SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/634578
January 2016 12 www.sportseventsmagazine.com Why is it that a certain group of indi- viduals, who are often overlooked, will frequently determine the success or failure of an event? Additionally, how important would it be for event planners to work with someone who could provide expertise to their event, as perhaps not anyone else could? I am referring to sports coaches and the often signifcant function they perform in the outcome of sports events. They have valuable contacts, expertise in their par- ticular sport, and knowledge of the local community. Coaches can also open doors for event organizers. Many have connec- tions to high ranking personnel in universi- ties and/or infuence in the region. With these skill sets and more, coaches can be an integral part and bring meaning- ful benefts to an event. Knowledge of the Local Community With a sports event, the local sports coach frequently will be the one who has vast knowledge of the event site and regional vicinity. When looking for the right loca- tion to host an event, the coach will be able to give valuable insight as to whether or not there is a potential ft. Of course, consulting with the region's CVB or sports commission is necessary and highly rec- ommended, but the wise event planner will make it a priority to connect with a well established local sports coach before look- ing at potential sites. The sports coach who is entrenched in the community has usually developed valu- able contacts throughout the years. These contacts can help the event with volunteers, accommodations, transportation, publicity, and issues before and after site selection. A coach can be a conduit between all parties, which is especially valuable when working with the site facility. There will be a comfort level that the facility has with the coach, which eases the commu- nication process. I have always believed that an event planner should include rep- resentatives from the event community on the team, and a coach certainly fts that description. Youth sports events such as junior tournaments or travel team contests can particularly beneft from the support of a coach's familiarity of the local landscape. With parents and youngsters involved, this knowledge will create a trust factor so important in youth events. Forming a Collaboration A partnership with a respected coach will afford a planner an opportunity to delegate duties to this individual, leaving more time for other event related issues. Along with community familiarity and contacts, a sports coach will be able to facilitate the communication process for an event that very few others are able to accomplish. University facilities, for exam- ple, have historically been diffcult to for outsiders to book, and a well connected collegiate coach is a big advantage here. Many years ago, when I was employed as a sports coach at a collegiate facility, I also was involved in different events at the school. In each instance, the event organiz- er contacted me before approaching the school. Once our relationship was secured, I was able to help all parties involved in the event, and the outcome was a positive one. I have seen frsthand how facility administration personnel are rightly con- cerned with safety issues. If the potential event host does not have an adequate safety plan in place, the event will not be allowed to occur. Coaches, used to dealing with youth sports, where safety is always a prime concern, can be of immense help to the planner in ensuring that appropriate measures are in place. In addition, the expertise of a coach is a great help when problems arise before and during an event. Where else would an event planner want to turn for consultation advice other than an expert in the respec- tive feld? Marketing Sports coaches are used to recruiting players for their respective teams, which requires a good bit of salesmanship. So generally, marketing is natural to them and, as a group, they are very good at this task. Coaches know that in marketing, The Untapped Value That Sports Coaches Bring To Events BY BRUCE KNITTLE IDEA Playbook t