Club Startup Checklist

Phase 1 — Foundation (6+ months out)

• Founding team recruited (coach + treasurer + organizer): ________________
• Local landscape scouted (nearby clubs, school programs)
• HS / MS coaches met — feeder alignment discussed
• Legal structure chosen (nonprofit / booster / parks & rec)
• Incorporation / 501(c)(3) filing started (if applicable)

Phase 2 — Charter & certify (4–6 months out)

• Governing body chosen (USA Wrestling / AAU — match your local circuit)
• Club charter submitted & insurance certificate received
• Every coach: membership + background check + SafeSport
• Bank account opened (two signers, never one)

Phase 3 — Space & equipment

• Practice space secured (2–3 evenings/wk, Nov–Mar): ________________
• Facility-use agreement signed, insurance cert delivered
• Mats sourced (used / sectional / shared): ________________
• Mat cleaning supplies + schedule + owner
• First-aid kit, scale, storage plan

Phase 4 — Money

• Season budget drafted (income vs. costs)
• Registration fee set: $________ (+ quiet scholarship policy)
• Sponsors approached: ________________
• Fundraiser #1 planned (tournament? apparel?)
• Grant applications identified

Phase 5 — Launch (8 weeks out → week 1)

• Registration system live (charter body platform)
• Flyers in schools + social accounts live
• Communication app chosen and announced (ONE app)
• Singlets / team gear ordered (8+ weeks lead time!)
• Parent meeting scheduled & agenda ready
• First month of practice plans written
• First practice = FUN (games, zero lectures)

Year-one success metric

Kids who return for year two: ______ of ______ registered.