Line of succession
I start my 7th decade of life on earth in February. For those that know me know that I have a 15 yo daughter who is learning the game. 4th year. I started helping with the AIM team in Weston when she started shooting trap competition.
Since that time we started a USA Clays Team at DC Everest, we both are NRA Level 1 certified and spend the spring and summer shooting.
I will stay involved with the team as long as I can.when she goes to college my wife and I may become snow birds.
How do you find people to take the reins? Do you try to challenge parents to get involved? Looking for some ideas. Our team is growing from eight Athletes to 32 this year.
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Jim, great topic, likely one that every youth trap program eventually has to face. FIrst off congrats on the growth from 8 to 32. That doesn't happen by accident. That happens because someone built something worth joining.
On the line of succession piece, here are my thoughts...
Don't wait for volunteers - Develop them. Most parents don't step forward because they don't know what's needed or they don't feel qualified. Get to know your parents. Start with small talk and be genuinely interested in them and their story. Eventually you will notice a talent in them or a characteristic that would fit for a specific task that needs done. Ask that person for help with the specific task in mind and say "Hey, you'd be great at this". Demonstrate sincere gratitude and thank them for the help.
Recruit for STRENGTHS, not just warm bodies. Some folks are natural admin people. Some are good on the line. Some have the gift of gab. Some are great salesman. Some have the gift of gab. Match the person to the role and suddenly they thrive.
Create a structure that survives you. This is something I am refining now. An actual team handbook. I'll attach it for your review (and anyone else that would like it). We started the Crivitz Trap Team in the spring of 2022 with a hope and a dream and this spring we are headed into our fifth season. During all that time we had a very crude two page document as our official handbook. In all honesty, it didn't hold any real weight or value. So at the start of last fall season, I started drafting a fully comprehensive Youth Trap Handbook and we will be reviewing it at our next youth committee meeting in a couple weeks. This document defines the youth program and the roles there in. When parents see a real structure, they're more willing to plug in - because it feels organized and not overwhelming.
Start with a small leadership ask. Instead of "Can you help the team?", try - "Can you help the Communications Lead this season?", "Would you mind serving as a Squad Manager this season?". Most people say yes when the ask is specific.
Build culture early. If your athlete see leadership modeled, and your parents see that the program is bigger than one person, you'll eventually have families who want to continue the legacy.
You're doing the right thing by thinking ahead Jim. Programs don't grow on accident - and they don't survive on accident either. With the right structure and a little intentional recruiting, you'll find the next generation of leaders faster than you think.