How to Play Competitive Sports When You're Over 50
Once the body passes age 50, your playing days are over, right? Wrong. The Senior Olympic organization allows older competitive adults an opportunity to compete at the highest levels in 18 sports. Many states have Senior Olympic organizations that provide local competition, with specific sports organization fielding teams and individuals for the Senior Olympic competitions.
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Step 1
Search the web for the specific sports organizations in your state that participates in the Senior Olympics. Example of a search is "Senior Olympic Basketball." Add your state into the search string. This will provide links to organizations that can help you find a group to contact. An excellent site is http://www.nsga.com, the official site of the Senior Olympics.
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Step 2
Contact the organization that seems to best fit your needs and offers your sport. Most sites list an email address or a phone number for a contact person who can direct you. An example is the Canyon Nets of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is a group of women that participate in basketball. They meet and practice twice weekly, unless a competition is scheduled, then the frequency may pick up. Ages 50 and up are welcome, with the oldest player being 83. No previous experience in the sport is required. One player began playing basketball at age 62.
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Step 3
Determine which age group you can participate in. Players are grouped in 4 year increments, 50 to 54 year olds, 55 to 59's, 60 to 64's, 65 to 69, etc. In a recent state basketball tournament, the oldest player was an 85 year old woman, so don't worry about age. There is a group for you.
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Step 4
Go to practice and meet the other athletes. This is as much about social networking as it is about the sport. Make sure you fit with the group of people with which you will be playing.
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Step 5
Go get a physical. Make sure you are healthy enough to play the sport you have chosen. Low impact sports will have little impact on the body. Team sports such as basketball, volleyball, softball, track and field and swimming can take their toll.
