Jousting the Next Big Fundraising Opportunity

Jousting was popular enough to last for more than 400 years in Europe, but these days there are only some 200 competitive jousters around the world, about 30 of whom are in North America. (A couple hundred more perform at Renaissance fairs and festivals but do not compete.) The basic concept is unchanged from medieval times: two armor-clad opponents charge at each other on horses while wielding 11-foot-long wooden lances. The goal is to break your lance on your opponent’s shield or on a metal plate bolted to his chest called a grand guard, but unhorsings are an added thrill and — in the North American style of competition
— the surest way to rack up points.

 The gates of the Gulf Coast International Jousting Championships opened at 6 p.m. one Friday in January at a 4,500-seat arena 13 miles outside Pensacola, Fla. Some of the spectators were dressed in leather doublets and velvet gowns; some wore jeans and cowboy hats or American-flag-patterned do-rags. Most seemed to have come out of idle curiosity rather than any previous knowledge of the sport. “From what I hear, the combat’s going to be smackin’,” a man named Paul Johnson told me, punching his knuckles together. He estimated he had seen the movie “A Knight’s Tale” a couple dozen times, and he hoped this event would measure up.

WINER SAN

The championship event was created by two men, both professional jousters, who are on a mission to transform jousting from Renaissance-fair entertainment to arena sport. One is Shane Adams, the knight who unhorsed Tolle. The other is Charlie Andrews, a Hummer-driving former bull rider who spent six years as a Navy Seal.

 international dignitaries ander 5,000 magnificent horses

KNIGHTS ERRANT

 Shane Adams (left) and Charlie Andrews, the leading exemplars of American-style
 "full contact" jousting

WW

History of Jousting

& Terminology

Jousting in the Middle Ages

A joust is defined as a fight between mounted knights wearing armor and using lances. Jousting was a favorite form of entertainment during the Middle Ages. Jousting contests took place at Medieval tournaments which provided a venue for Knights to practise various forma of combat to the delight, and for the amusement, of crowds of onlookers. The tournaments kept the knight in excellent condition for the role he would need to play during medieval warfare - skill with weapons and supreme strength and fitness were necessary to knights of the Middle Ages. Tournaments were exciting and colorful pageants which displayed different forms of combat. Jousting was one of the events shown at a tournament. Jousting was an individual event whereas the Melee was a team event where teams of knights fought on fought or on horseback.

Different types of Jousting in the Middle Ages

There were two types of jousting events during the Middle Age
s the 'Joust a plaisance' and the 'Pas d'armes'

Joust a plaisance
- A series of elimination jousting contests which were held over over several days. An overall jousting winner would be determined

Pas d'armes or passage of arms Jousting event -
A Knight would send out a proclamation that he would take on all jousting challengers at a specific time and place.

Origins of Jousting

The origins of jousting can be traced to any war time in early history was dependent upon equestrian skills - for instance, the horsemanship of the Mongols was legendary. The Gladiatorial contests fought in the arena's  built across Europe were banned in 404AD. But the battles fought in the arenas were remembered and changed into games to enable soldiers to practise skills which did not culminate in the death or injury of participants. Old games were revived where the battles of antiquity were replayed in those such as the 'Game of Troy'. The tournaments of the Middle Ages replaced the gladiatorial games of the Roman arena but with far less fatalities and bloodshed and far more finesse. The Code of Chivalry was an important element of the tournament and the jousting event. It is interesting to note that the word 'joust' is derived from the Roman 'juxtare', which means "to meet together.". Click the link at the top of the page to discover the History of Jousting.

Jousting Tournaments

Jousting were major events in the tournaments or tourneys of the Middle Ages. Medieval jousting tournaments were the training grounds for Knights of the Middle Ages but they were also great entertainment for the local people. Jousting tournaments were usually held on a field in close proximity to a castle called the 'Lists'. "To be in the lists" meant to be competing in the tournament. People would view the jousting and other events from the battlements of the castle or sit alongside the Jousting tournament field. A grandstand, called a Berfrois, was built a full story above the level of the lists. This grandstand housed the ladies and other noble spectators. Pavilions were erected around the area of the jousting tournaments. Pavilions were the name given to the bright, round medieval tents of alternating colors which housed the combatants and surgeons of a jousting tournament. Jousting tournaments teemed with spectators and combatants including royalty, nobles, knights, ladies and commoners.

