So What are Your Necessary Ingredients on ...

[Reginald Rutledge]

establishing and maintaining a league?

Miniature football leagues are some of the most fluid clubs imaginable. People come and people go. Many things, at least in the DFW, factor into participation.
I know we've had our share of strikes, discontent, and personal conflict among other things. But I always wondered what kept the guys coming back for more every year? Even after breaking up as a league.

For the DFW, the number 1 thing I think is so important is having a strong core of dedicated coaches. We have about 7 or 8 coaches that you count on. They do the bulk of the officiating, keeping people informed, and are the most selfless individuals.

Another thing which has been vitally important is a wanting/willingness to share information. It is important that our least experienced coach is made aware of all the information. Guys bend over backwards to give coaches the necessary tools to make them a winner. The strength of our league depends on our weakest link.

Making yourself accessible is very important. Sometimes I know I am not accessible for practicing/scrimmaging but some of these guys instinctively buddy up with others and work on things.

Something else that seems to work here is the conference call. It usually starts with someone like a Don Hudson, Pep Woods, DeWone McDaniel, or Robert "RD" Don, and we get to talking about what's happening in the league. We get a pulse of who needs to be pumped up and go after that person.

Sometimes after a huge loss, we invoke the "48 hour rule". Coaches are not allowed to talk to the media (especially after a loss). This gives them time to cool off. Although this league is for the fun of it, naturally any great competitor wants to win. So if you ask a coach "What happens" after a loss, you may get a tirade out of him. So that is always something we try to stay away from.

Having confident coaches in their system is also of great benefit. When you play in front of the "Peanut Gallery" night in and night out, having the mental fortitude to press on is very important. This is a very comical and whimsical part of the league. It may start with 2 people just asking questions of each other about the game and the next thing you know, everyone's got a role in it. This takes the edge off of intense games too.

Having a pulse of the league is important. If you are the only one winning in your league, something is wrong! Every year you destroy people, something is wrong! You don't want to help people get better and come up and beat you, something is wrong. You are fearful of sharing the information, your league will inevitably die! No one wants to play with someone where they have no chance to win, especially if the powers-to-be that has the information hoards it for themselves. Eventually, that person will definitely be on an island all alone, hoping to get the opportunity to share in the camaraderie of a league.

Viking10 made a comment (I think yesterday) about we should appreciate having someone to play with because he does not. I went to sleep thinking about that statement. While I prefer solitaire, I can not help but appreciate how I along with others cultivated this league. I admire leagues like the Great Lakes League, the BEFL, my good friend LaRue (one of the oldest leagues around) and others who have staying power. You got guys from various walks of life come together to play a kid's game. And love doing it.

We should all be so fortunate. I wonder, what are some of the ingredients that makes for a strong league. Newbies may be able to learn from this information as they establish leagues throughout the country.

Reginald Rutledge
Member of the DFW League since 1995

[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!