The Complete Guide to Beer League Team Management: From Dues to Dynasties

Nobody tells you that being a beer league captain is basically a part-time job. You're part scheduler, part accountant, part therapist, and part motivational speaker—all for the privilege of chasing a puck around with your friends.

After 8 years of captaining teams in the Dallas Adult Hockey League, I've learned what separates functional teams from chaotic ones. This guide covers everything I wish someone had told me before I said "sure, I'll be captain."

Key Takeaways

Before we dive in, here's the short version:

15-17 skaters is the sweet spot for consistent attendance

Digital payments (Venmo, Zelle) reduce dues collection time by 90%

A reliable sub network is your most valuable asset

Group texts for game day, email for everything else

Post-game beers are non-negotiable for team culture

The Real Job of a Beer League Captain

Let's be honest about what you're signing up for:

**Time Commitment**: 3-5 hours per week during the season

Roster management and sub coordination

Payment collection and tracking

Game day logistics

Communication and conflict resolution

**Emotional Labor**: Dealing with player drama, handling no-shows gracefully, and keeping morale high when you're on a losing streak.

**Financial Risk**: In most leagues, the captain is on the hook if dues don't get paid. More on protecting yourself below.

If you're doing this for glory, find another hobby. If you're doing this because you love hockey and want to build something lasting with your friends, read on.

Building the Right Roster

Ideal Roster Size

The magic number is **15-17 skaters plus 2 goalies**. Here's the math:

| Roster Size | Expected Attendance (70%) | Result |

|-------------|---------------------------|--------|

| 12 skaters | 8-9 show up | Scrambling for subs |

| 15 skaters | 10-11 show up | Comfortable |

| 17 skaters | 12 show up | Full bench, everyone plays |

| 20+ skaters | 14+ show up | Ice time complaints |

**The Goalie Problem**: Having two goalies is ideal but often impossible. Build relationships with reliable subs who can cover. A team without a goalie forfeits—it's your most critical roster position.

Finding Quality Players

Where to recruit depends on your competitive level:

**For Recreational Leagues**:

Local learn-to-play programs (graduates looking for teams)

Rink bulletin boards and Facebook groups

Friends who mention they "used to play"

Company hockey teams that fold

**For Competitive Leagues**:

Players moving down from higher divisions

College players who've graduated

Sub lists from other teams

Showcase tournaments and drop-in sessions

**Red Flags When Recruiting**:

Players who badmouth their former team

Anyone who asks about payment before commitment

Players with reputation for fighting or cheap shots

Those who can't commit to the schedule

The Tryout Conversation

For competitive teams, have an honest conversation before adding anyone:

"We're a C-level team that takes the games seriously but prioritizes fun. We practice once a month. We expect 75% attendance. If you're looking for A-level intensity, this isn't the right fit."

Setting expectations upfront prevents problems later.

The Dues Collection System

Setting the Right Price

Calculate your full season cost:

| Item | Sample Cost |

|------|-------------|

| League registration | $3,200 |

| Jerseys (amortized) | $400 |

| Goalie incentive | $300 |

| Emergency fund | $300 |

| **Total** | **$4,200** |

Divided by 16 players = **$262.50 per player**

Round up to **$275** for buffer. That $200 cushion saves you when someone flakes.

Payment Collection Methods

**What Works (ranked by effectiveness)**:

**Venmo/Zelle** - 90% collection rate, instant, no fees

**RocketHockey payments** - Tracks automatically, small fee

**Cash** - Works but hard to track, easy to forget

**Checks** - Last resort, they bounce and get lost

**What Doesn't Work**:

Collecting at games (people forget wallets)

"Honor system" without tracking

Waiting until end of season

The Payment Schedule That Works

| When | Amount | Why |

|------|--------|-----|

| Registration opens | 50% deposit | Confirms commitment |

| 2 weeks before season | 50% balance | Before jerseys ordered |

**Late fee policy**: $25 after deadline, $50 if not paid by first game. Be firm but fair.

Protecting Yourself Financially

**Critical**: Never pay league fees from your personal account expecting reimbursement. Options:

**Collect all dues first** - Don't register until you have the money

**Team bank account** - Open a simple checking account in the team name

**League payment plans** - Some leagues offer team-level payment plans

If a player ghosts, you need a backup plan. That emergency fund covers one deadbeat.

The Sub Network: Your Secret Weapon

A reliable sub network is the difference between fun hockey and stressful scrambles.

Building Your Network

**Tier 1: Gold-Level Subs** (guaranteed to show)

Former teammates who still want ice time

Players between teams

Semi-retired competitive players

Keep 5-7 of these

**Tier 2: Silver-Level Subs** (usually available)

Players from other teams in the league

Drop-in hockey regulars

Friends who play occasionally

Keep 10-15 of these

**Tier 3: Emergency Contacts** (last resort)

Learn-to-play program grads

Roller hockey players crossing over

"I haven't played in years" guys

Keep for desperation

Sub Management Best Practices

**24-Hour Rule**: Start looking for subs 24 hours before game time. Text your Tier 1 list first, then expand.

**The Ask**: "Hey [name], we're short for Tuesday at 9:15pm at [rink]. Can you cover? Just cover ice time, no dues."

**Tracking**: Keep a simple spreadsheet of who's subbed and when. Some subs want to become full-time—this helps you identify them.

