[Travis Hoffman]

Any rookie team that goes it alone without at least some direct input and oversight from veteran teams, preferably in their region (*cough* form regional partnerships *cough*), is at a much greater risk of folding after a year or two of existence.

I would submit that the keys to sustainability are cut differently from region to region based on each region's economic, geographic, and social realities. Teambuilding resources that work well for a consortium of high schools or in a relatively solid economic area with access to lots of funding, people, and potential sponsors may not work for teams in economically depressed areas or rural areas with less ideal access to businesses or mentors. Online guides and handbooks are great reference material, but they are poor substitutes for direct and sustained veteran involvement with all new rookie teams through the first year+ of their existence.

The best way for rookies and younger veteran teams to thrive is for veteran teams from their area to actively connect with those teams and help guide them through the rough waters of their initial season and into their first offseason, where additional fundraising, sponsor drives, and student and mentor recruitment become essential. Do not hold their hands, let them make their own choices and mistakes and learn from them, but do shine a light on their path to help them avoid the most perilous hazards that threaten a team's longevity.

If teams in any one region of the country persist in living on their own little islands instead of coming together under one protective umbrella, the predatory wolves that typically hunt down and consume weak and isolated teams are more likely to pick them apart. Band together - work together - survive and thrive together, and you will keep those wolves at bay.