AU2017101769A4 - Sporting article and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sports article for use at sporting events. The sporting article includes a body to which graphical elements may be applied. The graphical elements applied to the body of the sporting article, relate to the particular sporting event. In use, the sports article may be sold or auctioned after the event, as memorabilia of the event due to the specific graphical elements applied. The invention also relates to a method of use of the sporting article to raised funds. The invention also relates to a method of raising funds for donation. specPA2027515 IZ-1 38

Description

SPORTING ARTICLE AND METHODS OF USE

The present invention relates to a sporting article, and in particular to a sporting article for use at sporting events for subsequent sale, as a means of raising funds.

Sporting events can involve many types of revenue raising, such as for sports associations, and charitable donations to local clubs through a raffle or auction, such as of a player signed shirt. None of these known forms of fund raising encourage professional sports people, once they have made it to the professional level of their sport, to use their popularity and autographs in a co-ordinated fashion to give back to the junior clubs and the junior volunteers that helped them to fulfil their dreams. Or to encourage professional players to generate revenue that will pay for the juniors to play sports. None of the known forms of fund raising encourage participation with the sport, sports entertainment, sports memorabilia, nor do the sponsorships benefit the sport and clubs directly.

The link between sports and the entertainment industry is growing more important all the time, as the groups become more commercial in their operations, and the demands of fans and viewers increase. There is a great need for funds such as at junior club level, and for adult clubs at lower divisions, whereas the elite forms of the sport have much higher availability of funds. Sporting associations need continual support including with new methods and schemes so as to run their association in a more businesslike and commercial manner, to be able to provide services at all levels of the sport. There is no known coordinated means to organise memorabilia and sponsorship and collect and then distribute funds to those clubs in need. Further, the fans may be reticent to participate in raffles or informal fundraising not knowing where the funds may be donated.

The inventor using the Trade Mark Love2don8 and associated business to promote his invention and not for profit organization, started to support making junior sports more available to all Australian children. Love2don8 (Trade Mark) aims to raise funds in the sports industry and put them back into the sports industry. I n\/o9rlnnfi /Trarla Marl/Λ hac Ha\/alnncwH iinimia cnnrtc otrataniao ae a \*/a\/ fnr

Love2don8 to raise funds. The strategies will show the sports teams the best way use their resources in a more coordinated and beneficial way to increase their revenue and offer their customers a better “game day” experience. The professional sports will use the corner post, for example, as a piece of sports memorabilia which can be used as a raffle prize which is an incentive to increase crowd numbers. Therefore the efforts of the professional sports players on the day will have multiple benefits through use of the invention. By using the professional sports people to help to fund junior sports this reduces the pressure from parents of junior sports players who generally pay for and support the junior player in their sports. By reducing this financial pressure on parents of juniors the numbers of junior players able to play should increase, to the benefit of the sport. For juniors, using the product provides greater outdoor advertising opportunities as well as corporate sponsor opportunities. Increased sponsorship opportunities should increase sponsorship generally for the junior clubs, which can be used to help support and subsidise membership fees, for example. The product can be organized and used by the sporting profession as a whole, a particular division or even by individual clubs themselves. There are no limits to the particular forms or uses of the subject invention with respect to commercial applications.

Therefore, the inventor has developed a multi-functional sporting article which can be used as a means to raise sponsorship funding for advertising through the game. The invention is non-predatory but rather a self-sustaining method to assist sports stakeholders in fundraising, or to give clubs an alternative and additional means or raising funds. The invention takes away the need to keep asking for money, the fund raising is coordinated and organised with the added benefit of producing a valuable and saleable product at the end, the autographed memorabilia. The sporting article is printed to reflect the specific details of the game such that after the game the article is highly desirable as an item of memorabilia, in the short and longer term, as well as being useable as the normal functions of the sporting article. In turn this item of memorabilia can be sold, raffled or auctioned by a sports club or by the owner of the article itself to raise funds for the clubs or other worthy causes. A favoured method may be to enter a raffle at the point of sale of the entry ticket to the event, either manually or via a website depending where the ticket is purchased. The funding models possible are many, but all coordinate the raising of funds to be donated back to the sport through associates, members or clubs in need. It is thought most appropriate that the matter be negotiated with the competition and team sponsors and sporting associations themselves to determine a suitable split of the income, for the lucrative sponsorship part. For example, a split of sponsorship revenue that funnels funds back to the sporting associations, is an option and the article is then gifted to a local sports club gives a massive benefit to both the sport and clubs. Fans will be able to readily understand what they are supporting by participating and are likely to give more generously. It is anticipated that the sport as a whole from the fans to the boards of the professional body will embrace this collaborative and supportive invention and it will become an integral part of the sport in to the future.