**Reciprocity**: When other captains ask, help when you can. The sub network runs on mutual aid.

Handling No-Goalie Emergencies

The nuclear scenario. Options:

**League goalie list** - Most leagues maintain one

**Rink staff** - Sometimes they know goalies

**Social media blast** - "GOALIE NEEDED TONIGHT" posts work

**Player in net** - Last resort, someone volunteers in borrowed gear

**Pro tip**: Buy a cheap set of used goalie pads ($200-300) and keep them at the rink. You'd be surprised who'll strap them on in a pinch.

Communication That Works

Channel Strategy

**Group Text (iMessage/WhatsApp)**:

Game reminders (24 hours out)

"Who's in?" confirmations

Last-minute changes

Post-game coordination

**Email**:

Season schedules

Payment reminders

Team news and announcements

Anything requiring documentation

**Team App (RocketHockey/TeamSnap)**:

Official schedule

Attendance tracking

Stats and standings

Document storage

The Game Week Cadence

| Day | Action |

|-----|--------|

| 3 days before | Email reminder with game details |

| 1 day before | Group text: "Who's in tomorrow?" |

| Game day AM | Confirm goalie, count responses |

| Game day 4hrs before | Sub requests if needed |

| 1 hour before | "See you there" text |

Handling Conflict

Beer league drama is real. Common issues:

The Chronic No-Show

"Hey [name], we've missed you the last few games. Everything okay? We need guys we can count on—let me know if your situation has changed."

The Payment Dodger

"Per team policy, players with outstanding dues can't play until balanced. Let me know if you need to work out a payment plan."

The Locker Room Problem

Pull them aside privately: "I've gotten feedback about [specific behavior]. We're all here to have fun—can we keep it positive?"

When to Cut Someone

Repeated no-call no-shows (3+ times)

Refusal to pay dues

Fighting or dangerous play

Toxic to team culture

Building Team Culture

The Social Calendar

Hockey is the excuse to hang out. Build traditions:

**During Season**:

Post-game beers (every game, same bar)

Occasional team dinner

Playoff push party

**Off-Season**:

End-of-season banquet

Summer golf outing or BBQ

Fantasy hockey draft party

Awards and Recognition

People love acknowledgment:

**MVP** - Player vote at season end

**Iron Man** - Perfect attendance

**Most Improved** - New players who've grown

**Best Chirp** - Comedy relief award

**Heart & Soul** - Team-first mentality

Make it fun. Cheap trophies from the dollar store work fine.

Handling Losing Streaks

Every team goes through rough patches. Keep perspective:

Focus on effort, not outcomes

Celebrate small wins (good penalty kill, comeback goal)

Shuffle lines to keep things fresh

Remind everyone why you play (hint: not to go pro)

Advanced Captain Moves

Developing Team Identity

The best teams have an identity:

**The Grinders** - Never quit, outwork everyone

**The Skilled** - Pretty passing, patient offense

**The Physical** - Legal but intimidating

**The Party Team** - Last in standings, first in fun

Pick one and lean into it. Players want to be part of something.

Managing Ice Time

For competitive teams, ice time matters:

Track shifts if your bench is deep

Rotate lines systematically (1-2-3-4, not favorites first)

Give everyone power play/penalty kill reps

Communicate if someone is getting short-shifted

Building for the Long Term

The best beer league teams last decades:

**Recruit younger players** - Replace retirements gradually

**Develop captains** - Train your replacement

**Document everything** - Jerseys, traditions, finances

**Build league relationships** - Know the commissioners, refs, rink staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I handle a player who's too good (or too bad) for our level?

A: Have an honest conversation. For overqualified players: "We love having you, but we're worried about competitive balance. Would you consider moving up?" For struggling players: "We want you to have fun—would a lower division give you more ice time and success?"

Q: What if someone can't afford full dues?

A: Offer payment plans, reduced dues for extra team responsibilities (jersey laundry, scheduling), or partial sponsorship from better-off teammates. Don't shame anyone—life happens.

Q: How do I deal with player cliques?

A: Mix up lines, assign locker room spots randomly, create team-wide activities. Cliques aren't inherently bad, but isolation is. Make sure everyone has a conversation partner.

Q: What's the best way to handle jersey numbers and names?

A: First-come, first-served on numbers. Names on jerseys are optional but build identity. Budget $30-40 per player if you're adding names.

Q: How do I step down as captain gracefully?

A: Give 3-6 months notice, train your replacement, hand over all documentation (finances, contacts, traditions), and offer to stay on as an advisor. Don't disappear.

The Captain's Toolkit

Essential resources:

**Apps**:

RocketHockey (scheduling, payments, rosters)

Venmo/Zelle (payment collection)

WhatsApp/GroupMe (team chat)

Google Sheets (tracking everything)

**Documents**:

Season budget spreadsheet

Roster with contact info and jersey numbers

Sub list with skill levels

Team rules/expectations document

**Relationships**:

Other team captains (sub network)

League commissioner

Rink staff and managers

Local pro shop (jersey repairs)

Conclusion

Being a beer league captain is thankless work until you step back and realize what you've built: a community of adults who carve out time from jobs, families, and responsibilities to play a kid's game together.

The logistics matter—dues, subs, schedules—but they're just the infrastructure. What you're really building is belonging.

Get the details right so the fun can happen. And always, always buy the first round after a big win.

For more adult hockey resources, check out our [complete guide to adult hockey leagues](/adult-hockey-league-software) or our [beer league specific guide](/guides/beer-league-guide).