation. In the U.S., there are currently 39 Olympic Sport Organizations or NGBs for the sports on either of the Olympic Games, six Pan American Sport Organizations for the sports on the Pan Am Games, and another six Affiliated Sports Organizations such as karate, rugby, sports acrobatics and underwater swimming, which are among the sports seeking inclusion on future Olympic programs. The NGBs operate independently of the USOC. Information about NGB calendar of events, Olympic Trial and/or Selection Dates and answers to sport-specific questions should be obtained through those organizations.
Q: Who determines the program of sports, disciplines and events for the Olympic Games?
A: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) establishes the program for both the winter and summer Olympic Games, which includes only those sports recognized by the IOC as Olympic sports meeting the criteria outlined in the IOC Charter. The program of the Games of the Olympiad must include at least 15 Olympic sports, but there is no minimum number of sports required for the Olympic Winter Games program. After each Olympic Games, the IOC reviews the program and may rule to admit or exclude sports, disciplines or events or may change the standards from admitting or deleting sports, disciplines or events from the future Olympic Games programs.
Q: What is the USOC?
A: The United States Olympic Committee, which has its administrative headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., is comprised of 72 member organizations. It is the coordinating body for Olympic-related athletic activity in the United States. The vision of the USOC has been to assist in finding opportunities for every American to participate in sport, regardless of gender, race, age, geography or physical ability.
Q: How can I make the U.S. Olympic Team?
A: Each sport’s National Governing Body develops their own athletes and sets the selection procedures and/or Olympic Trials dates, which must then be approved by the USOC's Games Preparation Committee and the USOC Board of Directors. Each athlete must meet the requirements of his or her respective sport's International Federation and National Organizing Committee. The NGB websites contain further contact information.
Official Olympic Summer Sports:
archery
badminton
baseball
basketball
bowling
boxing
canoe/kayak
cycling
diving
equestrian
fencing
field hockey
gymnastics
judo
karate
modern pentathlon
racquetball
roller sports
rowing
sailing
shooting
soccer
softball
squash
swimming
synchronized swimming
table tennis
taekwondo
team handball
tennis
track & field
triathlon
volleyball
water polo
water skiing
weightlifting
wrestling
Official Olympic Winter Sports:
biathlon
bobsled
curling
figure skating
ice hockey
luge
short track
skeleton
skiing
snowboarding
speedskating
First the bad news.
1. No National Olympic Committee recognizes our sport as an "official" sport. Why? Lack of participation! Not even in Japan is it recognized by the Japananese NOC ... although they are the ones with the largest national participating membership, and meeting all the other requirements for recognition. They will most likely be the first IFA affiliated organization to be recognized by their NOC.
2. Any new sport must be admitted to the Olympic program at least seven years before the next Olympic Games. For the original goal set (2016), that means we have to be on the list by 2009! Sadly, Talon-xls may have called it - we may not be able to meet our original goal.
3. In order for a sport to be played at the games, the sport's International Organization must be recognized by the General Association of International Sport Federations. The General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), founded in 1967, groups together the International Sports Federations and various associations with the aim of defending world-wide sport, becoming better informed and making themselves known, and cooperating and coordinating their activities. Its aim is to create a forum which brings together all the sports bodies once a year for an exchange of views on subjects of common interest. Its mission is to maintain the authority and autonomy of its members, promote closer links between its members and all sports organisations, coordinate and protect common interests and collect, verify and disseminate information. Currently, the International Fukiyado Association (IFA) is not recognized (see #1, above). But, Air sports, Netball, Bandy, Orienteering, Billiards, Sports Pelote Basque, Boules, Polo, Bowling, Powerboating, Bridge, Racquetball, Chess, Roller Sports, DanceSport, Rugby.
Golf, Squash, Karate, Surfing, Korfball, Sumo Wrestling, Life Saving, Tug of War,
Motorcycle Racing, Underwater Sports, Mountaineering and Climbing, Water Skiing, and Wushu ( a martial Arts sport) are - and are ahead of us on the waiting list, with the smallest following having more than double the number of participating nations that we have.
Now, the good news:
1. We have over a dozen national organizations, representing nations on four continents. Some of these actually have held national level competitions. However, we need to get a lot more official participants on the national level (come on, USA - 50 registered blowgunners? That will never do!)
