At ArizonaBadminton.com, we strongly feel that the best way to promote and foster involvement in any sport is through youth outreach. In the US, badminton is a relatively misunderstood sport and changing misconceptions is not easy. Compounding this issue is the fact that many states, in a good-faithful adherence to Title IX requirements, are forced into discriminatory policies that require them to exclude boys from sports that are traditionally co-ed in nature.

Here in Arizona, badminton is often seen as one of those sports that is perfect for a girls-only counterbalance to football. This unfortunate perspective beguiles the true nature of the sport of badminton and disenfranchises young males from experiencing competitive, fun, and socially integrative experiences. There are very few high school sports that are by their nature co-ed, allowing both boys and girls to compete and socialize together on the same team. We feel that these experiences provide incredible psychological and social benefits for developing youth.

As such, we at ArizonaBadminton.com have a dream. This dream consists of an AIA independent boys and girls co-ed youth badminton league. This league would be regional in nature and consist of city-based teams that compete in matches and tournaments throughout the year.

General Plan

Players

Players of all ages under 18 should be welcome but each team will have their own criteria for tryouts, varsity, JV teams. Because this is a non-AIA affiliated league, there should really be no other requirements other than possible fees and agreement with the codes of conduct of the league. Think of this league as similar to any other youth sports league through the local YMCA or community center.

Teams

Teams will be arranged by city with multiple teams per city depending on the level of interest. Each team will ideally have two experienced volunteer coaches from the badminton community. Parental involvement is highly encouraged during both practice and game times.

Gym

Each team will ideally have a home gym with some teams sharing a home gym if necessary. Because the league will be of a non-profit nature, it would be ideal if local community centers or high schools would volunteer gym time to their local teams. If necessary, gym time can be rented, the rental fees being covered through player dues.

Competition

The league will have four seasons/year coinciding with the natural Earth seasons. Each season will last approximately three months with each team playing eight games; one game a week plus one two weeks of championship play. The season will begin at week one with tryouts and team selection. Beginning the third week and ending at week ten the regular season will be played. Weeks eleven and twelve will be championship weeks with the final league championship game played on week twelve. Practices will occur as often as the individual teams would prefer and can get gym time though at least one practice a week is ideal.

Funding

Funding requirements at this point are unknown. If a very reasonable league season fee of $50 is charged per player and an average of 25 players are on a team, that gives $1250 in funding per team. This should be enough funding for shuttles, uniforms, gym time, and some travel and training expenses. In addition to league fees, teams can become involved in fund raising opportunities within their communities. From a league perspective, administrators can seek grants and other types of general funding to hold in reserve for tournaments, equipment, and team disbursement. Obviously, a more detailed financial analysis will need to be done in the future. This league will be a non-profit venture!