How to Organize an American Legion Baseball Tournament

Baseball is a game that teaches players discipline and teamwork. Both of these characteristics are necessary when a person attempts to organize an American Legion baseball tournament. Besides discipline and teamwork there are some other keys to organizing an American Legion baseball tournament. The reward is the fun and excitement that only a baseball tourney can bring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine the number of baseball teams that will play in the American Legion baseball tournament and age limit for each team. The American Legion sanctions 17 and 19 year old and under tournaments. The number teams needs to be at least 4.

2. Set the start date of the tournament. Usually these tournaments occur on the weekends but can start during the week depending on the number of teams.

3. Establish the signup fee for each team and the deadline to enter the American Legion baseball tournament. The amount of the fee will depend on the total cost of the tournament.

4. Make sure to contact the American Legion post to verify that they will indeed sponsor and sanction the tournament.

5. Create a single contact person for the American Legion baseball tournament. This person is responsible for fielding any calls and registration issues with the national office of the American Legion, which provides tournament support.

6. Obtain a sponsor for the baseball tournament. It is not necessary to retain a sponsor but these entities can help offset costs and promote the tournament. This sponsor must not sell or promote products that are injurious to player health such as tobacco and alcohol. This sponsor must also receive clearance from the national American Legion office.

7. Register the American Legion baseball tournament with the national office. This following information is necessary for registration: State, name of tournament, location, tournament date, type of tournament (single elimination or round robin), number of teams, age group, entry fee, entry cutoff date, sponsoring American Legion post number and the contact info for the point person. See the resources section for more information.

8. Accept the registration fees and finalize the number of teams.

9. Close the registration for the teams and develop the start times for each team and all of the games in the tournament. Be sure that everyone involved understands this start date and all facilities are available for play.

10. Notify all of the registered teams of the schedule and the tournament information.

11. Begin tournament play after all the teams show up for play with required number of players. Make sure the umpires and all the other officials are present prior to beginning the American Legion baseball tournament.

Resources

• American Legion Tournament Input Form

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