River Valley High School



SCHOOL NAME

High School

Student-Athlete / Parent

FOOTBALL Handbook 2014

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Information

School Mascot – MASCOT

School Colors – BLACK & WHITE

Football Coaching Staff

Jason Lynch, Head Coach

Steve Gravenhorst

Tim Volzer

Carl Guyton

Dan Court

Nick Behymer

Kevin Reeder, Trainer

Dr. Paul Culler, Team Doctor

Dale Claes, Physical Therapist

Pat Street, FCA Advisor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

|I. |Introduction |4 |

|II. |Philosophy and Goals |5 |

|III. |Code of Conduct for Athletes |9 |

|IV. |Requirements for Athletic Participation |11 |

|V. |Student Athletic Eligibility Requirements |12 |

|VI. |Code of Suspension, Expulsion, Removal |12 |

|VII. |NCAA Clearinghouse Information |13 |

|VIII. |Ten Principles of Parenting an Athlete |15 |

|IX. |Parent/Coach Relationship |16 |

|X. |Sportsmanship | |

|XI. |Conference Information |21 |

|XII. |Equipment, Tryout, and Trainer Info. |22 |

|XIII. |Athletic Awards Policy |23 |

|XIV. |Awards Ceremony Procedure & Policy |23 |

|XV. |Sports Checklist |24 |

|XVI. |Venues |24 |

APPENDIX

Information for the College Bound Student-Athlete

Release of Liability

OHSAA Pre-Participation Physical

Emergency Medical Form

I. Introduction

This handbook has been prepared to make information and suggestions readily available to you and to help in making your athletic career at SCHOOL NAME High School more successful. Please read it carefully. A thorough knowledge of our rules and procedures will smooth many “bumps” in the road ahead.

A great amount of money is spent every year to purchase and maintain our facilities and equipment. Your parents, your friends, and you help finance our program in various ways. Do your part to help keep those costs down by taking pride in what we have, and in exercising good judgment in its use.

Your presence on an athletic squad draws the focus of public attention to you as a representative of SCHOOL NAME High School. Be constantly on your toes in the gymnasium, on the field, in the classroom, at home, and in public to display mature behavior. Assume more than your share of this responsibility, and SCHOOL NAME High School athletes will be respected and admired everywhere as champion citizens as well as fine athletes.

SCHOOL NAME High School is very proud of the wide variety of opportunities for athletic participation. These opportunities are believed to be a critical part of a student’s total development as they assist in the building of positive character and leadership traits.

The MASCOT Football Program , concerned with the education development of boys through athletics, feels that a properly controlled, well-organized sports program meets the student athlete’s needs of self-expression, mental alertness, and physical growth. It is the football program’s hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student athlete’s educational maturity.

Likewise, it is felt that you have committed yourself to certain responsibilities and obligations as a football player and/or parent. It is the football program’s intent through this handbook to acquaint you with the policies that are necessary for an organized program of athletics.

In addition to our dedicated athletes, SCHOOL NAME High School also has a tradition of excellent parental involvement. The Athletic Boosters is a parent support group for all athletic teams. The Boosters meet regularly to discuss ways to improve the athletic program and facilities. Through their efforts over the past years, they have helped provide funds to maintain a full sports program at SCHOOL NAME. We encourage all parents to join the Boosters and become active in helping to continue this excellent program.

II. Philosophy and Goals

“As teachers and coaches, we must remember that when mere winning is our only goal, we are doomed to disappointment and failure. But when our goal is to try to win, when our focus is on preparation and sacrifice and effort instead of on numbers on a scoreboard we will never lose.”

- from Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University

When their teenagers take the plunge into competitive sports, parents often expect the coach to be a special surrogate father who can motivate like Vince Lombardi, teach like Socrates, and win like Dan Gable. Such high expectations can make even the most confident person uncertain about becoming a football coach. Yet, in truth, it is that challenge that we enjoy the most.

