medina football
MEDINA FOOTBALL
2013 PARENT/PLAYER INFORMATIONAL PACKET
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter to Medina Football Parents: Team/Parent Expectations: -Email Expectations -Playing Time Expectations -Attendance Policy -Football Player/Team Discipline Expectations Useful Parent Information: -How team/individual stats are taken -How to view team/individual stats -How interview requests/ post season awards are determined Football Parent Tips/Recommended Readings: -What Coaches Expect of Parents/Guardians -What Parents/Guardians Expect of Coaches -The “Medina Way” -What is Toughness in Football? -The Ten Commandments of Positive Athletic Parenting by: George Curry -Tips For High School Sports Parents By: Terri Lobdell
Fall 2013 Dear Medina Football Parents/Guardians, As we embark on another journey together with players, coaches, and parents, I feel that it is important to provide you with, information that may be useful over the next several months. The purpose of this informational packet is to layout clear guidelines and expectations that we can all follow to make this season a positive experience for everybody involved with the Medina Football community. I am truly blessed and excited to be entering my 2nd season as the head football coach at Medina High School. I look forward to working with your child this year. My first year as head coach of this program revealed several new experiences. This packet is a reflection of those encounters and what I have learned. Many discrepancies can be avoided with clear policies, which are laid out in advance. The intent of this packet is to be proactive and to answer as many questions that may come up during the season. I believe that we will create more positive experiences for all of the athletes within the Medina Football Program if everyone is more informed about the procedures/policies and expectations that I have set forth for this team. Please take this packet for what it is: a resource of information that will help all involved to create the best, most positive experience for our student athletes. I believe we’ve done some new, exciting things this off-season to prepare this group of football players for the challenges ahead of them. It is my vision to work together as one “football family” where parents, players, and coaches all collaborate in a positive atmosphere to create a winning culture here at Medina. Working with your children to make them better athletes, students, and men is something this staff and myself take very serious. We believe this is what football is all about; winning is a nice “bonus”, or byproduct of developing a team, but is not the Medina Football Program’s number one objective. We want to create men of character and perseverance; men who will sacrifice personal goals and learn to work together as a TEAM! Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to work with the quality young men in this football family. Sincerely, Dan Sutherland
Medina Football Email Expectations: So many things get “lost in translation” through printed emails. Words can often be misinterpreted or taken out of context in many situations. To that end, we will be creating the following email guidelines to help ensure a positive culture for all involved: Appropriate use of emails: a. To make a coach aware of an issue with your student athlete b. Notification of a missed practice or illness c. To schedule an appointment with the coaching staff. ** Any other communication, i.e.: coaching decisions/questions, playing time, will not be discussed through email-a meeting will need to be scheduled.
Medina Football Playing Time Expectations: Playing time is determined by the Medina Varsity Football Staff-the amount of playing time, position played, and other concerns will be discussed and evaluated by the staff on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. Please keep in mind that all players and parents want their son to be a starter (as they should) but it’s just not a possibility. Please encourage your son to play for the love of the game, and good things will happen in their careers at Medina High School. **We have also decided as a staff to “platoon” our roster-this means that most players will play one side of the ball. It is our belief, that with limited number of practices and reps for players, we will become a better team if players can focus on one side of the ball and really master their position. Because of this, we feel that we will have a fresh offense and defense every game.
Medina Football Attendance Policy: Players are expected to be at every practice. Only a death in the family, missing school due to sickness, and doctor’s appointments (from a football injury or condition) will be accepted as excused absences. If your son isn’t at practice, he misses valuable work time, evaluation by the coaching staff, and the installation of that week’s game plan. If a player misses practice for any reason they will not be permitted to start for that week’s game. Playing time is determined by the Medina Football staff on a weekly basis. If your son has more than three unexcused practices your son can be removed from team. This is not ideal; however we cannot in good conscience, play kids who are not putting in quality work to make the TEAM better. Please make all attempts to ensure your child is at practice!
2013 MEDINA FOOTBALL POLICIES & EXPECTATIONS PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT: Medina Football Players will be: 1. On time to EVERYTHING 2. Respectful to adults and others 3. Hardworking in school, the weight room, and on the field 4. Role Models (in school and community) 5. Disciplined in all areas. TEAM POLICIES: 1. All Medina Football Players will follow the Medina City Schools/Athletic department discipline policy/code of conduct as it is laid out in the student handbook and on the school districts website. 2. You are expected to be at every practice. Only death in the family, missing school due to illness, and doctor’s appointments (from a football injury or condition) will be accepted as excused absences. 3. Any missed practice (for any reason) will result in that player not starting and playing time will be determined by the Medina Football Staff. 4. You will conduct yourself in the “Medina Way”. Failure to do so may result in punishment and/or suspension by the coaching staff. 5. If you have more than three unexcused practices you will be removed from team.
