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Sport & SOcial Industry Association
Sport & SOcial Industry Association
Did you know that there is an association with over 50 social sports leagues across the country - and in Canada? The SSIA Conference is the largest gathering of the most prominent social sports companies in North America. It is an event where all of these companies come together to discuss nationwide regulations, problem solve, share tips, create partnerships, and build new programs.
This is a yearly event that alternates between domestic and international locations. Last year was in the Dominican Republic, and next year they're going to Cancun! I was fortunate enough to attend the SSIA Conference this year in Sin City. Big League Sports has been a member of the SSIA for 15 years.
Our COO, John Dematas, and Director Gino Cabrera have previously attended while this was my first time...and what an experience it was!
I spent several days attending different seminars ranging from how to be a better ref to how to enhance your digital marketing footprint. There was even a seminar presented by the owner of a league that was founded in 1993 - two days before I was born!
I learned that who we in Big League Sports refer to as, "Free Agents," most other clubs call, "Indy Players." I learned that, while it seems obvious in retrospect, every area of the country struggles with different kinds of weather challenges. And yes, there was an entire seminar dedicated to weather forecasting for your leagues. I even learned that some leagues run all of their sports with no refs! One league runs eight simultaneous kickball games with not a single referee. Kudos to that league for making it work but I don't ever want to have to call my own kick foul in kickball.
The conference isn't just about learning from other leagues. In fact, there are two events that shine a light on the social aspect of our leagues.
The first are the team competitions. A few weeks before the conference, all attendees are split into different teams. Throughout the week, these teams complete different team challenges to earn points. These challenges range from classic "bar games" to team photo challenges to life size Angry Birds. I discovered that while I consider myself to be strong at completing puzzles, it can be challenging to do so with ten other people's hands in the mix. I was assigned to the Gamblers team (see photo of my team below). Gino was assigned to the Magicians and Dematas was on the Mobsters - all Vegas themed.
The highlight of the conference is their main event - the SSIA Social Star Awards. Think Oscars meets kickball. At this event, leagues are honored with awards in many different categories such as best social media video, best professional video, philanthropy, and more. While Big League Sports has yet to enter themselves into the running for any awards, it was a blast to see what the leagues around the country are doing - especially the things they are most proud to share. (Special shoutout to my new friends Allie and Rebecca with Striker Sports in Florida - pictured below.)
I expect to see Big League Sports entering themselves for some awards in the future!
It is awesome to know that Big League Sports is part of such an important association in the world of social sports.
P.S. Shoutout to BLS for being the only SSIA member currently running a Women's only Kickball league....which other leagues said they will now be trying in the near future :)
Courtesy of Capcut: Below is a nearly 5 minute video highlighting some of my favorite moments from the conference.
If you want to skip through, here are some stand out moments!
0:30 - SSIA Welcome Challenges
1:33 - Life Size Angry Birds
2:54 - Awards Show
3:49 - BLS and LI Kick teaming up in Gino's 3 hour long beer pong tournament
Tournament Season Begins
Tournament Season Begins
This Thursday, Clash of the Cities: Dodgeball Edition returns for the first time since 2021 and they're taking a page out of the Volleyball Tournament book... it is scramble style! If you were lucky enough to get a spot in this free BLS tournament, check out the premiere of the bracket below. This event will see the superstars of Stamford take on the superstars of Westchester to find out who the dominant city is. Stay tuned to find out our winner and an exciting announcement in next month's newsletter as I'll be exclusively announcing our next Clash of the Cities Tournament and giving away tickets to some of my most loyal readers!
Volleyball is coming to Stamford!
Volleyball is coming to Stamford!
Thanks to popular demand, Stamford will now have Volleyball! As an exclusive offer to my readers, make a post on Instagram announcing that BLS Volleyball is coming to Stamford and email me a screen shot, you will be entered into a Sidelines raffle for a chance to win a free spot in Stamford inaugural volleyball season!
Join by CLICKING HERE
BACK-TO-BACK
BACK-TO-BACK
At the end of the Late Fall season, we saw these back-to-back champions bring home their trophies! Let's see who can keep their titles at the end of the winter season!
*All champions are two time champions unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming Spring Leagues
Upcoming Spring Leagues
Cornhole, Football, and Westchester Volleyball will open later this week!
Fun Fact Corner
Fun Fact Corner
While Big League Sports offers 11 different sports, the most running at any given time is 9.
Where in the world is
Where in the world is
Big League Sports?
Big League Sports?
This Superstar matched his tee with neon yellow writing to his snowpants while on a snowboarding trip in the Poconos!
Email us a photo of you wearing or holding a Big League shirt to be featured in next month's newsletter! BLSSidelines@gmail.com
Meet the Author
Ariana Tringali has been a Big League Superstar since 2018. She has played in many different leagues: coed kickball, women's kickball, softball, volleyball, dodgeball, pickleball, and even soccer!
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