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O ne of the most effective ways to communicate with your adult leagues is to host a captains meeting prior to your season. Your league processes can get lost in translation when communication is all done via email or league websites. Just like you, these captains have other full- time commitments and might just skim over information. If you take the time to present everything and answer any questions in person, it can support your transition into a smoothly run adult league season. Here are some tips on hosting an adult league captains meeting. PLAN AHEAD Host a meeting — or two, if necessary — in advance of your league's start date, where the majority of your adult league captains can attend. Having more than one meeting ensures that more captains will attend. The greater your attendance, the better your interactions will be, and the captains will take some ownership and pride in the league when they're included in important conversations. These meetings could take place at your rink or somewhere nearby. Maybe you've got a sponsor restaurant or bar that would be willing to host — an ideal place to have your meeting(s). FEED THEM MORE THAN JUST INFO Provide refreshments, if possible. These adult league teams often take your least ideal ice times and fill ice slots when other leagues are out of season, so it's nice to show a little love. If you're at a restaurant, order up some appetizers for everyone in attendance, or if you're at the rink, consider ordering pizzas. Free food and beverages always put people at ease. The captains will loosen up and have a better attitude from the beginning if they feel like they're getting a little back from you. BE PERSONABLE Get to know the captains in your league and make yourself accessible to them. Chances are that these teams play in your adult leagues on a regular basis. Take time before the meeting starts to introduce yourself to any captains you don't know. Open up lines of communication now so that you have a rapport during the season to take care of any issues that may arise. In addition, point out anyone else that could be a useful point of contact for them. REMEMBER THE PAPERWORK Be sure you're reviewing your registration process with your captains. Discuss deadlines and exactly what you need them to do — forms, payments, etc. You might bring computers on-site to point out where any forms or online submissions are, or supply copies of any physical paperwork you require. Reach out to your local USA Hockey affiliate for help explaining the registration process and claiming players. Oftentimes, someone from the affiliate will attend your meeting(s) and even assist with registration if given advance notice. INCLUDE IMPORTANT OFFICIALS Have your officials be an integral part of the meeting. This could include your referees, scorekeepers and anyone you have on-site during league play. Have refs assist you in presenting any unique rules to the captains. This way your captains can ask any questions they might have to avoid confusion (or hostility) once teams take the ice. Having regular scorekeepers and other league employees on hand will familiarize your captains with anyone who's assisting in game operations. EXTRAS Want to go above and beyond? If you can, offer up a gift to team captains. Even if your league has a player gift (hat, jersey, etc.), captains are deserving of anything extra. These people do the majority of the legwork for their team and are rarely recognized for their efforts. If needed, schedule a mid-season meeting to follow up with captains. They'll appreciate the effort, and your extra attention will ensure an easier season for both you and your loyal teams. USA Hockey's adult department provides a resource guide for adult league operators. For more information, contact AdultHockey@USAHockey.org. J Katie Holmgren is USA Hockey's Coordinator for Adult Women's Hockey. She also works with adult men's leagues across the country and currently serves on the board for her local women's league. 38 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2014 RINKMAGAZINE.COM How To Run an Adult League Captains Meeting PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK.COM by KATIE HOLMGREN HOW To Adult League Management , Get to know the captains in your league and make yourself accessible to them.