* Any violations of the above policies will be handled by the Medina Varsity Football Staff in an appropriate manner.
**AT ANY TIME THE FOOTBALL STAFF HAS THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND/OR REMOVE YOU FROM THE FOOTBALL TEAM IF THEY DEEM AN ACTION WARRANTS SUCH CONSEQUENCES.
Medina Football Stats Policy: The Medina Football Staff is not responsible for compiling/completing stats. This has been instituted to save us the time and energy so that we may concentrate on preparing the players to be successful on the field. We have two men (who are paid by the athletic department & the football parents club) who take and record the stats for the football program. How Stats Can Be Viewed: Go to www.hsgamecenter.com
Stats that we take: *Offense: Rushing: attempts, yards, average yards per carry, and touchdowns Passing: attempts, completions, yards, yards per completion and touchdowns/interceptions Receiving: catches, total yards receiving, yards per catch, and touchdowns *Defense: Solo Tackles: Occurs when only one player makes the tackle-he has no help from other players. Assists: Occur when a 2nd player in on the tackle will earn an assist. The 3rd player on a tackle will get no stats. Other stats taken: Interceptions, fumble recoveries, fumble caused, tackle for a loss, sacks, and blocked kicks
Medina Football Media/Interview Policy: Many questions have been asked regarding how interviews are requested, or handled, with the local reporters/media outlets; This is how they are done: *After Games: The reporter assigned to our game will ask the coach for players they want to talk to-which the coaching staff will provide. *Preseason Announcements: Typically the paper/reporter will ask for a overview of the team and/or players to watch-which the Medina Football staff will provide. We will do our best to promote players as much as possible in the media. *Media Postseason Awards: If a paper or reporter asks for a recommendation from the coaching staff for any postseason awards the Medina Football staff will provide it. In most cases, the Medina Football Staff has no input or control over postseason media awards. **Please be aware that we will do all that we can to get players recognition. However it is important to note that we do not provide recommendations to the media or reporters for awards or interviews unless a recommendation is requested.
What Medina Coaches Expect of Parents/Guardians: 1. To be a positive supporter of the program, the athletes, and the coaching staff. 2. To recognize that coaches strive to coach and discipline without prejudice. 3. To contact coaches with open and honest concerns about a participants role in the program. 4. To look at each participant as a part of the TEAM rather than separate individuals. 5. To respect the personal lives of the coaching staff. 6. To have all parents/guardians present at the preseason meeting. 7. To have realistic expectations in order to keep the activity in perspective-FamilySchool-Football
What Medina Parents/Guardians Expect of Coaches: 1. 2. 3. 4.
To have open, honest communication. To set clear expectations and then explain those expectations. To establish a safe, fair, and positive environment. To demonstrate professional role modeling while treating each participant with understanding, respect and dignity. 5. To provide enthusiastic and organized practice and game experience. 6. To maintain a current knowledge/understanding of the game of football. 7. To maintain proper supervision at all football events.
“THE MEDINA WAY” ALWAYS Compete!! Do EVERYTHING to the best of YOUR ability. Practice is EVERYTHING-How we practice defines who we are. Always protect the TEAM No Whining, No Complaining, No Excuses! If you’re 5 minutes early, YOU’RE LATE! 16 Medina Football Characteristics for Success: 1. Make a commitment 2. Be Unselfish 3. Create Unity-come together as never before 4. Improve everyday as a player, person, and student 5. Be tough 6. Be self-disciplined-do it right, don’t accept less 7. Give great effort 8. Be enthusiastic 9. Eliminate mistakes-don’t beat yourself 10. Never give up 11. Don’t accept losing 12. Permit no self-limitations-expect more of yourself! 13. Expect to win 14. Be consistent 15. Develop leadership 16. Be responsible
WHAT IS TOUGHNESS IN FOOTBALL? DEFINING TOUGHNESS AT MEDINA HIGH SCHOOL…. Toughness has nothing to do with size, physical strength or athleticism. Tough Players Play So Hard, Their Coach Has To Take Them Out: Tough players play so hard that their coaches have to take them out to get rest so they can put them back in. The toughest players don’t pace themselves. Tough Players Get To Their Teammates First: Tough players are also great teammates. Tough Players Take Responsibility For Their Teammates: Tough players expect a lot from their teammates, but also put them first. Tough players take responsibility for others in addition to themselves. Tough Players Finish Plays: A tough player plays through to the end of the play and works to finish every play. Tough Players Take And Give Criticism The Right Way: Tough players can take criticism without feeling the need to answer back or give excuses. Tough players listen and are not afraid to say what other teammate may not want to hear, but need to hear. Tough Players Show Strength In Your Body Language: Tough players project confidence and security with their body language. They do not hang their heads, do not react negatively to a mistake of a teammate, and do not whine and complain to officials. Tough players project strength and do not cause their teammates to worry about them. Tough Players Are Alert: Tough players echo commands until everyone is on the same page. Tough Players Concentrate, And Encourage Their Teammates To Concentrate: Concentration is a skill, and tough players work hard to concentrate on every play. Tough players go as hard as they can for as long as they can. Tough Players Take Responsibility For Their Actions: Tough players make no excuses. They take responsibility for their actions. No excuses. Shouldering the responsibility. That’s toughness. Tough Players Look Their Coaches And Teammates In The Eye: Tough players never drop their heads. You always look coaches teammates in the eye, because if they are talking, it is important to them and to you.
