Virtually any blueprint for professional success, individual or corporate, includes a requirement for effective communication. Lacrosse leagues are no different. Making sure that all coaches, parents, and administrators are in sync, especially as it relates to the fundamental priorities of the organization, is a critical element for success.

As part of that communication plan, many leagues hold at least one annual meeting, usually during the preseason. What may not be as widespread, but can be just as important, is a postseason meeting.

Here are six tips to hosting an effective, productive, and beneficial postseason meeting among your league’s key constituents.

1. The Iron is Hot
Review and discuss any key issues that may have risen during the season. How was the situation handled? Could we have done better? Input is always best when the issue is still fresh in everybody’s mind. Microsoft offers an online collaboration tool that could be helpful.

2. Establish a Calendar
The season is done, but the annual cycle is not. What needs to be done prior to the start of next season? Looking forward, establish and communicate the key dates that everybody will need to know. This includes player registration, board meetings, facility reservations, clinics, etc. 

3. Safety Policies and Risk Management
The time to review and update the organization’s emergency action plan (EAP) is now. Similarly, the Concussion Management Plan needs to be reviewed and updated. Do insurance policies need to be revisited? Identify the people who will be involved in these projects and establish a timetable.

4. Survey Says
Some leagues and associations circulate a survey to collect feedback from parents, officials, and coaches. The results from the survey need to be reviewed to determine any needed adjustments that should be made moving forward. SurveyMonkey is one example of an online tool that can be used for this purpose.

5. Recruiting Volunteers
There will be coaches who have decided not to return next season, and some board leaders may also be rotating off. Who will step in to fill these vacancies? Where do you find new volunteers, and if needed, how will you train them? Do you need to work with US Lacrosse to schedule coaches education courses and clinics? 

6. Show Us the Money
Every organization, including non-profits, operates with a budget. The postseason is the time to assess and adjust this budget. Were the league’s finances adequate in the past year? Do participation fees need to be increased? Will facility fees be increasing? Are officiating costs on the rise? Are grants available to offset some expenses? The budget review process is never-ending, but the time is now to start the evaluations and adjustments.