Expectations of a “Team Mom”
One of the most important staff positions of a youth team is the “Team Mom” or Dad. The team parent position can be filled by either a mom or dad, but the most common is the “Team Mom”, so that is the term that will be used in this article. This should be applicable regardless of which gender is filling the role. With that said, knowing the expectations of a team mom can be tricky. Each manager and sport will place different duties on the team mom. In my 5 tips for new t-ball coaches, I emphasize the importance and expectations of a team mom. Hopefully this article will not only clarify what is expected of you, but also encourage you to take on this position with confidence!
What are the expectations of a Team Mom?
#1: Be Organized.
This may seem pretty obvious, but it is worth stating. Organization is probably the single most important expectation of a team mom. No matter the sport, the beginning of the season will be the bulk of the crazy. You will have a lot of information, dates, and materials thrown at you in a short amount of time. You will need to make sure that you are prepared to keep track of all the administrative tasks that your sport and manager may need you to handle. Don’t worry, if you are prepared and organized you will be ready for any task thrown at you. The main expectations of a team mom at the beginning of the season include communication, uniforms, schedules, and pictures. Your manager needs you to be the point of contact for each of these things and to have the information that parents need. Again, it’s no big deal, most leagues will have a meeting to pass along all this info that you will need. Be ready with spreadsheets, checklists, or whatever method works best for you to track who has been given what, and everything someone has given you.
#2: Be Confident.
Even if you don’t know what you are doing, you must project that you have it together. The other parents are going to look to you to know what is going on. It’s ok to not have all the answers, but you must make them trust that you will find it for them. You also do not want others second guessing that they have the right information. This can be tricky in some leagues as sometimes it seems like the manager and team mom are somehow the LAST to find out things. Ensure parents that you are on the official communication lines and until they hear it from you or the manager it is not true. The expectation of you as a team mom is that you are the expert about all things going on around your team. Again, if you do not want to be extra, then don’t. Just be able to tell the other parents that you are not doing that. If you are willing to let them, then pass that along as well.
#3: Get in Sync with the Manager.
You are one of the most important people on the manager’s staff. Find out from them what they need you to do, this can vary from manager to manager. Make sure their expectations of a team mom are clear. Generally, they will have you handle the administrative functions of the team such as distributing schedules and uniforms and making sure any team duties are covered. How much extra you do is up to you, but as long as you are taking care of the needs of the manager, you are good to go. That is the minimum expectations of a team mom.
#4: Be Creative or Delegate as Needed.
Some team moms organize team shirt sales, snack schedules, banners etc. Others leave that to parents to figure out on their own. There are plenty of opportunities to be extra, but if that’s not you then no big deal, although you should probably let other parents know what your plans are for the season. You can then give them an opportunity to step in and provide any extras they may be expecting.
Designing posters, banners, or parade floats are also common expectations of a team mom. It usually does not need to be anything special for any case. However, it is very helpful if you are at least competent in these tasks. If you are not, there is bound to be a parent on the team that excels at this. They will likely be more than willing to help.
#5: Be Humble, Ask for Help.
This one pretty much goes with #4 above but, you will more than likely need some help. Do not be afraid to ask others to pitch in. Most parents are willing to help as needed, they just do not want the official responsibility that being part of the team staff requires. Some parents have higher expectations than others about what should be provided throughout the season. If you are not comfortable, capable, or willing to providing these items, then ask others if they can. At some point, you have to go back to expectation number 2. Do not be afraid to say that you are not doing something if it is not feasible. At the end of the day, you are a volunteer, and the other parents must appreciate that.
You Can Do This!
I know the expectations of a team mom can be daunting. Do not let that discourage you. If you are a person that thrives with these types of tasks, then please do not hesitate to volunteer. The team needs you. The manager definitely needs you. For younger athletes, a good team mom can have a huge positive influence on their experience.
I hope you found this article helpful! If you would like to learn more about me, you can find it here. You can also send me questions or suggestions to CoachFreddy@coachthemkids.com.
Thanks for reading and GOOD LUCK!
