|
AFA PRESS RELEASE July 14, 2000
AFA PRESS RELEASE July 14, 2000
Media - contact Dave Burch at AFA National Office (941)388-3510
NEARLY 300 DINNER GUESTS ATTEND THE AFA's 20th ANNUAL HALL of FAME INDUCTION DINNER IN CANTON
Watching grown men wipe the tears from their eyes as they express their gratitude for the support they had received from their families, friends and former team mates during their active minor league/semi-pro football days - are moments that are treasured by those who attend the AFAs Hall of Fame Induction dinner year after year. And this years (20th annual)
enshrinement was no different. Two hundred ninety six dinner guests came together in the Canton, Ohio Holiday Inn ballroom to witness the AFA national associations largest assembly of well wishers, to date, who were there to
'welcome the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame - Class of 2000".
The 'sold-out dinner party reflected once again on the fact that the American Football Association is truly national in nature and scope - as the inductees, alumni and many of their guests were from all four corners of the nation as well as everywhere in between.
All in all it was another great AFA football weekend", said AFA president Ron Real. Each year our attendance for the dinner seems to grow. But this year we out did ourselves - by about 100 guests. The number of returning HOF alumni continues to grow each year as does the number of guest tickets requested by those being inducted. Because the banquet was completely sold-out, it was the first time in 20 years that we actually had to assign each person to a reserved seating arrangement."
Its a shame that every semi-pro/minor league player, coach, executive, official, etc., doesnt get a chance to attend the AFAs annual Hall of Fame get-together in order to see how the national association honors those who are singled out for their long time accomplishments and dedication to our level of the sport", said Dave Burch (AFA communications director). Perhaps if they did, they might have a better appreciation for all the work that the AFA does year in and year out on behalf of semi-pro/minor league teams and leagues worldwide." Please note that videos of this event will be available for purchase soon. Video highlights of this event will be available soon on our website; if you would like copies of photos or would like to share photos from this event, we'll swap via e-mail (amerfoot@aol.com). Hall of Fame memorabalia are also available for purchase from our website.
During the busy weekend the AFA executive committee met several times to review the options facing the national association as they expand their operations into the 21st. Century.
Among those options the national association agreed to promote:
1. The AFAs slogan for the year 2000 - Semi-Pro and Proud".
2. Continuation of the National Rating System - currently sponsored by the American Football News.
3. A merger between the AFA (national) and the United States Football Federation (international).
4. Increase focus on the advancement of the AFAs National Coaches Assn; Players Assn; and Officials Assn.
5. Expansion of the AFAs Liability & Medical Insurance programs for teams, leagues and players.
6. Announcement of the AFAs special tax exempt fund-raising project for the year 2000.
7. Continued emphasis on the AFAs national website and worldwide web communication capabilities.
8. Revise the AFAs 'Hall of Fame nomination and selection process.
9. Publish the AFAs 20th Anniversary Year Book"
10. Continue efforts with regard to publishing of AFAs Official Semi-Pro-Football Rule Book".
Additional projects for consideration:
1. Secure sponsors for an AFA National Championship Game at the conclusion of the 2000 season.
2. Promote an International All-Star Game by securing a player sponsorship program through the efforts of USA Football, Inc. and Team USA sponsors.
The AFA national office has resumed its 'Weekly Electronic Press Releases - sent to several thousand sports media locations across the country as well as nearly a thousand semi-pro football teams worldwide. AFA teams (and their local media) are encouraged to stay on top of the latest national ratings as well as keeping current with all the weekly game scores by going to the AFAs website (AmericanFootballAssn.com) and clicking on the American Football News. From there you can get AAA, AA and A team ratings, and game scores as well as an in-depth explanation on how the rating system actually works. Please contact us if you would like your local media to receive this info; if they aren't on our list, we'll add them.
In preparation for determining who may get to play for the 2000 AFA National Championship, this year's ratings will have the top teams in the Triple A and Double A categories separated into East and West Divisions. With some leagues having already played a few league games and others just going through the riggers of pre-season play, it wont be long before were into another full blown semi-pro football season - our (AFAs) 21st as your national association. Lets make it a good one!.
|
