NBBA WORLD SERIES PLANNING GUIDELINES
FIELDS:
- Obtain fields. For best playing, relatively flat, grassy areas of approximately 200 square feet for EACH field are needed. One location is preferred. Soccer fields work well. Fields must be in a reasonably quiet area. Watch for potential air traffic problems. Aim for 10 fields. This will allow you flexibility if fields need to be relocated due to flooding or other problems.
- INSURANCE, both accident and liability, is required. Coverage should include the local organization hosting the event, the NBBA and potentially the facilities used to play the games. The ASA offers this, as well as many insurance companies. For more info on the ASA insurance, contact Bollinger at www.bollingerasa.com
- Fields will need to be lined. Each field will need lined prior to the start of the tournament and might need to be touched up during the week. See guidelines for lining fields. Make sure to include “on deck” circles for each team.
- Fields will need to be mowed at least 2 days prior to the beginning of tournament play.
- Benches/chairs will need to be provided for teams and officials.
- A table and chair(s) will be needed for the scorekeeper.
- Protective covering will be needed for team bench areas and the scorekeeper area.
- Water and cups will be needed for teams, volunteers and officials for each day of the tournament.
- Concessions will be needed for lunch and other refreshments for the teams, volunteers and officials each day of the tournament. Please consider having them at the fields for breakfast needs as well.
- Trash receptacles will be needed at each field and the concession area.
- Port-a-johns or other restroom facilities will be needed. Plan for enough to accommodate all participants for each day of play.
- Communication devices will be needed for each field, the equipment manager, the NBBA Head Umpire and the info tent (if you have one). They should have the ability to call for 911 assistance.
- An information tent is a good idea. Not just for information for teams and visitors, it also is a good place for volunteers and other officials to check in and for volunteers to sell souvenirs. Keep all game results posted here as well.
- Advertising banners/signs can be posted at the fields – good for fundraising or thanking local sponsors for donations (have all companies provide their own banners).
- Cans of field paint at each field each day of the tournament are a good idea – especially if the facility you are using requires a specific type of paint to be used. Regular spray paint can kill grass.
- Empty containers for new, used and dead balls will be needed at each field.
- The NBBA does have some home plates. Check with your facility to see if home plates are provided. If possible, please have them staked down.
- Cat litter or the “sport” equivalent will need to be an ‘on-call’ item. If rain occurs, the batters boxes and pitchers mounds get very muddy and slippery.
- Potential equipment needed for field set up/tear down may include, but is not limited to: golf cart(s) or light truck(s) (used to transport each fields supplies daily – make sure you have permission to drive on the grass before you do so!), hammers, large trash bags, and smaller bags (for picking up animal waste on the fields prior to starting each day – or during games if you missed it earlier).
- Numbered or lettered signs for each field will be needed. These may be staked in the ground or attached to the shelter at the scorekeeper’s table.
- Transportation and/or storage of field equipment will be needed for each day of play.
- Balls will need to be charged each night, if not damaged, for use the next day of play. Plan on charging at least 30 balls each night or have enough new/unused balls to continue play each day of the tournament.
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