RECOGNIZED NWANA Nordic Walking Group Status

The RECOGNIZED NWANA Nordic Walking Group status confirms that a group is not merely registered within the NWANA system. It demonstrates that the group is actively operating, has responsible leadership, works with qualified professionals, provides regular programming, and is prepared to operate in accordance with NWANA standards.

This status represents the next stage of a group’s development. It is not granted automatically when an initial Nordic Walking Group License is obtained, and it is not required to begin forming a group.

Initial Group License and RECOGNIZED Status

An initial Nordic Walking Group License allows a group to begin developing, receive a dedicated page within the NWANA system, attract participants, and gradually establish its activities.

At this stage:

• creating the group and its page is free;

• the group may begin with one interested person;

• the group is not required to immediately have a complete team of qualified professionals;

• its leadership, schedule, and programs may be developed gradually;

• the group is not required to immediately apply for RECOGNIZED Status.

RECOGNIZED Status is intended for groups that have progressed from an initial idea or early formation stage to stable and verifiable operations.

General Requirements for RECOGNIZED Status

Specific requirements may vary according to the group’s category, format, audience, and activities. However, every group applying for RECOGNIZED Status must meet the following general standards.

1. An Active and Operating Group

The group must demonstrate that it exists not only as an online page but also through actual activities.

The group must have:

• active participants holding valid Individual Licenses in the appropriate category;

• an up-to-date group page within the NWANA system;

• a published schedule of regular classes, training sessions, walks, meetings, or other programs;

• a documented history of activity;

• plans for continued development and participant growth.

The format and frequency of activities may vary according to the group’s category, audience, and local circumstances. However, its activities must be regular, organized, and verifiable.

2. Responsible Group Leadership

The group must have at least one officially designated leader—a Group Director or Group Coordinator—who assumes overall responsibility for its operations.

During the group’s early development, one person may perform its administrative, operational, and financial functions, including:

• organizing the group’s activities;

• maintaining records;

• managing schedules and registrations;

• communicating with participants and NWANA;

• overseeing the group’s financial operations;

• ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and standards.

As the group grows, these responsibilities may be distributed among several people. The group may also establish a Group Leadership Committee or Board, but a separate committee or board is not, by itself, required to obtain RECOGNIZED Status.

3. Qualified Nordic Walking Instruction

The group must have at least one active NWANA professional who holds the qualifications required to independently teach proper Nordic Walking technique and deliver the programs offered by the group.

The professional’s qualification level and specialization must be appropriate for:

• the format of the activities;

• the participants’ level of experience;

• the age and needs of the intended audience;

• the recreational or competitive nature of the program;

• any additional requirements that apply to the group’s category.

Groups working with children, older adults, athletes, patients of healthcare organizations, or other specialized audiences may be subject to additional requirements concerning the qualifications of their responsible professionals.

4. Compliance with NWANA Technical Standards

The group’s instruction and activities must follow NWANA principles, technical standards, and Nordic Walking methodologies.

The group must:

• teach correct and safe Nordic Walking technique;

• use appropriately qualified professionals to provide instruction;

• not represent general physical activity with poles as complete Nordic Walking instruction;

• not present unapproved methods as NWANA methods;

• use the NWANA name, materials, and designations correctly;

• accurately represent the qualifications of its leaders and professionals.

5. Events and Competitions

A RECOGNIZED group must be prepared to participate in the broader sporting and community system of NWANA rather than limiting its activities to internal walks.

Depending on the group’s format, this may include:

• participation by group members in NWANA events and competitions;

• organization of its own walks, training sessions, seminars, and community events;

• organization of its own competitions or co-hosting competitions with NWANA or other RECOGNIZED groups;

• participation in regional and national NWANA programs.

The group must identify the individuals responsible for instruction, event organization, and compliance with competition rules. These functions may be performed by several professionals or by one person who holds all required qualifications.

To conduct an official competition, the group must have a qualified Race Director or NWANA Certified Organizer, together with the required judging support, including a qualified judge or an NWANA-approved judging team.

Specific competition requirements will depend on the event’s format, level, location, and applicable NWANA rules.

6. Safety and Responsible Operations

The group must maintain the basic procedures necessary to conduct its activities safely and responsibly.

Depending on the group’s programs, these procedures may include:

• participant registration;

• participation and conduct policies;

• emergency procedures;

• incident documentation and reporting;

• required permits;

• appropriate insurance coverage;

• safeguards for minors and other vulnerable participants;

• compliance with venue requirements;

• compliance with the rules of any organization with which the group is affiliated.

NWANA may request evidence of these procedures when reviewing an application or renewing the group’s status.