The Ten Commandments of Positive Athletic Parenting 1. Be positive with your athlete; let him know he is accomplishing something by simply being a part of the team. 2. Don’t offer excuses for him if he is not playing. There is usually a reason for it. Encourage him to work harder and do one’s best. 3. Don’t put down his coaches, etc. Remember the coach represents the” Boss” the “Authority” the “Teacher” the, etc. If you are constantly bad mouthing your athlete’s coaches, how can you expect the youngster to play for the coach? You are teaching him to be a complainer, not a doer! 4. Encourage your athlete to follow the team rules. Whether he is a first stringer or a seventh stringer, players must follow rules pertaining to curfew, drinking, smoking, promptness and school. Athletics is demanding, and coaches must concern themselves with a player’s off field activities in order to get the maximum performance of the team. 5. Insist on good grades. Check the number of hours your athlete spends on homework. It is the duty of the parents so see that their athlete is working in the classroom. 6. Athletics are games for kids – let them play! 7. The coaches work with the players on a daily basis and they know what each can and cannot do. As a fan, you are entitled to cheer in support of our team, but please don’t become aggressive towards player, coaches, and officials. 8. Insist on your athlete’s respect for team rules, school rules, game officials and sportsmanship. Self-respect begins with self-control! 9. Encourage your athlete to surround themselves with a strong circle of support. The ball will not always bounce in their direction and they will need positive people to lean on. Be there for your kids. 10. Encourage your athlete to play for the love of the game, not trophies and scholarships. This alleviates a lot of pressure for an athlete. Insist on unselfishness. Good things happen to those who give of themselves for the greater good of others. George Curry-Head High School Football Coach-Pennsylvania
Tips for high school sports parents New book provides 'positive coaching' advice to parents of sports- team members by Terri Lobdell Palo Alto Online Staff Positive Coaching Alliance founder and Executive Director Jim Thompson recently wrote "The High School Sports Parent," which includes the following advice to parents: ■ Focus on the "Big Picture." Help kids take away from sports character lessons that will contribute to their success in life. Lessons include the rewards of commitment and delayed gratification, learning to bounce back from difficulties with renewed determination, and discovering how to support people within a team context. Avoid becoming a "back-seat coach" and leave performance on the field to the athletes and coaches. ■ Help your child keep sports in proper perspective by focusing on effort rather than outcome. Focusing on athletic talent rather than effort is a "trap" that can actually harm the player's ability to reach potential. Focusing on talent also breeds an attitude of entitlement. Help your teen understand that hard work is usually entwined with enjoyment and is a gift that will serve him or her well throughout life. ■ Mistakes are what kids worry about most. The fear of making a mistake can paralyze them. Consider the typical reaction from the stands that an athlete hears or sees after a glaring mistake: Many parents groan, slap their heads, frown or yell corrective instructions. Instead, help your teen learn not to fear mistakes and to bounce back quickly, leaving more energy to learn the game. ■ Model "honoring the game." Demonstrate respect at all times for the other team and for game officials. ■ Realize that coaches have to balance competing needs. The playing time "pie" is limited and the coach cannot give every family everything it wants. The team concept requires give-and-take for the sake of the whole. ■ Help your teen learn to advocate for himself or herself. Encourage your teen to think about how he or she wants to deal with a problem. Offer to listen or role-play. For most problems, your child is in charge of his or her own experience, not you. ■ Don't make derogatory comments about the coach to your teen or other parents or members of the team. Undermining coaches behind their backs is rampant in high school sports. This toxic behavior can devastate team culture, divide a team and place high school athletes in an awkward middle between coach and parent. If you don't like the coach, keep it to yourself and don't poison the water.
