A Team That
Welcomes
ALL
To The Huddle.
The Arizona Cardinals Are Proud to Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
VISION STATEMENT Compete Sports Diversity Unites the World Through Sports. MISSION STATEMENT To connect, educate, empower and inspire mission-driven LGBTQIA+ and allied sports and community leaders, sports organizations, non-profit groups, tourism partners, corporate partners and athletes to further sports diversity together. COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY TEAM CompeteNetwork.com Eric Carlyle, SDLT, CEO eric@competenetwork.com Jared Garduno, SDLT, Vice President jared@competenetwork.com Connie Wardman, SDLT, Editor & Education Director connie@competenetwork.com David “Dirk” Smith, SDL, Sports Editor & Education Manager dirk@competenetwork.com
Trayer Martinez, SDLT, Sales & Partnerships Director trayer@competenetwork.com Jerilyn Hanhard, SDLT, Sales & Partnership Manager jerilyn@competenetwork.com Israel Ramirez, Sales & Partnership Specialist israel@competenetwork.com
Copyright © 2021 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC All Rights Reserved. Compete Unites the World Though SportsTM All Mail PO Box 2756, Scottsdale, AZ 85252 • (800) 489-1274 Corporate Office 6991 East Camelback Road, Suite D-300, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Compete is a trademark of Media Out Loud, LLC Sports Diversity Leadership Council, Sports Diversity Leader and SDL are trademarks of Media Out Loud, LLC. Compete Sports Diversity is a Certified LGBTBE (Business Enterprise) by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
www.Competenetwork.com
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SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
LOOKING AT A BRIGHT FUTURE! It has been quite a while since I have seen so many of my friends and colleagues. I miss sports, but what I miss most are the personal connections I have made with all of you during my nearly 15 years running Compete. Producing this issue of our Sports Diversity Playbook has brought back so many memories, and for that I am grateful. I remember the first time I played in the Bingham Cup—the tournament that inspired the launch of Compete Magazine. The excitement of putting together the very first issue of Compete (originally called Sports Out Loud). Attending the inaugural Sin City Classic. Presenting a Compete Sports Diversity Award to Jason Collins. Meeting Gay Polo’s Chip McKenney and having dinner with NGFFL commissioner Shigeo Iwamiya – I could go on and on. And at times I know I do because it seems so surreal that my real estate career suddenly morphed into this dream of being an athlete who could be acknowledged and accepted. The fact is I am connected in one way or another to everyone reading this. And to me that is a true privilege because the Compete Sports Diversity Council really is a rich tapestry of people, ideas and their organizations that have come together to make the world a more welcoming, accepting place for ALL athletes. I would like to recognize you for all your hard work and dedication as we continue our work together to advance sports diversity. The future ahead is bright! With You,
Eric Carlyle (He, Him, His), SDLT Publisher/CEO eric@competesportsdiversity.com @CompeteEric
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COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
PROUD PARTNER OF THE COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY COUNCIL
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
WE’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY! I am thrilled that the CSDC has an interest from women wanting to participate! I’ve been around since Compete began in 2006 when it was considered by its initial readers as a gay boys’ magazine. But I’ve watched how our readership has changed and grown over the years; I was able to write my first article on the WNBA in 2010. And while we’ve worked to incorporate women into stories, panels and photoshoots over the years, it’s not been without its struggles. So this is such a welcome change to see that all CSDC members and athletes now begin to see one another FIRST as athletes who are human beings above all else! Somehow, it seems appropriate to “appropriate” the marketing slogan from the old Virginia Slims cigarettes that in 1970 funded the Virginia Slims Circuit, paying the “Original 9” women tennis players $1 each to start their own tournament due to the vast inequality of tournaments and prize money for women tennis players. One of the original nine was tennis legend Billie Jean King and that $1 turned into millions, eventually becoming the Women’s Tennis Association or WTA Tour. Societal growth is wonderful, if only it didn’t take so long! As always, with great love, respect and lots of hugs,
Connie Wardman (she, her, hers), M.A., SDLT connie@competesportsdiversity.com @CompeteConnie
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COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
FOCUSED ON WHAT MAT TERS EMBRACING HUMANITY. PROTECTING THE PLANET. At MGM Resorts International, we feel it is important to respect each other’s differences. We choose to embrace these differences to achieve best-in-class experiences and cultivate stronger ties with our guests, employees, neighbors and partners. We are committed to stand up to issues of equality and aim to better unify our world. Learn more at MGMRESORTS.COM/FOCUSED.
