While you may feel like you are constantly being bombarded with new incentives and programs from work places, insurance companies, banks, schools and various sporting organizations, ATA is introducing a new program which needs to be noticed.

The Hot Spots program took off in July this year and is already proving it's worth checking out.

It is a package designed to assist regions to attract new affiliates and to win back unaffiliated groups.

Queensland have already had 7 new associations take advantage of the Hot Spots program, with new competitions emerging in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast and in other Queensland regions.

"We've got new competitions springing up all over Brisbane, in some cases we're running out of suitable venues to play Touch because the growth is so large," Garry Madders from Brisbane City Touch said.

ATA believe that the Hot Spots program will help bring a 3% overall growth in associations affiliated with the ATA and their relevant State and Regional Association during 2004/2005.

The package has been introduced to not only assist the new affiliates in getting up and running, but to also have some say in the manner in which their new competition is promoted and administered.

ATA realise that Association managers require administration assistance, as well as referee and competition management, and education and development programs.

The ATA will help meet these requirements by offering the following package valued at around $2,500:

* An Advertising campaign
* A starter Kit made up of Administration Polo Shirts, 5 Touch Balls, 5 Referee Shirts
* 5 targeted referee training sessions
* Targeted Sporting Pulse education (Sporting Pulse is a computer program to manage the association's databases; players, coaches, referees)
* An affiliate marketing CD
* Sportsware Competition and Database program

It is envisaged that the educational programs will be funded by the ATA and undertaken by the most strategically placed Regional or State qualified person.

As a further benefit to new associations, ATA will then build on the Hot Spots program further by offering membership to the ATA affiliate reward program, which is designed to reward growth captured by associations and comes in the form of a capped team total fee.

This affiliate membership offer takes effect after two completed years of membership with the ATA and its affiliated organisations.

So if you're keen to be involved with the growth and development of new Touch associations and affiliates, have a think about how the Hot Spots package could help your area.

All enquiries on the Hot Spots program can be directed to Rachel Moyle, media@austouch.com.au