Jousting Tournaments - The Preparations

Jousting tournaments were great events. They had to be formally planned
 and preparations were numerous.

Challenges from on noble to another to 'Cry the Tournament'

The 'bans' crying for a tournament consisted of an announcement sent via heralds to notify nobles that a jousting tournament was to be held 'at a specific time and place

The rules of a pas d'armes was published in advance of the jousting tournament

■    Announcements of the jousting tournaments were made from the castles and town criers made the announcements in the towns and from the towns the word spread to the villages

■    The news of a jousting tournament was always greeted with great excitement and the banners of the knights were hung from the windows where they lodged or
by their supporters

Jousting Rules

Jousting Rules were circulated prior a jousting tournament or pas d’armes.
The jousting Rules and terms included the following:

   When and where the tournament would be held

  Who was sponsoring the tournament

   The specific styles of combat which were expected to be fought

  The weapons allowed

■    Vespers Tourney: A tournament held on the eve of a larger event, where the younger knights bachelor and squires had an opportunity to demonstrate their prowess before the experienced knights and assembled gallery

■    Opening day processions where judges and contestants rode in formal procession. The ceremony used to start a tournament or pas d’armes was called the Invocation

■    Tree of Shields: The place where several colored shields were hung for a pas d’armes. Challenging knights could choose the combat they required by hitting the shield

■    The Second day ceremony included the display of the helms of knights who had fought in tournaments

 The ladies inspected the helms and denounced acts of un-chivalrous behavior

■    The third day ceremony was when the 'Chevalier d'honneur' was chosen who performed the rule of an umpire

■    On the last day of the tournament the ceremony for awarding the tournament
 prizes was conducted

■    The tourney being ended, the combatants met in the centre of the lists, and embraced each other in the true companionship of chivalry

■    Every day of the Jousting Tournament ended with feasting, music and dancing

Jousting Knights

The Jousting Knights represented their liege lord or were entering the tournament in order to win the purse, or prize money. In early tournaments the losing knight would forfeit his armor and his horse which would be claimed by the victor. Fame and Glory were also good reasons for the jousting knights to enter a tournament.

 WHAT IS JOUSTING?

             Jousting is best described as an extreme sport and a cross between the excitement of equestrian sports with the thrill and danger of extreme sports.  The combination of horse and rider - of concentration and power - provides emotion and excitement that no other sport offers.  Woman is equal to man in the execution.  The horse has the power; the rider the control.  There is no sport equal to this unity between horse and rider.  Together, this team competes as one.

            The equestrian sport of jousting is steeped with history and tradition, it spans history, speaks all languages and transcends age and gender with a courageous spirit.  It is unique in its beauty and grace.  It is family oriented.  It instills dedication, courage, confidence and commitment. This remarkable sport has gathered rapid momentum over the past few years and has become an immensely popular and highly visible spectator sport.  Its international peers consider the United States as one of the world’s greatest up and coming super powers.

The Ancient and noble sport of jousting is best described as a cross between the excitement of Thoroughbred racing and the sheer daring of the downhill slalom. The combination of horse and rider - of concentration and power - provides emotion and excitement that no other sport offers.  Woman is equal to man in the execution.  The horse has the power; the rider the control.  There is no sport equal to this unity between horse and rider. 

   The International Jousting Association (IJA-USA) is the United States based part of a world wide governing body for the sport of jousting. Its aims are the same as the Worldwide IJA:

 Promote the sport of jousting throughout the world.

Promote IJA sanctioned tournaments throughout the world.

Promote an international standard of certification in jousting and related skills.

 Promote a high standard of historical accuracy.

 Promote a high level of sportsmanship.