The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to a corner post apparatus for rugby league and methods of use thereof. However, the invention is applicable to any sport, and it is not intended at all to be limited to ball sports or team sports. Rugby league is a great example of this useful and versatile invention, but it will be apparent that the invention can be used in any suitable application. Further the invention could be used in a similar fashion for other types of events where it desirable to display and article, with graphical elements reflecting the event which then can be sold or auctioned as memorabilia.

For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sporting article that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods of use of a sports article for raising funds.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a sports article for use at sporting events, the sports article including: a body to which graphical elements may be applied; and graphical elements applied to the body, related to the particular sporting event, wherein the sports article is sold or auctioned after the event, as a limited item of memorabilia of the event with specific graphical elements applied.

The sports article may be any suitable sports article. In other forms of the invention the article may be any suitable article for use at an event. The sports article may be chosen from the group: corner post; flag; goal corner post; dead ball line corner post; in goal corner post; footballs; basket balls; balls of any description; racing saddle cloths; cricket bats; baseball bats; bats of any description; baseball bases; basketball back boards; goal post pads; boxing corner post pads; boxing gloves; post pads; football helmets; netball bibs; netballs; cycling jerseys; surfboards; and dart board. Any suitable article or part of an event may be used in a similar manner.

Preferably, in one form of the invention the sporting article is a corner post apparatus. Preferably, in another form of the invention the sporting article is a flag. Preferably, the sporting article is used at any appropriate post location. Preferably, the sporting article is used as a try line corner post. The sporting article may also be used as in goal flag, or dead ball line corner post.

The sporting event may be any suitable sporting event. The sporting event may be a rugby league match. The sporting event may be chosen from the group: rugby league; rugby union; football; golf; Australian Football League (“AFL”); Netball; horse racing; cricket; baseball; basketball; boxing; American football, cycling, athletics; ice hockey; surfing; and darts.

In another form of the invention the sporting event is replaced by any suitable event. The event may be a music festival for example, or cultural event where it may be desired to sponsor the event and raise funds.

The body may take any suitable shape or form. Where the article is a flag the body is substantially a planar rectangular shape made of a suitable flexible material. Any suitable material may be used. Any suitable planar shape may be used.

Where the article is a corner post apparatus the body may be adapted to fit about a substantially cuboid foam post. The body may be wrapped around the post. The body may form a sleeve to cover the foam post of the corner post. The corner post may be weighted down, such as with a sand base. Where the article is another form of article other shapes or forms may be used.

The body may be made of vinyl. Vinyl is strong tear resistant material suitable for use at sports matches. Other materials may be used.

The graphical elements may take any suitable form. The graphical elements are specific to the sports event taking place. The graphical elements may include photographs. The graphical elements may include the player details for the sports event. The graphical elements may include sponsorship or advertising. The graphical elements may include sports association deals. The graphical elements may include team logos or branding. Preferably, the graphical elements are chosen from the following group: advertisement; player list; team name; coach; reserves; competition major sponsor; corporate sponsor; professional sporting association; team sponsor; major corporate sponsor; team logo; game day information; owner information; and a barcode. Any one or more of these graphical elements may be included. Preferably, all of these graphical elements are included. Other suitable graphical elements may be included. A letter of authenticity may be included. The letter of authenticity may be supplied with the article before sale. The letter of authenticity may be incorporated as a graphical element. Preferably, the letter of authenticity is supplied before the article is used as a prize or saleable item.

