Ever wonder what it really means to be an Event Coordinator? We touched base with some of our rock-star EC’s to get their inside perspective on life as an EC!
Clelia Silvi
Years’ Experience: 3? Time flies when you’re having fun!
Position: I’ve worked many venues but the majority of my shifts are located at National Beach Centre working indoor beach volleyball.
Favourite Pro Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
What is the first thing you do when arriving at your venue?
Turn on the radio!
Talk us through your responsibilities and duties while on site?
It is my job to make sure the courts are generously watered down, this keeps the sand out of the air and SSC members happy!! I am also responsible for making sure games run on time, the venue is safe, and most importantly players are having fun!
What is involved in the wrap of a shift?
Once all players have left the courts I begin my weekly cardio session…raking the courts. I make sure any left behind articles are placed in the SSC lost and found and I tidy the chairs and tables.
What is your favourite part about being an EC with the SSC?
Luckily because I’ve been placed at the same venue for a long time I’ve been able to really get to know the members. We talk about more then just the sport they’re playing, we’ve become friends.
If you had one thing you could express to members, what would it be?
The garbage can is on your way out of the building!!!
Share a funny or good story with us from your time as an EC!
One season we were short a team, I was asked if I knew anyone who would want to bring in a team and play. I asked a group of guys who had a permit once a week (they played amongst each other). They were a little hesitant to join the league and were worried about how they would fair against teams who have been playing for years. They won the championship that season and came back for a second!
Matt Del Degan
Years’ Experience: 4 years
Position: Floor Hockey, Ice Hockey and Volleyball.
Favourite Pro Team: Montreal Canadiens
What is the first thing you do when arriving at your venue?
Depending on where I am located, either open the cages and begin set up or, if I am at a school, I will proceed to set the gym up for the appropriate sport. Then I do a once around to make sure it’s clean, sweep the courts in order to clean any dust or dirt.
Talk us through your responsibilities and duties while on site?
Once players arrive, I go to each team, ask them how they are doing, go over any questions and proceed to start the game. During the shift, if it’s a single game gym, I will keep score, otherwise I am keeping time and giving them half time and full time warnings. As an EC we are also ready for any injuries that may occur, so I’m usually ready with ice on hand.
What is involved in the wrap of a shift?
Once all games for the night are completed I proceed to clean up the courts or gym, collect any balls or sticks, throw away any garbage and greet the players out. Once all players leave, I do a once around and check for any lost items. If found, they are put in the bin and I am on my way out.
What is your favourite part about being an EC with the SSC?
My favourite part is being able to meet so many great people. I have met many good friends through both playing and working for SSC.
If you had one thing you could express to members, what would it be?
Just to respect each other, understand that it’s just a game and respect the venue by throwing out your garbage. Even if it’s not yours, if you see a water bottle, just toss it out on the way out.
Share a funny or good story with us from your time as an EC!
A team was down in the finals 5-0. Everyone was down and out and I just went over and tried to brighten up their spirits and give them a few pointers. They ended up tying the game and winning the championship. In their team championship team photo they asked for me to be in it. That was a fulfilling and fun experience.
Adam Isaias
Years Experience: 5 years
Position: Event-Coordinator
Favourite Pro Team: Toronto Blue-Jays
What is the first thing you do when arriving at your venue?
Greet the caretaker and any fellow staff or colleagues on site. Check in with team captains to handle any administrative matters I.e rosters and general rules.
Talk us through your responsibilities and duties while on site?
Duties include score keeping basketball and maintaining gym space. Any concerns regarding players of league matters I handle via the EC help-phone line.
What is involved in the wrap up of a shift?
Wrapping up a shift consists of taking down any equipment. I also follow up with teams and officials regarding any player infractions and standard league protocol.
What is your favourite part about being an EC with the SSC?
Favorite part of being an EC is the ability to be a part of an organized club that promotes daily healthy active living in such a positive manner. The camaraderie and life long friendships make the league all the better.
If you had one thing you could express to members, what would it be?
Best advice I can provide is enjoy each and every session whether win-loss-draw, it is an opportunity to meet new friends and stay fit.
Share a funny or good story with us from your time as an EC!
A funny time I can remember was when there was a defaulted game, which led to a fun game of pick up basketball between the refs and players. Good for water cooler talk and that day goes down for me as an SSC classic.
Kamila Duda
Years’ Experience: 1.5 years
Position: Central Tech, Soccer (but you’ve probably seen me at other venues and doing other sports)
Team: Light and Dark, as in the standard two colors every team should have on them 😉
What is the first thing you do when arriving at your venue?
I make sure I’m wearing my EC staff uniform, consisting of my red t-shirt and lanyard with whistle and place myself in an area that is easily seen by members. I then take out my copy of the schedule and rules so that I’m ready to go if you guys have any questions!
Talk us through your responsibilities and duties while on site?
I watch you guys like a hawk… not a biggie, it’s actually a lot of fun 😊! I watch the clock for teams and give time warnings throughout the game. I blow the final whistle and you’re all awesome in listening to the whistle.
