I would like to hear reasonings why and I would like an indication of the cost involved. Such as changing name on equipment etc. 

I have to agree with Angus.

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Why do we need this? Surely there are more useful things the IOA can be doing with it's time and money? Also, the motion doesn't indicate who the proposer is?

During my time as communications officer, I looked at changing the name very seriously but decided it was too much work and involved a complete rebrand of the organisation which included logo change, all assets change (facebook, instagram, twitter, printed materials, website, stationery, t-shirts, jackets, event signage, posters, photography etc etc).  I note from the 2020 AGM minutes that the IOA is quite cash rich (€65,000 in the bank) and can certainly afford the costs of a name change.  I guess changing the name brings the IOA into the modern world.  There are many NGBs named XXXXX Ireland, such as Canoeing Ireland or Sailing Ireland so from that point of view it makes sense.  I ask the same question though as I have asked before on this forum - why have so much money in the bank?   Surely it should be spent to further the aims of the sport and organisation.  Obviously it is important too have some reserves, but the IOA is for the benefit of the members and the sport.  It is not a bank.

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Finn

Here's a brief summery of the reasoning behind the proposal and why we wish to make the change now.

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'Orienteering Ireland' would mean that the name of the sport is immediately obvious on all branding, communications material and also when introducing officers. 'Irish Orienteering Association' is pretty cumbersome and generally gets abbreviated to 'IOA'. This acronym is completely meaningless outside the Irish orienteering community so the organisation currently has little/no brand awareness.

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As Finn says, it is in line with the naming convention used by other NGBs already, e.g. Athletics Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Sport Ireland, etc. It is increasingly the case that organisations that we deal with and people in the wider sporting community refer to us as 'Orienteering Ireland' because they are so used to that naming convention.

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On why do this now, there are two reasons.

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With governance is becoming more and more of an issue, Sport Ireland has started nudging us towards becoming a company limited by guarantee (CLG). This is something we are likely going to have to address in the next 12 to 24 months.

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Secondly, we are currently in the process of upgrading the website under the hood and will be following this up with a graphic revamp.

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If we are going to change our name, it makes most sense to do so in advance of these changes.

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On the issue of cost, we haven't identified any specific to the name change itself. Squad gear bought in recent years deosn't make any reference to the IOA. It's simply branded 'Ireland'. The website revamp is happening regardless so there's no additional cost there. We're also considering a logo refresh in tandom with the wesbite revamp but, again, this would be independent of the name change. The new name would be phased in on printed matter. Existing material wouldn't be scrapped.

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Apologies if it wasn't make clear who the proposer of the motion is. This is proposed by the Executive Committee following a recommendation of the Governance Subcommittee.

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Fergal Buckley,

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IOA Secretary.

Have I been in a coma for the past 20 years?  Or am i suffering from deja vu?