Equipment Management

Equipment issue and collection is vital. I was the HC and delegated equipment issue responsibilities to my assistant coaches. Every player was issued an equipment card that was signed with a statement claiming any missing equipment other than what they paid for is charged to their parents. I arranged for our helmet rep to be at the school on issue day to properly fit each athlete. Helmets were previously numbered by me. I personally fit and issued shoulder pads that were also previously numbered by me. Used to be we had to fit girdles, hip pads, thigh pads, knee pads, and other accessory equipment. Nowadays players have their own girdles complete with thigh pads, hip pads, tail pad. We still assigned knee pads so one of my assistants issued those. Another assistant passed out spirit packs that were pre-ordered online (t-shirts/shorts/mouthpieces). Another assistant passed out practice jerseys, while another handed out pants. All equipment was returned the day of the last game after the game was over. It was a pain in the ass, but saved an even bigger pain in the ass if it was collected later. The players could not leave the locker room until they turned in their equipment and were signed off by the coaches.  Same procedure used with assistants collecting all the equipment and cards.

I immediately contacted my rep to collect helmets for reconditioning. I also sent out ANY shoulder pad that needed reconditioning. The rep contacted me to let me know how many helmets passed, and how many I needed to order new. Same with the shoulder pads. Provided me the opportunity to purchase those items when the prices were low, and take advantage of any residual incentives provided by the rep that went with the order.