What is involved in the wrap up of a shift?
I make sure that you haven’t left anything behind. I wait around to see if you have any after-game questions/concerns/or just want to chat! I watch out for putting things back where they belong, so that venues are left better than they are found. Did you move that bench in the middle of the field, and forget to put it back? Hey! That’s not where it goes!
What is your favourite part about being an EC with the SSC?
I love the members that love to play “just for fun”! Players are out there to have fun. They put a positive twist on just about everything – we’re just out to have a good time! Enjoy yourself.
If you had one thing you could express to members, what would it be?
Do you have an online profile? I’ll remind you every week 😊
Share a funny or good story with us from your time with the SSC?
I showed up, week 2 at Central Tech, and a player saw me approach, jokingly he said: Yes! We all have online profiles. I didn’t even have to say anything!!!!
Amanda-Lisa Riviere
Years’ Experience: 2 years
Position (Venue/Sport): Beach Volleyball – National Beach Centre
Favourite Pro Team: Loyal Raptor’s Fan
What is the first thing you do when arriving at your venue?
Unlock the front door, turn on the lights and open the equipment storage bin.
Talk us through your responsibilities and duties while on site?
Rake, groom and water each court. Ensure all net heights are even, all volleyballs are pumped and distribute scoreboards and score sheets. I provide five minute warning before the end of the game and another “last serve” warning when their time is up.
What is involved in the wrap of a shift?
Rake, groom and water each court, place all lost and found items in the SSC storage bin, as well as all the equipment. Clean up site, turn off all lights and lock the front door.
What is your favourite part about being an EC with the SSC?
The staff are very supportive and the many positive interactions with the members gives the position it’s worth. More often than not, members will make me feel a part of the team. At the end of the match when members shake hands they will come over and thank me and shake my hand as well.
If you had one thing you could express to members, what would it be?
As an EC it is my duty to be the best part of a member’s day, however, it is common that the members are the best part of my day as well. Some of us are coming from full/part time jobs prior to our shift. Whatever negativity was experienced beforehand all seems to disappear when I see the members having fun and making the best out of their games. Beach volleyball at the National Beach Centre is akin to seeing kids playing in a huge sandbox. At any given time you could have well over 36 people on the courts simultaneously having fun. Smiles are contagious. Not everyone smiles coming in, but when they leave those smiles are very hard to contain.
Share a funny or good story with us from your time with the SSC?
One member was celebrating a birthday and her teammates surprised her with cupcakes. The teammates invited me to sing happy birthday with them and offered me some goodies. This is just one of the many examples of inclusion that I witness every shift as an EC.
Jason Borges
Years’ Experience: 2 years & 8 months.
Position: Floor hockey
Favourite Pro Team: Blue Jays
What is the first thing you do when arriving at your venue?
I prep the venue to ensure everything is ready to go for game time! Once members start to arrive I say hi and we get started!
Talk us through your responsibilities and duties while on site?
My main responsibilities is to ensure the evening runs smoothly. I set up the gym, lay out the gear and make sure the first aid kit is stocked. During the game I keep score, look out for trouble makers and keep time.
What is involved in the wrap up of a shift?
Once games are finished I make sure to clean up the gym and make sure equipment is properly put away.
What is your favourite part about being an EC with the SSC?
I enjoy the social aspect the most. Being involved with a group of people having fun!
If you had one thing you could express to members, what would it be?
Take it easy on the court. Sports is a great outlet but sometimes we can all get heated from time to time.
Share a funny or good story with us from your time with the SSC?
All I can say is that I try to make things a pleasant experience for the members. This can be something as simple as a high five, quick pep talk, or going out for drinks after the game.
Scott Wallace
Years Experience: 4 years
Position: Floor Hockey
Favourite Pro Team: Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays
What is the first thing you do when arriving at you venue?
The first thing I do when I arrive is begin to setup the venue, so it is ready when the members arrive. As member arrive, I greet them and ask how there day is going – I want to be the best part of their day. 🙂
Talk us through your responsibilities and duties while on site?
My responsibilities are to ensure the members are having an awesome time, and make sure the night goes smoothly with no issues. Now, nothing is perfect and there are times when incidents do happen. I just have to make sure I can calm the situation down and get the game back on track.
What is involved in the wrap up of a shift?
Once my shift is over I ask the members how their game went and wish them a good night. I then begin to clean up and put the equipment away.
What is your favourite part about being an EC with the SSC?
My favorite part about being an EC is the fact that I get to meet and interact with different people every shift. It is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. I have met many friends this way and we now hang out outside of work!!
If you had one thing to express to members, what would it be?
One thing I would express to members is that when you’re playing your game you don’t take it too seriously, just try to have fun and enjoy being out there. Winning or losing shouldn’t matter as long as you’re having fun!! That’s the most important thing – leave the aggression at home.
Event Coordinators are an essential part in the SSC. Without them, game’s wouldn’t be possible.
If this sounds like fun to you, we are always looking for new additions to our team. Check out: https://sportandsocialclub.bamboohr.com/jobs/
~ Compiled by Katherine Force