On The Road: Away Games + Player Development
Last week we were on the road for the conference championship. (WE WON!!) As I packed, I was thinking of questions I have gotten from those who are interested in the position. They have asked what player development looks like for road games. Well, this blog is here to give detail to my experience on the road in player development.
I want to start by saying that I’ve been a part of 3 football programs in my life and all my experiences have been different. The one commonality in all the programs was I have helped or been an extension of the operations department in some way. My goal on these trips is to be a team player and help in any way possible.
I will break down these responsibilities by the football programs I worked for:
Houston
Ticket liaison for players
Messaging to the players to let them know the ticket deadline for the week. Educating others on the process of getting tickets into the system.
Spent time with player families during family time/ game time with players
We had a two-hour block where our players could watch a movie, play games, or spend time with their families in the hotel. I would play games with the players to begin with and then would go spend time building relationships with their families.
Academic reminders
Messaging about tests or assignments that were due that weekend.
Locker room clearance
Before we boarded the buses to leave, it was my duty to ensure the locker room was clear.
Travel information distribution
As the players were leaving the locker room, I passed out their travel bifold with the itinerary of the trip.
Assisting operations at hotel
Helping with anything needed when the team arrived at the hotel.
Kansas
Messaging about weekend’s procedures
Sending out a message to the players about necessary and important reminders for the weekend trip.
Ticket liaison for players
Messaging to the players to let them know the ticket deadline for the week. Educating others on the process of getting tickets into the system.
Attended the travel squad meeting
Attended the Unity Council meeting
Movie chaperone
Checking roll or attendance to meetings/meals
Academic reminders
Messaging about tests or assignments that were due that weekend.
Curfew checks
Assisted operations department at hotel
Helping with anything needed when the team arrived at the hotel.
Baylor
Messaging about weekend’s procedures
Sending out a message to the players about necessary and important reminders for the weekend trip.
Ticket liaison for players/staff
Checking bus roll
Checking roll or attendance to meetings/meals
Movie chaperone
Hotel breakdown day of the game
Creative media logistics for ride to stadium
We play a highlight video on the way to the stadium. I go to each bus and make sure the audio and visual works for each DVD.
Assisted operations department at hotel
Helping with anything needed when the team arrived at the hotel.
There it is a detailed run through of what my role has looked like on the road for the 3 programs I have had seasons with. I will do a blog like this on home games, it’s very similar but there are a few differences.
Hope you enjoyed the blog. For more blogs and information on player development, click this link: https://www.btfprogram.com/playerdevelopment-blog
If you would like a digital copy of my book that dives deeper into player development, click this link: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/btf-ebook
God bless and go create generational impact.