Football coaches are willing to accept the heavy responsibility of coaching other adults’ children for a reward that we envision awaits us at the end of the season. For some of us, the reward can be a winning season; others need only a simple, yet sincere, “Thank you,” from a grateful player. But there is more to coaching than championship teams and grateful athletes. Whatever we expect to get from being a football coach depends in large measure on what we expect from ourselves.

A school has a mission statement. A corporation has a company policy. A coach needs a personal philosophy. You can call it a personal belief or professional standards or a private credo. What follows are my beliefs on coaching.

My coaching philosophy is a two-part approach. First, I believe there are three obligations in being a football coach. Second, I believe there are three parts in preparing a team for success.

My first obligation as a football coach is to teach class, discipline, sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. High school athletics are the greatest messengers of those four tenets. My players will always represent their school and community with pride and dignity. I believe in a “Coaching for Character” mentality to football. My teams will always show respect to their opponents and officials, and this is developed over time through hard work and determination on the practice field. As the immortal basketball coach John Wooden once stated, “It’s character that counts.”

One assumption that must be made of anyone in the education profession is that we are moral educators, whether we want to be or not. This means that we play a role in the formation of character. For this reason, coaches must understand that sportsmanship is not just a matter of acceptable behavior but of excellence of character. In other words, sportsmanship is a virtue. Athletic competition can provide an arena for the practice of this virtue, that is, for development of excellent character. It is my obligation as a coach to reveal the opportunities to develop self-discipline, courage, and self-confidence through athletics.

My second obligation as a football coach is to teach the fundamentals of the game. First and foremost, I am a teacher; the football field is an extension of the classroom, and my subject is the game of football. Throughout the course of history, teams that win do so by playing fundamentally sound football. This requires a coaching staff to be educationally sound. My assistant coaches and I must be well-prepared for each game and practice just as a master teacher is prepared for a day in the classroom. I believe in a “building-block” approach to teaching football skills; we must teach in sequence. This is why football coaches must be master teachers.

My third and final obligation as a football coach is to play to win. We live in a competitive society. Throughout our lifetimes, we will face many challenges and obstacles. Football must teach the student-athlete how to overcome those challenges by facing adversity, welcoming adversity, and finally, beating adversity. In addition, this approach teaches the student-athlete to strive for excellence. To quote Vince Lombardi, “It has been and always will be an American zeal to win.” That holds true today just as much as it did when Mr. Lombardi first uttered those words forty years ago. My program will always play to win. High school football is a competitive sport, and when my team takes the field, we have one intention – to win. While we may not always walk away victorious, we will always strive for perfection and excellence.

The second part of my coaching philosophy deals with preparing a team for success. I will discuss my philosophy in terms of the following areas: morale, conditioning, and strategy.

Morale. As former Notre Dame football coach Ara Parseghian said, “It is an accepted fact that if two teams are of equal ability in all phases of the game, the team which is characterized by the highest morale will win more often than not.” High morale is nothing more than a state of mind that is rooted in pride and confidence. Great teams develop this high morale for a multitude of reasons and in spite of many obstacles. While a coach cannot impose high morale, he can certainly create an atmosphere where high morale has the opportunity to flourish. To establish this high morale, it is the job of the coaching staff to get to know each player as individuals. This effort must be sincere. Along with getting to know the players as young men, we must draw a distinct line which separates teacher from student or coach from player. If you have command of what you are teaching, respect is a normal reaction from any quality student or player. In developing this respect, the coach must continue to be fair and objective when evaluating each player. Finally, this atmosphere of high morale must be maintained by creating an environment on the practice field where success is inevitable and risk-taking is encouraged.

Conditioning. I believe in two forms of conditioning: mental and physical. The most important form of conditioning is mental conditioning. To be mentally conditioned, the student-athlete must be mentally tough, with a desire to achieve success. The player must be able to shake off the minor bumps and bruises associated with football, because he knows they are just a part of the game. A young man’s ability to recover from minor bumps and bruises is a reflection of his attitude, desire, and mental toughness. Being mentally tough will allow the student-athlete to expect adversity and overcome adversity. It is my job as a coach to help the athlete develop an approach to life that openly accepts challenges and revels in overcoming them. This mental conditioning must be nurtured by the coaching staff through constant praise and acknowledgement of the athlete’s hard work and sacrifices.