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
TOGETHER, SPORTS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD BY JARED GARDUNO, SDLT (HE/HIM) We’ve all heard the GOAT, Tom Brady LGBTQIA+ athletes deserve but it’s yelling, LET’S GOOOOOO with the perhaps most needed by our trans youth. intensity that could motivate a monk We must continue to educate ourselves to strap on a helmet and take the field. and work toward finding a way trans That’s the same passion members of youth can safely participate in a positive the Compete Sports Diversity Council sports environment. (CSDC) put into its mission of “Uniting For far too long officials have been the World Through Sports.” overlooked or underappreciated. It’s with that same passion I challenge Traditionally, LGBTQIA+ sports leagues you, as LGBTQIA+ athletes, officials, have offered a safe haven for officials sports organizations or allies of sports who enjoy working gay leagues and diversity to continue advancing change tournaments since they take a third less and building acceptance in three areas lip than in traditional adult sports events. over the next year: transgender youth However, there is a shortage of officials. participation in competition and Our ongoing work with officials sharing recruiting officials as well as the next their experiences from the trenches has generation of board volunteers. provided information to form a best practices guide that will be shared with It's time to remember that the purpose CSDC members mid-summer. of youth and high school sports is to provide additional opportunities In order for any association or event for growth as a person, not simply to thrive you must attract the best for the singular goal of scholarship volunteers. A majority of the CSDC opportunities. Outside a studentmember-organizations are volunteerathlete’s home, sports is the ultimate driven. Starting with leadership, board teacher preparing that youth for a members spend endless hours working successful adulthood, and for all too to improve the cause they’re passionate many, sports may be the ONLY teacher about. What are the best practices in handling that important task. recruiting for future leaders of your organization? A new taskforce is taking We all either know about or are the story a deep dive into this subject to offer our of how good it felt to finally play a sport members a multitude of methods to that accepted us for who we were as ensure growth within various formats. LGBTQIA+ athletes. Our transgender youth can’t be left out of the opportunity With the same passion for LGBTQIA+ to take direction from a coach or team sports that Tom Brady has for football, captain, communicate with fellow CSDC members are planning events and teammates, and most importantly, build tournaments around the globe because self-confidence. To be able to compete together, we know without a doubt that and discover that amazing feeling of sports has the power to change the acceptance and inner peace is what all world!
www.Competenetwork.com
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SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
WHY WOMEN’SBYSPORTS? SARA GROSS, PHD, SDLT (SHE/HER) As a former pro athlete with a Ph.D. in Women’s History, I am often asked, “Why are women’s sports important?” And every time, there is some little part of me that wants to grab whomever is asking and shake them while shouting:
Blame the Greeks In Ancient Greece, home of the original Olympic Games there was a rule that married women were to be thrown off a cliff if they entered the Olympic stadium. It is believed that this rule was never enforced – but still.
eally? What kind of a question is that? R Men’s sports are so important that we spend billions of dollars on them every year and you’re asking me to explain the minor drip of money and media attention we commit to women’s sports?
Sport in its essence has, for the most part been developed to showcase male prowess, strength and speed. Sport is designed to be played by men and is deeply entrenched in patriarchal ideals of maleness and masculinity.
Ugh. It feels so obvious and familiar to invest time and money in men’s sports that we don’t even question it, and yet I find myself being asked about women’s sports almost daily. Shouldn’t we all be a lot more concerned about lack of opportunities for women and girls? After my inner child is finished with her tantrum, I compose myself, look back at the well-meaning individual who asked and say something like: Sport has two main functions in our culture. The first is entertainment, the creation of heroes and heroines, and the associated camaraderie that comes with gathering to cheer on our team or country. The second is that individuals participate and experience all of the well-known physical and mental benefits of moving our bodies and gaining mastery over new skills. And both of these functions work together to create a happy, healthy and well-balanced society. Women and girls should have full access to all of these benefits.” The idea that fifty percent of the population have historically been, and in many ways continue to be, mostly excluded from sport should be alarming to us - when you think about it.
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COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
With this as a starting point, it is no wonder that those of us who do not identify with dominant ideals of masculinity have historically felt excluded. Women’s sport is on an uphill climb and we are still a long way from full inclusion. What Now? We can’t undo history, so where do we go from here? For real and lasting change, we need two things: 1. W omen in leadership positions in sports organizations. 2. M ore money spent on women’s sports events and women’s sports media at every level. In order for real change to happen we need women to take the lead. We need more initiatives like Natalie Portman’s group in L.A. that said, “Let’s invest in our own women’s soccer league;" or the four elite athletes who formed Togethxr, a women’s sports and culture media group. For these reasons I am thrilled to be partnering with Compete Sports on our new women’s sports leadership initiative. I have seen first-hand how pairing the right event organizers with the right sponsors in the right cities can lead to rapid growth for women’s sports. It’s clear we have a long way to go and I am excited to be part of the change ahead.
