WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
UPDATE #2
Presidents Report:

I have recently returned from Austria where I reviewed the facilities and operations for the next World Broomball event and met with numerous people related to the World Broomball Championships. Local officials also prepared a Press Conference at the Olympiaworld which took place 17 May and had the largest news agencies in the region pertaining to print and electronic media in attendance. I was very pleased to be accompanied by Dr. Michael Bielowski, Director of Olympiaworld, who is supporting this event and providing professional experience with staff members. It is also important to acknowledge the support provided by Herr Matthias Schipflinger, Olympiaworld Marketing. New to the project is Mag. Lukas Matosevic, Marketing & Sales for Olympiaworld.

Dr. Michael Bielowski       Matthias Schipflinger

Further to these activities, a second meeting was also convened with the European member countries in Innsbruck at the Landsportcenter. This meeting was attended by Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The UK sent regrets and Slovenia could not attend due to a traffic mishap enroute to the event. Fortunately there were no injuries and Klemen Smolej did manage to get to the Press Conference instead.

Some of the issues discussed at the members meeting related to future IFBA Officials Certification Programs and how the IFBA would be initiating this program. Also, discussion reference information posted on the IFBA Web Site and suggestions pertaining to the operations of the World Championships relating to evening schedules and fewer games will be reviewed prior to the event. Any changes will be related to the teams attending.

I am confident to say; Broomball in Europe is destined to increase mainly due to the interest relating to the World Broomball Championships. Some of the interest can also be contributed to the aggressive marketing of the sport by the IFBA in specific countries. This approach will continue and expand into the Scandinavian countries and to Russia. I did have some dialogue with Executive members in Moscow and there may be some interest for Innsbruck.

Being a part of the World Broomball Championships is an experience. Each IFBA event has its own signature and characteristics. Competing in Austria will be no different. I must admit, my passion for returning to this country grows as we get closer to the event. The mountains, the air, the culture, the music, the beer!….and above all…the people, all have a unique way about them which creates a memorable adventure each time I visit. I am only pleased to know that others will have the opportunity soon to share this experience as well.

Rick Przybysz
President/CEO
IFBA

Dr. Michael Bielowski & IFBA President Rick Przybysz
Olympiaworld Innsbruck – Press Conference

Hosting Changes
Teams now registered for the event should take note; there have been changes to some of the programs and also to people who had been involved along the way. The Innsbruck Reservation Bureau informed me during the accommodations meeting the email address and phone numbers were to be changed to ensure inquires are directed to Olivia and Claudia instead of a general mailbox. For the team reps who were calling me to vent their frustration when booking rooms, I can tell you that both these ladies were just as frustrated. During a meeting in Innsbruck, other issues pertaining to the reservation system for the event were identified and I am confident the hotel accommodations and booking will go better from this point on.

Please note the new contact information:
T +43-512- 56 2000 - 215, F +43-512- 56 2000 - 220
hotel@innsbruck.info

Claudia waiting for those lines to Ring!

One other concern was teams booking specific hotels and changing their booking information before they made contact with the Innsbruck office. Bottom line, this office is now connected to Skype (for those of you who are also using this service) so it is very easy to speak with the ladies one on one. Just keep in mind the time zones when calling. The hotel information is included on this site and pricing. I will caution teams who are waiting to choose accommodations. The hotels are beginning to fill and some have been disappointed they could not get the hotel selected by the team. Don’t wait, book now!

All bus tours and local tours will be handled by Olivia and Claudia as well. It is recommended groups wishing to take tours do this before or after the event so you’re not rushed to get back to Innsbruck.

One Major On site Contact Change:
Previously Michael Rafflesberger had volunteered his services to assist with the event in Telfs. Unfortunately Micheal is no longer available to be a part of the event and is no longer with the Host services. Consequently a new individual and contact name for ground transportation which includes car rentals and buses for larger groups will be posted in the very near future. We wish Michael all the best and thank him for his support over the past year with broomball activities in Telfs. He was the main reason for the 1st European championships and the success of the event.

Ice Venues
Due to issues with some rinks in the region being open and exposed to the weather such as the second rink in Telfs, it was necessary to find another enclosed rink to facilitate the number of teams competing. We have now found a remote little Bavarian town called Mittenwald, in Germany, that is 30 minutes away from Innsbruck in the mountains.

Maps will be provided to teams when they arrive for easier access to these areas which they will be using for competition.

For the first time at the World Championships, it may be necessary to schedule evening games. This has come about due to ice restrictions at one of the facilities. The European Members also requested evening games due to fan support being able to drive to the events in the evenings. It may also be necessary to use one of the outside facilities in Innsbruck to compensate ice time lost at the main rink. Once all the teams are finalized, a preliminary schedule will be posted and also distributed to the team reps.

SOMETHING NEW - NOTE!!! Pre-World Championships Friendship Games
At the European Members Meeting there was positive reaction to having teams visit other areas within reach of Austria. Those expressing interest to Host at least 3 teams were Bolzano, Italy, Bled, Slovenia, and Bad Liebanzell, Germany which is located in the Black Forest Region of Germany not far from Stuttgart. Each city is surrounded by mountains and has historical and cultural benefits. Teams wishing to participate in this program are to let the IFBA know by email and further instructions and contact information will be sent to the team rep. Broomball Teams from these areas have agreed to Host teams and in some cases provide help in the accommodations and local tours. All the areas are within 4 hours of Innsbruck. More information will be posted when it becomes available.

The sites chosen for the Friendship games will also be used to train and certify officials for the IFBA. The intent is to ensure the officiating for the Worlds is better managed and consistent with the high standards required for this event.

