Managing Substantial Growth

The popularity of your team will attract many additional students that want to be on the team. Most teams double the number of members on a team the second year. Current members of your team will share their positive experiences with a new sport, new friends, coaches and mentors. A growing team will require additional coaches, volunteers, funding, and organization structure. It’s important to maintain fairness and equitable opportunity to the best of your abilities. The two primary areas of managing a team size will be 1) coaching assistance, and 2) shooting range capacity.

1. Meet with your volunteer staff to establish a five-year vision for your team. This plan should include the following:
   • Team size expectations and limits. How big do you want your team to be?
   • Coaching staff size and experience. What areas of assistance do you need most?
   • Range availability. Can your shooting range grow with your team safely?
   • Volunteers to run committees specific for your team needs. Committees may include:
     • Clothing
     • Fundraising
     • Ammunition acquisition
     • Technology and Communication
     • Community Relations
     • Banquet and Awards
2. The number of members on a team will always be determined by how many coaches/volunteers you have on a team. The League requires a minimum of one coach for every ten student athletes on a team.
3. Continue to obtain range availability, this may include shooting at multiple sites on multiple days.
4. It’s important to include members on your team with various shooting ability levels including beginner, intermediate and advanced.
5. Growing your team needs to be handled carefully so as not to lessen the quality of the product you are putting on the field. Make sure continuing education is available for your coaches. They are the front line of contact for most athletes and parents.
6. Continue to strengthen your contacts regarding supplies and ammunition. As your team grows the demand for excellence will grow with it
7. Create a developmental system for new shooters. Coaches see the most growth in their athlete’s abilities from year one to year two. Developmental practices can include working heavily on the fundamentals. Setting the trap house for straight away targets is a great way to start to get your new shooters to develop quickly.
8. Recruiting within the schools in your district. Do not forget to include middle and elementary schools and homeschooled students. Establish frequent sessions for coaches to visit during the school day, maybe over a lunch period or during an open session.