Rink

40 R INK MAGAZ INE May/June 2007 by MARK VAUGHAN The first step is to break down the operations into sections. The following five will be enough to give you a good review: budget, staffing, equipment, building and operations. BUDGET: Comparing your numbers tells a lot, but not everything. Putting numbers next to each other can throw up some flags in areas that need more research or some explanation. When comparing these numbers, make sure you look at the percentage of budget that this number is affecting. Example: If a line item for $150 for shop materials is over budget by 20% this line item should not take much of your time. STAFFING: As part of your reflecting each year, question yourself and ask your staff "did you have enough help?" Be cautious when asking staff: most likely they will always want more help — you have to remind them that it is ok to be busy. Large events are a good indicator of this as these are the time more supervisors or more building attendants are needed. This will make budget implementations. Other areas to look at will be in custodial, administration and skate school ratios. A s the winter season has wound down, spring leagues have formed and dry floor events have started. It is the season for arena personnel to reflect, review, compare and start the process of preparation. Analyzing budgets, staffing, operations, repairs and events should be on your front list of tasks to be completed. Arena managers need to break down operations in sections to determine how efficiently and effectively our operation is being run. We can utilize our existing st aff to assist with this.

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