The Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced the appointment of Simon Johnson as a Non-Executive member of the sport’s independent Board of Directors.

Mr Johnson’s appointment was confirmed at the Rugby League Council AGM held at Langtree Park, order St Helens today. He replaces Maurice Watkins CBE, diagnosis who has stepped down from the Board after three four-year terms as an RFL director.

RFL Chairman Brian Barwick said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Simon to the Board.

“Simon’s wealth of experience in the sports and media industry, together will his widely acknowledged expertise in sports law and governance, will enable him to make a significant contribution to the ongoing welfare of the sport.”

Mr Johnson has previously held positions as Director of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary at the Football Association, Director of Legal and Business Affairs at the FA Premier League and Director of Rights and Business Affairs at ITV.

He was Chief Operating Office of the bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup in England and is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Amateur Swimming Association.

Simon Johnson said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the RFL Board at such an important and exciting time in Rugby League’s history.

“I’m privileged to have enjoyed a wonderful career in broadcasting and sports law and am looking forward to lending my considerable experience to the RFL and adding value to the sport.

“I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into the role and doing what I can to play my part in a new structure where every minute of every match in every competition will matter.”

Allied Telesis, generic an industry leader in the deployment and provision of IP Triple Play networks, has announced its partnership with Panasonic in the creation of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure for the Arena Pantanal stadium, built for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, will be the venue for many of the 2014 World Cup soccer matches, which begins in June. The stadium’s capacity is approximately 43,000 people, and it has a flexible structure to adapt it to any future requirements. Locally, the new stadium is known as “O Verdão” (The Big Green), after the sustainable approach used for its construction and maintenance.

The international significance of the events that will take place in the venue requires very high availability of all services, as even minimal downtime during any match would not be acceptable. For this reason, Allied Telesis and Panasonic devoted significant resources to the design and engineering of the solution, and the successful integration of all parts of the system.

The completed project includes two data centers, located on either side of the stadium—each capable of independently supporting the entire traffic load of the stadium at its peak. These data centers link more than twenty operation rooms, located throughout the stadium, from which all operations can be integrated and controlled. The Allied Telesis network has been designed to be resilient and ensure full operation at all times, connecting all equipment and controls.

Francesco Stramezzi, general manager – EMEA and CSA, Allied Telesis, said, “The World Cup will be an important event for the region because the eyes of the world will be upon it. This is not only an exciting and important project for Allied Telesis, but it will also be a global opportunity for us to showcase the flexibility, reliability, and environmental sustainability of our solutions. We have been given an opportunity to collaborate with partners who are world leaders in their fields, as a result of the reputation and quality of our staff and products, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of our network solutions.”

Masahiro Shinada, vice president, Panasonic do Brasil Ltda., commented, “The partnership between Panasonic and Allied Telesis is founded on our common experiences in this field. Allied Telesis solutions have high quality and are capable of successfully handling large volumes of multimedia traffic; and Panasonic contributes with paramount solutions for surveillance and voice solutions.”

Sheffield in England have been selected to host the European Karate Championships, which take place between 16 and 20 October.

The English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield will hold more than 1,400 people from 20 countries across Europe will compete in five different categories during the five-day championships, held for the first time at the sports hall in Sheffield. 

As well as an official opening ceremony before the championships, organisers the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF), will also host a referee and coach’s seminar as well as a WUKF presidents meeting.

Peter Allen, WUKF European president, said: “The opening ceremony is a combination of British music, football memorabilia, and world-famous Sheffield superstars such as Sheffield’s golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill. Sheffield is waiting.”

There will also be a technical Kumite seminar by world champion Christophe Pinna at EIS Sheffield, while the event’s farewell party will be held at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria hotel.

Dom Stokes, general manager for Sheffield International Venues Events, said: “This is a huge event with a major competition programme, as well as additional event activity including an opening ceremony, seminars and meetings.

“The WUKF chose EIS Sheffield because of our track record in hosting major sports events and state-of-the-art facilities, but also because of the additional space and provision for accommodation for their seminars and meetings.”

