Listen up ladies, it is time to learn the rules of the game; a lesson in spectator sports etiquette!

Secondary forward pass, two-point conversion, offensive pass interference… Just when you sit down to genuinely try to understand the intricacies of football, the commentators start throwing these words around as if they’re everyday slang. Sometimes the appeal of fit men in tight pants isn’t enough to overcome the frustration felt by many aspiring sports fans when they lack a basic understanding of the game. But now is your chance to impress your male and female friends alike with your sports knowledge: combine one part girls’ night, one part sports, and one part fundraiser to make a homerun of an event!

The Event:

Spectator Sports 101 for Women. Insert your sport of choice into the title: football, baseball, basketball… Whatever you and your girlfriends want to learn more about. Invite a knowledgeable lecturer who can teach you the basics of the sport, and soon you’ll be able to shock your significant other with your newfound insight as he watches the game.

The Teacher:

Invite a guest lecturer who can coach you in the intricacies of your chosen sport. It could be a local high school football coach, a friend’s husband who played college baseball, or even a girlfriend that is extremely knowledgeable about a sport. Make sure the speaker knows all proceeds will be going to charity. It’s up to you how many or how few guidelines you want to give him or her, but you might suggest a time limit, if you would prefer a PowerPoint, and any other important factors pertaining to the audience.

The Set-up:

Since the primary portion of the event will be the lecture from your coach, make sure you have ample seating for your guests. Decide beforehand if you need technology like a laptop (for a PowerPoint), a projector (for a PowerPoint or watching a movie/game), or audio speakers.

Activities:

Obviously, the highlight of the night would be learning about the sport from your coach. However, the rest is up to you. Do you want to set up a flag football scrimmage afterward? watch a sports-related movie? Or, consider planning your event around a major game: after your coaching session, invite male friends and significant others to the party so that you can enjoy the game together and show off your newfound knowledge. To take your fundraising to the next level, place bets on the outcome of the game and donate all proceeds to the charity of the winner’s choice.

The Food and Drinks:

Hot dogs and beer: the staples of American sports cuisine. Add a fresh flair to your hot dogs with fun toppings like avocadoes, tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, etc. Remember other game-time classics like Cracker Jacks, popcorn, giant pretzels, peanuts, licorice, sunflower seeds, garlic fries, and pizza. This definitely won’t be a spread for anyone trying to watch their waistline!

Attire:

Jerseys from your favorite team, of course! If your athletic wardrobe is not up to par, check out Touch, a brand by Alyssa Milano created to provide women with fashionable clothes that also show their support for their favorite team.

The Cause:

To fit with your theme, consider donating to an organization that promotes good sportsmanship in the lives of children such as the Y (formerly known as the YMCA). Or, if you’re looking for a more specific sport (like a special-needs baseball league), do a simple search online and discover the needs in your area.

How to Fundraise:

Charge guests a nominal entrance fee, anything from $10 to $50; you can even make cute tickets as if they were attending a real football game. As mentioned before, up your fundraising ante by betting on a game and donating all proceeds to the winner’s favorite charity.

Be intimidated by the jargon of professional sports no more. Soon, you’ll be wowing friends with a vocabulary that includes ground rule double, offside, and double dribble. And the best part? You learned it all while having fun and supporting a good cause. That’s like a buzzer-beater, touchdown, and grand slam all in one!

What sport do you want to learn more about?

Are you a rookie, pro, or veteran when it comes to sports knowledge?