How to Organize a High School Softball Tournament

High school softball tournaments are a wonderful way for high school teams to get a little extra practice against other teams. They also are something that spectators enjoy watching. Having several games over the course of several days in a tournament-style competition is a good way to encourage participation in these teams.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Create a committee to make all of the major decisions. Ask people who are familiar with sports and have contacts with local high school softball programs. Coaches, parent volunteers and players make great committee members. Tell the committee members the date you plan to hold the tournament so that they can plan accordingly.
2. Decide how you can use the proceeds from the high school softball tournament if you will charge an entrance fee. If you're simply putting together something for high school teams, then you'll need not consider this angle.
3. Locate sponsors. Ask local businesses to donate refreshments for teams, t-shirts, signs, prizes and other items needed. The participating businesses generally expect banners or other recognition in exchange for their donation to your club, so be prepared with a list of how sponsoring your team can benefit them.
4. Plan the tournament brackets. Know how you will assign the teams. You may want to use a first-come, first-serve system, or you may opt to use the teams' previous record to determine how you seed them.
5. Gather the prizes. High school softball teams that participate in your tournament will expect a prize if they win. You may give out trophies or plaques, or you might persuade local business to donate other prizes.
6. Send out invitations. While you probably don't want to opt for an invitational your first time out of the gate, you must have a way to connect with teams that may participate. Draft a good marketing letter to convince the teams to participate in your tournament. Give the teams time to respond.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to familiarize yourself with state regulations regarding high school athletes participating in tournaments.