How a sport becomes a Maine Games event is your favorite sport included in the Maine Games line up?

As a member of the National Congress of State Games, the Maine Games must follow certain regulations when selecting sports for our annual festival. As a Group B member of the United States Olympic Committee, members of the National Congress of State Games are encouraged to offer as many Olympic or Pan American Games sports as possible. To this end, each State Games organization must have: 1. 50% of its events as Olympic or Pan American Games sports 2. 65% of its events must fall within a 30 day window to provide more of a festival feeling 3. 65% of its events championships must be held within a 100 mile radius of the established host area or community. For the Maine Games to consider a new sport for the next festival year the following things must be available: 1. SPORT COMMISSIONER; This person is responsible for the operation of the event. The commissioner of all of our sports is a volunteer. They are experienced in their sport; widely seen as a leader in the sport; and have a good understanding of what it means to their sport to have it included in our State Games. They assist with lining up officials, volunteers, and help establish a relationship with a quality venue if possible. 2. Either a widespread following for the sport either competitive or casual, OR a small, but concentrated group of people participating in the sport that will compete in the event. In short, we need somewhat of a guarantee that we will be able to attract a sufficient number of participants to make the event viable. 3. Quality venue; Each sport must be held at a quality venue. Our venues have ranged from some of the best and most historic places in Maine, to some of the most beautiful and picturesque. Whether the sport is contested indoors or out, the Maine Games venue must be safe, and capable of holding a statewide event. We do pay for the use of some of our venues, however we prefer venues which have donated their services, or which will work with us as a sponsor to provide us the best deal possible. The Maine Games pays for insurance for the building up to $1 million. 4. Volunteer Officials; In keeping in tradition with the other State Games around the country we always use volunteer officials. Our officials are all volunteers and believe it or not, this brings out the best officials who understand the value of the opportunity of being a part of our State Games. In keeping in tradition with the other State Games around the country we always use volunteer officials. We provide our officials lunch, plenty of fluids, and a token of our appreciation. Good officials know how important it is to give back to the sport which has given them so much in their lifetime. Volunteering for a State Games event is a perfect way to "give back" to their sport. 5. PROMOTION; The Maine Games promotes each sport to the athletes directly when possible; either through direct mail, email, posters, brochures, etc. We do, on occasion, pay for advertising on television, radio, or in the newspapers. However, the most efficient means for us to reach the athletes is usually by direct contact. On occasion, the Maine Games has partnered with an established event to combine promotion, organization, and other aspects of holding the event. For these events, the Maine Games can license the Maine Games brand and allow athletes in select sports to qualify for the State Games of America. We provide Maine Games event designation, medals, insurance, and promotion, at or slightly above our cost, in exchange for a lesser role in the organization of the event.