DURING THE WEEK of an away game we strive to eliminate as much of the stress of travel preparations as possible.

Monday
On Monday, we give players and parents a set of directions to follow for the week. On this memo, will be the following items:
-    Color of jersey the players are to wear in the game.
-    Exact time of the team’s departure and the estimated time of return.
-    Precise directions to our opponent’s athletic facility.
-    Information on the feeding of the team. If the games are in a close proximity to our school, we usually eat fast food after the game. If the trip is long, we’ll have parents pack sandwiches, snacks and drinks for the team.

By following this simple handout, everybody is aware of what needs to be done before game day.

Tuesday, Wednesday
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we make sure the players know when we are to leave and return from the game.

Also, on Wednesday, I’ll double-check and make sure they know what color jersey they need to pack in their equipment bag.

At the end of practice on Wednesday the players are reminded to take everything home to be packed. We expect them to have every pad and belt in proper place when they return the next day.

Thursday
On Thursday, we use the following checklist. We have found that by doing this before all away games, everything usually runs smoothly.

Away-Game Checklist
    Departure Time:    
    Return Time:  

    1.    _____    Physical/Parental Consent Forms
    2.    _____    First Aid Kits
    3.    _____    Athletic Tape and Underwrap
    4.    _____    Towels
    5.    _____    Water Bottles
    6.    _____    Field-Repair Kit
    7.    _____    Ice Cooler (Full Of Ice)
    8.    _____    Extra Helmet Bag
    9.    _____    Extra Shoulder Pads
    10.    _____    Practice And Game Balls
    11.    _____    Kicking Tee And Block
    12.    _____    Extra Mouthpieces, Chin Straps
    13.    _____    Extra Ear Pads
    14.    _____    Three Copies Of The Team Rosters (for the bus driver, the opponent’s announcer and for roll call before departure to and return from the game).
    15.    _____    Set Of Directions To The Opponent’s Athletic Facility.
    16.    _____    Make Sure The Players Pack Their Equipment And Are Ready To Go.