Frequently Asked Questions
About ZogSports & Play For Your Cause
- What Is ZogSports?
- How long has ZogSports been around?
- What does “charity focused” mean?
- What is Play For Your Cause?
- How does ZogSports give back to the community?
- How does ZogSports donate money to charity?
- How much money does ZogSports donate?
- Is a portion of my league fee tax deductible?
- How can I get more information?
- Where is Zogsports
The MOST frequently asked questions
- Why doesn’t ZogSports have a phone number posted on the website?
- I have a question about . . . Who do I contact?
- What’s your refund policy?
- Where can I find directions to the fields/gyms?
- Can I request specific times, days or locations?
- The league I want to play in is sold out. Is there a waitlist?
- What happens if it rains/snows?
- When do I pick up my team’s shirts?
New to ZogSports?
- What sports / activities does ZogSports offer?
- Who is the typical ZogSportster?
- Is there an age minimum/maximum?
- Do I need to be a good athlete? What if I’ve never played before?
- I haven’t played for a long time, can I still join?
- How is ZogSports different from other city/corporate leagues?
- How competitive are your leagues?
- How do the Levels work in ZogSports? How do I know what level to sign up for?
- How can I try ZogSports out to see if I like it?
- What if I can’t make every game? Can I still play?
- Do I have to pay when I register?
- I have registered and paid. Now what?
General League Questions
- Where do games take place?
- When do the games take place?
- When does registration open?
- Where do I find details for a specific sport?
You are interested in registering as and Individual (or with a couple of friends)
- Can I still play if I don’t have a full team?
- How do I sign up with my friends?
- My friend wants to play. Can they just show up and join my team?
- I signed up as an individual. How do I know who is on my team?
You are interested in registering a team
- Do I have to pay for the full team fee?
- Can I register my team if we do not have a complete roster?
- Roster sizes – Why do the roster have more people than play at a time?
- Why are there maximum roster sizes? Why are there fees for Extra Players beyond this limit?
- What is involved in being a team captain?
- How do I make changes / additions to my team roster?
- I understand that ZogSports is not a corporate league, can company teams join?
- How do I sign up a company team?
Your ZogSports account
- Do I have to create an account? What happens when I create one?
- I created an account, but I don’t see my team in “My Activities”
- I can’t remember if I have an account or not
- How do I update my information?
- What if I need/want to change my email?
- ZogSports currently sends information to two or more of my email addresses. How can I merge my accounts?
Referees
- Who are your referees?
- Are they trained, certified referees?
- How can I become a referee?
- Why do you ask teams to provide volunteer referees for some sports?
Happy Hours
- Do we have to go to the bar after games?
- Why should we go to the Official ZogSports Happy Hour bar after our games?
About ZogSports & Play For Your Cause
What Is ZogSports?
ZogSports is a co-ed social sports league that promotes charity and social action amongst young professionals in New York. We organize sports leagues (Touch Football, Outdoor and Indoor Soccer, Volleyball, Kickball, Softball, Dodgeball, Touch Rugby, Wiffle® Ball, Floor Hockey and Basketball), trips, social events and volunteer opportunities for people in their 20’s and 30’s.
Through ZogSports’ athletic, social and social action opportunities, we encourage Young Professionals to maintain perspective and a more balanced lifestyle by having fun while also giving something back to the community.
How long has ZogSports been around?
Robert Herzog conceived ZogSports in 2002 inspired after his close call on 9/11. He identified a need amongst New York’s young professionals for better organized sports and social interaction outside of the work place. ZogSports kicked off with a 26 team football league the spring season 2002.
What does “charity focused” mean?
Part of ZogSports’ goal was to build on the tremendous human charity Robert witnessed post 9/11. He decided while offering young professionals a social and athletic outlet he had the opportunity to create awareness amongst participants. This is achieved by the following ways:
- Every ZogSports team selects a charity to play for at the beginning of the season. The top two teams in each division receive a charitable donation made to their selected charity, as do teams that win other awards such at Best Team Name, Team Spirit, Sportsmanship and Best Drinking Team. ZogSports donates a percentage of our league profits and 100% of the sponsorship donations from our happy hour bars to winning teams’ charities of choice.
- We hope that teams discuss what causes are important to them to help create awareness of the countless worthy causes out there. We also post charities chosen on the standings and encourage teams to mention their charity of choice during the coin toss.
- We also provide a place for local charities to reach out to our participants by sending out monthly philanthropy emails and posting on our website our philanthropy efforts, partner charity volunteer opportunities and other ways Zoggers can get involved. If you know a charity that would like to partner with ZogSports have them email info@zogsports.org.
What is Play For Your Cause?
