Team Manager Expectations

The partnership between the Team Manager and the coaching staff is essential for a successful season. While the coach's primary focus is on player development and on-ice instruction, the manager plays a crucial role in handling administrative duties, communication, and team logistics. By working together, you ensure that the coaching staff can concentrate on the players and that all off-ice details are managed effectively.

You serve as the main point of contact for the team and are responsible for a variety of tasks, from scheduling to managing parent questions.

• Create a Positive Environment: Your role is crucial in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for both players and parents. By maintaining a constructive attitude, you help set the tone for the entire team and ensure the focus remains on player development and sportsmanship.

• Be a Positive Leader: You are a representative of the Bloomington Thunder. Exhibit grace under pressure, especially when faced with tough decisions. Your positive attitude is your most important tool in handling parent questions or concerns and is key to a healthy team dynamic.

• Communicate and Delegate: Communicate effectively and efficiently with the coaching staff and parents. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Most parents are eager to assist with specific tasks. Ask for volunteers early in the season and assign clear responsibilities to ensure all off-ice duties are covered.

• Support the Coaching Staff: By handling administrative and logistical tasks, you fee up the coaches to focus on practices and games. This includes managing schedules, coordinating with other teams, and organizing off-ice team activities. Your support ensures the coaches can dedicate their full attention to developing our players.

• Reinforce Team Values: Keep the Bloomington Youth Hockey mission and vision in mind at all times. Discourage conversations about individual player stats or playing time and reinforce that we are a team, playing for the name on the front of the jersey.

• Encourage Team Spirit: Off-ice team-building activities and camaraderie are key to success on the ice. Consider planning activities such as:
• Organizing team dinners after practices or games.
• Hosting a fun, off-ice team-building event like a bowling night or movie outing.
• Coordinating a team-wide gift exchange during the holidays.

To help you with your role, here are some external resources with useful information and ideas:

• How to Be a Positive Leader: This guide from the U.S. Center for SafeSport offers five simple techniques to help you create a supportive team culture and build confidence in your athletes.

• Team Building Ideas: This article from Jersey Watch provides a variety of off-ice team-building activities, from relay races and scavenger hunts to community service projects.