UNITED STATES GAY SPORTS NETWORK AMERICA’S ONLY ONLINE LGBTQ+ SPORTS LEAGUE DIRECTORY
35 STATES 39 SPORTS 60 CITIES 450 LEAGUES
WWW.USGSN.COM @USGSN
www.Competenetwork.com
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SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
EMBRACING DIVERSITY FOR NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES CONNOR SHANE, SDL (HE/HIM) The United States sports industry has seen more changes in the past 5-10 years than many others have seen in decades. Years before the rippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Center for SafeSport was formed in 2017 and built fundamental regulation overhauls for U.S. National Governing Bodies (NGBs). Regardless of federal protections for LGBTQIA+ athletes, openly gay athletes were not welcomed in traditional sports without retaliation until less than a decade ago. Yet 2021 saw 35 bills introduced by state legislators that would limit or prohibit transgender women from competing in women's athletics, up from only two in 2019. These changes have pushed this industry into a high-octane growth pattern that means we must help reinvent sports in the United States. Diversity is about to matter more now than it ever has! Many NGBs have readjusted their board-approved strategic plans to include Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These NGBs, along with many other sports organizations are ahead of the curve in prioritizing inclusive measures that protect athletes and enrich their sports. Specifically, we at USA Racquetball have DEI metrics we use when sourcing sponsors for our National Tournaments. There is a percentage of total sponsorship dollars for each event that must be provided by minority-owned companies such as LGBTQIA+, People of Color, Indigenous and Native Persons, Military and Veterans, etc. Other
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COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
companies have stepped up, like the COMPETE Sports Diversity Council to lead the education charge in training and certifying sports organizations in Diversity training. All these systems working together have put DEI at the forefront of growth and development for the next several years. On top of individual strategic changes within NGBs, conference associations have also vehemently embraced Diversity throughout the United States. There are several prominent associations and companies that host annual conferences for sports professionals. These conferences are built to increase connective tissue between Rights Holders and Destinations. In addition to meetings and appointments, these conferences will host many additional education sessions and learning modules for attendees. Like the aforementioned NGB strategic initiatives, there have been a large increase in DEI sessions, webinars, panels and presentations. This increase, paired with the highly connected and vast network of sports professionals attending these conferences has skyrocketed conversations about Diversity. Now, more than ever it is important to pivot our organizations to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion using clear language in bylaws and policies, purposeful coaching education, pipeline growth and educated regulations for high-performing athletes. These pivots have already proven to be socially celebrated and meaningful.
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
2021 SAW 35 BILLS INTRODUCED BY STATE LEGISLATORS THAT WOULD LIMIT OR PROHIBIT TRANSGENDER WOMEN FROM COMPETING IN WOMEN'S ATHLETICS, UP FROM ONLY TWO IN 2019. THESE CHANGES HAVE PUSHED THIS INDUSTRY INTO A HIGHOCTANE GROWTH PATTERN THAT MEANS WE MUST HELP REINVENT SPORTS IN THE UNITED STATES. DIVERSITY IS ABOUT TO MATTER MORE NOW THAN IT EVER HAS! Embracing Diversity is not a fad nor is it a temporary phase for the sports industry. It will continue to be at the discussion table at an increasing rate because it matters. Creating the environment for both healthy competition and social inclusion through sport is the rhythmic pulse of our industry. Focusing on these elements will help
our industry growth become much more substantial and healthy. The time it takes our industry to move through this evolutionary phase will be directly reflected by the number of people working together to keep Diversity relevant. That means we need each of you and your organizations to be actively involved … starting now.
www.Competenetwork.com
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The Seattle Seahawks Are Proud to Support Diversity in Sports
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COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
CSDC LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE 2021 CSDC Leadership Committee COMPETE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO COMPETE AND ITS MISSION. • Angela Smith, SDL; Amateur Sports Association of North America (ASANA), commissioner • Connie Wardman, SDLT; Compete Sports Diversity Council, education director • Connor Shane, SDL; USA Racquetball, director of national events • Jake Mason, SDL; USA Dodgeball, president • Jared Garduno, SDLT; Compete Sports Diversity Council, executive director
• John Deffee; North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association (NAGAAA), commissioner • Ken Scearce, SDL; Sin City Classic, executive director • Molly Lenore, SDL; Former New York Gay Flag Football, commissioner • Sam Lehman; NAGAAA, business development/NGFFL, treasurer • Sara Gross, SDLT; Women Sports Leaders, executive director • Shigeo Iwamiya, SDL; National Flag Football League (NGFFL), commissioner
to our 2021 Compete Sports Diversity Summit housing partner.