Preferably, one or more autograph may be applied to the sporting article. Preferably, the one or more autograph include player autographs. Preferably, most of the players autograph the sporting article. Preferably, all the players autograph the sporting article. Preferably, the coach and reserves also autograph the sporting article. In a most preferred form of the invention all the players sign the sporting article from a particular sporting event significantly increasing the value of the sporting article as memorabilia. The signing may occur before or after the game. The signing may occur before the game as part of the sports entertainment offered. The signing may be manual or optionally by use of an “autopen” automatic signature generator as another possible form of the invention. Most preferably, lines are provided near the names of the players so they can sign the sporting article at a suitable position and the autograph identified as a particular player. The autographs in some forms of the invention, may be pre-printed or applied using an autopen, or other automated autograph applying device. Most preferably, the signings will occur at the event and will have original autographs applied to game day equipment before the articles are offered as memorabilia. The signing may form part of the sports entertainment of the event.

The graphical elements may be applied to the body in any suitable manner. The body may be printed and this is the application of the graphical elements. The body may be formed or printed with the graphical elements of some sporting events and the player information added before the sporting event. Most preferably, once the player list and fixture is known the body is printed with the graphical elements, particular to the match. Other forms of incorporating or including the graphical elements may be used instead. Preferably, the printing or graphical elements are only added close to game day, as this is when the information about the particular teams and players are known so as to tailor the item to the particular match.

The graphical elements may include panels. There may be panels for particular graphic elements applicable to the particular sporting event that day. For example, a panel may be dedicated to use for the completion major sponsor logo. A panel may be dedicated to the professional sporting association. A panel may be dedicated to the major corporate sponsor logo. A logo may be dedicated to the team logos. The panels may be replaced with defined areas. Use of panels is useful to have standardised size and print requirements for an event to assist with administration. Other forms of panel, or varying panels may be used instead.

Preferably, sponsorship opportunities enable valuable sponsorship to be gained viewable at the sporting event. For example, use of the strategy offers the team value you can offer as an add-on opportunity offered to corporate sponsors. Or television coverage of a try in rugby league will show the sponsors on the corner post apparatus and team’s corporate sponsors. These sponsors will be happy to contribute to the charitable organisation by sponsorship and receive excellent coverage in return. The organisation in turn will receive funds which can be directed back to the sport. The team logos and other graphical features are also good advertising during the event and are valuable as limited items of memorabilia.

Any of the graphical elements may be sponsored. All of the graphical elements may be sponsored. Preferably the graphical elements are highly desirable features for fans making the memorabilia valuable and desirable.

The sale or auction may be to raise funds for a specific recipient. The specific recipient may be a sports club. The recipient may be a sporting association. The recipient may be any suitable recipient. The sporting article may be framed or otherwise presented before sale.

Preferably, funding arrangements are made to collect and distribute funds. Any suitable funding arrangement may be used. A splitting agreement may be used for any suitable funding agreement to the benefit of the recipients.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method of use of a sports article at sporting events, the sports article including a body to which graphical elements are applied, related to the particular sporting event, the method including the following steps: a) determining the graphic elements to be applied to the body, for the particular sporting event; b) applying the graphic elements to the body, in preparation for use at the sporting event; c) using the sporting article at the sporting event, bearing the graphical elements; and d) after the event selling, raffling or auctioning the sports article to raise funds.

The graphical elements may be added as part of sports entertainment at the event. The memorabilia will be limited due to the limited number of articles used at a game.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides in a variant, a method of use of a sports article at sporting events, the sports article including a body to which graphical elements are applied, related to the particular sporting event, the method including the following steps: a) determining the graphic elements to be applied to the body, for the particular sporting event; b) applying the graphic elements to the body, in preparation for use at the sporting event; c) offering entry into a raffle at the point of ticket sale to win the sporting article; d) using the sporting article at the sporting event, bearing the graphical elements; and e) after the event giving the sporting article as a prize to the winner of the raffle.

