Tips for an Excellent Experience in [or away from] St. George

By Jerry LaBrosse, 4^th Vice President, Charter Communications Director

In this year’s world tournament we have approx. 10% of our membership entered. I’d like to remind the other 90% that you could stay connected with all the activity and excitement in St. George through our live camera system. We will have cameras on all the courts, and also a special “wave to home” station to connect with family and friends. I’m also hearing that there will be a camera set up to live stream the awards ceremonies at the annual banquet on Sunday July 23rd (sometime around 7:00 pm).

 All you need to do is go to www.horseshoepitching.com and click on the link and follow the instructions. We hope that all of the hard work in designing and setting up this system is successful in connecting you to the world tournament action.

For those pitching in St George, and for all pitchers everywhere, I have a few tips to make your experience better for you, and your opponents. The first tip is about painting the stakes. We have had folks inform us that they are highly sensitive to the fumes from the spray paint. There are steps we have taken to reduce this problem, but we also need help from all of you. The NHPA has taken steps to ensure that higher quality spray paint is used. It costs nearly 3 times as much as the cheap paint, but has increased pigment level and covers the stake much quicker and more efficiently, thus requiring less spray. When spraying the stake, shake the can first, and don’t zigzag - spray up and down the stake. Hold the can about 3-4 inches away from the stake and slowly go down the stake favoring one side, then do it again favoring the other side. You will get complete coverage and create way less fumes. And really, the stakes may not need paint after every game.

I am not aware of any other consistent issues out on the courts. So I advise you all to be friendly and cordial to your opponent, introduce yourself and shake hands before starting the game. Use good sportsmanship and proper position etiquette. When you are done pitching your two shoes, cross over to the other side of the court walking in front of it. Of course if your opponent pitches from that side you simply back up after throwing your shoes.

Before going to shoe check, make sure you have all shoes you plan to use in the tournament, along with your pick up stick and NHPA card. Be sure you have a tournament shirt that conforms to the guidelines. Name and state, and no sleeveless shirts allowed. Don’t be late! If you are not there you will not be in your class photo.

And if have never been to the St George area before, you are in for a real sight seeing treat. Explore the numerous national parks and red rock attractions, and make sure you have a good camera. This area is one of the best experiences I’ve had in the last twenty world tournaments I’ve attended, and I’m sure you’ll agree.

Best of luck to all World Pitchers, and I hope you all can connect to the event via live camera feed.