What is the purpose of a pre-season orientation meeting for teams?

The purpose of a pre-season orientation meeting is to set expectations, clarify goals, and build team rapport. This meeting serves as a crucial opportunity for coaches and players to come together before the competitive season begins. By discussing what is expected from players in terms of behavior, effort, and teamwork, everyone can align their individual goals with the team's objectives. Additionally, this meeting fosters a sense of belonging and connection among team members, which is vital for establishing a strong team culture. Ensuring that all athletes have a common understanding of the team’s philosophy and objectives enhances cohesion, encouraging players to support one another throughout the season.

Distributing uniforms, conducting fitness tests, and scheduling matches may be important logistical aspects of a season, but these do not address the fundamental need for communication and relationship-building that the orientation meeting provides.