The invention also provides in a variant a method of revenue for donation the method including use of a sports article at sporting events, the sports article including a body to which graphical elements are applied, related to the particular sporting event, the method including the following steps: a) arranging sponsorship or funding agreements with various partners to be included in the graphical elements; b) using the sporting article at the sporting event; c) sharing the funds raised through advertising or sponsorship according the to the arrangement at a); d) sale, raffle, or auction of the sporting article to raise additional funds as a valuable item of memorabilia of the sporting event.

Preferably, the arranging of sponsorship at a) may including cross-licensing, funding arrangements and or use of other strategies in this regard. Preferably, the winner of the memorabilia takes the prize home and or gives to competitions for further fund raising. In this way the corporate sponsors have extended marketing opportunities over and beyond the attendees at the match or viewers on the television. The memorabilia will, ultimately, end up at the home of a fan of the sport. Preferably, the sharing of the funds of c) will include sharing the funds raised during d). The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a corner post apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the graphical elements;

Figure 2 is plan view of the outside of the corner post apparatus of Figure 1 flattened out to show the full scope of graphically elements that may be applied;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a flag apparatus in an open view before the two parts are sewn together to form a double sided article; and

Figure 4 is a plan view of the first side of the flag apparatus of Figure 3, illustrating the graphical elements.

With reference to Schedule 3 (9) of Patent Regulations 1991, we note that labels representing the graphical elements are included in the drawings to particularly facilitate understanding of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of a corner post apparatus 1 of the invention will be described, where corner post apparatus 1, has body 10 with top 12, sides 14 and 16, and base 18. All of body 10 is made of a suitable vinyl material which is resistant to tearing, UV damage or water damage. Strong vinyl is particular suitable for the application for use at a rugby league or similar games as strong and resistant to damage during the game. It will also mean that as a merchandising item it will be fade resistant and stay looking good for many years. In other applications, other suitable plastics materials or other materials may be used instead.

As shown, corner post apparatus 1 is substantially cuboid as is suitable for rugby league. Other shapes or variants may be used instead, for different sports or events. The dimensions as illustrated are 1200 millimetres tall by 100 millimetres by 100 millimetres around top 12. The vinyl is formed into a cover or a cuboid of foam for use as a soft corner post during the rugby league game. After the game the vinyl can be flattened out to be displayed in a frame or case, better to use as a merchandising item as described below.

Corner post apparatus 1 has numerous graphic elements, which have been labelled as panels, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28. These panels are where the individual game specific graphics are added to make corner post apparatus 1 distinct and individual to the event. The shape, size, number and arrangement of these panels can clearly be varied for different sports or uses. However, the inventor has found the particular arrangement shown to be advantageous.

In the given example, panels 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 are shown blank on Figure 1, as it would look on before the particular graphical elements for an event have been applied. The printing of the graphical elements will be performed either locally or at a central organisation so that the particular game day sports articles can be sent out to arrive at the game location in time for the game. Printing can occur as soon as the final team is announced for the game and so will occur within a few days of the game. In another form of the invention the sports article may be printed generically, such as with the whole team, or blank spaces and then the team playing on the day can be indicated after the match. This form of invention allows for last minute changes and when autographs and names are applied after the game of the players then the value as memorabilia for the day is unchanged.

Referring to Figure 2, for the illustrated form of the invention, the graphical elements of a particular game or event have been added, through printing ahead of the match. As can be seen panels 20 and 22 prominently feature the COMPETITION MAIN SPONSOR LOGO. The corporate sponsor logo is likely to be same for a whole season so this can be incorporated into the print as a regular item. Use of the COMPETITION MAIN SPONSOR LOGO enables strong branding for use during the game, on television as tries are scored. After the match the sponsors add to memorabilia of the item for the purchaser but also provides a revenue stream as the sponsors are likely to be keen to have their logo on the article. It may be that inclusion of the COMPETITION MAIN SPONSOR LOGO is take as payment by the competition for free use of the corner post location, or others, to use the invention. The business arrangement choices and negotiations possible with sponsors and other parties who may wish to advertise at this key location are many fold. It would be intended that there would be considerable interest and competition to be the main corporate sponsor to get these key branding and logo locations and to be involved in the product placement. The revenue will assist the revenue program as described further below.