www.Competenetwork.com
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SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
MEMBERSHIP ROSTER FOUNDING MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
MEMBER SINCE
WEBSITE
Compete Magazine Athlete Ally Federation of Gay Games (FGG) Greater Los Angeles Softball Association Media Out Loud National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL) North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) Sin City Classic Sports Festival
2014 2015 2015 2015 2014
www.competenetwork.com www.Athleteally.org www.GayGames.org www.Glasasoftball.org www.CompeteSportsDiversity.com
2015
www.ngffl.com
2016 2015
www.nagaaasoftball.org www.sincityclassic.org
CHARTER MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
MEMBER WEBSITE SINCE
Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA) Desert AIDS Project Gay Men's Chorus Los Angeles (GMCLA) International Gay & Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) Las Vegas Pride Major League Soccer (MLS) March To Equality Sports Diversity Awards (Petey's) Richmond Region Tourism WeHo Dodgeball GOLD MEMBER ORGANIZATION
2017 2015 2016
www.asanaseries.org www.desertaidsproject.org www.gmcla.org
2018
www.iglfa.org
2015
www.igra.com
2018 2015 2017 2016 2014 2018 2017
www.igbo.org www.lasvegaspride.org www.mlssoccer.com www.marchtoequality.org www.CompeteSportsDiversity.com www.VisitRichmondva.com www.wehododgeball.com
MEMBER WEBSITE SINCE
Arizona Cardinals 2018 Arizona Coyotes 2018 Arizona Diamondbacks 2018 Arizona Gay Volleyball Association (AGVA) 2018 ASANA World Series 2017 Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission 2021 Atlanta Women's Flag Football League 2018 AYF Sports 2018 Big Gay Frisbee 2018 Cactus Cities Softball League 2019 Can Community Health 2021 Canadian Rockies Rodeo Association 2019 Canadian Rockies Rodeo North 2018 Capital Rugby Union 2018 Cascade Flag Football 2019 CASSTRONG 2019 Cheer Los Angeles 2018
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COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
www.azcardinals.com www.nhl.com/coyotes www.mlb.com/dbacks www.azgv.org www.asanaseries.com www.ashevillesportscommission.com www.ascsportsleagues.com www.AYFHub.com www.bgfultimate.com www.crgra.com www.cancommunityhealth.org www.crgra.com www.cactuscities.org www.rugby.org www.cascadeflagfootball.org www.cassiniemann.com www.cheerla.com
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CSMA) Columbus 2021 Gay Softball World Series Compete Golf Classic Compete Steel City Sports Festival Explore Asheville Federation Gaymers League Feisty Women's Performance Summit Fountain City Roller Derby Gay & Lesbian Rodeo Heritage Foundation Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association (GLTA) Gay Bowl XIX Gay Games Hong Kong Gay Kickball Gay Polo League (GPL) Gay Softball World Series 2019 Go Providence Greater Denver Area Sports Association (GDASA) International Gay Rugby JPMorgan Chase Kansas City Center For Inclusion Kansas City Women's Sports Association KC Jazz KC Storm KindRed Pride Foundation Las Vegas Gay Softball League LGBT Kansas City Live Feisty Los Angeles Volleyball Organization (LAVO) Los Dogos Argentina Lynn Lewis Foundation Tournament Man Up Woman Up Meet Atlantic City Melbourne 2020 IGLA Championships Memphis Tourism MGM Resorts Missouri Gay Rodeo Association Molly Tommy National Football League (NFL) New York Gay Hockey Association Next Gen Golf North American Cup North American Gay Soccer Association North Carolina Sports Association One Magical Weekend Outspoken Summit PGA of America Phoenix Frontrunners Phoenix Gay Flag Football League (PGFFL) Pop Sports Pride Bowl Pride Card Services Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA)
2018 2019 2015 2018 2021 2018 2021 2019
www.chicagomsa.org www.clgsa.com www.CompeteDiversity.com www.CompeteDiversity.com www.exploreasheville.com www.gaymersleague.com www.womensperformance.com www.fountaincityrollerderby.com
2019
www.gayrodeohistory.org
2018 2019 2018 2019 2017 2017 2020
www.glta.net www.gaybowl.org www.gaygameshk2022.com www.gaykickball.com www.gaypolo.com www.cometoplay.org www.goprovidence.com