7. Authorization from the Relevant Organization

If a group is created under the name or within the structure of a school, college, university, company, sports organization, healthcare organization, government agency, faith-based organization, homeowners association, or another existing organization, it must have current authorization from that organization.

A group cannot receive RECOGNIZED Status under the name of an organization that it is not authorized to represent.

This requirement does not apply to independent groups permitted within the relevant license category. An independent group must clearly represent itself as an independent Nordic Walking Group and must not imply an official relationship with an outside organization.

8. The Group’s Own Payment Account and Financial Readiness

One of the most important changes following approval of RECOGNIZED Status is the group’s transition to independent financial administration.

Payments collected by the group through its page for registrations, programs, events, competitions, and other group activities will begin going to the group’s own payment account rather than being processed through NWANA’s payment account.

Before receiving RECOGNIZED Status, the group must therefore be prepared to:

• establish and verify its own payment account;

• provide the required banking, organizational, and tax information;

• designate a person responsible for financial operations;

• maintain records of revenue, expenses, refunds, and other transactions;

• manage the group’s funds independently;

• comply with payment system requirements and applicable financial, tax, and organizational rules;

• provide NWANA with any required reports related to the group’s activities.

These responsibilities may be handled by the Group Director or Group Coordinator. A separate Financial Officer or Treasurer is not required if the group leader assumes financial responsibility and properly performs all related duties.

NWANA will help the group prepare for this transition, explain the necessary steps, and provide support during the establishment and connection of the group’s payment structure.

The transition to the group’s own payment account will occur only after RECOGNIZED Status has been approved and all required preparation and verification procedures have been completed.

Applying for RECOGNIZED Status

When a group believes that it meets the general requirements, its leader may submit an application for review by NWANA.

During the review process, NWANA may request:

• information about the group’s leader and other responsible individuals;

• a list of active participants;

• confirmation of valid Individual Licenses;

• information about qualified instructors, coaches, organizers, and judges;

• the group’s schedule and documented activity history;

• descriptions of its programs, events, and competitions;

• documentation confirming authorization from the relevant organization;

• information about safety procedures, insurance, and required permits;

• financial and administrative information;

• a plan for the group’s continued development.

NWANA will evaluate not only individual documents or titles but also the group’s overall readiness to operate consistently, responsibly, and in accordance with NWANA standards.

If necessary, NWANA may provide recommendations and allow the group time to address missing requirements before a final decision is made.

After Receiving RECOGNIZED Status

After approval, the group may identify itself as a RECOGNIZED NWANA Nordic Walking Group within its approved category, organization, or geographic area.

The group’s new capabilities may include:

• transition to its own payment account for payments collected through its page for programs, registrations, events, competitions, and other group activities;

• use of the official RECOGNIZED designation;

• expanded administration of its group page;

• additional registration and communication tools;

• development of its own programs and events within the NWANA system;

• support for organizing competitions;

• participation in regional and national NWANA initiatives;

• additional opportunities to collaborate with other RECOGNIZED groups.

Specific capabilities will depend on the group’s format, category, level of preparation, and the NWANA programs available at that time.

Cost of RECOGNIZED Status

The initial Nordic Walking Group License and creation of the group’s page are free.

After RECOGNIZED Status is approved, the group’s annual NWANA license fee is $200.

This fee applies to the group. It does not replace the Individual Licenses required for its participants, leaders, or professionals.

Fees paid for Individual Licenses and the group’s annual $200 NWANA license fee remain NWANA payments and are not deposited into the group’s payment account.

Annual Renewal

RECOGNIZED Status must be maintained and renewed annually.

To renew its status, the group must:

• pay the annual group license fee;

• maintain active and responsible leadership;

• maintain the required professional qualifications;

• continue providing regular activities;

• keep its group and program information current;

• confirm current authorization from the relevant organization, when applicable;

• provide reports requested by NWANA;

• correct any identified deficiencies or violations.

RECOGNIZED Status may be suspended or revoked if the group stops operating, loses the required leadership or qualified professionals, provides inaccurate information, improperly uses the NWANA name, or commits serious or repeated violations of applicable requirements.

RECOGNIZED Status Confirms Quality and Readiness

Receiving RECOGNIZED Status is not a formality, and it does not occur automatically after a group is registered.

This status confirms that the Nordic Walking Group:

• is actively operating;

• has responsible leadership;

• provides regular activities;

• works with qualified professionals;

• follows NWANA technical and organizational standards;

• is prepared to participate in events and competitions;

• is capable of responsibly representing Nordic Walking and NWANA within its community or organization;

• is prepared to independently manage the payments and funds connected with its activities.

An initial Group License provides the opportunity to begin. RECOGNIZED Status confirms that the group has become a fully operating part of NWANA’s professional, community, and sporting system.