2. National competitions have been held in Japan, France, the USA, and Germany.
3. The first International Blowgun Games will be held in France this year.
What needs to happen next?
In a word - PARTICIPATION!
If you are reading this post ... participate!
Join your national organization if you already haven't.
Form a local club, if you already haven't.
Have a membership drive (Hey! This IS a sport ... we're behind boules (lawn bowling ...petanque, or bocce ball), Tug-of-War, chess, Korfball, Netball, and Orienteering ... Curling actually IS an Olympic Sport already (quick, hand me a broom! LOL).
Be proud of the fact that you are a Blowgun Target Shooter, and good at it!
Wear your local club or national organization logo.
Hold a local competition and advertise it in the media (newspapers, radio, TV), and publish the results!
Want more information? Here's some that might help you -
FAQ's and more -
General Olympic Information
Q: Who is eligible to compete in the Olympic Games?
A: Each athlete must be a citizen of the country of the National Olympic Committee which he/she represents, and must also meet the eligibility requirements of his/her respective sport's International Federation, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. No competitor in the Olympic Games may allow his/her person, picture or sports performance to be used for advertising purposes during the Olympic Games.
Q: Is there an age limit for Olympic athletes?
A: The only age limit for Olympic competitors are prescribed for health and safety reasons in the competition rules of certain IFs, including bobsled (minimum of 14 years old), boxing (17-32), diving (minimum of 14), equestrian (16 or older), figure skating (15 by July of previous year), gymnastics (must be 16 years old in Olympic year), judo (15 or older), luge (16 or older), soccer (under 23), team handball (over 18), weightlifting (17 or older) and wrestling (must be at least 17 on day of Opening Ceremonies). There are no general restrictions among the International Federations on an "upper" age limit.
Q: How does a new sport, discipline or event get added to the Olympic program?
A: First, the respective sport's IF must be recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a federation operated and organized under the principles and regulations of the IOC. Second, for a new sport to be considered for the Olympic program, the IF must present proof that the sport is widely practiced (i.e., national championships, regional competitions such as the Pan Am Games, world championships and other international competitions are held on a regular basis). Starting in the year 2000, for those sports seeking inclusion or currently on the summer Olympic program, sports for men must be played in at least 75 countries on four continents before being considered for inclusion on the Olympic program and, for women, the sport must be contested in at least 40 countries and on three continents. Any new sport must be admitted to the Olympic program at least seven years before the next Olympic Games and, with a few rare exceptions, no changes are permitted after that time. The standards for admission of disciplines or events to the Olympic program are very similar to those for a sport.
Q: What are the Paralympic Games?
A: The Paralympic Games (not to be confused with the Special Olympics), both summer and winter, are held for elite athletes with physical or visual impairments, representing the four international federations of the blind, paraplegics and quadriplegics, people with cerebral palsy, amputees and others (including dwarfs). The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome, Italy, in 1960, and have been held in the same city or country hosting the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games since then.
France has a website dedicated to Paralympic Blowgun Games! This is not part of the games in the USA.
Q: Where can I find information on Olympic drug and substance abuse policies?
A: The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is the organization responsible for setting and enforcing Olympic drug policies. To find out more about USADA and its policies, visit their official website.
Q: What is the Olympic motto and what does it mean?
A: The Olympic motto -- "Citius, Altius, Fortius" -- is Latin and means "Faster, Higher, Braver" in Latin, but the universally accepted meaning is "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." The motto is believed to have been conceived by Father Henri Didon, headmaster of the Arceuil School near Paris, to express the aspirations of all the athletes in the Olympic Movement.
Q: What is the Olympic creed?
A: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." These words, referred to as the Olympic creed, are commonly attributed to Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, although there is some question as to whether or not he was the actual author. De Coubertin is believed to have first delivered the Olympic creed following the Congress of Paris in 1894.
Q: What is the Olympic oath?
A: The Olympic oath is a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship that traces its origins to the 1920 Olympic Games. One athlete from the host country takes an oath at Opening Ceremonies on behalf of all the athletes. The oath is "In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams." A similar oath is also taken by a judge from the host country.
Q: What is the International Olympic Committee's role in the overall Olympic Movement and where is it located?