2019 www.greaterdenverasa.org 2019 www.igrugby.org 2020 www.chase.com 2019 www.inclusivekc.org 2019 2019 www.kcjazzwrfc.com 2019 www.kcstormfootball.com 2020 www.kindredpride.org 2020 www.lvgsl.com 2019 www.lgbtkc.com 2020 www.livefeisty.com 2018 2020 2018 2018 2020 2019 2021 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2021 2018 2019 2021 2020 2020 2017 2020
www.playlavo.org www.dogosargentina.com www.lynnlewisfoundation.com www.manupflagfootball.com www.meetac.com www.melbourne2020.org www.memphistravel.com www.mgra.us www.mgmresorts.com www.mollytommy.com www.nfl.com www.nycgha.org www.nextgengolf.org www.usadodgeball.com www.uslgbtsoccer.org www.competenorthcarolina.com www.onemagicalweekend.com www. outspokensummit.com www.phxfr.org www.pga.com
2018 2018 2017 2018 2020
www.pgffl.com www.wehododgeball.com www.chicagomsa.org www.pridecardservices.com www.pridecheerleadingassociation.org
www.Competenetwork.com
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SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK Pride Run Atlantic City Pride Run Las Vegas Pride Run Phoenix Pride Run St. Pete Richmond Sports Jubilee Rode Island Sports Commission Saguaro Cup Salt Lake City Unity Fest Samuel James Watches San Diego Autumn Classic Sea Bowl Seattle Seahawks Seven Even Clothing Showtime Sports Site Search LLC Snell & Wilmer LLP South Florida Gay Flag Football League Spikeball Sports Express SportsPittsburgh St. Augustine Ponte Verda Convention & Visitors Bureau Steel City Sports Festival Sunshine Cup Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rowdies Tempe Tourism Office Tournament Del Sol US Quidditch USA Dodgeball USA Racquetteball USA Roundnet Varsity Gay League (VGL) Visit Buffalo & Niagara Falls Visit Eau Clair Visit Myrtle Beach South Carolina Visit Oklahoma City Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Visit Tucson Sports VisitPittsburgh WeHo Sports Festival Women Sports Leaders World Class Cheerleading Yin Hospitality
2020 2020 2020 2020 2018 2019 2019 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2018 2020 2016 2020 2019 2020 2018
www.priderunseries.com www.priderunseries.com www.priderunseries.com www.priderunseries.com www.CompeteDiversity.com www.gosportsri.com www.samueljameswatches.com www.saguarocup.com www.saltlakeunityfest.com www.autumncalssic.org seabowl.leagueapps.com/tournaments www.seahawks.com www.sevenevenclothing.com www.showtimesportz.com www.sitesearchllc.com www.swlaw.com www.sfffl.org www.spikeball.com www.sports-express.org www.sportspittsburgh.com
2021 2018 2017 2021 2021 2018 2020 2021 2017 2020 2021 2020 2018 2018 2021 2021 2019 2019 2018 2017 2021 2018 2018
www.floridashistoriccoast.com/about/ www.CompeteDiversity.com www.sfffl.org www.tampabayrowdies.com www.mlb.com/rays www.tempetourism.com www.competenetwork.com www.usquidditch.org www.varsitygayleague.com www.usaracquetball.com/ www.usaroundnet.org www.visiteauclaire.com www.visitbuffaloniagara.com www.visitpittsburgh.com www.visitmyrtlebeach.com www.visitokc.com www.visitspc.com www.visittucson.org www.usadodgeball.com www.wehosportsfestival.com www.womensportsleaders.com www.wccheer.com www.yinhospitality.com
CHANGE CHAMPION ORGANIZATION
MEMBER SINCE
WEBSITE
Camp Camp Chicago Southland Geologie Behold Retreats Macha
2018 www.campcamp.com 2018 www.visitchicagosouthland.com 2020 www.geologie.com 2020 www.behold-retreats.com 2020 www.themacateam.com
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COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
asanaseries.org
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
CHALLENGES OF ORGANIZING AN EVENT IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC: WHY I’M GLAD WE’RE WORKING WITH VISIT ST. PETE/ CLEARWATER BY TRAYER MARTINEZ, SDLT (HE, HIM) I had been thinking about adding to my leadership experiences by helping to organize an LGBTQIA+ event for a little over a year. But with COVID-19, the idea was on the back burner since travel was restricted. So I anxiously waited for my first work trip: first one month, then two months turned into three, then four … I'm sure you know how this goes. Let’s Try This Virtually I reached out to our partners Katie Brunk and her team at Visit St. Petersburg, Florida to schedule a virtual meeting as well as an in-person meeting in January with Dan Shabra of RaceLookUp and Kurt Gross, both men directors of the Pride Run Series, to talk about the possibility of bringing a Pride Run to St. Petersburg. I’d been working with Katie and Visit St. Petersburg for about four months to organize an event there in 2020 but COVID changed that for all LGBTQIA+ sporting events! While trying to get a better grasp on future dates for 2021 we all came up with the idea of hosting the Inaugural Pride Run of St. Petersburg in June 20
COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
in conjunction with St. Pete Pride and their organization’s Pride festivities. During this time we all, including St. Pete Pride stayed in contact and met virtually almost every week or so. Dan, Kurt and I with the help of Katie's geographic knowledge had to look at route possibilities, route location and expo space on Google maps, something which is never ideal in terms of climate, surface space and environment. Additionally, it seemed like the safety measures were/ are everchanging. Obviously, safety is always the top priority for any organization trying to host an event of 1,000+ participants, especially when those participants are running down the city streets. It's FINALLY Go Time Fast forward nine months following our initial conversations. We finally got the greenlight to travel to new destinations to look at facilities like host hotels, race routes and expo spaces in-person. We scheduled an official site visit for December of 2020 (HOW EXCITING!). Dan, Kurt and I
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK packed our bags and hopped on a flight to Tampa Bay International Airport to tour the city of St. Petersburg. This next part was crazy; I felt like it was a movie that was truly INSANE. Since I had a late flight, Katie had arranged for my transportation from the airport to the hotel. I got off the plane, walked to baggage claim and got a call from my transportation driver telling me where to meet him. Talk about an exciting grownup experience for a 24-year-old – he had a sign with "Mr. Martinez" on it. When I got to the hotel to check in, the receptionist asked for my name and ID. She said, "Mr. Martinez, we've been awaiting your arrival all day" and handed me a prepared guest bag from Katie with some pretty sweet stuff in it. I mean it was literally like that Mr. Martinez was a big shot. Oh wait, that was me – LOL!
arose as far as timing, Pride parade coordination and location. We brainstormed how to make it work and if we could even solidify anything right then due to the uncertainty of the role COVID-19 could play come June of 2021. Being the problem solvers they are, Dan and Kurt decided that we were going to host the run on a Friday night (the first Pride Run in Pride Run Series history to be held at night). Later that afternoon Dan and Kurt drove the original route for the race and decided that they would be moving the route a little further down the road so the finish line can be located where St. Pete Pride has their opening night concert. As things came together for the event, we started to feel comfortable with where our planning stood for June 2021.
The Big Day Katie, Dan, Kurt and I all met in the hotel lobby to meet with the directors of the hotel to look at conference space, reception space for registrations and happy hours. Wonderful directors and people, by the way. After the first hotel it was on to tour the second hotel which had a BEAUTIFUL ballroom and tons of history about its time in St. Petersburg. It was interesting to learn about the part it played in the city’s history.
Closure Trying to plan an event in the middle of a global pandemic that is completely unpredictable is, well ... stressful as you can imagine. I don't think anyone really anticipated that I would help plan and organize my first event during the middle of a pandemic but work always needs to be done. I am very thankful that things played out the way they did and with the people involved. It was another learning experience for me and I couldn't have asked for better people to walk me through the entire process.
