In early 2000’s, Ken Ravizza was doing one of his impromptus, yet standing room only, presentations at the national conference of the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. He was working with the Anaheim Angels at the time and one of his messages was “don’t ask for gear.”

In essence, if the team and coaches enjoy your work, they will freely offer you team gear and swag. I LOVED IT! I have lived by this mantra, although I thoroughly enjoy fresh warm-ups, lids, and jackets. I have a passion for supporting and helping the various teams I work.

Here’s the deal, if you want to know your effectiveness, let the coach get your size and outfit you. I have come to associate that a coach that freely gives you “gear” means he/she wants you to be present and a part of the team. It is a small, yet important, token of appreciation and a rite of passage.

You’re receiving monetary compensation as well (you should be if you’re not), so it doesn’t necessarily mean a coach that doesn’t “outfit” you appreciate you, but it does go a long way.

What are small ways that you feel a part of the organization or team that you work with?