Communication is an important function of a team manager.   Here are a few of the things that you should do:

• Create a Team Site to keep all your information in one place. LHSA uses the GameChanger Team Manager app. It is free through the club's web site for your team to keep all roster, schedule information in one place. It also has a great phone app that allows you and your team to access and change information on the go. You can sync your Gmail or iCal with GameChanger to have all the schedule information show up on your calendar. Click here for instructions and notes. There are other apps that do the same thing, such as TeamSnap. But there will be a monthly or annual charge for these apps, which is not covered by LHSA to use.

• Send a Weekly Schedule Email on Monday to keep everyone in the loop. Yes, everyone should know what's going on, but the reality is that we are all busy, and an email each Monday really helps. You should include the week's practice schedule, games for the weekend, and then a list of upcoming dates. This might sound like a pain, but it eliminates many unnecessary phone calls, emails, and texts from confused parents. Keep it short and use bullet points.

• Send a Weekend Schedule Email on Thursday with game(s) information. It includes a schedule of the game(s) with addresses/directions, times, and the uniform color for the game(s). On a busy weekend when we're going in many different directions, it's helpful to have one email with all the info. Again bullet points are key.

• Show Up to Practices/Games and Team Events.  If you are going to take on being the manager, it’s important that you are accessible and available to chat or answer questions.  Of course you won’t be able to attend everything, but if you regularly send your child with a friend or babysitter to practices and games, being the manager probably isn’t the job for you.

• Touch base with your Coach on a regular basis.  You should try to just say hi at the beginning or end of practice at least once a week to see if anything is needed or to have any questions answered.

• Touch base with your Opponent  72 hours prior to the scheduled kickoff.  You should communicate the following to them;  confirmation of game time, directions to the field, and the color of the uniform your team is planning to wear for the game.