 Promote a high standard of horse welfare.

Promote a high standard of safety.

The IJA was originally formed in England in 1987 by Alan Beattie and some other English Jousters. But it was not until 1996 that the organization started to become properly established after a meeting in New Zealand between English, Australian and New Zealand jousting representatives. In 1999 the first IJA tournament was held in New Zealand between Australian and New Zealand jousters. From this modest start the IJA has grown to the point where IJA tournaments are now held throughout the year around the world, attracting riders from its various member groups in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom
 and the United States.

Who is the Equestrian Audience?

 The equestrian audience consists of owners, riders, trainers, grooms and spectators.

Equestrian Sports Participant Demographics

(Source: USA Equestrian: Profile of 80,000 members and on-site audiences):

Industry statistics indicate that females comprise the majority (85%) of USA Equestrian participants.  The average age is 39 years.  Other factors include the following:

   • Estimated consumer expenditures by USA Equestrian membership each year:
$2 billion

                 40% report an individual income in excess of $150,000 per year.

                  80% have a minimum four-year college degree.

                  The average home value is $412,000.

                81% own their primary residence outright.

                 15% own a second home.

               43% travel on airlines more that 16 times per year.

                  78% are members of a frequent flyer program.

                 97% hold one or more credit cards.

55% of the automobiles owned were purchased last year.

 Average number of equestrian events participated in each year: 14.

 Average number of horses owned: 5.

General U.S. Population/Equestrian Demographics

The number of people over the age of 12 in the United States who ride a horse at least once every year: 27,000,000.

The number of people over the age of 12 in the United States who ride a horse on a regular basis: 14,580,000

The number of horses owned in the United States: 6,900,000.

Total attendance at sanctioned horse-related events: 88,000,000.

The number of horse owners in the United States: 2,200,000.

The average annual income of individuals who subscribe to English style of riding equestrian magazines: $105,900.

The percentage of equestrian sports enthusiast who regularly purchase goods and apparel through mail order catalogues: 60.2%.

The ratio of horse owners whose annual income exceeds $100,000 to non-horse owners who earn more than $100,000 per year: 4 to 1.

The ratio of equestrian sports enthusiasts who own other pets (primarily dogs and cats) to the general population: 3 to 1.

Why Sponsor Jousting?

  Jousting is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world both in terms of number of participants and event viewer-ship. For example, equestrian membership has consistently risen each of the last four years with a 300% increase in the young rider group (16 to 21 years of age) alone, and with over 3.6 million people participating in equestrian sports in the US.

Jousting is engaging, high profile and fast-paced. It reaches an affluent, upwardly mobile market segment that is passionately loyal to products and services that support their equestrian interests.

We have incorporated the key elements of the sport of Jousting into a sponsorship program that provides a highly competitive vehicle for effective corporate marketing.

  Television Programming

  Commercial Inventory

National and international media recognition and impressions

  Souvenir programs and newsprint advertising

  Web site links

Extensive promotional package

  Public relations support

 Cross promotions

  Corporate entertainment

  Special event functions

  Trophy recognition & award presentations

  On-site signage and display

• VIP treatment

 Why Target Marketing in Jousting?

              These companies that get involved in the sport of jousting have found that repeated, highly visible impressions of their trademark in this affluent environment establish priceless product identity and consumer loyalty.

 Gain exposure with an important market group

Associate with the best events the sport has to offer

  Affiliate with the prestige, affluence, experience and tradition of jousting

 Jousting events are where the world’s spectators from all other equestrian sports gather for world-class competition and entertainment in the historical, extreme equestrian sport of jousting.

 Sponsorship in Jousting Provides

Media Management – Effective media and television exposure.  Solid television and press coverage through the schedule of events.

 Depth – The communication of sponsor message to target demographics.

 Relationship Enhancement – On-site facilities for personal contact with customers, business associates, investors and employees.

 Direct Financial Benefit – Generation of revenue through promotions.  As a sponsor you will be able to utilize jousting and its related events as a vehicle for promotional and advertising activity.

   In addition to these benefits, sponsors are able to champion patriotism through direct tie-in programs that help develop American athletes for international competitions, helping American athletes reach new heights and capture global glory in this high-spirited sport is a growing sponsorship choice of the nation’s corporate champions. 

 
Jousting Tournament Sponsor Packages

A sponsorship package tailored to suit your needs may be developed from the benefits listed below.  These sponsor levels have product exclusivity, use of the designation “Title, Presenting, Official, Product Sponsor” of winter jousting tournament, etc. Your tailor made package includes all pertinent sponsorship benefits offered herein. All marketing, advertising, print media, promotional and press materials shall include the name of the title sponsor “XYZ Winter Jousting Tournament of Florida”.

Title and Presenting Naming Rights

§  2013 winter jousting tournament title rights

§  All marketing, advertising, print media, promotional and press materials shall include the name of the title sponsor “XYZ Winter Jousting Tournament presented by ABC”.

Advertising Impressions

• ID in souvenir publication

• ID on winter jousting tournament website

• ID on scoreboard

• Public address announcements during winter jousting tournament

• ID in print media – event advertising

• Television media – event advertising

Business Opportunities

• Website hyperlink on tournament website

• Invitations to competitor entertainment

On-site Marketing

• Banner signage

Arena

 High traffic areas

• Competition signage

• Promotional rights

Promotional materials placement

Trade fair display space for product or promotions

• Program advertising

Full-page four color advertisements published in the winter jousting tournament program

One full page letter of welcome.

All marketing, advertising, promotional and press materials shall include the name of the Title and Presenting Sponsor “XYZ Winter Jousting Tournament”.

All paid advertising in trade publication and newspapers shall include the name of the Title and Presenting Sponsor “XYZ Winter Jousting Tournament”.

Hospitality and Entertainment Venues

The following venues and amenities are available for customer or employee hospitality and entertainment.

• Warrior club (VIP front and back row tables)

• Reserved seating

• General admission tickets (available upon request only)

• VIP Parking

• Souvenir Programs

Television Coverage

To be determined

DIAMOND SPONSOR $50,000

This premium level is the product title sponsor for the 2013 winter jousting tournament.  This premium sponsor level has limited availability and includes arena signage, entertainment and hospitality privileges.

On-site Marketing

  Banner signage

  Banners supplied by sponsor (supplied by sponsor)

 Four 3’X 8’ banners in the tournament arena

 Four 3’X 8’ banners in high traffic areas

 Tournament signage

  Two arena sponsor signs for the duration of the tournament

   Public address announcements

   ID on website

   ID on scoreboard

   ID  in souvenir programs

Business Opportunities

   Website linkage

  WJT mailing list

   Competitor entertainment

 10’ X 10’ trade fair space

Print Media

• Two full-page four-color advertisements published in the winter jousting tournament souvenir program

NOTE: (2 sets of camera ready copy to be provided by sponsor)

• Name mention in print media, i.e. newspapers, magazines, press releases and advertisements

Hospitality and Entertainment

• Two (2) front row Warrior Club reserved tables for six (6)
for the duration of tournament

• Use of title sponsor chalet

• Two hundred fifty (250) general admission tickets
 (available upon request only)

• Fifteen (15) souvenir programs

Television or Webcast Coverage

Type to be determined

•   Banner and jump signage in one televised or web-cast event

PLATINUM SPONSOR $30,000

This premium level is the presenting sponsor for the winter jousting tournament.  This premium sponsor level has the most limited availability and includes arena signage, entertainment and hospitality privileges.