Play For Your Cause is ZogSports’ non-profit sister company. ZogSports and our partner bars donate money to Play For Your Cause which then disseminates the donations to all the different charities chosen by winning teams. Play For Your Cause makes donations to hundreds of different charities each year.
How does ZogSports give back to the community?
ZogSports’ goal is to be a responsible member of the local community. We encourage teams to figure out which causes are important to them, but we know that recreational sports facilities are an invaluable asset in the city to adults and children. We try to go above and beyond as renters of space by reaching out to the communities to see how we can be helpful.
How does ZogSports donate money to charity?
ZogSports donates 10% of our league profits and 100% of the sponsor bar donations to our on-profit sister company Play For Your Cause which then disseminates the donations hundreds of different charities chosen by winning teams.
How much money does Play For Your Cause donate?
Play For Your Cause has donated just under $1,000,000 since 2002. Individual donations range from $100 to $700. We try to spread the love around by making more donations to more charities rather than larger donations to fewer charities.
Is a portion of my league fee tax deductible?
League fees are paid to ZogSports which is a for profit company, therefore, league fees are not tax deductible. For more information about how ZogSports makes donations see Play For Your Cause above.
How can I get more information?
To learn more about our current leagues and activities or sign-up for our newsletter or contact the League Manager.
Where is Zogsports?
We currently have leagues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Northern New Jersey. We will be launching ZogSportsDC in fall 2010! If you live in another city sign up for our newsletter to find out when we are coming to your town.
The MOST frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t ZogSports have a phone number posted on the website?
Due to the overwhelming number of participants in our leagues, we conduct all league communication through email. Please feel free to reach out to registration@zogsports.org, info@zogsports.org or your appropriate League Manager via email if you have any questions.
I have a question about . . . Who do I contact?
League Managers:
More Information: info@zogsports.org
Registration Questions: registration@zogsports.org
What’s your refund policy?
Our official refund policy is that ZogSports will provide a full refund any time up to two weeks prior to the commencement of any event or league. Any time from two weeks prior until commencement of the event/league, ZogSports will offer a credit for future ZogSports activities. After the start of a league, we will not be able to offer any refunds.
Where can I find directions to the fields/gyms?
A link to directions for all the Field & Gym Info can be found on the top toolbar of the website and on each specific sports league page.
Can I request specific times, days or locations?
Field and gym space is tough to get anywhere around New York City. While we would love to have all the best fields at the best times, we can’t. In the spirit of being fair we try to divvy up all game times and locations equally amongst teams. If your team has an extreme situation (i.e., wedding or charity event), please let us know before the start of the season and we will see what we can do.
The league I want to play in is sold out. Is there a waitlist?
Yes, there are always people who for one reason or another are unable to start or finish the season, and waitlist registrations are pulled to fill their spots. To be placed on the waitlist, complete the registration process online. We will contact you if/when a spot opens up. However, to assure you are able to participate this season sign up for one of our leagues with open registration.
What happens if it rains/snows?
The postponement for inclement weather varies from sports to sport. For football and soccer, we will play in almost any weather except a hurricane or lightning or if the particular facility does not allow us to play. In the event of dangerous conditions, cancellations will be posted on our weather alert page on our website, found on the left side of the home page. Also the ZogSports Weather Alert Hotline can provide you with an up to the minute rainout status at 212-202-7532.
When/Where is Team shirt pick up?
For most leagues every member of your team will receive a ZogSports t-shirt in your teams color. One representative from your team will be asked to come pick up your teams shirts during designated days and times. Our New York and New Jersey office is located at
57 W. 38th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue)
12th Floor
New to ZogSports?
What sports / activities does ZogSports offer?
ZogSports offers 10 different sports (all are co-ed with the exception of our men’s basketball league) as well as trips and social activities.
Sports Leagues
- Basketball (Men’s & Co-ed)
- Bowling
- Dodgeball
- Touch Football
- Floor Hockey
- Kickball
- Touch Rugby
- Soccer (Outdoor and Indoor)
- Volleyball
- Wiffle® Ball
Trips
- Skiing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Wine Tasting
- More to Come….
Who is the typical ZogSportster?
The typical Zogger is a young professional ( teachers, lawyers, doctors, bankers etc. etc.) in his/her 20’s, 30’s or early 40’s. Some participants played sports in college and others haven’t played anything organized since grade school. The common denominator is everyone is looking to have fun and meet new people.
Is there an age minimum/maximum?
Due to post-game happy hours participants must be at least 21. There is no age maximum, but we expect all our participants to be young at heart.
Do I need to be a good athlete? What if I’ve never played before?
