Manager Requirements

DHA requires all of our team managers to be properly registered and screened in accordance with USA Hockey, Mid-American District, State, and local rules and regulations.

Step 1: Register with USA Hockey as a volunteer. This is an annual registration process, but it is free.

Step 2: Go through the Mid-Am background screening process. Background screens must be completed every two (2) seasons.

Step 3: Take the USA Hockey Safe Sport Program. Safe Sport must be renewed every season by either re-taking the entire Safe Sport Program or participating in a refresher course.

Step 4: Take the NFHS Concussion Course and submit your certification number in your registration. Review the Lindsay's Law coaching resources. These components are completed every three (3) years.

Step 5: Register yourself through the Dayton Stealth Coach/Volunteer registration. This will ask you for your USA Hockey annual registration number, your concussion certification number, and whether or not you've completed Safe Sport, along with some other basic information. It is a free registration that must be completed annually in order for us to keep our database current.

What Does a Team Manager Do?

A great team manager is a key part of a successful season and quickly becomes the right hand of the coaching staff. While responsibilities may vary slightly based on the needs of the team, coaching staff, and families, the team manager’s primary role is to help organize the team, support communication, and handle the many “outside the glass” details that allow coaches to focus on player development.

Be Prepared on Game Day

Every team manager should create and maintain a “rink bag” with essential game-day items. Suggested items include:

• Blank scoresheets
• Copy of the team’s USA Hockey roster
• Tournament rules
• Roster stickers
• Extra pens and dry erase markers
• iPad charger for Gamesheet Scoring
• Small notebook
• Hockey tape
• Extra neck guard
• Small screwdriver set
• Spare skate laces
• Hair ties, pain relievers and bandaids

Be the Team Communicator

The team manager serves as the primary communication link between the coaching staff, players, families, and DHA. A good practice is to create a team email list or communicate on Crossbar and provide regular updates to families regarding upcoming practices, games, tournaments, and team events.

Responsibilities may include:

• Communicating important DHA updates and deadlines
• Ensuring player information, including USA Hockey numbers, is accurate and up to date
• Confirming coach and manager requirements/certifications are completed
• Coordinating uniform and warm-up orders
• Maintaining team documents and important information (waivers, tournament registrations, etc)
• Assisting with game scheduling and communicating with opposing team managers
• Confirming game details with opposing teams before each game
• Organizing parent volunteers for game-day responsibilities such as scorekeeping, clock operation, music, and penalty box duties

Maintain Team Budget

• Coordinate with the DHA treasurer to ensure families understand team expenses, tournament fees, and fundraising expectations.

Support Communication Between Coaches and Families

One of the most important responsibilities of a team manager is helping create a positive relationship between coaches and families.

Managers should build trust with both groups by:

• Helping families understand where to direct questions and concerns
• Listening to parent feedback and communicating appropriate concerns to the coaching staff
• Supporting coaches by helping manage team logistics and communication
• Encouraging respectful and productive conversations

The team manager is not responsible for making hockey decisions or resolving coaching/player development concerns, but they play an important role in helping facilitate communication.

Help Build Team Culture

Team managers often help coordinate the social side of the team and create opportunities for families and players to connect. Depending on the age level and team needs, this may include:

• Organizing snack schedules for younger teams
• Coordinating team meals or activities
• Helping arrange hotel accommodations for tournaments and out-of-town games
• Supporting team-building activities

If these responsibilities are delegated to another parent volunteer, the team manager should still help coordinate and ensure communication stays organized.

Enjoy the Experience!

Being a team manager is a rewarding experience and a great way to become involved with your player’s hockey journey. Managers build relationships with players, coaches, and families and often develop friendships that last well beyond a single season.

Thank you for volunteering your time and helping make the Dayton Stealth experience a positive one for all players and families!