How to Start an Over-50 Softball Team

Starting an over-50 softball team means a chance to bring back the youthful feeling of yesteryear. Friendships build and players' dreams come true because the softball field is a magical place to be kids again. Follow these steps to build the team you need to make your dreams come true on the softball field with your over-50 friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find an over-50 softball league close to your home or in an area where you frequent the most. Approach the league and inform them of your interest in starting a team and joining their league.
2. Collect all the pertinent information you need to abide by the league rules, including finding out how to locate over-50-year-old players to be on your team. Make sure you have all the deadlines for sign-ups noted.
3. Make a list of people you would like on your team. Try to envision a list of 12 to 15 players. If you can't find 12 to 15 friends who want to play, go to your local community or senior center and post a flyer that you are creating a team, giving your contact information.
4. Schedule a preseason meeting to go over all the rules and fees, collect T-shirt sizes and dues and gather contact information from all the players.
5. Draft a calendar of practices and games with dates and times clearly delineated. Hand it out to the team at the preseason meeting. Make sure teammates are in agreement to make all practices and games.

Tips & Warnings

• League rules often include a co-ed ratio, fees and cost of T-shirts and uniforms.
• Hold a preseason conditioning program in the winter months to get the team in condition to play softball in spring and summer.
• Find a sponsor to finance administration costs.
• It's very important that your team have a manager and coach. You hold the manager position, while someone else is the coach. Preferably the coach understands the strategy of over-50 softball.
• One-on-one recruitment may need to take place to get the star players.
• If you lack enough players, check with the league and see if they have a list of people who are looking to be on a team.