The second form of conditioning is physical conditioning. To be conditioned physically to play the game of football is to prepare one’s body far in excess of what is actually demanded during a game. To do the tasks required in the game of football and to do them well, one must do them so often that they become conditioned reflexes that function smoothly and with minimum effort. Therefore, my practices are designed to running, agility, balance, quickness, and explosiveness. We must wear down our opponent; we want to break his will.

Strategy. It is a well-known fact that football coaching staffs put in countless hours. The worst feeling in the world is to know that you have been out-coached, because it shows that you are incompetent in your profession. Because of the fear of being out-coached, we, as a coaching staff, must make sure that we are prepared for each game. In order to remain knowledgeable about the latest trends, concepts, ideas, coaching strategies, innovations, and fads in high school football, we must attend numerous clinics, travel to other schools and learn new coaching techniques, review countless hours of game film, engage in dialogue with other members of the profession, and subscribe to as many coaching periodicals as possible. As a coaching staff, we must put forth all of our energy to remain on the forefront of high school football with cutting edge innovations, plays, teaching strategies, and offensive and defensive schemes. Simply put, our coaching staff must never be outworked.

Concentrating on having fun, teaching the fundamentals, and building the self-esteem of my football players is of primary concern to me. Because it appeals to my mathematical nature, my entire coaching philosophy can be summed up in one simple equation: C+F+U=S. Conditioning + Fundamentals + Unity = Success. The ability to properly and quickly execute the fundamentals, being in excellent condition, and having a fine unselfish team spirit are the heart of any successful team. However, these same three qualities transcend the game of football. Successfully applied, they have the potential to teach what it takes to achieve success off the field and in life.

EXPECT VICTORY!,

Coach Lynch

OUR PROGRAM’S MISSION STATEMENTS:

1. Relentlessly pursue and WIN THE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP!

2. The mission of our program is to take the student-athlete where he cannot take himself.

3. Our program is based on the values of family, successful attitudes, and team chemistry.

4. We believe in honesty, integrity, strength of character, care, and confidence.

5. We embrace a COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, loyalty, selflessness, trust, and humility.

6. We believe in teaching overcoming adversity, establishing priorities, and GOAL SETTING.

7. Our football family is where there are shared responsibilities, care and discipline, and an absence of special privileges.

Parents and student-athletes are reminded that the athletic department neither supports or conveys to its coaches a “win at all costs” attitude. While winning is important, it is not a goal to be pursued without regard to the potential consequences that might occur. Students should keep in mind that the lessons learned from athletic participation last long after the game is over. We ask our coaches and their teams to prepare well, play hard, always practice good sportsmanship, win gracefully or lose with dignity. We should all strive to make the experience of participating in our interscholastic program a positive one with lessons that will help shape the future of our student-athletes.

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III. Code of Conduct

- Our program is built on the principle that proper behavior now will lead to a lifetime of success.

- We have two overriding principles that drive our rules and decisions: simplicity and accountability.

- At this stage in your life, it is a reasonable expectation that you understand the fundamental issues of right and wrong.

- This comprises the simplicity aspect of our rule structure.

- The principle of accountability factors into the equation in the sense that you no longer act and react as an individual.

- You are now a member of the MASCOT Football Family.

- Consequently, your decisions and actions not only affect you, but everyone in the MASCOT Football Family.

- You are therefore accountable to the family for all that you do and say.

MASCOT Football Team Rules.

1. Be On Time.

a. Tardiness parallels laziness and is the major habit of all those who fail. It has no place in our football family.

b. If you are not on-time or early, you are tardy. It is the expectation that all players arrive 10-15 minutes earlier than the posted time for any football function.

2. Do What’s Right.

a. Never act in a manner to disgrace yourself, your family, the MASCOT football family, or SCHOOL NAME High School.

b. Act responsibly and be accountable for your own actions.

c. Always present yourself in a first-class manner.

