Need suggestions for building up a working membership in our league

Boy does this sound familiar.

First of all, recognize that YOU CAN NOT DO THIS ALONE. A lot of folks think they can, and they work real hard and more often than not, they do manage to pull it off. Then they burn out and leave. Voice of experience talking here...

You need to build the infrastructure.

First and foremost, you are totally unequipped to make radical changes to the league. Review your expectations for things you wanted to see changed and re-assess them in light of the fact that there is very little assistance available. For example, now is not the time to segment your 7-9 league into a 7&8 and a 8&9 league!

Next, look at all the activities you do. I mean EVERYTHING. Like Opening Day festivities, banquet, etc.

Break it down into a list of essential and non-essential. While we all like a nice Opening Day ceremony, it is not essential.

Figure out a way to delegate the essentials. ONLY after this is done do you move to the non-essentials. Be sure to let people know that the non-essentials are on the chopping block if there is no assistance.

Next, find your complainers. It is put up or shut up time for them. They don't like the old equipment, then they should be happy to inventory what you've got and recommend what you need. They're too busy? "Fine, make sure you are this busy when the time comes to complain about it."

Don't be afraid to look outside your organization! Former coaches and managers often miss participating. Work them in slowly, as "advisers". Next thing you know, you've got a work force.

Finally, don't just ask for 2 or 3 parents - ask EVERY parent. The thing is, you can't say, "We need help at the fundraiser". What you need to do is break it into smaller pieces so folks can do their share without thinking they are giving you a blank check to sign them up for things.

Consider these two requests:

A: "We need a parent who can give us 1 hour at the signup table on Saturday, March x."

B: "We need someone to help with signups"

(A) will get people to help - usually without a single rejection unless there is something like a time conflict.

(B) is too open-ended. People don't know what they are in for, so as a rule, they will take the safe answer - "no".

Finally, remember EVERYONE who helps at ANYTHING. Be sure to (1) thank them (publicly if possible - everyone likes a little public recognition), and (2) remember them for next year. Some folks will only come back to help in the same way (1 hour at the registration table), while others may take on a little more responsibility. You'll need to learn to read people to know how to proceed.

Best of luck!