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I recommend checking the "Archives" on this message board. This topic comes up every year, and there have been some great posts in answer. I believe you can put my name in the "search authors" box and find several threads to the information you are seeking.

The short answer is "organize - organize - organize" and obtain the following items in roughly the order of priority listed:

1. A DEVOTED "Board of Directors". Pay special attention to the secretarial, fundraising, and coach-recruiting functions.

2. "501 C-3 tax-exempt non-profit designation by IRS. Do as I say, not as I have done. I have been unsuccessful in this effort for 3 years!

3. Revenue streams. Donations, sponsorships, player fundraising efforts, registration fees, grants, parks and recreation assistance, partnership with your nearest NFL team, etc. never stop looking for additional sources.

4. GREAT Coaches. Preferably not "fathers of players". Perhaps certified (National Association of Youth Sports - NAYS, and others). Coaches who are devoted to kids, football, and teaching fundamentals. No ranting "win at all costs" NFL wannabes.

5. Rules. My league's latest revisions are posted on the webpage at the attached link.

6. Equipment. Helmets, shoulder pads, pants, snap pads, first-aid kits, jerseys, balls, cones, blocking dummies, sleds, spare parts, the list is endless. Local sporting goods stores may help. Prices can sometimes be higher there, but you get good service - and perhaps sponsorship - in return. For off-season purchases, check the internet for mail-order catalogues. They have better prices when you are not "under the gun" for fast delivery during the season.

7. Liability Insurance. You MUST be covered. This is America in the year 2000. Legal protection may need to be # 1 on this list, but I still opt for doing the right thing for kids first.

8. Playing field(s). Can you use an existing school or park facilities? If you must buy property and build your own, then your task just became far more difficult, and #'s 2 and 3 above moved up to # 1. You also will need more devoted board members, because you will have property to maintain.

You have a tall mountain to climb, and you cannot do it alone. But, I agreee you are attempting a noble, important, and vital (to the BEST GAME ever devised!)undertaking.

Good Luck