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

The free interchange of information and ideas in support of advancing the craft of bowling journalism is among BWAA's most important benefits of membership, but there's much more:

• Upon acceptance, you will receive a BWAA membership card.
• Members are entitled to voting privileges at the Annual Meeting.
• All members are invited to attend all Annual Meeting functions.
• All members receive the periodic BWAA Insider newsletter and BWAA Membership Directory.
• BWAA's Annual Meeting location and dates are decided by the membership at the previous Annual Meeting.  Activities traditionally include: educational seminars, news-generating speakers and interview opportunities, several industry-sponsored awards breakfasts and luncheons, and a special event where BWAA's most prestigious awards are presented.
• As a BWAA member, you will be placed on the mailing lists of the industry's most important news providers to receive regular news releases.
• As a BWAA member, you will receive press credentials allowing you to attend Professional Bowlers Association tournaments.
• As a BWAA member, you will be invited to vote on several important awards.

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
MEMBERSHIP
Open to journalists who actively communicate news and information about the sport of tenpin bowling through printed or electronic media.

• National Media
  Writers/editors/photojournalists employed by national bowling publications; public relations representatives of nationally-recognized bowling organizations or companies; and those who regularly submit articles to any national bowling news medium.
• Daily/Weekly Newspapers
  Sports editors, staff writers, columnists or freelance writers who regularly submit bowling articles to the daily or weekly press.
• Local Bowling Publications
  Publishers, editors, staff writers, columnists or regular contributors to regional/local bowling publications. Such publications must have published at least two issues before an application for membership can be considered.
• Radio/Television
  Reporters/announcers for a national/local bowling program, or who regularly cover the sport for the electronic news media, including Internet web sites.
• Cartoonist/Illustrator
  Individuals who regularly submit orginal artwork pertaining to bowling to any news medium.
• Freelance Writers
  Individuals not covered above who regularly write articles and/or books on bowling.
• Inactive/Retired
  Individuals who are no longer active, or who have retired, but wish to remain active as members of the BWAA.
• Public Relations Associates
  Individuals who work in public relations for an organization, company or agency involved in sponsorship of bowling events/programs.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Life membership is bestowed by a three-fourths vote of those present and voting at the Annual Meeting.

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