3. Treat Others Like You’d Want to Be Treated.

a. The Golden Rule

b. At all times, respect others and their property.

Team Policies and Expectations:

- Daily attendance is mandatory in order to play football for SCHOOL NAME High School. If you miss practice, do not expect to play.

- The curfew you keep is between you and your parents. However, know the city curfew.

- Respect coaches and teachers. Always answer, “Yes Sir” or “No Sir”

- Everyone will wear their uniform in the same manner. We are a TEAM. You are to wear school colors as much as possible, and never wear clothing from another school.

- Take care of your equipment. You have the best equipment money can buy.

- Do not wear jewelry to practice or games. This includes but is not limited to ear-rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.

- You are to clean your equipment as often as necessary. Do not track dirt or mud into the locker room or school. Toilets are to be flushed and showers are to be turned off. Clean up around your locker each day.

- You are responsible for packing your own gear for team travel. Please be prompt. If you are late, you will be left behind. Everyone will ride to and from games with the TEAM.

- Bus rides will be quiet and serve as a time to focus on the upcoming opponent.

- We will not tolerate any extreme form of initiation known as hazing. Younger players should show respect to older players, while older players should prove themselves worthy of that respect.

- There is a difference between being hurt and being injured. Football is a demanding sport – both mentally and physically. Toughness is a necessity. Players need to be cleared by a doctor, trainer, or coach to be excused from practice. Parents are encouraged to use the sport medicine programs provided at the local hospital.

- There is also a difference between being sick and not feeling well. If you’re sick, go to a doctor. If you’re not feeling well, go to practice. Please know the difference between the two.

- If a situation arises that is not mentioned in the preceding rules, the coaching staff, at its discretion, will determine the appropriate consequences/resolution for the situation.

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IV. REQUIREMENTS FOR ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

In addition to the eligibility requirements of the OHSAA, the school district requires student-athletes to conform to certain important rules and regulations in order to participate in the athletic program. The following forms are available on the school website or in the main office, and must be completed before a student may participate in any athletic activity.

1. Physical Examination Form: Each student-athlete must pass a physical exam before they can practice or participate in a school-sponsored sport. They must submit a physical form signed by a physician before participation of any kind is permitted. Physical examinations are valid for one calendar year. No athlete will be permitted to engage in conditioning, practice, or competition unless the athlete has a valid physical on file. Any physical forms should be given to the head coach or athletic director.

2. Emergency Medical Notification Form: All athletes and their parents must complete this form and submit it to the head coach. This form contains important emergency medical information. In the event of a serious injury, this form is absolutely necessary in order to inform ambulance drivers of the hospital to which the athlete is to be taken, and medical personnel of allergies to medications, and emergency phone numbers, etc.

3. Athletic Release of Liability/Informed Consent/Assumption of Risk Waiver: This form must be signed and turned in to the coach or the Athletic Office before the student may participate in any sport.

4. Attendance: To participate in extracurricular activities, a student must be in attendance for at least one half of the school day on the day of the activity.

5. Travel: All athletic participants or those associated with the activities are required to ride transportation provided by the school district to and from all contests or events.

Copies of the above forms can be found in the appendix. To obtain a copy of the pre-participation physical form online, go to medicine/physicalform.htm. Forms can also be downloaded at ohio.e- .

V. STUDENT-ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. GPA: Students must maintain a minimum 1.0 GPA.

2. Residence: Students are eligible in the school district where the parents reside. Where there has been a change of custody, the student must reside in the same school district with the legal guardian.

3. Semesters of Eligibility: Students who enroll in Grade 9 for the first time have eight semesters of eligibility taken in order of attendance whether or not that student participates in athletics.

4. Age Limitations: Students who become 19 years of age prior to August 1st of the current school year are not eligible to participate in athletics.

