How to Start a Work Softball Team

A work softball team can be a great way for employees to get to know each other better and have fun outside of work. If you are a manager, you might consider starting a softball team to improve teamwork and promote a harmonious atmosphere. If you are an employee you might want to consider starting a team to make some new friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Find a league. Contact the local recreation association to see what leagues your work softball team might be qualified to participate in. Leagues often start in the spring, so contact the association in the winter so you'll have plenty of time to plan.
2. Get a rulebook for the league. Before recruiting players for the team, you should find out what the rule book says about the number of players you need and what the rules say about the gender of the players. Even some co-ed leagues mandate one gender cannot makeup more than a certain percentage of a team.
3. Look at the schedule of games for the upcoming season. Pay attention to the number of games to determine what the time commitment for each player might be. Factor in any practices and team meetings you might need to have, and come up with an average weekly commitment.
4. Determine the amount of interest at work for a softball team. Place a sign-up sheet in an accessible area and provide some basic information about the team. You'll want to make sure you have enough players to field a team plus several extra players because not every player can play every game.
5. Hold a team meeting to provide more information to the potential players. Go over the basic league rules and benefits to having a team. Be sure to mention any costs associated with joining the team. Ask for firm commitments after the meeting to see how many players you can count on.
6. Gather some information from the players. Find out how much softball experiences the players have to see how much practice you'll need. Ask which positions players have experience playing so you can figure out how you will field the team and if you might need to recruit more players to fill all the positions. Also, see what softball equipment members of the team have so you know what you will need to buy.
7. Ask the place where you work if they will sponsor your softball team. Determine whether they will provide uniforms and some money for any equipment the players on the team cannot provide.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need some extra money for softball equipment, consider a bake sale or garage sale to raise the money. Many co-workers who aren't interested in playing softball may be interested in supporting the team.