We want everyone to be able to participate! There are 4 different levels of play (extremely casual, casual, sorta players and players) to keep it exciting and challenging for everyone. Visit the league page for more details on the level breakdown for each particular page.
I haven’t play for a long time, can I still join?
Absolutely, no time like the present to get back out there.
How is ZogSports different from other city/corporate leagues?
We love our sports, but pride ourselves on keeping the atmosphere fun and friendly. We also encourage social interaction amongst teams by organizing the post-game happy hour spot.
How competitive are your leagues?
We have many talented athletes in our leagues (and many beginners and many more somewhere in the middle). We understand and appreciate a certain level of competitiveness, but our number one priority is keeping the tone appropriately fun & friendly.
How do the Levels work in ZogSports? How do I know what level to sign up for?
There are 4 different levels of play (extremely casual, casual, sorta players and players) to keep it exciting and challenging for everyone. Visit the league page for more details on the level breakdown for each particular page.
How can I try out ZogSports to see if I like it?
Contact the league manager (link on the league page) to find out if there are any games going on that you can swing by and watch to get a better feel for the league or check out our league videos. In addition we occasionally offer one day tournaments which are the perfect way to experience ZogSports before committing to a full season.
What if I can’t make every game? Can I still play?
ZogSports doesn’t have an attendance policy, but we do encourage you to make as many games as you can. We create rosters large enough so that if a few people miss each game, the team should still have enough players to play comfortably.
Do I have to pay when I register?
Your registration is not complete until we receive payment. We fill our leagues, trips and events on a first-paid basis so we recommend paying when you register so you don’t lose your spot. If you are absolutely unable to pay during registration, your activity will be in “My Activities” in the “Unfinished Registrations” section and you can complete it the next time you sign in.
I have registered and paid. Now what?
The league dates of the first scrimmage / game are available on the “Sports Leagues” page of our website. You can expect to receive more information via email 2-3 weeks before your team’s scrimmage or first game.
General League Questions
Where do games take place?
It should come to no surprise that field and gym space is scarce in NYC and there is a lot of demand for it. We would love to secure all our permits on the most desired fields, but due to constraints like daylight and youth groups we take what we can get. Visit the league page to see the locations of the fields/gyms and keep in mind that we have varied amounts of field space at locations so you might have more or less games at each place.
When do the games take place?
We have weeknight and weekend leagues. Check out the particular league page to see the days / times games will be taking place. We know that there are more and less attractive times so we try and give each team a fair mix.
When does registration open?
Specific registration dates are posted about a month ahead of time, but in general registration opens up as follows:
- Winter – Early November
- Spring – Mid January
- Summer – Mid April
- Fall – Late July
Where do I find details for a specific sport?
The best place to find out more info is either on the specific sports page of league page. Here you can find locations, dates, times, rules and a link to email the league manager directly if you are unable to find the answer to your questions.
You are interested in registering as an Individual (or with a couple of friends)
Can I still play if I don’t have a full team?
YES! We want everyone to be able to play. You can register for all our leagues as an individual (on your own or with friends – see below) and we will place you on a team with other individuals and small groups.
How do I sign up with my friends?
If you and your friends register as individuals and request to be together we will place you on the same team. Tell each member of your group to complete the “Individual Registration” process for your chosen sport and add your friends in the “Individuals You’d Like to Be Grouped With” section of the registration from. (You can pay for friends there as well if applicable). This will ensure that you are all placed on the same team.
My friend wants to play. Can they just show up and join my team?
We require that everyone on the field / court be registered through ZogSports and have completed the waiver for each season. Due to the unfortunate legal ramifications any team playing with non-rostered players will receive a forfeit and possible removal from the league.
I signed up as an individual. How do I know who is on my team?
We wait until we sell out all our individual slots before we create individual team rosters. You will receive an email when we post the rosters and you will be able to view your teammates' contact information through My Activities.
You are interested in registering a team
Do I have to pay for the full team fee?
Your team registration is not complete until we receive payment of the league fee. While the team captain does not have to be the person to pay in order to receive the team discount, we must receive payment from one source. We fill our leagues on a first-paid basis so we recommend paying during initial registration to reserve your spot.
Can I register my team if we do not have a complete roster?
Yes. Complete the registration and payment process to assure that your team will have a spot in our league. Captains will have the opportunity to make changes to their roster through the second week of the season. Roster changes can be made by selecting the team name within the “My Activities” section and then selecting “Edit Team”.
Why are there maximum roster sizes? Why are there fees for Extra Players beyond this limit?
There are maximum roster sizes for each of our sports based on how many players participate at one time. You can use as many or as few of these roster spots; however, there is an extra player fee for each player over the max to cover additional fees incurred.
I understand that ZogSports is not a corporate league, can company teams join?
