How to Protect Your Roster

As a team manager or coach or owner, to protect your roster is of utmost importance. Even if the team hasn't become a champion or perennial winner just yet, team chemistry and continuity go a long way towards breeding eventual success. It rings true with virtually all levels of sport.

Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a bond with the players. The more connected a player feels to your team, the more likely he is to stick around. For example, 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson created his Hall of Fame resume, in part, by caring for the last player on the roster just as much as he cared for the superstars.

    • 2

      Keep the potential for injury in mind. For instance, if your team has already secured a playoff or tournament spot, consider resting your starters. If they get injured when the postseason was a sure thing, then they are injured in vain and you will potentially put your own job at risk.

    • 3

      Utilize role players. A team's star needs a supporting cast. No matter how good a key player or two may be, everyone needs to play his part in a team sport. In essence, the role players are the glue. For example, the Chicago Bulls of the 1980's struggled as Michael Jordan was virtually forced to win games all by himself. In the 1990's, however, the Bulls won six championships as the rest of his team began to contribute.

    • 4

      Take a proactive approach to player management. Don't wait until the last moment to address whether a player stays on the roster. At younger levels like CYO or middle school, keep an eye on grades slipping, and address any issues before they become a problem.