Each
league is different, but here is a list of the duties most often
required of the team parent:
- Make a duty roster for the other team parents
to bring snacks for each game. Players will always bring their
water bottle to each game as well as to each practice. At the
game half-time, AYSO recommends orange slices for the players.
One parent will bring cooled orange slices while another parent
will serve snacks and drinks after the game. Snacks and drinks
may be further split between two parents. You may want to call
or e-mail parents a few days before when it's their turn.
- Start the phone tree in case of changes in practice
time or location or cancellation of games or practices. Some coaches
may prefer to do this rather than the team parent.
- Copying and distributing practice and game schedules.
- Coordinating all aspects (forms, location, times)
for pictures.
- Coordinating a team gift for the coaches at
the end of the season.
- Coordinating the team awards (trophies, medals,
soccer balls) in case the league does not furnish you trophies.
- Decide where and what type of team party the
team will have after the season. See the notes below concerning
team parties.
What kind of gift is the team expected
to give to the the coaches after the season?
That varies from league to league but most coaches
do not expect anything of excessive value and would probably be
embarrassed if an expensive gift was given them. A sentimental or
unique gift which reminds them of the team is best. Some of the
best gifts are: framed pictures of the team, a ball, plaque or picture
autographed by all the team members, or restuarant gift certificates. |
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Special
Notes:
- There is no rule that
the team parent must be a 'mom'. There have been plenty
of team dads in recent years who have done a good job just as
there have been plenty of female coaches who have excelled in
what was primarily a male coach's role in the past.
- Do not let yourself become a babysitter at practices
or games or a taxi service for parents who can not get their children
to games or practices.
- In today's litigious society you should also
be sure that you are not alone with any child that is not your
own. Always have a second adult on hand.
- Stay organized. Be sure to have a calendar
available for team dates as parents will often call and ask for
time and dates of games or practices since they have lost their
own schedule.
- If you are giving a hand-out to players at practice
be sure to write the name of the player on the top of the page.
By doing that you will be sure that everyone gets a copy and there
are no questions when a parent later complains that you did not
give a copy to their child. At younger ages it makes sense to
place the hand-out or envelope directly in the parent's hands
when possible.
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