Some of our favorite teams are company teams, and we believe our leagues to be a great place for bonding outside of the workplace. However, we want everyone who participates in our leagues to have a great experience so we urge only company teams who know that people will be enthusiastic about participating to sign up.
How do I sign up a company team?
Sign up through the regular registration process. If your company is cutting a check and getting through the red tape might take some time please contact the league manager directly (link is on the league page) to let them know.
What is involved in being a team captain?
The captain is our point person for a team. They are responsible for:
- Passing along league communications
- Editing roster
- Making sure every teammate has completed the waiver form
- Communicating with league manager if you are unable to field a team
- Being available and willing to discuss any issues that arise during the season
- Helping the onsite staff maintain the appropriate tone
How do I make changes / additions to my team roster?
Sign-in to your account and select “My Activities.” At that point you can click on your team name and select “Edit Roster”. There you can make the necessary changes/additions by adding your teammates’ names and emails. All players must have an email address to be included.
How can I get more information about upcoming leagues and events?
The only way to receive our email updates at this time is to create an account. Click Sign Up in the sign in box (top left) and follow the registration instructions to complete your free account. Once you create an account, you will automatically receive our email updates. If you already have an account with ZogSports, then you’re automatically signed up to receive updates.
The following information regarding a league can be found on the league page:
- Fields
- Dates / Times
- League Fees
- Rules
Your ZogSports Account
Do I have to create an account? What happens when I create one?
Creating an account with ZogSports will allow you to sign-in to our website to keep tabs on the activities you participate in and will help captains manage their rosters. You will need to create an account before registering for any league, trip, event or signing a waiver.
I created an account, but I don’t see my team in “My Activities”
Most likely your captain signed you up under a different email than the one you created your account with. Confirm this with your captain and then follow the steps below to merge the accounts of your multiple email addresses.
I can’t remember if I have an account or not
Click on forgot password. If you have an account in our system it will send a temporary password to your email so that you can access your account. If you have yet to create an account it will prompt you to do so.
How do I update my information?
If you select “My Account” you can edit your information including email, address, name, phone number, etc. This page will also give you the opportunity to add your school affiliation or add a second email address.
What if I need/want to change my email address that ZogSports is sending information to?
See above on how to edit account information. After you sign-in and change your primary email, it will become the new email user name you use to sign-in to your ZogSports account. Your password will stay the same (unless you change that too).
ZogSports currently sends information to two or more of my email addresses. How can I merge my accounts?
At some point in the past you or one of your captains entered more than one email address for you. In order to merge the information we have associated to your multiple email accounts, please follow these step by step instructions. After completion of the merge, all of your previous and current activities will be visible in your primary account.
To Merge Accounts:
- Log into the ZogSports account that you would like to be your primary account
- Click on “My Account’ on the left side of your home page.
- Click on ‘Edit’ in your Account Information section
- On the bottom of the page, there will be a place to add the alternate email addresses that you would like to merge into your primary account. Add them, and click ‘Update’.
- You will then receive an email to the address that you would no longer like to be your primary account. Click the link in the email, which will re-route you back to your ZogSports account page. Confirm that you would like to merge the accounts by clicking the appropriate link.
- If the account you would like to merge is no longer an active email address, please send an email with the subject line “Merge Multiple Email Addresses” to info@ZogSports.org and include each email address. We will then merge the account for you as soon as possible and confirm via email.
Referees & Onsite Staff
Who are your referees?
Since our goal is to keep the appropriate tone during games we look for young professionals and students who have a passion for sports/fun and will be ambassadors for ZogSports.
Are they trained, certified referees?
We hire and train all our referees. Since we think having the right personality, loving sports and being responsible is most important we hire for those qualities and then train them to become referees. While some do we do not require staff to have previous referee experience or certification (we have yet to hear about an official dodgeball referee certification program).
How can I become a referee?
We are always looking for new staff to add to our team. If you are interested in becoming a referee or onsite staff member email info@zogsports.org.
Why do you ask teams to provide volunteer referees for some sports?
For some of our leagues we require teams to provide one or two referees to support the head referee. This helps the games run smoother and increases interaction amongst teams.
Happy Hours
Do we have to go to the bar after games?
ZogSports cannot force you to socialize, but we strongly encourage you to attend the organized happy hours that follow games. Come on isn’t this one of the reasons you joined our leagues anyway?
Why should we go to the Official ZogSports Happy Hour bar after our games?
ZogSports has negotiated deals with the designated happy hour bars. The more you drink and eat at that bar, the more we receive for charity. If you go to another bar and drink/eat, ZogSports does not receive any money for charity. Plus you won’t get the chance to meet other ZogSports teams or hang with your own!