Team Mom Playbook: Now What?

 So, you’ve got the roster. You’ve got jersey numbers. You’ve got sizes. Now what? Welcome to the organized chaos of team mom life! Whether it’s your first season or your tenth, getting things in order now will save you major headaches later. Let’s break it down.

1. Create a Master List

First things first, get all your info in one place. Whether it’s a spreadsheet, a notebook, or a team management app, make sure you have an easy-to-read list with:
✅ Player names
✅ Jersey numbers
✅ Sizes (jerseys, shorts, warm-ups, etc.)
✅ Parent contact info
✅ Any special notes (allergies, carpool buddies, etc.)

2. Double-Check Everything

Before the jerseys are printed, double-check names, numbers, and sizes. A quick text or email to parents confirming details can save you from game day disasters.

3. Order & Organize

If you're in charge of uniforms, place orders early! When they arrive, label everything before handing them out. Pro tip: Keep extra safety pins and a roll of tape for last-minute fixes.

4. Choosing a Communication Plan

I’m a firm believer in over-communicating. Why? Because I don’t want to hear, "I didn’t know what time the game was!" Nope—BS. It’s on Facebook, TeamSnap, and in an email.

My go-to tools:
📲 TeamSnap: I use this as my primary communication tool. It’s easy to use, and while it has a free version, I opted for the paid plan. I had the parents pitch in, which gave us more flexibility and allowed me to add more people.

📢 Facebook Group: This is where I post updates, reminders, and events, plus it gives parents a fun space to share pictures and connect.

✉️ Email: For those who don’t check apps or Facebook as often, I send game schedules and key updates directly to their inbox.

The key here is consistency—I post the same info in multiple places so no one has an excuse for being out of the loop.

5. Game Day Prep

Game day comes fast, so start thinking ahead. Need a snack schedule? Sideline gear? Team banner? Plan now so you’re not scrambling later.

💡 Pro Tip: Have a “Team Mom Bag” packed with essentials—extra mouthguards, hair ties, band-aids, snacks, and a Sharpie (because someone’s always losing something).