The EIS Sheffield has staged a number of sporting events this year including the Sainsbury’s UK School Games 2013, British Athletics European Trials and Indoor Championships and ETTA National Table Tennis Championships.

Former F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen has revealed he has left his management company IMG and will conduct his own affairs about securing a place back in F1 for the 2014 season.

“I’m not with IMG anymore, generic ” said Kovalainen when asked about his future plans by SPEED. “I can confirm that, medic but I’ve agreed not to talk about it any further than that. 

“I’m working on my own now but right now, there are no discussions with anybody else. I’m just focusing on working with Caterham and trying to help the team to move forward this year.”

Kovalainen has completed two FP1 sessions with Caterham this year, which has at least ensured that he has knowledge of 2013 tires, and is thus in effect able to step in should any team need a driver at short notice.

Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – the largest domestic owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts – will take the lead in management of Ocala Golf Club in Ocala, FL effective October 1, 2012.

In July, the Ocala City Council unanimously approved a five-year management contract with BCG.

BCG will provide turnkey management of Ocala’s operations, golf course and property maintenance, sales, marketing and public relations, staffing and training, merchandising, restaurant and banquet activities, special events and financial management.

“Billy Casper Golf has an unmatched reputation of making municipally-owned golf courses shine,” says Matthew Brower, Ocala City Manager. “The company’s proven track-record of boosting performances of similar courses resonated with our selection committee.”

BCG’s transition team has worked closely with City staff the past couple months to ensure a smooth handoff.

“We’ve been impressed with Billy Casper Golf’s commitment to consistency in terms of pricing and operating policies,” says Kathy Crile, Recreation and Parks Director for the City of Ocala. “At the same time, we’ve found the company’s approach to customer service and marketing is a refreshing change.

“BCG will be the difference that’s been needed in turning this program around. I’m excited about the potential of Ocala Golf Club under its leadership,”

As to personnel, Crile says, “The customer will see many familiar faces they’ve come to know and appreciate, in addition to some new faces who will provide much needed balance to the operation.”

“With an excellent, traditional layout and sense of community, Ocala is poised for growth,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “The city and golfers who play the course will realize the Billy Casper Golf difference in the short and long term.”

BCG will enact its proprietary “BCGreen” initiative at Ocala to conserve, protect and enhance the environment and enroll the course in the Audubon International “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” program. This designation increases efficiencies in maintenance, energy, water, pesticides, fertilizer, equipment wear and labor.

Ocala Golf Club is lined with towering oak and pine trees, providing golfers with a beautiful backdrop as they navigate the 18-hole, 6,552-yard, par-72 golf course. Architect Mike Beebe recently renovated the course, maintaining its historic charm and adding modern elements to enhance playability. Five sets of tees make for fun and challenging experiences for golfers of all abilities. Emerald Dwarf Bermuda greens ensure tight putting surfaces with very little grain while short-grass collection areas and white sand bunkers offer a variety of shot options around the greens.

A driving range and practice putting green, as well as private and semi-private lessons adds to the Ocala Golf Club experience. The course is the site of The First Tee of Greater Ocala chapter.

The expansive clubhouse includes a fully-stocked pro shop, grill room dining and banquet area, making Ocala a natural setting for corporate outings, meetings and other social events.

Noch vor wenigen Wochen stand er im Fußballstadion von Danzig bei der Europameisterschaft im Rampenlicht, discount heute widmet er sich voll und ganz schnellen Reifen und abenteuerlichen Pisten. Marco Reus, click Fußball-Nationalspieler und prominentester Neuzugang von Borussia Dortmund, stand gerade in Dortmund für einen Werbespot mit Hot Wheels vor der Kamera. Mit dem Dreh gab er zugleich den Startschuss in seiner Funktion als neues Testimonial der Marke. Noch in diesem Jahr erwartet die Fans unter anderem ein Treffen der ganz besonderen Art.

