So What are Your Necessary Ingredients on ...

[artlax]

Great advice. I know that when I first started as a newbie school teacher and coach it was the willingness of other teachers and coaches to share that really helped me get going. I have tried to do the same through mentoring and training student teachers.

General question. What advice do you have for initially getting a league off the ground. I travel 2 hours one way to play right - but would love to have something more localized too.

I am considering starting with promoting a kids league - my son plays and would love it. Would just host some of his friends - we now have three boards and enought teams to share - maybe a tournament.

But what about with adults? Any ideas on how to kick that off??

[Reginald Rutledge]

This is not to plug what I do but I can tell you, from a marketing standpoint, I would buy a stadium! Whether it's a Miggle Stadium or FF.COM or something else, purchase the stadium of the team most liked in that region.

What this does IMMEDIATELY is bring attention to what you are doing. You have to take a proactive approach to making something happen. What happens with the stadium is that it is an attention getter. It lends credibility to what you are trying to do.

The closer to real your stadium, the better! You've got to think, what am I trying to get out of this league? It is an investment of your time and financial resources. If you do purchase a stadium, be sure you can comfortably play in the stadium. When the media stops by your house, believe me, they want to see quarterbacks tossing the ball, players running the ball, and kickers kicking the ball (in a stadium)!

The media is basically free advertisement. You want them to write a story on what you are doing. Right away, you will get about 5 or 6 serious calls. You'll also get other guys talking about how they use to play the game. But this marketing prop is the foundation of the success of the DFW League.

Next, I would go to my local hobby stores and rec centers and put flyers out! You know, some leagues entice people into their leagues by showing other league websites. That gives people an idea that "they are not alone".

Another thing I would do is take out an ad in your local newspaper. This would inform people that something is kicking off here in the area.

Most people think MF coaches are a little wacky. So MF coaches tend to hide their hobby. I say otherwise! Take "your guys" to the restaurant and set them out. Take them anywhere you go and be ready to discuss football.

Create a church league by asking your pastor can you do this. This hobby can be used as a church ministry. Lives can be saved through this hobby and you could be a catalyst to that (if you are religious).

Always Pay it Forward. You would be the leader of the league. Great responsibilities come with that. Be willing to share information, equipment, and your time with people.

One of the most enduring things about the DFW is the ruleset. If your rules are slow and boring, I am telling you that, over time the interest level will cause your league to become defunct. At our ages, guys want excitement. We are now football 'geniuses" so we want to be challenged, yet have fun. Incorporate some rules which allow for that to be possible.

Create a website. That could do nothing but help.

At first, let any and everybody in. You need white hats and black hats. That's how rivalries are established and camps take shape. That is what fuels many leagues.

Be all inclusive. Let everyone's stuff in! Some coaches ask me why do I let competitor's figures and other products into our league? I tell them "Those guys want to play too so let 'em". If you allow all in, you get more coaches which in turn strengthens a league.

I will answer more of your questions offline.

Reginald

[NATIONAL]

Try an add in your local paper.

When and if you the games with your son & his friends. Try to find a public place to host the games. A sports store in the mall, a pizza shop, or bowling alley. The biggest problem is that the people don't know we are here, and still playing. The internet has been a big help in bringing out new blood, but I think if you play in a public place instead of your own house, this will bring you more interested folks.

Just make sure all your bases are running correctly. Don't want to put a bad product out for the public.

Good Luck

NATIONAL

[artlax]

Great input and ideas. I will most likely be in touch down the road.

[Coach K-LO]

Reggie,

your orginal post hits on some key components about keeping a league alive.

one major item - dedicated coaches - it is a must!