There Was No Need to Convince Me, States Czech U23 Equipment Manager Petr Štípek

Being Part of the National Team Is an Honor

Petr, you are part of the Czech U23 team staff for the upcoming championship. Who approached you with this offer? Did you hesitate to accept?

The head coach, Jiří Mašík, contacted me with the offer. Since I’ve previously worked with him as equipment manager and later as team leader for the U20s and also in Extraliga with Pardubice, we know each other well. There was no need to convince me. Being part of the national team is an honor for me.

You’re working as the equipment manager in the team. What does this role entail in the world of ball hockey? Have the expectations changed since your last experience?

I don’t think there have been any major changes. You’re there to ensure that everyone—especially the players—gets top-notch service and can focus solely on the game. You help out wherever needed. Everyone has their tasks, and they should carry them out with full commitment.

How are you preparing for the championship? What will be inside your “equipment kit”?

I’m mainly preparing myself mentally. After 36 years in ball hockey, I definitely have advice to offer—especially regarding referees. Given my background as a fitness trainer, I’ve also been helping some of the players between camps with their diet and supplements. Some need to gain weight, others to lose it.

We Host the Best Championships

You’ve already held this role with the Czech U20 team. What memories do you have from the events you participated in with them?

The feelings are mixed. It was always great—fantastic group, excellent organization, and great facilities. We fought for gold twice, and unfortunately came up short both times. The disappointment after a final loss is terrible—and then you have to console the boys on top of it...

Have you ever encountered an unusual or crisis situation as an equipment manager?

Probably one interesting moment. The organizers once brought me a referee who had severe cramps and could barely walk. He seriously underestimated the pace and number of games at a World Championship. He likely hadn’t replenished any minerals. I gave him magnesium, advised him to salt his food and drink plenty of fluids. If I remember correctly, he had no more issues and continued officiating.

You’ve experienced several World Championships—as an equipment manager, team leader, and referee. How does the atmosphere and organization at home championships differ from those abroad?

There’s no place like home. You want to win, and the atmosphere is incredible. We host the best World Championships—no one can match us in that. Attendance, organization, accompanying programs—we excel in all of it, and ISBHF knows it well.

Petr Štípek previously worked with the U20 national team. Photo source: Petr Štípek’s Facebook.