Pre-season checklist - equipment and facilities

A new season is knocking on your door and it’s time to get everything ready to hit the ground running.

This week we will dive into some things you should get through early on so that you can focus on your athletes and their work.

Today we will talk about making sure all your equipment is present and in good condition as well as making sure that your facilities are ready for your athletes

Equipment and uniforms

You can’t train properly without adequate equipment so you have to make sure everything is available and in good condition. This will heavily differ by the type of sports you are practicing but it’s wise to take the time to make a plan for new purchases and repairs.

Equipment heavy sports like gymnastics, various martial arts, or triathlon require more time for you to inspect and sign off while sports like running and swimming are a little easier to manage.

Many clubs also like to start a new season with a new set of uniforms they will ware on events. Maybe you got a new sponsor who will be promoted on your tracksuits or you simply want to put some fresh paint on how your athletes look.

This is the time to budget for it.

Send out a notification to all athletes and explain to them what equipment they are supposed to have and where they can get it. Some clubs offer club discounts to their members in certain stores and you want to emphasise this again to your athletes and their parents, if you are coaching minors.

Facility preparation

Just as the equipment you use, the facilities you practice in are an important part of your training. Make sure that everything is in good condition and perform maintenance work if needed.

As with uniforms, many clubs like to give their facilities a new look by adding some new paint on the walls, some motivational images or decoration.

Anything that will make your club more welcoming here is awesome. This can also be used as a team building event for your athletes, their parents, volunteers, and anyone else interested in your club’s success. Bring some food and drinks, work on your facilities and have a nice day with your members.

Getting ready for the season doesn’t have to be expensive and adding just a few little details to your training facility and getting that one piece of equipment can boost motivation in your athletes to push a little harder.