State of the Game A discussion on the sport of softball in Michigan Hosted by USA Softball of Michigan and USA Softball of Metro Detroit

Session Topics Is softball really a dying sport? Marketing for local leagues. Innovative Trends and Best Practices?

The State of Sanctioned Softball Local Leagues Declining . . . Yes Nearly a loss of 200 adult teams in Michigan from 2015 to 2016 Tournaments Declining . . . Yes Tournament Participation is down on 31% in the last 5 years Umpire registration Declining . . . Yes Average age of umpires is increasing. Less opportunity, more “issues” Youth Travel Leagues Rising . . . Yes

The Question is Why? USA Softball of Michigan has surveyed league and tournament teams since 2008 and asked this question. Time Cost Competition

Marketing Your Local League Traditional marketing no longer works Protecting your “Brand” Make it Personal Testimonials are huge Competitor Creeping How are they getting new teams/umpires Don’t be afraid to work WITH them (segmenting the softball world – no one wins!)

The Story of Your League What sets you apart from your competition Top 10 reasons to play ABC League Defining your message Utilizing Social Media Create a buzz Q & A / Rule Interpretations Feel Good Stories Sponsor Highlight Polls and Competition Engage participants Facebook Live and Periscope

Getting Sponsors More than just Ballfield Banners Exposure and impressions are key League Photos w/ embossed logo Web Site / Facebook Send them copies Allow them access when possible (Hungry Howie's and Planet Fitness) Sponsors don‘t want to be regarded in a negative light Don’t over promise results

Innovative Trends and Best Practices Power Coed Played with 7 men and 3 Women No two females batting back-to back in the order Defensive line up (1 female in infield, 1 outfield, 1 pitcher or catcher) 5 v 5 in 5 Played with three teams of 5 (or 6 if Coed) Teams rotate Batting - - > Infield - - > Outfield Played in 5 Innings Women’s and Senior Leagues Utilize shorter fields if possible How to deal with dominant teams

Innovative Trends and Best Practices Social Clubs and Super Drafts Operate like youth recreation programs Non-Traditional Offerings Modified Pitch – combines several aspects of the game 16” Softball Creative HR Rules Use as a way to classify upper v lower teams Designated HR Hitter (multiple at bats) Handicap Rule Being creative with awards – SWAG More than T-Shirts. Spring Training Leagues

Innovative Trends and Best Practices Umpire Training and Recruitment Develop a Mentor/Mentee program Average lifespan of a recreation umpire is 3-5 years 2 Man system helps to develop skills, ability and confidence Training Opportunities – Point System Be selective with ballplayer turned umpires Local umpire reward system

Questions and Comments? Find out more at: www.masasofball.org www.metrodetroitasa.org http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball