A Parent’s Guide To Travel Team Tournaments
There are easy solutions that can keep travel tournaments from becoming a burden. Good planning and realistic expectations can turn any tournament into a great weekend.
Getting There
Carpooling can save space and gas money. Its fun to designate “kid cars” and “parent cars” so that each group gets to ride with friends and enjoy the road trip experience. Parents can take turns driving the kid cars.
Staying There
When it comes to hotels, cheap rates can end up costing you in the long run. Certain hotel features may cost more initially, but will pay for themselves in money and sanity saved. Look for places with indoor pools and breakfast buffets. The pool helps everyone to relax, entertains younger siblings and cuts down on outside entertainment costs. The buffet makes hectic mornings infinitely less chaotic and ensures that players will eat at least one complete meal each day. Another extra worth paying for is an additional “community” room. This creates a space where the group can meet, eat and watch movies.
Bring Food
Parents can save money by bringing coolers of food and drink and storing them in the community room for team meals. After the players nod off, parents can enjoy one another’s company in the community room without disturbing younger children or coaches. Feed your child a balanced diet. At least two hours before the game, make sure the kid had a good meal or snack that’s packed with proteins more than carbs. One coach recommends bananas to maintain high energy level. Stay hydrated but don’t overload on water before playing. Team meals can be fun, with buffets and pizza parlors typically providing the best options. These restaurants offer inexpensive group prices and allow the kids to eat quickly and comfortably.
Get Sleep
Keep kids safe and healthy. Make sure your children get lots of rest. No sleepover play dates the night before a game.
Safety First
Know your nearest urgent care center. If you suspect your child sustained an injury during a game or practice, get them evaluated immediately especially if they are in excruciating pain.
Parent Behavior
In the stands, remember that parents not only represent their community, they set an example for the kids. Stay positive towards the team, opponents, and officials. The players will find their playing time much more rewarding.
Free Time
The number one mistake made by many parents is to over-schedule their team’s free time. The kids need options, but not obligations. It is important to remember that the players are tired. They also provide constant entertainment to one another by simply “hanging out” at the hotel. The team can arrange to tour a campus in the area or catch a local sports game.
Stock Your Car
Umbrella – For the parents because the game is on unless there’s thunder and lightening.
Rain gear for parents – I think we get colder than the players watching from the sidelines.
Towel – To dry off your wet player for the ride home.
Blanket – As the season goes on, the temperature drops.
Toilet paper – Not all the fields have a Port-A-Potty, let alone a flush toilet.
Hand sanitizer – See above.
Sunscreen – A game with warm up means many hours on the field.
Insect repellent – You never know.
Extra water – You really don’t want to drive around if your kid runs out.
Extra layer for parents – It may be warm when you first arrive but the temperature can drop by the time you leave.
Money – For food on premises or ice cream truck.
Chair – A chair with a canopy for protection.
Snack – More food to prevent post-game meltdowns.
Ice pack – Those chemical ice packs that turn cold when you shake them are genius!
Bandaids – For blisters
