Yet, football must not be forgotten until next fall. Starting in January and running through March, administrators will take time to look back at the previous season and plan the agenda for the next.
It is critical to first assess all aspects of the previous season from coaches to officials to facilities. While monthly league meetings throughout the calendar year are recommended, these meetings become even more important during the early part of the year. Input from coaches and clubs is essential to the planning process.
In addition to reaching an appropriate conclusion on last season, it is equally important to get a jump on the goals and strategies for next season. One of the most important aspects of this planning is registration.
While some players will sign up later in the summer and the beginning of fall, administrators should get as many players and coaches as possible lined up before schools let out in June in order to adequately prepare for the season ahead logistically and monetarily.
Finally, while implementing this off-season agenda, remember to keep the monthly league meetings social, even if just over dinner, so that people will be encouraged to attend. Individual clubs need to hold monthly meetings as well.
LOOKING BACK AT LAST SEASON
- Coaches -- Identify who did not meet the needs of the league, who should not be asked back to coach next season, or who should be brought in to discuss changes.
- Office Issues -- Did office procedure work well for everyone involved? Was paperwork handled properly?
- Facilities -- Field maintenance; trash clean-up; seating; field equipment; parking.
- Officials -- Complete an officials report. Identify those that did and did not do well, speak with them and guide them.
- Discipline -- What actions were taken when a sportsmanship-related incident was reported to the league office? Is a mechanism in place to deal with them and did it work properly?
PLANNING AHEAD FOR NEXT SEASON
- Team Forecast -- Based on increases or decreases from last season, predict the number of teams for the next season.
- Staffing -- If there are coaching spots to fill, what is the plan to replace them? Remember, it is better to overstaff and find positions for extra coaches than it is to beg for coaches just as the season begins. Research players who have graduated from high school as potential coaches.
- Coaching -- Start outlining materials for coaches including safety, equipment, meetings with parents, and coaching clinics. Some leagues base these materials on coaching information done by state high school associations. These materials allow administrators to really develop their coaches.
- Equipment -- Identify equipment needs and pre-order or re-condition where needed.
- Appreciation -- Present awards to coaches, administrators, and players to praise their strong work ethic.
- Registration -- Determine what methods to use (the Internet has become a standard), and what materials are needed. Have any printed registration materials completed by March or April so registration can start in May or June.
- Scheduling -- Note meeting dates and times, the beginning of next season, and other important dates.
- Fundraising -- Each club has different fundraising abilities - be sensitive to that. Recognize your league's shortcomings and address those deficiencies.
- Board Members -- Make sure you have all the necessary league board members on staff. Elections are often held in January.
- Rules -- Have any rule changes decided and printed by March.