On-site marketing

Banner signage

            Three (3) 3’X 8’ Banners in the Arena

            Three (3) 3’X 8’ Banners in High Traffic Areas

 Arena signage (design and construction costs incurred by sponsor)

            One arena sponsor sign–– duration of the tournament

 Public address announcements

 ID on website

 ID on scoreboard

 ID in Souvenir Programs

Business Opportunities

 Website Linkage

 10’ X 10’ Trade Fair Space

Print Media

  One full-page four color advertisement published in the Winter Jousting Tournament souvenir program

NOTE: (2 sets of camera ready copy to be provided by sponsor)

  Name mention in print media, i.e. newspapers, magazines, press releases and advertisements

Hospitality and Entertainment

 One VIP Club Warrior Reserved Table for 6 for the duration of Tournament

 Use of Presenting Sponsor Chalet

 Two hundred  (200) general admission tickets (available upon request only)

  Ten (10) Souvenir Programs

Television and Webcast Service

Type of be determined

  Banner and jump signage in one televised or web-cast event

GOLD SPONSOR   $20,000

  The official category sponsor level is one of the most popular sponsorship packages. Add your company’s product to the “official’s list”.  With this special product designation comes the opportunity to include one sponsor signage for arena tournament.  Reserved hospitality privileges are a valued part of this official category sponsorship level. 

On-site Marketing

Banner signage

 Two 3’X 8’ banners in the international arena

Two 3’X 8’ banners in high traffic areas

Jump signage (design and construction costs incurred by sponsor)

One sponsor arena signage

Public address announcements

ID on website

ID in souvenir programs              

Business Opportunities

 Website linkage

   10’ X 10’ trade fair space

Print Media

One (1) full-page four color advertisement published in the winter jousting tournament souvenir program

 NOTE: (camera ready copy to be provided by sponsor)

Name mention in print media, i.e. newspapers, magazines, press releases and advertisements

Hospitality and Event Tickets

  One table for six (6) in the Warrior Club  front row

  One hundred  (100) general admission tickets (available upon request only)

  Five (5) souvenir programs

Title Sponsor

§  Provision for sponsor name on site (throughout the tournament)

 SILVER SPONSOR   $10,000

The official category sponsor level is one of the most popular sponsorship packages. Add your company’s product to the “official’s list”.  With this special product designation comes the opportunity to include one sponsor jump for integration into the course design in one class each week in the jumper annex for the duration of the entire festival.  This category can also be used to sponsor a hunter or jumper division.

ON-SITE MARKETING

Banner Signage

 Two 3’X 8’ banners in the international arena

 Four 3’X 8’ banners in high traffic areas

 Arena signage (design and construction costs incurred by sponsor)

 One sponsor sign

  Public address announcements

 ID on Website

  ID on Scoreboard

   ID in Souvenir Programs                  

Business Opportunities

  Website Linkage

Print Media

One full-page four-color advertisement published in the winter jousting tournament souvenir program

NOTE: (camera ready copy to be provided by sponsor)

Name mention in print media, i.e. newspapers, magazines, press releases and advertisements

 Hospitality and Entertainment

  One(1) back row VIP Warrior Club table for six(6) 

  Fifty (50) general admission tickets (available upon request only)

   Five (5) souvenir programs

BRONZE SPONSOR   $5,000

This entry level supporting sponsorship provides promotional exposure opportunities in an economical marketing package.

On-site representation, a much sought-after feature, is included at the supporting level. With a minimum of eight rings of show jumpers, hunters and dressage of all levels, public address announcements provide the repetition necessary for product recognition and are offered for the entire duration of the festival’s Palm Beach series. This entry level also provides the opportunity for sponsors to expose the thousands of equestrians participating in the festival to product-related promotional materials.

Your company will receive the following benefits as an integral part of the Winter Jousting Tournament at the supporting level:

On-site Marketing

§  Banner Signage

One 3’X 8’ Banner Displayed in the Arena

One 3’X 8’ Banner Displayed in High Traffic Areas

   Public Address Announcements

   ID on Website

  ID on Scoreboard

   ID in Souvenir Programs

Print Media

One half page black and white advertisement published in the Winter Jousting Tournament souvenir program

NOTE: (2 sets of camera-ready copies to be provided by sponsor)

Hospitality and Entertainment

 Two (2) tickets to the Warrior Club

 Fifty (50) general admission tickets (available upon request only)

 Three (3) souvenir programs