Why Join the BWAA?
The Bowling Writers Association of America includes in its membership a variety of talented individuals who support and promote American tenpins.
Members receive news releases from the leading bowling industries and membership organizations; attend an annual convention where bylaws are discussed, awards are presented and ideas are shared with their peers from the various areas of North America. A general camaraderie makes convention week special.
At various times, members vote on the top men and women bowlers of the year, including seniors, amateurs and collegians. BWAA conducts several collegiate bowling polls throughout the season.
Two major awards are presented: BWAA Alberta Crowe Meritorious Service Award to industry leaders and contributors and BWAA Luby Hall of Fame which honors outstanding members of our organization who have excelled.
BWAA also raises money to fund its own scholarship program, the Chuck Pezzano Scholarship, which is designed to help young bowlers who want to pursue a career in communications. BWAA also supports the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.
Belonging to BWAA provides a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of the sport and in turn provide members with information that might not be available to non-members.
If you are interested in joining, or learning more about the organization, contact the BWAA Administrative Director at 621 Six Flags Dr., Arlington TX 76011 or by e-mail at Ron DeRoxtra.
To apply for membership, simply follow the directions in the sidebar box at right.
Membership Benefits
- Everyone receives a membership card each year
· The exchange of information and ideas in bowling communications is perhaps BWAA’s most important benefit of membership; but there’s much more:
· Networking with like-minded journalists and communications professionals in the industry
· Access to the BWAA News Archive on the website with industry news and information
· Professional, Associate and Life Members have voting privileges at the Annual Membership Meeting
· Student and Corporate Members are invited to attend all Annual Meeting functions
· All members receive the periodic BWAA E-News Letter and BWAA Membership Directory
· BWAA members are placed on the mailing lists of the industry’s most important news providers to receive regular news releases
· Qualified BWAA members receive press credentials to attend industry functions and events
· As a BWAA member, you will be invited to vote on important legislation, policy and procedure, and awards
· BWAA’s Annual Meeting and Convention is held in late June, in association with International Bowl Expo
· Convention activities include: seminars, news-generating speakers and interview opportunities, industry news releases, industry-sponsored breakfasts and luncheons, and the annual BWAA Hall of Fame Dinner
· New members receive a BWAA lapel pin
BWAA Awards Programs
BWAA administers several of bowling's most prestigious and important awards programs, including:
- Male and Female Bowlers of the Year
- Collegiate Bowlers of the Year
- Amateur Bowlers of the Year
- Senior Bowlers of the Year
- Bowler of the Month Awards
- BWAA Luby Hall of Fame Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism
- BWAA Alberta Crowe Meritorious Service Award
- BWAA Chuck Pezzano Scholarships
- Plus BWAA members serve on numerous Hall of Fame boards, scholarship committees and advisory panels
BWAA's Membership Classifications
Open to journalists who actively communicate news and information about the sport of tenpin bowling through printed or electronic media.
Membership Classifications and Fees
PROFESSIONAL - $30 Per Year
Professional members derive income from organizations, companies, or publications in or related to the bowling industry.
ASSOCIATE - $20 Per Year
Associate members are NOT compensated for their work
STUDENT - $10 Per Year
Membership is open to any college journalism student or high school senior planning to attend college and major in journalism/communications, or a related field. Applicants must provide copy of student identification card yearly.
CORPORATE - $100 Per Year (Includes two professional memberships for those who qualify)
Membership is open to any company who wishes to support BWAA as a corporate partner and sponsor. Corporate members shall receive recognition on the BWAA website and in the Newsletter.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Life membership is bestowed by a three-fourths vote of those present and voting at the Annual Meeting.
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