Even though your class or organization may own the Tip-Off, there are several people you will have to count on for cooperation and support. It is essential to meet with the coaches, Athletic Director, building managers, and whoever else may be impacted by the staging of your event.  It is best to involve these individuals from the start, so they feel the Tip-Off is something you are doing for them or with them and not something you are doing to them.

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You must communicate to the coaches that there will be minimal effort necessary on their part. Remember, the event may be important to you. Still, it is often "just one more distraction" to the coach preparing for the season's beginning.

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If you plan and organize your event properly, all your coach should have to do is show up with the team, introduce the players, and have them run through a few drills. If the involvement is significantly more than this, it may cause the coach to balk at the opportunity.

The same general concept is true for the rest of the individuals involved with the event. The less you require of them, the more likely they are to get behind your effort.

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The key when approaching the administration is to stress the positive atmosphere of the event. Focus on the excitement and enthusiasm that can help build spirit among the fans and student body. 

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It never hurts to get the principal involved in one of the events as a little added leverage. We had a great deal of success with a simple shooting contest between the participating schools' principals. It may be one of the few opportunities for the principals to hear cheers rather than jeers.

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After effectively selling the concept for your Tip-Off, it is time to move on.