Tournaments - From the Inside

Why a Tournament?
Tournaments are one of the quickest and most enjoyable fashions to bring team bonding and camaraderie to a minor hockey team. It also brings value to coaches by pointing out strengths and weaknesses that need to be addressed. From a play perspective, the tournament provides the opportunity for a team to compete against opponents that they do not see on a regular basis.

Choosing a Tournament
Selecting the right number of tournaments for a team to enter is about timing, calibre and means of travel. Consultation with families throughout this process will be regular, since they are key participants and need to voice an opinion. It is wise for a team to consider that at least one of its tournaments will be out of town. This will allow everyone to have the opportunity to interact with people outside of their home town. Just the travelling abroad will be an enriching experience and will create valuable memories. Out of town trips are always a good way to create bonds between team mates, staff and parents. Coaches need to include tournament participation in their season plans.

Preparation
All tournament organizers will have a clear process for application, acceptance and registration. The first step for your team is to apply as early as possible for the tournaments you want to enter. It is a good idea to have an alternate tournament plan, should one not be accepted. Thus, if a team has decided to participate in four tournaments in the year, then it is a good idea to apply for at least six. However, make sure that you have the ability to decline when your entry is confirmed if you wish to get a refund.

The real work begins following your acceptance in the tournament.

The 10 Commandments of Effective Tournament Planning

1. Create a budget (identify costs and create a fundraising strategy).
2. Submit the registration fee to the tournament and follow-up with the Team Roster (TMS). Bring extra copies to the tournament.
3. Identify and book accommodations and mode of transportation.
4. Complete the Tournament Travel Itinerary Form (TMS ) and share with all participants. This should be accompanied by a copy of any relevant maps and tournament directions.
5. Meet with players and parents to discuss requirements and expectations (tournament rules, team rules, packing checklist, curfews, behavior, etc.
6. Create and distribute a team schedule of events for tournament (meals, practice times, free time, etc.)
7. Photocopy and pack players' cards, birth certificates and health cards.
8. Confirm accommodations, modes of transportations and schedules.
9. Bring a gift of appreciation to the tournament coordinator.
10. Pay in a timely manner and always send a thank you note to the tournament organizers.

The Experience
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! Make the memories positive and long lasting. As a coach, player and family member, you represent your home town, your hockey team and your association. What you do and how you conduct yourself speaks loudly.
Feedback from the experience will provide valuable information for the betterment of the tournament, your team and the association. Coaches, managers, players and parents need to get together to discuss feelings and reactions to the tournament and help to complete the Tournament Report (TMS). This will be given to the organization to help them for the next year's planning.

 reprinted with permission from
 The Hockey Source - "THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE FOR MINOR HOCKEY"