Why a Checklist Saves Your Season

Most uniform problems have nothing to do with printing. They start with a missing size, a duplicate number or a deadline that was set too late. A little organizing before you request a quote means a smoother order and the right jersey for every player on day one.

Step 1: Set the In-Hand Date First

Work backward from the first game or photo day. Your timeline needs to cover:

Collecting sizes and names from every family
Artwork setup and proof approval
Production
Shipping or pickup

Tell your decorator the in-hand date upfront. Then they can tell you right away if the timeline works or if a rush is needed.

Step 2: Lock the Roster

Make a single spreadsheet with one row per player:

Player name (as printed)	Number	Jersey size	Shorts size	Extras

Tips:

Spell names exactly as they should appear, including capitalization and accents.
Check for duplicate numbers before you send the list.
Use the size chart for the exact garment. Youth and adult sizes differ by brand. Have players try a sample if you can.
Order one or two extras in common sizes for late sign-ups.

Step 3: Pick the Garment

Think about the sport and the season:

Moisture-wicking polyester for basketball, soccer, volleyball and summer sports
Heavier jerseys or button-front styles for baseball and softball
Reversible jerseys for practice scrimmages
Warmups, hoodies and quarter-zips for cold sidelines and travel

Ask whether the garment comes in youth through adult extended sizes, so the whole team matches.

Step 4: Choose Decoration for Each Element

Different parts of a uniform often use different methods:

Team logo on the front: screen printing for large orders, DTF for full-color or small orders
Names and numbers: heat-applied vinyl or DTF, so each piece can be different
Caps and coach polos: embroidery for a clean, durable finish
Sponsor logos: usually on the back or sleeve; check league rules first

Step 5: Check League Rules

Many leagues have rules about:

Number size and placement (front, back, or both)
Allowed colors, and whether home and away jerseys must contrast
Sponsor logo size and placement

Get the rules from your league before you approve the proof.

Step 6: Review the Proof Carefully

When the proof arrives, check:

Spelling of the team name and every player name
Number font, size and placement
Logo colors match the team colors
Garment color and style match what you chose

Once you approve the proof, it goes to production. This is the last cheap moment to fix a mistake.

Step 7: Plan Fan Gear and Reorders

Parents almost always ask for matching shirts and hoodies. An online team store lets families order and pay for their own fan gear, with no money for you to collect. Keep your artwork and roster on file, and next season's order takes minutes.

Quick Checklist

In-hand date set and shared
Roster with names, numbers and sizes, checked for duplicates
Garment chosen and size chart checked
Decoration chosen for logo, names, numbers and sponsors
League rules confirmed
Proof reviewed and approved
Fan gear or team store planned

Ready to order? Request a team quote, browse sports uniforms, or see our custom team uniforms page.