5. Please review the Eligibility Checklist included in the Appendix.

VI. CODE OF SUSPENSION, EXPULSION, REMOVAL

Out of School Suspension

A student may be suspended from one to ten days by the principal and/or the assistant principal because of a serious offense or repeated misbehavior. Out of school suspension results in the loss of privilege to participate in school, extracurricular and co-curricular activities during the time of the suspension. This is an unexcused absence and work cannot be made up for credit. Students are not permitted on school grounds during a suspension. The only exception to this would be previously assigned Saturday Schools. The procedure for suspension will be in accordance with the Board of Education Policy. In summary:

1. The principal/assistant principal may suspend. Each suspension will not exceed ten school days.

2. Due process shall consist of:

a. The administrator will give written notice of the intention to suspend to the student. The notice will have the reason for the action.

b. The student will have the opportunity to appear at an informal hearing, before the principal or his designee explain the situation. The hearing may take place immediately. Due process is guaranteed to the student.

c. The student and/or his parents may appeal a suspension to the hearing officer of the SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOLS, the Superintendent. Appeals may be made because of the severity of the punishment or because of lack of informal due process.

Expulsion

The procedure for expulsion shall be in accordance with the Board of Education policy regarding expulsion.

Permanent Expulsion From School

Any SCHOOL NAME School District student who is sixteen years of age or older and commits a violent or drug related crime on school premises may be permanently excluded from school. The offenses for which a student may be permanently excluded include the following:

1. Conveying deadly weapons or dangerous ordinance on school property or to a school function.

2. Possessing deadly weapons or dangerous ordinance on school property or at a school function.

3. Carrying a concealed weapon on school property or at a school function.

4. Trafficking drugs on school property or at a school function.

5. Murder or aggravated murder on school property or at a school function.

6. Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter on school property or at a school function.

7. Rape, gross sexual imposition, or felonious sexual penetration on school grounds, at a school function, or when the victim is a school employee.

8. Complicity in any of the above offenses, regardless of location.

VII. NCAA INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CLEARINGHOUSE INFORMATION

NCAA Clearing House

 

NCAA Requirement for College Scholarships in Athletics

For additional information refer to “NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete:  and college directories for information on Division I, II and III colleges and universities.

The NCAA form (formerly 48-H) lists the course titles and the course numbers of all courses that meet NCAA core course requirements. This form can be completed by each school and sent in to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse.

The Division I and Division II initial-eligibility have recently changed.

If a student enrolls in a Division I college between 2005 and 2007 he/she must complete 14 of the following required core courses:

· Four years of English

· Two years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)

· Two years of natural or physical science

· One extra year of English, mathematics or natural/physical science

· Two years of social science

· Three years of extra core courses (from any of the above categories or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)

If a student enrolls in a Division I college in 2008 and later he/she must complete 16 of the following required core courses:

· Four years of English

· Three years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)

· Two years of natural or physical science

· One extra year of English, mathematics or natural/physical science

· Two years of social science

· Four years of extra core courses (from any of the above categories or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)

If a student enrolls in a Division II college in 2005 and later he/she must complete 14 of the following required core courses:

· Four years of English

· Two years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)

· Two years of natural or physical science

· Two extra year of English, mathematics or natural/physical science

· Two years of social science

· Three years of extra core courses (from any of the above categories or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)

For Division III requirements a student needs to contact the college regarding its policies.

The NCAA states a core course must:

· Be an academic course in one or a combination of these areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign languagae, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy.

· Be four-year college preparatory

· Be at or above the regular high school academic level. (No remedial, special education or compensatory courses.)

All students who do not meet the NCAA initial-eligibility requirements and who wish to apply for a waiver of those requirements must have the waiver filed on their behalf by an NCAA institution.

Computer science courses will no longer be able to be used for initial-eligibility purposes. This rule is effective August 1, 2005, for students first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 2005. Computer science courses (such as programming) that are taught through the mathematics or natural/physical science departments and receive either math or science credit may used after the August 1, 2005 date.

VIII. TEN PRINCIPLES OF PARENTING AN ATHLETE

1. Be positive with your student athlete. Let them know they are accomplishing something positive simply by being part of the team.

2. Avoid offering excuses for the student athlete if they are not playing or seeing limited action. Encourage them to work hard, reach their potential, and contribute to the team’s efforts.

