Contact us to discuss "how to start a league". Some additional advice is offered below. We have a "starter kit" that includes rule books, some balls, and a VHS tape of how the game is played. Send inquiries to the Rules Director closest to you (North, Central, South). We are looking for a few good parents to give girls a great opportunity.

It takes a number of committed people to start a sports league. Depending on your situation, variations from the steps discussed below are expected.

LMKI is a sports league for girls. It requires less equipment than softball, and a smaller field than soccer. It is an action-loaded game (for the younger girls, strikeouts are rare). A small core group of folks is needed to get the league started.

Where do you plan on playing?

LMKI leagues use city parks, school land and private land. Many Parks and Recreation departments may be willing to help leagues form. They should b contacted, especially if a location does not have many girl-oriented sports programs. Optimist Clubs sponsor several leagues, and have converted baseball fields for us.

How do you find players?

Elementary school PE teachers are often a good source for “talking up” the sport. Flyers can be sent home in school notices to generate interest. Small yard signs generate interest. If a spring season is planned, advertising should start in December to compete with other sports programs.

What business issues are associated with a league?

Bylaws should be developed that describe the operations of the league. These can be copied from existing leagues. They specify the duties and responsibilities of the board members. Leagues are non-profit 501.c tax-exempt organizations. They need a tax ID number and have to file annual IRS reports. Leagues need to carry liability insurance for the players. Typical expenses per player may be as follows: insurance $4, charter fee $3, shirt/cap $10, team picture $5, field maintenance $10 etc. League registration fees may vary from $40-90, depending on the amount of additional fund-raising required (some leagues with higher fees do not have fund-raisers).

How do you join LMKI?

LMKI has a number of forms and reports that local leagues deliver to the corporation. They also pay a small charter fee (per player based) to corporate. The league president is a voting member of the corporate board.

What is a realistic goal for a new league in terms of growth?

LMKI divides players into a number of divisions. PeeWees and Rookies are 5-8. Juniors are 9-11. Seniors are 12-14 and Teens are 14-18. In a new area, Rookies and Juniors are probably the easiest age group to develop. These girls may be playing organized sports for the first time and can come from natural groups (the same school/class room, Girl Scouts, etc.). It is very desirable to have at least four teams in an age group. This allows for a variety of competitors. The Teen Division is usually the last to develop in a league, requiring players to return for a number of years. It is more difficult to recruit older girls to a new activity. The youngest age group may also take a while to develop, because the girls have a short attention span. They will likely be younger sisters who want to follow their siblings. Most of the established leagues have 200 to about 500 players.

Where do you find coaches?

In a new or existing area, parents have to volunteer. Since “everyone” has played kickball, it is not difficult to learn the fundamentals of the game. One of the board positions is “rules director” who trains umpires. Each team should have 2-3 parents who will umpire games. As your league develops, we encourage teams to participate in tournaments. These are excellent learning opportunities for coaches and players. And fun travel also. Kickball is a very economical sport, compared to club volleyball and soccer.

What are the advantages of being in LMKI?

It seems like LMKI has a lot of rules for such a simple game. That is true. We are not a UIL sport. Any girl can play. Leagues can decide how they want the teams to be drafted. Some allow girls to play with their friends for 13 years on the same basic team. This camaraderie is not seen anywhere else. Often times, the coach grows old with her daughter, and then may start back at the beginning with a granddaughter. It really is a family affair. Being a part of LMKI affords your league the opportunity to do something good for your community, and be part of an organization that respects young women. LMKI sponsors several scholarships every year for graduating members pursuing higher education.