Launching a neighborhood recreation league is a fun way to build community spirit with the bonus of a venue for regular exercise. But creating fun and games is not all fun and games.
Establishing a sports league for softball, basketball, flag football, or some other activity requires time, effort, and organizational skills. Unlike pickup games, a league must have well thought-out format and rules.
Building the framework
Every league should have a written charter spelling out how it will run. The charter should include provisions such as:
Rules that specify number of games per season, rainout policies, and minimum number of players a team needs at start time to avoid forfeit.
How to resolve disputes about league rules.
How teams are formed; how players are chosen.
How league administrators and officials are chosen.
Amounts and due dates of membership fees.
Liability issues
It would be nice if rec leagues didn’t have to worry about legal issues. Unfortunately if you take that approach, you could be headed for trouble. As the United States Specialty Sports Association puts it: “There is no such thing as an ‘accident’ in today’s lawsuit-happy society.”
The USSSA offers liability insurance for its members — adult and youth leagues nationwide. However, you don’t have to join an organization like the USSSA to purchase insurance; many insurance firms offer plans tailored for sports leagues. Policies can be purchased that also extend liability coverage to the owner of the sports facility, and to cover medical bills for participants who get injured during a game. Consult an insurance agent to find out what makes sense for your league.
Players’ decorum
Drawing up a code of conduct establishes what is expected of participants. This could include:
No alcohol rule. While many players enjoy having a beer or two after a game, it’s best to reserve that for a bar or restaurant. Let’s face it, some people become too belligerent when they drink, so many leagues ban players from bringing alcohol to the sports venue.
Good sportsmanship rules. No heckling opponents, no swearing at officials, no fighting, etc.
Clean up trash after the game. Parks and facilities might ban leagues that leave messes.
Warn players and teams that serious rules violations can result in being banned from future participation.
Safety considerations
Risk is inherent in sports, and there’s no way to prevent all injuries. You can take measures to reduce risk, though. For example, the Amateur Softball Association of America tests bats and balls to ensure that new materials and technology don’t turn the average Joe into a super home run hitter. ASA’s program also reduces the chances of non-certified equipment causes a screaming line drive that strikes a pitcher in the head. Many softball leagues ban non-ASA-certified equipment.
Every rec league sport has unique safety considerations such as approved equipment, footwear, and safety rules. Think these issues out thoroughly before the first game begins.
Establish a Neighborhood Recreation League
Launching a neighborhood recreation league is a fun way to build community spirit with the bonus of a venue for regular exercise. But creating fun and games is not all fun and games.
Establishing a sports league for softball, basketball, flag football, or some other activity requires time, effort, and organizational skills. Unlike pickup games, a league must have well thought-out format and rules.
Building the framework
Every league should have a written charter spelling out how it will run. The charter should include provisions such as:
Liability issues
It would be nice if rec leagues didn’t have to worry about legal issues. Unfortunately if you take that approach, you could be headed for trouble. As the United States Specialty Sports Association puts it: “There is no such thing as an ‘accident’ in today’s lawsuit-happy society.”
The USSSA offers liability insurance for its members — adult and youth leagues nationwide. However, you don’t have to join an organization like the USSSA to purchase insurance; many insurance firms offer plans tailored for sports leagues. Policies can be purchased that also extend liability coverage to the owner of the sports facility, and to cover medical bills for participants who get injured during a game. Consult an insurance agent to find out what makes sense for your league.
Players’ decorum
Drawing up a code of conduct establishes what is expected of participants. This could include:
Warn players and teams that serious rules violations can result in being banned from future participation.
Safety considerations
Risk is inherent in sports, and there’s no way to prevent all injuries. You can take measures to reduce risk, though. For example, the Amateur Softball Association of America tests bats and balls to ensure that new materials and technology don’t turn the average Joe into a super home run hitter. ASA’s program also reduces the chances of non-certified equipment causes a screaming line drive that strikes a pitcher in the head. Many softball leagues ban non-ASA-certified equipment.
Every rec league sport has unique safety considerations such as approved equipment, footwear, and safety rules. Think these issues out thoroughly before the first game begins.