3. Open criticism of coaches is unnecessary. By openly criticizing the coaches, your student athlete becomes trapped between the coach’s authority and the parent’s criticism. This situation merely erodes the athlete’s effectiveness and affects their contributions to the team effort.

4. Encourage and support your student athlete’s efforts to follow team rules and the athletic code. Remember, you sign a parent athlete pledge stating your support of the athletic code, its enforcement, and its penalties. This is a year-round responsibility and is not limited to the athletic season.

5. Emphasize the importance of academics and understand the academic requirements necessary for participation interscholastic activities. With few exceptions, most student athletes do not receive athletic scholarships. Their future as active, contributing citizens is determined by their academic abilities, not their high school athletic abilities.

6. Criticizing or showing envy in relation to the failures or successes of other student athletes displays inappropriate behavior to others. Most are trying their hardest on any given day, and they deserve respect for their efforts. Living your life vicariously through your student athlete puts undo pressure on all concerned. Remember, sport is a game, and it is supposed to be fun.

7. The coaches work with the athletes on a regular basis, and they have had the opportunity to evaluate the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses objectively. Focus your energy toward being a supporter of the team and do not waste it tearing the other team down. Every team is composed of three groups: athletes, coaches, and parents. Be a positive part of the team.

8. Emphasize good sportsmanship with your student athlete. Win or lose, everyone must show respect for opponents. Always demonstrate the maturity necessary to show class. In addition, encourage your student athlete to respect the authority of officials. Remember, self respect brings self control.

9. Emphasize that “team” must take precedence over the individual. Recognition of individual contributions happens at the end of the season. Recognition is directly affected by the success of the team and the individual’s contribution to the team’s success. There is no “I” in the word team.

10. The lessons learned through athletic competition are lessons for life. The skills learned will maintain a great value in the future. Keep sport in perspective.

IX. PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP

A. Communication you should expect from your child’s coach

a. Philosophy of the coaching staff

b. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all members on the squad

c. Location and time for all practices and contests scheduled

d. Team requirements (i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning)

e. Procedure should your child be injured during participation

f. Discipline which results in the denial of your child’s participation

B. Communication coaches expect from parents

a. Concern expressed directly to the coach

b. Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance

c. Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations

C. Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches

a. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically

b. Ways to help your child improve

c. Concerns about your child’s behavior

It may be very difficult to accept your child’s amount of playing time. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student athletes involved. As you have read from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

D. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches.

a. Playing time

b. Team strategy

c. Play calling

d. Other athletes

PARENT POINTERS

1. We strive to treat our players like our sons. We will love and discipline them.

2. We coach hard, sometimes loudly and aggressively. Our practices are open, you are welcome to observe, but beware.

3. Football is a loud, tough, discipline, and emotional game. We coach it the same way.

4. We believe, stress, and teach priorities: faith, family, academics, and football. We will pray at times with our players, especially before and after games. Your son will not be made to pray. If he does not want to pray, he may simply step away. We support everyone’s right to religious freedom.

5. We require your son’s undivided attention when we are coaching him.

6. The TEAM always comes first. We have no stars. No one player is more important than the TEAM. It is not our job to bring glory to your son – it is your son’s job to bring glory to the TEAM.

7. We may require your son to be more disciplined than you do. If he is anything but a gentleman at school, there will be some consequences at practice. He will be respectful when he represents our program at practice and at games. We do not allow earrings or dew rags when they are representing our football team. We will do our best when your son is on our watch. We ask that you do the same when he is on yours. That includes enforcing curfew, knowing where he is, how he dresses, and who he is hanging with. Proper nutrition and rest are key elements to allow your son to be successful. Make sure he eats and drinks plenty of the right things – especially during two-a-days.

8. We do not play kids to make them happy. Playing time is earned, not given. We have made the commitment at the freshmen and JV levels to play all players every game. How much they play is up to them. Athletes are played because they have great attitude, they do the things required, plus more, they add the most value to the TEAM, they understand their roles on the TEAM, their number one goal is to make the TEAM better, and they do their job better than anyone else. The sole purpose of the lower levels is to develop players to become varsity players. How soon that is, is up to them. We will make an effort to play everyone at the varsity level, but we do not guarantee playing time for everyone.

