Do you want to start an NFL FLAG league in your community, but aren’t sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide will walk you through the important aspects to consider when beginning your league.
The cornerstone of any successful NFL FLAG league is a comprehensive business plan. Here are essential topics you want to include in yours.
Budget and fundraising
Begin by estimating all potential start-up costs, including field rentals, marketing materials, and administrative costs. Then, explore fundraising opportunities, such as local sponsorships, crowdfunding, or fundraising events. Remember, every dollar counts!
Field location
Research various fields and facilities in your area that can accommodate your flag football league. Be sure to consider the accessibility of the fields and amenities available, such as parking and restrooms. Once you've identified potential locations, you’ll want to discuss pricing and contracts early on to be sure they’re right for your league—popular fields tend to book up fast.
Divisions offered
Structure your league to accommodate various age groups and skill levels, ensuring inclusivity and a competitive balance. For example, will you offer a competitive team and a recreation team? Girls and boys, or co-ed? Will you start as early as Pre-K? You should definitely nail down these details early in the process.
Marketing strategy
Think of the best ways to raise awareness about your league. Here are a few we recommend considering:
Operational plan and staff
Define the daily activities and responsibilities needed to run your league smoothly, such as maintaining communications and the schedule, distributing equipment, etc. Based on these needs and the size of your league, create a list of staff to help you, including league coordinators, volunteer coaches, and officials.
Non-profit organizations
Did you know that NFL FLAG partners directly with non-profit organizations across the country, including parks and recreation departments, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YMCA organizations? If you’re associated with an organization like this, please send us an email to learn more.
After you establish your business plan, you’re ready to take the needed steps to start your league. Please keep in mind that this is not a linear process—you may accomplish one task, while just starting another. And that’s okay!
Our goal here is to help you feel prepared and think proactively in the early stages of your league. And of course, our League Success team is always here to support you whenever you feel stuck.
That said, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Legal and administrative requirements
You’ll want to understand the differences between various legal structures, such as nonprofits and LLCs, and then choose the right one for your league. Once you establish your pathway, you need to register your league and research necessary compliance, such as required permits.
Establishing policies and procedures
We know that no one likes to read the fine print, but you do need to have a code of conduct and other important policies in place, such as a weather safety policy. As an NFL FLAG league operator, you can expect to receive a list of policies and procedures from our League Success team, so you don’t have to create yours from scratch.
Insurance
All NFL FLAG leagues are required to hold a $1 million general liability policy. They can obtain their insurance plan through NFL FLAG or a third party. But some of our league operators choose to purchase a higher policy, based on the size of their league and amount of coverage they prefer. Please visit our insurance resource page to learn more about what to consider and how to acquire your own.
Creating your website
Don’t overlook the importance of a solid website. You want to make registration easy to find and navigate for families. That means using a user-friendly design, where the registration section is prominently displayed on the home page, with clear call to actions. Use large buttons and straightforward language to guide your families through the process. And double check that your website is mobile-friendly, as many users will likely access it from their phones.
Additionally, you need to publish all relevant league policies, such as the code of conduct, refund policy, privacy policy, and safety guidelines, in an easily accessible section of your website. And you may want to consider adding an FAQ section to address common questions families may have. A few topics to consider include scheduling, game times, equipment requirements, volunteer opportunities, and league rules.
We often recommend that league operators begin preparing to launch their league at least 14 weeks out. That way, you have ample time to market your league, secure your fields, allow families to register, order equipment, create rosters, and secure volunteers. You can view our timeline to keep track of what tasks to accomplish—and when.