We enjoyed lunch at Teak, a restaurant at the end of St. Petersburg Pier that welcomed us with beautiful views of Tampa Bay. After lunch it was off to the race route to walk the route, look at expo event space and meet with Nathan from St. Pete Pride to discuss the incorporation of the race with their event. As expected, the challenges hosting the events in conjunction
As far as I'm concerned, if I can be a resource to clients and partners during a pandemic then I should be able to be a great resource when times return to a somewhat normal state. In terms of my first trip for work, Katie and her team made it nothing short of exciting, informative and comfortable as it could be during a global pandemic. www.Competenetwork.com
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PHOTO BY ROBERT AUSTIN VIA SPIKEBALL
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
SPOTLIGHT ON SPIKEBALL AND USA ROUNDNET BY DIRK SMITH, M.SC, SDL (HE/HIM)
With the rise in popularity of Spikeball and Roundnet around the world and its debut as a competitive sport in the Sin City Classic, we caught up with Spikeball founder, Nora White to help us learn more about Spikeball and the sport of Roundnet. Dirk Smith: What exactly is Spikeball/Roundnet? Nora White: I launched Spikeball Inc. in 2008 with no real clue about starting a business, let alone launching a new sport. Yet here we are with 4+ million players across the world, 40 fulltime employees, 150+ tournaments every year and tons of love from “Shark Tank,” Casey Neistat, Dude Perfect, “The Today Show,” Inc Magazine and countless professional athletes and celebrities. Our first warehouse was my basement and I could fit about 72 sets in my beat up 1998 Outback. By 2013 we hit $1 million in annual revenue with zero fulltime employees. We’re headquartered in Chicago but most of 22
COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
our employees live all across the U.S. We’re firm believers in live where you want to do good work. The mission of the company is to create the next great global sport. Roundnet is a team sport played by two teams consisting of two players each. Opposing team members line up across from each other with the Spikeball™ roundnet set in the center. A point begins when the server hits the ball off the net toward the opposing player. After the serve, there are no sides or boundaries. The object of the game is to hit the ball off the net in such a way that the opposing team cannot successfully return it. A team is allowed up to three touches to return the ball onto the net. Once the ball is played off the net, possession switches to the opposing team. The rally continues until a team is unable to legally return the ball. Players may move as they wish during a point so long as they don’t physically impede their opponent’s play on the ball.
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK DS: How did Spikeball/Roundnet get started? NW: Spikeball was originally created in 1989 by Jeff Knurek although the equipment he created became outdated and lost popularity in 1995. It was revived in 2008 by Spikeball Inc. With Spikeball Inc.’s vision to become the next great global sport, our CEO Chris Ruder has been passionate since the beginning about growing the game competitively. There was an assortment of roundnet tournaments from 2008-2013 but an official competitive series was launched by Spikeball Inc. in the fall of 2014. DS: Tell me more about how Spikeball/Roundnet has grown nationally and internationally? NW: Spikeball used to be the beach trampoline game you saw. But with an appearance on ABC’s “Shark Tank” and a few ESPN broadcasts, it’s now becoming a household name. You’ll see it played on college campuses, in Golden Gate Park – all on the way to global domination! DS: Spikeball/Roundnet has become a competitive sport, including at the Sin City Classic. Can you describe how Spikeball/Roundnet tournaments are organized? NW: 1. S pikeball Tour Series – this provides the highest level of competition in the U.S. In 2021 we’ll have 10 tournaments followed by a National Championship in October. 2. College Series – with over 150 active roundnet clubs on college campuses, the series consists of 10 sectionals in the fall and the spring culminating in a National Championship in late April. Teams compete head-to-head for an Individual Championship as well as in squads for a School Title.
3. World Championships Belgium – this will be held in September 2022 and is hosted by the International Roundnet Federation with Roundnet Belgium. Each country will bring a squad – 5 men’s teams, 3 women’s teams – that will compete against other countries to win gold. 4. Local Tournaments – check out the Spikeball App for players and games near you! There are also over 40 Spikeball Ambassador Organizations with pickup games, leagues, and tournaments. 5. Governing bodies – check International Roundnet Federation – https://www.roundnetfederation. org/ There are currently national governing bodies in 31 countries across six continents including USA Roundnet at https://www.usaroundnet.org/ DS: How has Spikeball/Roundnet adapted to the COVID pandemic? NW: Being able to “play anywhere” and adaptable for a variety of skill levels, Spikeball sets were extremely popular in the pandemic for families to play at home. But unfortunately, from the Roundnet tournament end, our tour series was completely cancelled in 2020 and we’ve had a few postponements in the beginning of 2021. DS: What can we expect to see with Spikeball/Roundnet in the next year? NW: Spikeball Inc. is always growing in fun and creative ways. We’re looking forward to some awesome new sets and collaborations in the coming months. The 2021 Tour Series will kick off in Florida in late May. These tournaments are open to all ages and skill levels. Check out tournaments. spikeball.com for more information! www.Competenetwork.com
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SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
PHOTO CREDIT: STEFANO SCHWETZ VIA THE LYNN LEWIS FOUNDATION
