The first and foremost thing which comes to players minds when trying to put a team together, is how is it going to work.  Many rec players are confronted with this question when they finally decide to take their game to the next level.  Players are usually more concerned about getting things for free, or at least a discounted rate, which is always nice when it comes to saving money.  Here are a few things to keep in minds when pursuing a sponsorship for you team.

Putting the Team Together

        The first thing that you should be concerned about, is getting your team together.  Organization is the key when it comes to having a well run team.  Responsibility is the next important factor which you and your team should keep in mind.  When you finally decide to take the "idea" of creating a team to actually forming the team, you should designate someone who is somewhat organized, and not afraid to speak their mind.  These are the best types of attitudes for forming an "organized" team.  You can even nominate another to be a Captain on or off the field to help make decisions for the team during tourneys, etc..  This makes the jobs a little easier.

Getting Organized

        The next step if to create a roster, and be sure to get everyone's info (names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.).  After it has been created, be sure to give a copy of it to all of the members on the team.  This way, no one has an excuse to say that "they didn't have your phone number, so they couldn't call to tell you that they couldn't make it to practice" or something like that.  This also keeps you, the captain (and main organizer) in touch with the rest of your team.  Believe me, it is hard enough to keep tabs on everyone, even in this modern age and time.  I have even put up an online database for my team, which can be accessed through the internet to make things easier for everyone.

        The next step is to create an outline if events which you wish to participate in fir the month, year, etc.  This way you can have a sense of direction for the year to come.  It also gives players such as myself who have extremely busy schedules, time to request for time off, set money aside for events, clear time off with the family and loved ones, etc.  It also allows you and your team to plan practices and scrimmages against other teams prior to events.

Making Ends Meet

        If playing paintball once a week hasn't become expensive enough already.  Most teams soon learn how expensive paintball truly becomes when they start competing in tournaments.  With most tournaments providing everything paint and air, to refreshments and collectibles, they are convenient, and potentially expensive both for those running the tourney and for the players to compete in.  To make ends meet, alot of teams collect dues.  This is not for everyone, but not a bad idea to keep everyone "in the loop".  Most players will have more commitment to the team, especially if they are putting money into it.  Another way teams make money (once they start competing and winning) is to sell off prizes that you win.  Of course you can't make alot if you win smaller items, but guns can bring you a decent amount.  My team sells everything that we win, and put it right back into the team

        Another way (and probably the best way) to make the most money, is to run a tournament.  They are alot of work and organization, but many vendors and people in the paintball industry are willing to help out.  You can get alot of the prizes donated from them.  Work with a paintball vendor to see if they can help you out with your paint.  Also try working with local field owners.  They should be glad to help you out because you are bringing them business.

Keeping it Up

        Once you have your team set, be sure to keep everyone involved.  Players who are kept at a distance usually end up quitting or looking for another team.  Have regular meetings where you can discuss events, tournaments, watch taped paintball videos of your team, basically anything which keeps things not only organized, but fun.  Pizza parties and other events other than paintball (going to movies, theme parks, etc.) have kept our team together for over 6 years now.

        Practices are another thing which must be kept up on a regular basis.  Playing together is one thing.  Learning how to work together is another.  Work up a set of common codes for your team to use when you are on the field.  Try setting plays to do when under certain circumstances (i.e. going for the flag when time is elapsing, shifting players when you collapse on a side, etc.)  Practicing these things will help you play more as a team, rather than individual.  It is much easier to play in tournaments when you know what your team and players are capable of, rather than not knowing what is going to happen when the game begins.

        Scrimmages are another good way to test out what your team learns in practices.  Scrimmage against other local teams to simulate tournaments.  This is a good "pre tourney" way of testing your plays, codes, etc., to see if they actually work.

Last Words...

        Don't be discouraged if your team doesn't win at first.  Most teams don't.  Remember that there are alot of factors when playing in tournaments which affect your teams outcome, such as which bracket they are put in, playing more skilled teams than others, players getting hurt, bad/good calls on the field, etc.  It takes alot of practice, commitment, and organization to make successful teams work.  If you look at many of the teams who do well in tournament series, they will all tell you the same thing.  Don't give up, it will eventually pay off.
 

Sean Takeda
MPN Columnist