A: The International Olympic Committee was created by the Congress of Paris on June 23, 1894, and was entrusted with the control and development of the Modern Olympic Games. The IOC is the final authority on all questions concerning the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement worldwide. The Olympic Movement includes the IOC, International Sports Federations (IFs), the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Organizing Committees of the Olympic Games (OCOGs), the national sports federations and other associations. The IOC's headquarters are in Lausanne, Switzerland, and its web site is: www.olympic.org.
Q: What is the role of a National Olympic Committee (NOC) and how many are currently recognized by the IOC?
A: Each "nation" has but one NOC. Although most the NOCs that are recognized are from nations, the IOC also recognizes independent territories, commonwealths (such as Puerto Rico), mandated territories, protectorates and geographical areas. As of February 2000, the IOC recognized 200 National Olympic Committees. Each NOC has the responsibility for governing Olympic affairs within its nation, including identifying, training, selecting, entering and funding an Olympic Team from that nation to compete in the Olympic Games.
Q: What is the role of an International Federation (IF) and how many IFs are currently recognized by the IOC?
A: The International Federations (IFs) for Olympic sports and those sports wishing to be considered for the Olympic program establish the eligibility and competition rules, set the schedule of events (which then must be approved by the IOC and the host organizing committee for the Olympic Games), and select and identify the referees, judges and other officials to "run" the sport. The IFs can also make proposals to the IOC concerning the revision or development of the events in its own sport, and recommend the addition or deletion of an event on the Olympic program. The IF is responsible for resolving all technical issues such as officiating disputes and recognizes only one National Governing Body (NGB) per sport in each country. As of February 2000, there are 35 International Federations for the different medal sports on the programs of the Olympic Games or Olympic Winter Games. There are another 22 "Recognized International Federations" for those sports seeking inclusion on future Olympic programs.
Q: What is a National Governing Body and how many are currently recognized in the U.S.?
A: A National Governing Body is the sports organization that is recognized by and affiliated with an International Federation. In the U.S., there are currently 39 Olympic Sport Organizations or NGBs for the sports on either of the Olympic Games, six Pan American Sport Organizations for the sports on the Pan Am Games, and another six Affiliated Sports Organizations such as karate, rugby, sports acrobatics and underwater swimming, which are among the sports seeking inclusion on future Olympic programs. The NGBs operate independently of the USOC. Information about NGB calendar of events, Olympic Trial and/or Selection Dates and answers to sport-specific questions should be obtained through those organizations.
Q: Who determines the program of sports, disciplines and events for the Olympic Games?
A: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) establishes the program for both the winter and summer Olympic Games, which includes only those sports recognized by the IOC as Olympic sports meeting the criteria outlined in the IOC Charter. The program of the Games of the Olympiad must include at least 15 Olympic sports, but there is no minimum number of sports required for the Olympic Winter Games program. After each Olympic Games, the IOC reviews the program and may rule to admit or exclude sports, disciplines or events or may change the standards from admitting or deleting sports, disciplines or events from the future Olympic Games programs.
Q: What is the USOC?
A: The United States Olympic Committee, which has its administrative headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., is comprised of 72 member organizations. It is the coordinating body for Olympic-related athletic activity in the United States. The vision of the USOC has been to assist in finding opportunities for every American to participate in sport, regardless of gender, race, age, geography or physical ability.
Q: How can I make the U.S. Olympic Team?
A: Each sport’s National Governing Body develops their own athletes and sets the selection procedures and/or Olympic Trials dates, which must then be approved by the USOC's Games Preparation Committee and the USOC Board of Directors. Each athlete must meet the requirements of his or her respective sport's International Federation and National Organizing Committee. The NGB websites contain further contact information.
Official Olympic Summer Sports:
archery
badminton
baseball
basketball
bowling
boxing
canoe/kayak
cycling
diving
equestrian
fencing
field hockey
gymnastics
judo
karate
modern pentathlon
racquetball
roller sports
rowing
sailing
shooting
soccer
softball
squash
swimming
synchronized swimming
table tennis
taekwondo
team handball
tennis
track & field
triathlon
volleyball
water polo
water skiing
weightlifting
wrestling
Official Olympic Winter Sports:
biathlon
bobsled
curling
figure skating
ice hockey
luge
short track
skeleton
skiing
snowboarding
speedskating