Organizations are learning a respect for each other. Multi organizational events have proven that organizations can work together for the benefit of twirling. Judges and coaches who have attended these events have had extremely positive experiences and have had the opportunity to sit down together and discuss the different philosophies , judging techniques, rules, etc. It’s been a positive learning experience for everyone. One thing that was prevalent during many of the discussions was that we had a lot to offer each other and that we had a lot of the same goals for twirling. Goals that will never be attained if the organizations don’t get together and work together!

Baton Twirling is far too segmented for it’s own good. The question was asked - How do we get together for the sole purpose of promoting baton twirling?....Thus, the formation of the National Coalition for the Advancement of Baton Twirling.. This is a great step forward!

The NCABT is in the initial stages of being formed. This coalition is open to anyone from any organization who is willing to help in this endeavor. The goal of this coalition is exposure and promotion of the sport. It, in no way, will try to affect the workings of each of the respective organizations. In fact it has nothing to do with organizations. It will not compete or interfere with any of the established organizations . It’s sole purpose is promoting baton twirling.

NCABT’s first goal is to establish a university level baton twirling intercollegiate sport program and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) baton twirling competitions. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see our athletes be given the opportunity to compete as a sport in the Universities and to receive more scholarships.

Sandi Wiemers made a presentation to the NCAA with the format and structure in 1998. It was tentatively approved under the classification of the "Emerging Sports for Women" program. However, it is not the NCAA who initiates new gender equity sports programs into the universities and conferences. It is universities themselves.

The goal may sound rather lofty but there are reasons why now is a good time to unite the organizations for this common goal. Not only do we currently have successful multiorganizational events but also because of Title IX.

Title IX covers the "Emerging Sports for Women" Program for Colleges with NCCA University interest.

Title IX prohibits institutions that receive federal funding from practicing gender discrimination in educational programs, activities and intercollegiate athletics. Because almost all schools receive federal funds, Title IX applies to nearly everyone. There are not only quotas for how many programs must be offered to women but also how much money the universities or colleges must put toward these programs. With the advent of the 30^th anniversary of Title IX coming about this past June, there has been a great deal of publicity and focus in the news about how much inequality still exists in college sport’s between men and women’s sports. Pressure is being put on institutions that have not met their quotas. Research as to which conferences have Universities or colleges that have twirlers but have not met their quotas has already been started..

Meeting

We are still in the initial stages of forming the NCABT with interested persons of all organizations. There will be a meeting in Chicago Oct. 26^th and 27^th for anyone interested in helping us to achieve this endeavor.

The meeting will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Rosemont, Ill. This hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, complimentary full American breakfast, cook-to-order breakfast and a complimentary evening cocktail reception. The price is $ $129.00 plus tax. It is not necessary that you stay at this hotel. There are other hotels within 1 ½ miles of this hotel. Doubletree O’Hare Rosemont $99.00 (right near Embassy Suites), Clarion Hotel Barcelo-O’Hare Airport $79.95, Holiday Inn Select & Suites $95.59 The meeting room is costing $250 per day. Unfortunately, it is therefore necessary to charge a registration fee of $20.00 per attendee.

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NCABT Meeting Registration Form

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Status: ____ Coach _____ Judge _____ Athlete _____ Interested Party