How to Write a Team Charter

A charter is an official document that details the structure of a team and defines the roles of everyone in it. A team charter also details the administrative structure that supports the team. The level of detail will vary depending on the level at which the team plays. A charter for a community league team will not contain the same elements or the same detail as a charter for a professional team. There is also no set format for a team charter, so you can use whatever suits your team.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write the mission of the team. In community league team, this might include teaching basic skills to kids, while in a professional team, this might include winning a certain number of championships or making the playoffs. It is up to you to define your team's mission. It should be very specific and not just "Play the sport and win."

    • 2

      Define the requirements for membership on the team. This should include factors, such as age range, gender if it is a unisex team, demonstrated skill competency and any other requirements specific to your team. If tryouts for the team are required, include that here.

    • 3

      Define the coaching structure. Each coaching position should also have a role specifically assigned. Head coach, offensive coach, defensive coach and assistant coach are just a few possible roles. Define what each coach is responsible for and the day-to-day role for the team.

    • 4

      Define the support structure. If your team will have managers and trainers, put them in this category. Add their responsibilities and day-to-day activities. If your team will have administrative or financial personnel, add them here as well.

    • 5

      Write a procedure for amending the charter. This procedure may not be used for many years, but it will prevent future teams from having to rewrite the entire charter if minor changes need to be made.

    • 6

      Using the information you have defined as a rough outline, choose a format that is right for you and write the charter. Let everyone initially involved in the team have an opportunity to review it and make changes as necessary. When complete, have all of the "charter members" of the team sign it.