Since you don’t always know how long a match, game, or tournament could last, it’s smart to bring anything you could possibly need (within reason) for throughout the day. Here are a few objects I always pack in my purse and/or backpack for match days and tournaments.
- Team Items
Scorebooks, filming equipment (which, if you’re lucky, is one object) and meal money all fit into this category. Since it’s for the team, it’s the most important. Always double and triple check before you leave your school and the venue to ensure you have all team property.
I also am occasionally left in charge of medical sheets, which are extremely important to keep safe and close.
- Chargers
Bring chargers for your phone, for the team’s iPads camera, and other tech. Again, you never quite know how long the day could be, so it’s important to be prepared.
- Homework
I notoriously always bring my homework to tournaments and never touch it. But, it’s always nice to have it there in case motivation strikes.
- Pain Relief (of all sorts)
I keep a small bag of band-aids, Neosporin, Dramamine, and Tylenol in my purse in case I or anyone else needs it. The Dramamine is especially crucial if you or someone on your team is prone to motion sickness.
- Pens and Pencils Galore
You never know when your pencil will break while scorekeeping or when your coach will need a pen.
- Blanket
These are the best for long bus trips and for sitting on uncomfortable bleachers before events start. Especially if you manage a winter sport.
- Puzzle Book
This is mostly just for before a game or match begins. My coach often gets us to venues extremely early, so it’s nice to have a Sudoku book or crossword puzzles to work on while the team waits to weigh in. And to procrastinate on doing that homework I brought.
- Perfume, Lotion, and Sanitizer
It’s always nice to be able to freshen up in the middle of a tournament or at the end of the day. And sanitizing is especially important if you are handling team equipment or athlete’s clothing.
- Snacks
While my team’s parents typically will bring food and drinks, it’s smart to bring some of you own for before they arrive. If you work with wrestlers, just try to eat while they’re not around or wait until after they weigh-in.
- Headphones
It’s nice to space out on the way to and from an event, unless your coach or athletes want to talk to you of course. Though, in my experience, the rides home are typically quiet.
- Movies
If you’re travelling on a bus equipped with a DVD player, it can be fun to bring some inspirational sports films or feel-good films such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. My team always watches films while we travel. Just make sure your selections are not rated R or are too racy.
- Water Bottle
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Especially during tournaments. I am constantly rushing from mat to mat filming during those, so I always try to keep my water bottle close by to keep me going.
- Coffee Cup
If you drink it, it’s very helpful for those early morning tournaments. A gallon-sized jug to split between you and your co-manager is also a nice touch.
These are just suggestions and what I have found useful over the past few seasons.
Managing Sports at the College Level 