Whether you played sports in high school or college, or never have and are tired of being a spreadsheet jockey, there’s a place for you in a community sports league. Local leagues are a great way to get involved with new people and stay active. Easily accessible to people of all skill levels, the competition can be as friendly or as fierce as you make it, and the rewards are greater than a championship trophy.
A variety of sports are available in most communities, making it easy to find one that suits your own interests. Most leagues will meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, but of course the outdoor sports will be subject to the weather. The length of the season for each sport varies, and even within a single sport, there are often different leagues with their own schedules. But all this variety is good news, as you can find something right for you any time during the year. Bowling is a great option for the cold winter months, and you can keep muscles toned while working on your tan playing volleyball in the warmer months. You may even be able to find something a bit out of the ordinary, like a curling league.
When you decide to enter a league, you can usually choose to form a team on your own, or roll the dice and get assigned to a team that needs a more players. Many teams are sponsored by local businesses that may cover fees, but sponsorship certainly isn’t necessary. There is also variety in the types of teams you can form - co-ed or single-sex teams, or the number of players per team. Such details are regulated by the particular league you have joined. Finally, no team is complete without an appropriately clever name. How about “The Touchdowns” for your softball team or “The Lane Changers” for your bowling team?
Fees vary by sport, and are in place to help cover the cost of equipment, prize funds, and venues. Most will charge a weekly cost, but depending on the organization, you may have additional start up costs for local or even national fees. You can minimize out-of-pocket costs by car pooling with your team, playing with used equipment, and going easy on the beer rounds.
Finding leagues in your area is as simple as searching Google. You can also try contacting your area’s Parks and Recreation Department. There are national umbrella organizations in place as well, such as the American Softball Association or the United States Bowling Congress. In addition to finding local leagues, these organizations also provide resources for league managers, equipment sales, and tournament information. If you do have trouble finding what you want, you can also start your own league. The various association sites have resources for this, or you can post a sign-up sheet at your church, office, or an online service like Craigslist.
Injuries are a possibility any time you’re in motion, but needn’t cause you worry. Just like any exercise regime, proper stretching before and after, and being aware of your limits will keep you in tip top shape. If you’re concerned about joining a sport after a sedentary lifestyle, see your physician for a physical.
In my experiences, community leagues have been very rewarding. While competing for a first place standing, you’ll make new friends, burn calories, increase your agility, and have a new event to look forward to each week. And I promise, you’ll have fun.
I’ll see you on the lanes, or the beach, or maybe on the ice…