LYNN LEWIS: FLAGGING DOWN A CURE FOR CANCER BY DIRK SMITH, M.SC, SDL (HE/HIM) Dirk Smith: I’m happy to talk with Mashonda Gilmore, tournament director and foundation leader of the Lynn Lewis Foundation. Tell me about the Lynn Lewis Foundation and #FlaggingDownACure, Mashonda. Mashonda Gilmore: The Lynn Lewis Foundation (LLF) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization created to support women, men and children whose lives have been and continue to be affected by breast cancer. Founded in 2007 to increase breast cancer awareness within the women’s national football community, the LLF now recognizes individuals from all walks of life who suffer from breast and other cancer diagnoses in which family and/ or friends are affected. The foundation’s mission is to support the ripple effect of breast cancer diagnoses not only for the survivor but also for extended family members, promoting avenues of breast cancer 24
COMPETE sports diversity playbook 2021
awareness while educating people nationwide on the fight against breast cancer. Our goal is to be a rechargeable source of strength in allowing relief of an exhaustive experience as a caregiver with programs designed to give back to the community. DS: How long have you been involved with LLF and what motivated your involvement? MG: My entire motivation to start this foundation in 2007 was because of Lynn Lewis, a pioneering pillar of the women’s football community; she absolutely loved football! She inspired me to put on events outside my city! Her desire for me to create and host tournaments for women’s flag football on an even bigger platform was something she said kept her fighting as she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the time LLF began. And Lynn survived the first 10 years of our existence. Now women from
SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION IS TO SUPPORT THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSES NOT ONLY FOR THE SURVIVOR BUT ALSO FOR EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS, PROMOTING AVENUES OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WHILE EDUCATING PEOPLE NATIONWIDE ON THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER. around the country come to help bring awareness to breast cancer and to promote the sport of flag football for women. DS: Flagging Down A Cure is an excellent way to help get more women involved in flag football while raising money toward a good cause. How did the tournament/fundraiser come about? MG: The idea was to honor Lynn and raise money to help a worthy cause by giving back to our communities. Our goal is to raise money to assist not only the survivors but also their caregivers. We have a lot of ladies affected by breast cancer as well as other types of cancer. We want to be the organization people can count on as a resource when there’s a need. DS: Tell us more about your own involvement with flag football. Do you play yourself? MG: I first played in 1997 with my own team, Lyte N Tyte Women’s Flag Football Team. We won multiple championships, from local up through international. But I was injured early on in my career and began organizing the team, then began sitting on the board of the flag football league. Next thing I knew I was running my own
league with my brother, Zeric Foster who’s the co-founder of Atlanta Women’s Flag Football United and the Lynn Lewis Foundation. I’ve been pushing flag football for girls and women for over 25 years, providing leagues, tournaments, combines and camps for girls and women. DS: How has women’s flag football grown over the last few years? MG: I remember when I went to Nationals (the biggest tournament of the year) there were only three women’s teams; now there are women’s teams on the east and west coast which is amazing. I’ll continue to push for the girls and ladies, making sure they’re on the platform they’ve earned and deserve. DS: How can individual athletes and teams get involved with Flagging Down a Cure? MG: If an athlete, supporter, donor or sponsor would like to get involved with LLF “Flagging Down A Cure Breast Cancer Event” they can email us at mashonda@lynnlewisfoundation.com or follow us on Facebook Our website address is www.lynnlewisfoundation.net. www.Competenetwork.com
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Come explore our vibrant city’s diverse culture and bold adventures that will lead you somewhere unexpected.
www.Competenetwork.com
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SPORTS DIVERSITY PLAYBOOK
EVENTS: FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.COMPETENETWORK.COM Pride Run St. Pete St. Petersburgh, Fla. June 25 Pride Bowl Chicago, Ill. June 25-27 Gay Softball World Series Columbus, Ohio August 29-September 4 Varsity Gay League Labor Day Sports Festival San Diego, Calif. September 3-6
Stonewall Sports 7th Annual National Summit & Tournament Richmond, Vir. September 17-19
Lynn Lewis Foundation #Flagging Down a Cure: A Women's Flag Football Event Miami, Fla. October 15-17
Arizona Cardinals's First Home Game September 19, 2021 State Farm Stadium
Sin City Classic Sports Festival Las Vegas January 13-16, 2022
ASANA Softball World Series Virginia Beach, Vir. September 21-26
Compete Sports Diversity Conference & Petey Awards Las Vegas January 13-17, 2022
www.Competenetwork.com
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your Moment to belong. RICHMOND REGION TOURISM is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and tourism industry. Inclusiveness and diversity are an integral part of our core values and are non-negotiables within our mission. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Richmond is a great place to do business. Our city’s focus on LGBTQ inclusion led us to receive the highest Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score in Virginia.
MEI Score
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Jerrine Lee, STS (She/Her/Hers) | Director of Sports Development | jlee@visitrichmondva.com | 804.783.7418
www.Competenetwork.com
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