Panels 24 below panels 20 and 22 each feature PROFESSIONAL SPORTING ASSOCIATION LOGOS. These are shown as four the same in the embodiment described but could be varied. Again, an arrangement will be made to use PROFESSIONAL SPORTING ASSOCIATION LOGOS as they would desire inclusion for advertising purposes and it adds to the memorabilia value of the ultimate article.

Panels 26 below panels 24 each feature TEAM MAJOR SPONSOR LOGOS. Again these are shown as four the same in the embodiment described, but in use would be two different ones for each team, or could be two team sponsors each. Payment could be taken for these inclusions on the key corner post location for TV and other media exposure, with the carrot of supporting an excellent cause to be supported by the funds raising side of the invention. It is likely that a group, sports club or collection of local sports clubs could be the beneficiary of the funds raised by a particular sporting article. Alternatively, a group could collect all the funds and then issue a share to all its members. Many different funding models are possible in this regard.

Panels 28 below panels 26 each feature TEAM LOGOS reflecting the two teams playing at that particular event so they can be seen around corner post apparatus 1.

Below the panels described above are the larger panels of information, labelled according to the graphic displayed. First panels 36 is PLAYER LIST & AUTOGRAPHIES, one on each side for each team. The autographing can form part of the sports entertainment before or during the game. The players on the day are applied and listed before the game, to particularise the ultimate memorabilia item to that particular game. The players are listed with their names clear featured with spaces so that autographs can be sought and applied to the panel before or after the game. In this way it is clear who has signed the apparatus, increasing the value compared to a jumble of autographs which may usually be applied to a club jersey for example. Included in the player list may be the reserves and coach, and these may also autograph the item. In other forms of the invention the pictures of each player may be applied here, or player statistic, and the autographs applied nearby again so that the value as a piece of memorabilia of the day is increased. For future on-sale value, including pictures assist for people to remember who was playing on a particular day, say many years later, as it is easier to remember a face than a name of the player and player statistics.

Labelled 38 TEAM NAME is applied clearly to show the teams playing that day. In use each of TEAM NAME 38 panels will contain different information, one for each team. The TEAM NAME 38 is written in a very large font so that these details can be clearly seen from afar, in particular on television as tries are scored. Typically the team colours and a suitable background colour are used to reinforce the team branding.

Base panel 40 may include useful graphics or information for the event. As illustrated the GAME DAY INFORMATION is included here, such as date, time, location and name of event, as is the owner of the apparatus and contact details. Any further branding, logos or information could also be included at this location. The teams and venue details may be included in base panel 40.

Clearly the graphical elements could be varied but as described are particular desirable for memorabilia purposes. Other elements may be included such as the player pictures, mentioned above, or if room details and statistics-any useful information that may be considered of added value to the ultimate purchaser after the match.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a preferred embodiment of a flag apparatus will be described for use at the same or different events as corner post apparatus 1. The principles for the article are similar and illustrate the range of articles that may be used in this way. Flag apparatus 42 can be used as flags anywhere around the grounds, for use by lines people or in fact as static or hung flags on the day. Flag apparatus 42 is described for use as a corner flag in rugby league but equally can be used anyway a flag arrangement could be used including any code of football e.g. in soccer (football), golf or other sports or events.

Flag apparatus 42 is illustrated as a flag for use on the day, and as can be seen in Figure 3 in particular has an ADVERTISEMENT part 44 on one side of body 45. As shown flag apparatus 42 is a rectangular flag made of a strong polyester material folded in half to create a double thickness flag with advertising on one side and the game day particulars on the other. Other materials may be used as may be readily printed and will last through use as a flag on the day and as a long term piece of memorabilia.

Once the sponsors, match details and all the players are determined body 45 is printed, typically at the start of the season together with details of the reserves and coach. Part of the body 45 may be the same every time with the details in the panels changing each match, or the overall printing can vary significantly from game to game. These details can be established as part of the preseason agreements in this regard. ADVERTISEMENT part 44 may be any suitable advert or branding printed on body 45 as will be negotiated to raise revenue to the owner for the event. Product placement or other means of advertising is a strong form or advertising that may be used here. More than one advertiser could participate but use of a single strong brand is of value so that they get clearly seen at the event and television coverage. In a similar manner to the corner post apparatus panels are included to have sponsors and team logos applied to make the flag particular to the event of the day. Use of colour and strong logos assists to make the ADVERTISEMENT part 44 highly visible during the game and on television and as such a valuable site for sale as advertising, or negotiation as part of the overall fund raising arrangements.

Taking each panel in turn panel 46 of body 45 includes a MAJOR TEAM SPONSOR, a corporate sponsor for one of the teams playing. As above this may be paid for sponsorship or part of an agreement for use of flag apparatus 42 at the event. Panel 48 includes PROFESSIONAL SPORTING ASSOCIATION LOGO of the particular sport of the event. Panel 50 includes COMPETITION SPONSOR LOGO and may include details of the round or competition. Panel 52 includes a further, and as illustrated different PROFESSIONAL SPORTING ASSOCIATION LOGO. Panel 54 includes MAJOR TEAM SPONSOR information for the other team.

Panels 58 and 59 include TEAM LOGOS for the two teams, in this example, playing on the day. The background colours used will reflect the team colours to further reinforce the branding and future memorabilia value of flag apparatus 42.

Panels 58 and 59 list the players actually playing at an event and include details such as the role played, goal keeper, defender, midfielders and forwards as well as including the coach and may include the reserves. Each player, could in another form of the invention have a picture of photo included to improve the value of the item. In the illustrated form of the invention the numbers, names and positions are included and the head coach, with lines next to each name. These names enable autographs to be sought and applied before or after the game producing valuable limited number sports memorabilia, which in itself is a further incentive to actually attend the sports event. For example, using the flags at a game, and then auctioning off to attending crowd. In other forms of the invention the autographs can be applied after the match and the sale take place later. As there are only the very limited number of game day articles used, these, once autographed are potentially very valuable as memorabilia of each game. For example, at a football match there may be only four pieces of memorabilia available at each game so the raffling of these items of memorabilia is the fairest method and also the most profitable.

It can be seen that a VS format is used to show one team with player details and sponsors versus the other. Panel 60 gives the GAME DAY INFORMATION and can also include the owner of the flag apparatus 42, and contact details to either side. A bar code identifier and other information may also be included.

In use either or both article will be organised for printing as soon as the ultimate team is determined. It is important that the information is correct and reflective of the particulars of the game, for use as a revenue raising article.

An organisation will administer the use of the apparatus and the collection and distribution of funds. Different models are possible for this being a cooperative of local sports clubs, or a separate entity which then can donate to the clubs. Additional funds can be sought on the day direct from attendees and clubs to help support good local or other causes.

Prior to the season arrangements will be made with the competition sponsors, professional organisations, team sponsors and others to assist to fund the revenue raising component of the invention. Professional organisations may collect a significant proportion 95% of the sponsorship money raised for example to assist the on-going support of the sport. Other partnerships may be formed to agree to split, for example 20/80 between partners and sporting associates. Again these funding arrangements may be varied to any suitable arrangements within the scope of the invention.

The sponsorship funds and the auction of the memorabilia are different aspects and each may raise funds for different entities, or with different splits as may be prearranged. It is anticipated that due to the good causes benefiting from use of the invention that standard clauses may be included in preseason team and sponsorship agreements to include use of the invention. Similar arrangements can be made for many sports and codes including internationally and for junior sports.

It may be that an annual contribution is made to the organisation or cooperative, or the owners of the articles may be completely separate to the final recipients of the funds raised through sale of the articles. Models such as 60 donations from the organisation are possible the remainder used on the business and to fund the operation of the company. The particular financial arrangements in this regard may clearly be varied but all fall within the scope of the invention, to raise revenue which may then be donated to one or more good cause. The intention of the invention is to raise and collect funds which in turn can then be donated. For example put into supporting junior sports registration and on-going expenses, through fund raising at major events, rather than just amongst the members of the clubs themselves.

