SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/261418
February 2014 24 www.sportseventsmagazine.com ▼ SPORT Report History Of Horseshoe Pitching The first ruling body of horseshoe pitching on record was organized in 1914 in Kansas City, Kan., and was called The Grand League of the American Horseshoe Pitch- ers Association. On May 10, 1921, the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of the United States was incorporated under the laws of the state of Ohio, Hawkins said. "A year or two later, these two national or- ganizations were consolidated under the name of the latter. At the national conven- tion in 1925, the name was changed to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America." Hawkins has been pitching horseshoes and involved with the NHPA since her youth and has helped the organization ever since. "I became involved in the NHPA as a youth, as I would travel to tournaments with my father. Eventually, I started partici- pating myself and, as my love of the sport grew, I became active in an organizational role at the state level and then became in- terested at the national level. I chose to run for my current office in 2008 and have served the NHPA since January of 2009." Neither Hawkins nor the others who hold a national title with NHPA are paid for their efforts. Rather, they perform their NHPA duties in their free time. Today, between 10,000 and 12,000 NHPA members compete throughout the world. "The NHPA's top priority is to serve as a unifying agent between state associations, local clubs, unorganized groups and indi- vidual players. The NHPA sanctions the NHPA World Horseshoe Tournament (which will be held in Hamburg, N.Y., in July), state association tournaments, regional and open events, and a league program." Hawkins said pitching divisions begin with the 12 and under Cadet division and go all the way up to the Elders division, which allows people who are 70 years of age or older to compete. There are also separate divisions for the women. Anyone who is a member of the NHPA can partici- pate in any sanctioned event across the country, including the annual World Horse- shoe Pitching Championships. NHPA's Goals For Growth Just as it is for other governing bodies, growing membership is an ongoing goal, Hawkins said. "While it is estimated that upwards of 15 million enthusiasts enjoy pitching horseshoes in the United States and Canada in tournaments, leagues, recre- ation areas and backyards, a large majority of those are unaware of the NHPA. Our as- sociation is family oriented. Many of our members are second- and third-generation members who got their start as the children and/or grandchildren of the older genera- tions. We would like to target families and young people who would provide a greater future for our membership." Hawkins said she is establishing a com- mittee to develop new ideas for promotion, acquiring a national sponsor and more. "We will focus on how to bring youth into the sport," she said. "We offer annual scholarships as well as scholarships for our junior champions. We are working to find a way to utilize the scholarships as a way to help grow the numbers." Another way NHPA hopes to attract in- terest in the sport is by incorporating elec- RINGER IT'S A BY STEVE URENA Pitching horseshoes has long been a fun backyard activity, but with an esti- mated 15+ million horse- shoe pitchers spanning the globe, it is quickly becoming a popular option for people who enjoy tournament com- petition. That's because horseshoe pitchers can be any size, shape, or gender, said Tina Hawkins, second vice president of the Na- tional Horseshoe Pitching Association (NHPA). Children wash horseshoes thrown by senior competitors. *21-27 SE FEB 2014_Layout 1 2/11/14 11:17 AM Page 24