How to Start a Team
Wheelchair softball is an
exciting adaptive form of America’s Greatest Pastime that is
geared toward the wheelchair user. The game can be played
with little funding unless the team plans to travel.
Basically you will need four things to start a team.
1. Payer commitment:
You will need at least a dozen active and eager
participants. Wheelchair softball requires that there are
at least 10 players in the line up and/or on the field at
one time. Having backup players and substitutions are
essentials for any team.
2. A field to play on:
Generally, most wheelchair softball fields are placed in
abandoned parking lots or any place with a hard surface that
would allow 150’ down the baseline and anywhere from 180’ to
220’ straight down the center of the field. Be careful of
parking lots that have excessive lighting fixtures or poles
(see the Field Dimensions page for more information). Lines
and bases on a field can be taped, chalked or painted.
Official wheelchair softball fields are required to have
fencing in the outfield and backstop.
3. Basic equipment:
Bats and 16’ slow-pitch softball (Clinchers, kitten balls or
mush balls as they are also commonly referred as). The main
manufacturer of these balls is DeBeer and may be found at
some major sporting goods stores or ordered online. Visit
the equipment section of NWSA’s website at
http://www.wheelchairsoftball.org/equipment
for more information.
4. Have fun!
Wheelchair softball is an exciting sport that almost anyone
in a manual wheelchair can play!
Additional Items:
-
Ask questions:
As with any sport, the more you know, the more enjoyable it
can be. Learn from others who play the sport, get the tricks
of the trade from a team near you. For a team near you,
visit the teams page.
-
Funding:
As with any sport, finding sponsorship can be difficult.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, visit
the fund raising page.
-
Host an instructional clinic:
If you are serious about starting a team, contact the NWSA
to help you host an instructional clinic in your area. They
can offer expertise, instruction and in many cases, host the
clinic for you.
-
Be patient:
The hardest thing about starting a team is attracting and
maintaining players. You may have to make several phone
calls to potential players to get them to commit to
playing. Be assured that once a team is established, the
pure excitement and competition will keep them coming back
for more.
-
Tournaments:
There are several tournaments and teams to play in most
parts of the country. For a tournament near you, visit
the schedule.
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