On the day sponsors may vary and all of these arrangements and payments will be made through the organisation. There will be significant and valuable exposure through use of the flag apparatus 42 and corner flag apparatus on the 1 during the match that is likely to be highly sought after and for certain matches will command a high price. The high value is improved by the specialised and personalised nature of the sporting article and that there will only ever be the articles used at the game available, these cannot be mass produced as other items of memorabilia may be.

Before the match, in accordance with a prearrangement the players and coach can autograph corner post apparatus 1 and or flag apparatus 42, dramatically increasing the value as an item to sell or auction. The sale or auction subsequent can be organised through the organisation that provides the sports article in one form of the invention. More preferred is that these valuable articles are given away as prizes, or sold at cost to clubs and groups so that they may auction or sell these to others to raise valuable funds for their organisation. Fans of the sport alternatively could be targeted to sell the memorabilia which is likely to bring in greater income which can then be disturbed to the sporting associations and clubs. The particular funding models used can be varied. Alternatively, the items may be offered as prizes to fans attending the game, or given to other people or organisations. If a raffle is offered when people are buying their ticket to attend then there is a ready market and incentive to stay to the end of the match to see if a prize has been won. • Other features of the Love2don8 invention include: • providing a niche product for a niche market • replacing an existing sports products with a new multi-functional sports product in the existing sports customer markets. • providing increases or improvements to: • Crowd numbers; • “Game Day” Experience; • Revenue; • Profit; • Exposure of products and brands; • Corporate sponsorship; • Corporate value add-on opportunities; • Professional players supporting junior sports and junior players; • Reduction in junior registration cost for parents and players; • Increased junior sports participation rates; • Provide support to junior volunteers running the junior clubs; • Use of outdoor opportunities in junior sports; • Reduce competitive parents on the side lines; • Improve the experience for junior sports; • New segments in the sports memorabilia market; • Sports teams more revenue raising options from their existing customers; • Design and use of sports games day equipment; • Manufactures opportunities for game day equipment; • Employment opportunities including indigenous employment opportunities; • Starting an e-commerce website as a platform to link teams and the sponsors, parents, players and potential government funding links; • New smart sports strategies, through the new business model; • Instant gratification for the winners.

Strategies for marketing and execution will include illustrating to the teams the advancement in technologies in the information sharing, printing and manufacture sections, and how the teams can take advantage of the new technologies. Teams will no longer have only one design for game day equipment for the season, but can readily change this to create the tailored game specific equipment. This is opposed to the current system which is fixed and rigid and does not allow for tailoring or personalization. With the advancement in print technologies, the teams can have a personalized piece of game day equipment for every home game.

In use, this personalization will work as follows, the Teams are announced on a Tuesday Night say, at 7.15pm, 48 hours before the start of the round on the Thursday Night Game. Clearly, these can be varied to suit the particular format of the game and league and the times and format of the sports being played. In the given example, the information will be e-mailed at 7.20pm to Love2don8 (Trade

Mark) staff, containing this round’s Players List. The Players List is placed in the corner post design, and these are printed by 8pm Tuesday night. The corner post is then manufactured Wednesday morning and is ready to be delivered Wednesday afternoon to the sports ground, in good time before the match.

It is intended to license the technology to approved license holders so they may replace the role of the Love2don8 (Trade Mark) staff and business at present. Revenue can be collected in this way in terms of a percentage or membership model as appropriate. Use of the Love2don8 (Trade Mark) game day equipment offer the clubs more opportunity to engage with the customers, and corporate sponsorship opportunities. After the match this particular game day equipment allows the teams to offer the game day equipment as valuable sports memorabilia and sports entertainment, in terms of raffles or auctions to the existing customers. The Love2don8 (Trade Mark) business through the use of sports strategies will be a coordinated mass media, social media, and interpersonal communication tools, essential to create awareness, brand image and ultimately influence product adoption decisions. The Love2don8 (Trade Mark) products are not complicated to implement and will fit comfortably into the teams game day program. The new products are easy to use and the clubs existing customers can be shown how to get the most out of the new product in a marketing campaign before they are used. There are strong multi target markets and use of marketing through sports to promote our sports strategies, and the products needed to implement the strategies, is likely to be well received. There will also be grassroots marketing to promote the fact we have been formed to raise funds as a not for profit organization to help pay for junior sports registrations.