9. A parent’s influence or position makes no difference. We do not play favorites. You should get involved in the booster club – not because you think it will get your son more playing time – but because it is the right thing to do. We appreciate all your time and financial support. We have several low income families and are on a limited budget. One goal of the program is to not let money be a reason why our players do not participate in program activities or go without special things. We appreciate all donations and will put the money to good use; summer camps, scholarships, video equipment, football equipment, etc.

10. We put players in positions that will best benefit the TEAM.

11. It is not up to me to get your son a scholarship. It is up to him. I will do everything in my power through contacts, sending film, NATS, phone calls, etc…but the bottom line, it is on your son. Academics and character play a huge role. If your son wants to play college football, we will work hard to find a place that is right for him.

12. Evaluation of your son happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

13. Players who do not work out with the team, come to summer camp, or do not attend summer/off season workouts will start at the bottom of the depth chart.

14. Publicity is used to promote our TEAM, school, and community.

15. Schedule meetings with me in advance. Remember our philosophy when evaluating a situation – the team comes first. My door is always open and so is my mind; please have the same attitude. I will always want the player present at any meeting. Please direct your concerns to the specific head coaches at each level. Require your son to talk with me before you schedule a meeting. Hopefully we can work it out before we need to schedule a meeting.

16. We have a tremendous opportunity at SCHOOL NAME because of our great people. Our program wants to create a family atmosphere that we can all be proud of. It will take effort on all of our parts to create a role model program. We want to build relationships throughout our family – after all that is what we are all about – Relationships. So let’s roll up our sleeves, lock arms, and get busy. Together, we can all make a difference in molding our future fathers, husbands, and leaders.

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X. SPORTSMANSHIP

Athletes Fair Play Code

1.    I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.

2.    I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.

3.    I will control my temper since fighting and disrespect can spoil the activity for everyone.

4.    I will respect my opponents.

5.    I will do my best to try to be a true team player.

6.    I will remember that winning isn’t everything. Having fun, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.

7.    I will acknowledge all good plays or performances by both my teammates and my opponents.

8.    I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions, show them respect and understand they have given their time to be with me.

Fans Fair Play Code

1.     I will be remember that young people play sports for THEIR enjoyment, not to entertain me.

2.     I will not have unrealistic expectations and will understand that doing one’s best is as important as winning. I understand that ridiculing an athlete for making a mistake is not acceptable behavior.

3.     I will respect the official’s decisions and will encourage all participants to do the same.

4.     I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches and understand that they have given their time to provide sport activities for our young people.

5.     I will encourage athletes and coaches to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

6.     I will show respect for my team’s opponents because I realize there would be no game without them.

7.     I will not use bad language and will not harass athletes, coaches, officials or other spectators.

8.     I will always show good sportsmanship since young people learn best by example

Parents – Communicating With Your Child

• Make sure your children know that win or lose, scared or heroic, you love them, appreciate their efforts and are not disappointed in them. This will allow them to do their best without fear of failure. Be the person in their life they can look to for constant positive reinforcement.

• Try your best to be completely honest about your child’s athletic ability, competitive attitude, sportsmanship and actual skill level.

• Be helpful but don’t coach them. It’s tough not to, but it is a lot tougher for the child to be flooded with advice and critical instruction.

• Teach them to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be “out there trying,” to be working to improve their skills and attitudes. Help them develop the feeling for competing, for trying hard, for having fun.

• Try not to relive your athletic life through your child in a way that creates pressure. You were frightened, backed off at times and were not always heroic. Athletic children need their parents, so do not withdraw. There is a thinking, feeling, sensitive, free spirit in that uniform who needs a lot of understanding, especially when their world turns bad. If they are comfortable with you win or lose, then they are on their way to maximum enjoyment.

• Don’t compete with the coach. If your child is receiving mixed messages from two different authority figures, he or she will likely become disenchanted.