“Wir freuen uns wirklich sehr auf die Zusammenarbeit mit Marco Reus. Die Hot Wheels Fans haben jetzt die Möglichkeit, den Shootingstar der EM 2012 hautnah zu erleben”, berichtet Dr. Stephanie Wegener, Leitung Unternehmenskommunikation von Mattel, “Und schon bald heißt es “Mit Marco Reus zum Autodesigner werden”, denn dann sind die Fans dran, ihre ganz eigenen Hot Wheels Modelle zu entwerfen.” Marco Reus selbst ist begeistert von der Zusammenarbeit: “Jungs wie ich lieben neben dem runden Leder alles, was vier Räder hat und schnell unterwegs ist. Als Kind hab ich selbst mit Hot Wheels gespielt. Ich freu mich schon darauf, mit meinen kleinen Fans in dieser Welt wieder spielen zu dürfen.” Im Rahmen von “Design by… Marco Reus” startet schon bald der große Designwettbewerb, bei dem Marco Reus mit seinen Fans ein eigens entworfenes Hot Wheels Modell vorstellt. Es bleibt spannend!

Der Hot Wheels-Spot mit Marco Reus ist ab 4. Oktober 2012 online und im TV zu sehen. Mehr Informationen zu Marco Reus als Hot Wheels Testimonial gibt es unter www.hotwheels.de.

NASCAR announced on Tuesday a change in the leadership structure at broadcasting and production units, selecting Steve Herbst to lead what was formerly known as NASCAR Media Group.

Herbst, who has overseen NASCAR’s broadcasting and global media rights since May 2011, will now lead the rebranded NASCAR Productions, which will be more closely aligned with NASCAR Broadcasting, NASCAR Digital Media and NASCAR Entertainment.

His new title will be VP, broadcasting and production and he will report to senior VP and CMO Steve Phelps. Herbst’s pre-NASCAR resume includes executive VP/general manager of CBS College Sports Network and 19 years with the NBA in a number of broadcasting positions.

Additionally, Steve Stum has been promoted to VP of operations and technical production, Tally Hair has been named managing director of productions and programming and Seth Bacon has been upped to senior director of broadcasting. All appointments are effective immediately.

Jay Abraham, most recently COO of NASCAR Media Group, is no longer with the company.

Along with the leadership changes, NASCAR Productions will now solely focus on projects related to NASCSAR after current unrelated projects have been completed.

“Over the last two years NASCAR has taken a number of steps and made significant investments to drive long-term growth and build value for industry stakeholders,” said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France. “This is the next evolution to better position NASCAR to meet the challenges of the existing business landscape and to capitalize on the growth opportunities before us.”

Formula One organisers will evaluate the 2012 calendar later this year, after concern about the status of some of the races that are on next year’s schedule.

The main focus of the concern is the 2012 Bahrain and Korean Grands Prixs and both will be discussed for Thursday’s meeting of the F1 Commission in Geneva.

Bahrain’s position on the calendar is dependent on the ongoing political situation within the Gulf state, with this year’s event having been cancelled because of troubles.

The fate of the Korean Grand Prix rests on its financial situation, with race promoters having revealed that they want to reduce the hosting fee going forward – something Ecclestone has said he is reluctant to do.

Also sources have discovered that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone informed team principals over the Indian Grand Prix weekend that there were also now minor question marks about the fate of the new Austin Grand Prix.

It is understood that if either race is dropped then Turkey is the favourite to replace it, after losing its place on the calendar.

Ecclestone said that he was keen for both Bahrain and Korea to remain on the schedule.

“Yes, absolutely,” he said. “But let’s wait and see,” he told Autosport.

The situation in Austin appears more complicated, with Ecclestone suggesting that, while construction work is ongoing, there are issues inside the company that is putting the event together.

“I don’t think they are struggling [with building the track] at all,” he explained. “I think there has been a disagreement inside the company.”

When asked if he was certain the race would take place in 2012, Ecclestone said: “If you had said to me a month ago, is this [the Indian GP] 100 per cent going to happen then I would have said, ‘I don’t know’. So ask me a month before the race is due to happen.”

But with Ecclestone having already pulled off a deal for New Jersey to hold a grand prix in 2013, he said that it would not be too much a blow if Austin’s arrival on the calendar was delayed.

“We can have it next year or the year after,” he said. “It is not the end of the world.”