Helpful Hints for Coaches
These aren’t official rules — just helpful ideas and reminders that other coaches have found useful over the years.
Team Trophies & Medals
- Most teams like to celebrate the season with a small token for the kids. There are many great options locally and online for medals and trophies that offer great customer service, quick turnaround, and affordable pricing.
- Please talk to other coaches or a board member for recommendations. We cannot recommend vendors that are not sponsors on our website.
- Hint from past coaches: Some teams choose medals instead of trophies (cheaper, easier to store for families).
Practice & Game Day Tips
- Schedule: Please check the schedules on game day for last minute changes.
- Field Setup: Arrive early and bring an extra parent to help with goals and corner flags. It makes the first 10 minutes of practice/game much smoother.
- Communication: Use apps like TeamSnap, Stack Team, BandApp or even a group text to keep parents in the loop. Consistent communication = fewer surprises.
- Weather Prep: Ask players to bring a change of socks/shoes for wet days. Saves time and avoids complaints about cold feet.
- Shared Snacks: Not required, but some teams rotate snack duty. Works best if you assign a parent coordinator early.
Team Pictures – Olive Photography
- Scheduled Days: Pictures are scheduled for specific days each season (dates will be sent out to coaches).
- Location: Usually held at the fields before/after games or during a scheduled session.
- Tip: Remind parents that pictures run smoother if players arrive in full uniform and on time.
- Orders: Families can order individual or team photos directly through Olive Photography’s order forms.
- Hint from past coaches: Bring a Sharpie so you can help kids write names on order envelopes if parents forget.
- Olive Photography | Photographer | 489 North Holly Street, Canby, OR, USA
End of Season Ideas
- Celebrations: A simple pizza party at a local park or restaurant is always a hit.
- Coach Gifts: Many teams will organize a small thank-you gift for coaches (Coffee gift card, team photo signed by players, etc.). Not expected, but fun.
- Hint from past coaches: If you do a party, hand out medals/trophies there — it makes it feel more special.