Things You'll Need:
- Field
- Equipment
- Umpires
- Coaches
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Step 1
Convince a few carefully-selected people of the benefits your fast-pitch softball league would see from being affiliated with a national organization such as the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). These people will serve as a temporary board until the softball league is formed and a regular election of officers can be held.
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Step 2
Find a place to practice and play. Park departments in cities and towns divvy up the use of fields. For starters, ideal times like weekend mornings may not be available. Ask several months in advance.
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Step 3
Schedule a picnic or barbecue geared toward your target age group where players can meet and greet. The ASA has leagues for players of all ages, from "10 and under" teams to "over 75" leagues. Invite parents and get them involved by organizing committees for fundraising, carpooling, supervision, safety and snacks. Get the word out about your event with flyers, posters and in your local newspaper's community activities section.
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Step 4
Ask local businesses to get neighborhood kids involved by sponsoring teams and contributing to league expenses, such as field permits, accident and liability insurance, fast-pitch equipment and umpire fees. Shirts advertising the sponsor's name in unique colors can be purchased at sporting goods stores in bulk for as little as $10 each.
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Step 5
Get softball equipment wherever you can-put up flyers seeking donations, rummage through used sporting goods stores and ask for donated equipment from retail stores in exchange for advertising. Garage sales can be a gold mine, too, and schools and established softball and baseball leagues also may have extra bats and gloves.
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Step 6
Recruit coaches who have knowledge of fast-pitch softball or baseball and a friendly, low-key style. As a start-up league, patience and the ability to make practices and games fun are more important than winning.
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Step 7
Hold a series of fundraisers to raise money and publicity. Car washes, yard cleanups, candy sales and printed sponsor booklets will get the ball rolling. Local newspapers may provide free advertising for your event under their community listings.
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Step 8
Start with a bang-make the opening softball game a festival. Invite the local high school band to play rally songs. Ask Pop Warner cheerleading groups to perform. Invite the mayor or a local sports hero to throw out the first pitch, and play ball!