World Championships Podcast & Stats
The IFBA Organizers are anticipating a TV crew from Slovenia to be filming the main Hosting venue games live on the IFBA Web Site during the week of the competition and a local TV Station may also be on site during the final games.

The IFBA will be going live on the web for all game stats thanks to John Dalgity who will be coordinating all stats for the event. This is the same system John built and used at the CBF Juveniles and National events this past year. John will also be hands on with the Pod Cast of the games.

Insurance During the Event or Just Traveling
Travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling to this event and beyond. Players will be required to sign a waiver form at the registration night which clearly states the IFBA, IFBA Executive, playing venues and cities associated with the playing venues cannot be held liable for any injuries occurred during the World Championships competition in any category the athlete is registered in. Medical bills can be very high in Europe so “PROTECT YOURSELF!”

Pre-Game Team Gifts
Teams wishing to take souvenir items with them for on ice gifts prior for opposing teams will be allowed under the following guidelines:

• The Coaches or Trainers will count the amount of gifts required for the opposing team and meet with their counterpart during the pre-game warm up to transfer the items.
• The Captains of the two teams will meet at center ice and exchange gifts prior to the face-off.
• When all items are clear of the ice and players ready to commence competition the Referee will whistle the play to start.

Registration Night
The IFBA wants to ensure people are prepared well enough before the travel great distances to play in this memorable event. The Registration night is the most important night prior to the event because…THIS IS WHERE THE FUN STARTS! There has been a change in Venue locations mainly due to the simplicity of finding the location. The event will take place at the LANDSPORTCENTER which is located next to the Olympiaworld in Innsbruck. As per all major events, there are some things attached to the event and the IFBA realizes all teams want to be able to market their team and location they represent so they bring souvenirs to sell. For those who are first time participants, these are the rules:

• The Registration night is set up to have a sports Trade Show which encompasses Sport Equipment Event Merchandize, Tourism booths, bid booths (countries bidding for future events) and :Team Booths.
• Team Booths can be rented for 45€
• This is the only time during the event teams are allowed, openly to sell their own merchandize.
• Booths can be acquired by emailing the IFBA requesting a booth. If you just walk in the door expecting a booth, this will not happen. We have many requests for booth space so order early.
• Furthermore, the event will have:
  • Entertainment (local cultural band)
  • Food (traditional)
  • Refreshments….yes!....local beer!
  • Dancing.
    
    
• Team Registrations
  • We understand this part of the event usually takes time and after the 2008 event, the IFBA has made changes.
    • Each team will be given a time upon arrival at the registration.
    • Teams will be registering in the category they will be competing in.
    • Areas will be set up to accommodate each team all at one time with volunteers and a member from the IFBA Executive.
    • Picture ID will be required for all registrations.
    • To simplify the procedures each team rep will be asked to go online to the IFBA web site and register the players before they arrive in Innsbruck.
    • A Waiver Form will also be available online for teams to fill out the names before they arrive at the Registration.
    • DO NOT SIGN THE FORM AT THE BOTTOM UNTIL YOU REGISTER! Legally these forms must be witnessed when signed. Please don’t make us do it twice.
• Coaches Meeting will start after the registration of all the teams. This usually begins at 2100 hrs (9 PM). If registration finishes early, we will commence the Coaches Meeting in Categories.
• Officials Meeting will start directly after the Coaches Meeting.

Sponsorship Partnering Program
If teams would like to have sponsors incorporated on the IFBA Web Site, there is an opportunity to partner with the IFBA to help participating teams. The IFBA site will be receiving more than 5000 views each day and double during the World Championships.

This is a great investment for potential sponsors! For more information contact the IFBA info@internationalbroomball.com

Transportation
For teams traveling by air; the IFBA highly recommends using Munich International Airport as your destination. Innsbruck is less than 2 hours from Munich and the Autobahn highway is a direct route, fast and very scenic.

• Driving in Parts of Europe
  • A WORD OF CAUTION FOR THOSE USING RENTAL VEHICLES! I learned after the fact, Austria requires a special permit called a VIGNETTE is required on the windshield of any vehicle using Austrian Highways. They are inexpensive to buy and readily available at any gas station for approximately 8 Euros. “However” if you are pulled over by the Police, and you are no displaying the Vignette; you will be fined 150 Euros for not having a valid sticker and will still be required to pay for the decal.

Vignettes look like the right photo above. You can Purchase a 10 day, 2 week or a 1 year pass …..for those who manage to get married and stay longer!!!!

The information for the 2010 World Broomball Championships will be changing leading up to the event. If there are specific questions you need answered don’t hesitate to email or call. The IFBA will post the teams in the next update. No schedule will be provided until September 30. The IFBA has learned from past experience the schedules change dramatically due to unforeseen circumstances and if posted early, the changes create much confusion. Consequently, please don’t ask for early schedule release.

Travel Tips!
An area on the IFBA Site and Home Page will be dedicated to “Travel Tips!” for the teams who may have European First Timers. To start with:

1. The Euro is at an all time low. This is great news for the traveling public from North America. You can secure some great deals with vehicles, accommodations and tours.
2. Plan ahead as a group or individually.

1. The people of the Tyrol share many cultural similarities with the Bavarians of southern Germany however they possess a fierce cultural independence from their fellow German-speakers and even their own countrymen. If you’re in a bar in a region and ask someone if they’re Austrian, often the answer will be “No! I’m Tyrolian!” – Prost.

“IFBA”

WORKING FOR THE ATHLETE
TO MAKE BROOMBALL STRONGER!