• Don’t compare the skill, courage or attitude of your child with other members of the team.

• Get to know the coach(es). Then you can be assured that his or her philosophy, attitudes, ethics and knowledge are such that you are happy to have your child under his or her leadership.

• Always remember that children tend to exaggerate, both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reaction and investigate before overreacting.

• Make a point of understanding courage and the fact that it is relative. Some of us climb mountains and are afraid to fly. Some of us will fly but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened in certain areas. Explain that courage is not the absence of fear, but a means of doing something in spite of fear and discomfort.

XI. CONFERENCE

FOOTBALL ADMISSION

$6.00

Commissioner

Websites

Ohio High School Athletic Association



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XII. EQUIPMENT, TRYOUT, TRAINER INFORMATION

Equipment

Every student is responsible for all uniforms and equipment issued to them during the sports season. The student is financially responsible for any items which are lost, stolen, or otherwise destroyed or damaged, and must be replaced by the athletic department. The replacement cost will be determined by the head coach.

An athlete’s financial obligations are to be met as soon as possible. Until such obligations are met, the athlete will not be issued any other athletic equipment and will have his/her report card and/or transcript withheld. Seniors will not be permitted to graduate until all financial obligations are paid in full. Parents will be notified of their son’s obligations.

In football, athletes may be required to purchase a portion of their uniform such as a girdle. The purchased items become the athlete’s property. Coaches may also make available to athletes practice or “spirit” apparel.

The school and its employees are not responsible for any items left unattended in the locker room. All athletes should keep any valuables locked up. It is recommended that the athlete purchase a combination lock for this purpose.

XIII. DISTRICT ATHLETIC AWARDS POLICY

In order to letter in the sport of football, an athlete must appear in 20 quarters of a typical 40 quarter season. A quarter is defined as 2 consecutive plays. Athletes will also letter if they start on a special team for 8 or more games during a 10 game season. Seniors who participate for all 4 years will also letter during their senior season even if they do not meet the previously stated requirement. The final way to letter is by the head coach’s recommendation. It will be at the discretion of the head coach to determine candidates worthy of a letter.

XIV. AWARDS CEREMONY PROCEDURE & POLICY

The awards ceremony is an important component of each sports season. As such we expect that everyone be in attendance to receive their awards. Please encourage your teammates and their parents to attend. The football program does not feel that it is unreasonable to expect members of our team to be present to receive their award. To that end, the following policy regarding the presentation of awards will be implemented:

1. Awards will be presented to those in attendance at the awards ceremony unless an athlete has informed either the head coach or the athletic director in advance of an acceptable reason why they could not attend. Athletes failing to do so will not receive their awards.

2. Coaches will not present awards to team members who have failed to turn in uniforms or other equipment items prior to the awards ceremony. These athletes and their accomplishments may still be recognized that evening but the awards themselves will be held until all obligations have been met.

3. Athletes, parents, and coaches will be notified of the dates and times of the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the football season.

4. Awards will be presented only to those athletes who participate for the complete season barring injury or other special circumstances. Awards will not be presented to any athlete who has left the team either by his own choice or as the result of disciplinary action.

XV. SPORTS CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS & COACHES

1. Maintain a “Fun is #1” attitude.

2. Treat others as you wish to be treated.

3. Praise athletes for just participating, regardless of their athletic skills.

4. Look for positives in athletes; avoid ridicule or sarcasm.

5. Remain calm when mistakes are made, and help athletes learn from mistakes.

6. Help athletes from getting down on themselves when things don’t go well.

7. Don’t be obsessed with your involvement in sports. There is a life after sports.

8. Maintain a sense of humor.

9. Emphasize teamwork in team sports; teach them to think “we” instead of “me.”

10. Lead by setting a good example in sportsmanship.

DON’T WHINE.

DON’T COMPLAIN.

DON’T MAKE EXCUSES.

XV. SCHOOL NAME VENUES

Maps to all contests can be found at

APPENDIX

1. INFORMATION FOR THE COLLEGE BOUND STUDENT ATHLETE

2. FORMS

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