The new invention, with the use of the marketing and business strategies is looking to improve the situation for local sports clubs, but will also positively improve the experience for the spectators, clubs, sponsors, marketers, parents of juniors wishing to play junior sports, and everyone involved in game day.

The method of use of corner post apparatus 1 or flag apparatus 42 may be summarised in the following steps: a) determining the graphic elements to be applied to body 10, 45, for the particular sporting event; b) applying the graphic elements to the body 10, 45, in preparation for use at the sporting event; c) using articles 1, 42 at the sporting event, bearing the graphical elements; and d) after the event selling or auctioning the sports article 1,42 to raise funds.

There may be additional steps or predetermining sponsorship revenue to an organisation for featuring in the graphical elements at the sporting event. The article may be sold or given to a club or other good cause to raise funds. Or the owner and organiser may themselves organise the auction or sale and then allocate funds after that. As part of step d) sports fans attending may be offered the chance to enter a raffle where the prize is the valuable sports memorabilia used in the game. A further step e) may be included, to draw the raffle. After the raffle winner is drawn the winner may be announced with instructions on how to collect their prize, which they can then take home. The particular revenue model is of less import and can be varied as would be understood, to use the method of the invention to raise funds. The funds can be distributed in any suitable model. In other forms there may be a raffle for these articles to be awarded after the game.

The multiple use of the invention are clear, and not limited to sport, rugby league or adult use. For example, a version of the invention may be used for where the invention is used for junior teams as a place to offer outdoor advertising to potential sponsors and partners. The revenue raised from corporate sponsors paying to advertise on the junior sporting articles can be used to fund junior sports registrations. The graphical elements used will be similar to those used in the professional level sports. The junior versions will act as a memento for the players and their families of the season their child played with the team. The product can be raffled off the players and their families throughout the season, with the draw held at the club presentation to the parents. Other options include for women’s teams, or any group where there are suitable sporting or other events, and the invention may be useful to raise funds. Rather than the one use option described, other forms may be for a certain season or team.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A sports article for use at sporting events, the sports article including: a body to which graphical elements may be applied; and graphical elements applied to the body, related to the particular sporting event, wherein the sports article is sold or auctioned after the event, as a limited item of memorabilia of the event with specific graphical elements applied.
2. 2. The sports article of claim 1, wherein the graphical elements are specific to the sports event taking place and the graphical elements are chosen from the following group: advertisement; player list; team name; coach; reserves; competition major sponsor; professional sporting association; major corporate sponsor; team logo; game day information; owner information; and a bar code.
3. 3. The sports article of claim 1 or 2, wherein once the player list and fixture is known the body is printed with the graphical elements, particular to the match.
4. 4. A method of use of a sports article at sporting events, the sports article including a body to which graphical elements are applied, related to the particular sporting event, the method including the following steps: a) determining the graphic elements to be applied to the body, for the particular sporting event; b) applying the graphic elements to the body, in preparation for use at the sporting event; c) using the sporting article at the sporting event, bearing the graphical elements; and d) after the event selling, raffling or auctioning the sports article to raise funds.
5. 5. A method of revenue for donation the method including use of a sports article at sporting events, the sports article including a body to which graphical elements are applied, related to the particular sporting event, the method including the following steps: a) arranging sponsorship or funding agreements with various partners to be included in the graphical elements; b) using the sporting article at the sporting event; c) sharing the funds raised through advertising or sponsorship according the to the arrangement at a); d) sale, raffle, or auction of the sporting article to raise additional funds as a valuable item of memorabilia of the sporting event.