Category: Blog

Ever find yourself thinking, “What size did we order for Julia last year?” or “Which vendor delivered on time?” Then you know the pain of not documenting.

Keeping simple records throughout the season helps you save time, improve planning, and avoid repeating mistakes.

Here’s what you should be documenting:

• Uniform orders: sizes, quantities, delivery times, and vendors.

• Parent communications: what worked best? Email, text, or printed reminders?

• Team highlights: collect photos, feedback, and notable wins.

• What went wrong: missed deadlines, sizing errors, or unexpected costs.

Keep everything in one folder (digital or printed). Next season, future-you will thank present-you.

Being a coach is like running a small business. You manage athletes, communicate with parents, coordinate logistics, and keep track of uniforms, competitions, and team goals. To stay on top of everything without losing your mind, a monthly checklist can be your best friend.

Here’s a sample checklist to guide you through each month:

• Week 1: Review your season goals and adjust training plans. Check in with athletes one-on-one if possible.

• Week 2: Confirm any upcoming uniform or merch orders. Check inventory of training gear.

• Week 3: Share updates with parents. Highlight achievements and upcoming events.

• Week 4: Reflect and record. What worked this month? What can improve? Document it for next season.

A consistent monthly rhythm saves time, reduces surprises, and helps you feel more in control. It also sets the tone for a well-organized team culture.

Uniform sizing shouldn’t be a guessing game. That’s why we created our Sizer Sets, a super simple way to get the right fit for everyone on your team.

Here’s how it works:

• Choose a day before or after practice to schedule the fitting.

• Use our pre-labeled Sizer Sets. Each set includes the full range of sizes for girls or boys, so every athlete can try their fit.

• Measure and record the size that fits each athlete best. You can use our purchase order.

• Submit the order, pay, and that’s it.

With proper sizing, you avoid the stress of exchanges and ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident from day one.

No meets? No problem. Sometimes the off-season is where the magic happens. Keeping your team motivated during quiet months is an art and a huge opportunity.

Here’s how to keep the spark alive:

• Set micro-goals like mastering a new skill, improving flexibility, or nailing a routine element. Short-term wins boost morale and give athletes something to work toward.

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes: Weekly shout-outs, small awards, or team voting on “Most Supportive Teammate” add meaning to practice.

• Switch things up: Themed practices, partner challenges, or even a playlist made by the athletes can make workouts feel fresh and fun.

• Create leadership moments: Ask different athletes to lead warm-ups or cool-downs. It gives them ownership and strengthens confidence.

Motivation doesn’t only come from medals. When training is meaningful, creative, and full of small wins, the team stays engaged even without a competition in sight.

Parents want to help, but miscommunication can create stress and confusion. As a coach, you’re the bridge between structure and chaos. Here are common mistakes and how to fix them:

• Being too vague: “We need uniforms by next week” is not as helpful as “Please confirm your child’s size by Friday at noon.” Precision matters.

• Sending info across too many platforms: Mixing WhatsApp, email, and printed notes creates confusion. Choose one and make it clear where updates will be shared.

• Not setting boundaries: It’s okay to say, “I’m not available after 7pm” or “Uniform colors are a team decision.” Boundaries avoid burnout.

Clear, kind, and consistent communication builds trust. And that trust leads to smoother seasons for everyone involved.

You don’t need to do it all. In fact, you shouldn’t. Delegating tasks like uniform orders, size tracking, or event coordination doesn’t mean losing control, it means gaining time (and sanity).

Delegation is a leadership skill. It shows you trust your team and allows you to focus on coaching, mentoring, and strategy.

Here’s how to delegate smartly:

• Make a simple checklist of what needs to be done (e.g., collect sizes, confirm payment, pick up uniforms). This gives clarity and avoids missed steps.

• Choose one or two responsible helpers, maybe a team parent or senior athlete. Explain the task in detail, including when and how it should be completed.

• Use tools: Google Sheets, group chats, shared docs, or even a whiteboard in the gym can help keep everyone on track and accountable.

When you delegate with structure and trust, things get done your way, without you burning out in the process.

Uniforms aren’t just for looks, they’re performance tools. Recent studies in sports psychology and apparel design reveal that what athletes wear can significantly influence their mindset, confidence, and overall performance.

• Confidence Boost: Research indicates that athletes who feel comfortable and confident in their uniforms tend to perform better. A 2024 study by Massey University found that uniform design impacts female athletes’ confidence, leading to changes in attire regulations to prioritize comfort and inclusivity.

• Color Psychology: The colors of sportswear can affect athletes’ emotions and performance. For instance, red is associated with increased aggression and intensity, while blue promotes calmness and focus. Understanding these effects can help in selecting uniform colors that align with desired team dynamics.

• Sense of Belonging: Wearing a uniform fosters a sense of unity and belonging among team members. This collective identity can enhance teamwork and cooperation on the field.

• Focus & Identity: Uniforms serve as cues that signal it’s time to focus and perform. This psychological association helps athletes transition into a competitive mindset.

What You Can Do:

Choose uniforms made from breathable, high-performance materials that athletes feel great in. Bold&Grit offers free design support to ensure your team looks and feels their best.

Selecting high-quality, thoughtfully designed uniforms isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an investment in your team’s performance. When players feel great in what they’re wearing, it reflects in their confidence and results.

Hosting a gymnastics meet or sports tournament? Don’t overlook the power of custom merchandise. Shirts, hoodies, tote bags, uniforms, and more don’t just bring in extra revenue, they build your brand.

• Memorability: A well-designed event tee makes your meet memorable and keeps your name top of mind.

• Community Pride: When athletes, parents, and coaches wear your event gear, they promote your gym or school everywhere they go.

• Professionalism: Coordinated apparel gives your event a polished look and enhances the participant experience.

• Fundraising: Merch is a great way to raise funds.

• Additional Income: A great way to bring in extra revenue beyond registration fees.

• Keepsake: Event merch becomes a memento, something to collect and remember that special day when your gymnasts gave their all.

Plan Ahead: Bold&Grit requires about 6-8 weeks for production. If you’re hosting a summer or early fall event, now’s the time to get started.

Planning merch early also ensures you have time for custom designs that reflect your event’s personality. And with Bold&Grit, you get 3 free graphic proposals, and we take care of everything. This is about your brand shining on and off the mat.

Game day can be chaotic but a few small routines can make a big difference in how focused and prepared your team feels. Here are coach-approved habits that help athletes stay calm and sharp:

• Uniform Check Ritual: Before warmups, have each athlete check their uniform, shoes, and equipment. It reduces last-minute stress and builds discipline.

• Silent Huddle: Take one minute in complete silence before the game. It grounds the team and helps reset.

• Visualization Cue: Invite players to close their eyes and visualize a key moment; an ace serve, a clean landing, a perfect pass.

• Team Chant or Clap: Create a short, consistent chant that signals “game time.” It builds adrenaline and unity.

None of these routines require more than five minutes, however they anchor your team and mentally prepare them for peak performance.

Time is a coach’s most precious resource. Between planning practices, organizing gear, and managing parents, it’s hard to find a spare minute. But building team chemistry doesn’t require a weekend retreat or elaborate planning. Here are a few low-effort, high-impact bonding ideas that can be done in or around regular training sessions:

• Uniform Reveal Party: Turn the moment the team sees their new uniforms into an event. A 15-minute post-practice surprise with snacks and photos builds excitement and pride.

• Pre-Practice Gratitude Circles: Start one practice a week with each athlete sharing something they appreciate about a teammate. It’s quick and meaningful.

• Design Voting: Let athletes vote on small elements of their uniforms, like fonts or secondary colors. It gives them a sense of ownership.

• Nickname Tees for Fun Days: Order a set of funny nickname shirts for a scrimmage or camp day. Instant laughs, minimal effort.

These small gestures help athletes feel connected and valued, which can make all the difference in how they play together.