■ If there's an issue you think warrants intervention, proceed sensibly. There are some situations -- such as physical or emotional abuse -- where you may decide you need to step in. In cases in which parents decide they must act: ■ Don't intervene while angry; wait until you cool down. ■ Assume that everything you write in an e-mail will be seen by exactly the people you don't want to see it. ■ Don't assume you know what is going on or that your child's portrayal is the only "true" one. Seek confirmation of what you heard from other parents you trust not to feed the rumor mill. ■ Consult with your athlete on your plans. It is crucial that you don't act in a way that undercuts or embarrasses your teen. ■ Act as if everyone is operating out of good will, even if you suspect they are not. ■ Follow the chain of authority. Go to the coach first, even if you think he or she is the problem. You will ultimately get better results with the athletic director if you start with the coach. Similarly, the athletic director should always be contacted before an issue is brought to the principal or assistant principal. ■ If there is evidence of a coach behaving badly or abusing a player, it is better to err on the side of speaking up than to let it slide. Editor's Note: This article was part of an investigative two-part series on high school coaching in Palo Alto published in the Palo Alto Weekly on May 14, 2010 and May 21, 2010. Additional articles appeared only online.
2013 PARENT/PLAYER INFORMATIONAL PACKET
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter to Medina Football Parents: Team/Parent Expectations: -Email Expectations -Playing Time Expectations -Attendance Policy -Football Player/Team Discipline Expectations Useful Parent Information: -How team/individual stats are taken -How to view team/individual stats -How interview requests/ post season awards are determined Football Parent Tips/Recommended Readings: -What Coaches Expect of Parents/Guardians -What Parents/Guardians Expect of Coaches -The “Medina Way” -What is Toughness in Football? -The Ten Commandments of Positive Athletic Parenting by: George Curry -Tips For High School Sports Parents By: Terri Lobdell
Fall 2013 Dear Medina Football Parents/Guardians, As we embark on another journey together with players, coaches, and parents, I feel that it is important to provide you with, information that may be useful over the next several months. The purpose of this informational packet is to layout clear guidelines and expectations that we can all follow to make this season a positive experience for everybody involved with the Medina Football community. I am truly blessed and excited to be entering my 2nd season as the head football coach at Medina High School. I look forward to working with your child this year. My first year as head coach of this program revealed several new experiences. This packet is a reflection of those encounters and what I have learned. Many discrepancies can be avoided with clear policies, which are laid out in advance. The intent of this packet is to be proactive and to answer as many questions that may come up during the season. I believe that we will create more positive experiences for all of the athletes within the Medina Football Program if everyone is more informed about the procedures/policies and expectations that I have set forth for this team. Please take this packet for what it is: a resource of information that will help all involved to create the best, most positive experience for our student athletes. I believe we’ve done some new, exciting things this off-season to prepare this group of football players for the challenges ahead of them. It is my vision to work together as one “football family” where parents, players, and coaches all collaborate in a positive atmosphere to create a winning culture here at Medina. Working with your children to make them better athletes, students, and men is something this staff and myself take very serious. We believe this is what football is all about; winning is a nice “bonus”, or byproduct of developing a team, but is not the Medina Football Program’s number one objective. We want to create men of character and perseverance; men who will sacrifice personal goals and learn to work together as a TEAM! Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to work with the quality young men in this football family. Sincerely, Dan Sutherland
Medina Football Email Expectations: So many things get “lost in translation” through printed emails. Words can often be misinterpreted or taken out of context in many situations. To that end, we will be creating the following email guidelines to help ensure a positive culture for all involved: Appropriate use of emails: a. To make a coach aware of an issue with your student athlete b. Notification of a missed practice or illness c. To schedule an appointment with the coaching staff. ** Any other communication, i.e.: coaching decisions/questions, playing time, will not be discussed through email-a meeting will need to be scheduled.
Medina Football Playing Time Expectations: Playing time is determined by the Medina Varsity Football Staff-the amount of playing time, position played, and other concerns will be discussed and evaluated by the staff on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. Please keep in mind that all players and parents want their son to be a starter (as they should) but it’s just not a possibility. Please encourage your son to play for the love of the game, and good things will happen in their careers at Medina High School. **We have also decided as a staff to “platoon” our roster-this means that most players will play one side of the ball. It is our belief, that with limited number of practices and reps for players, we will become a better team if players can focus on one side of the ball and really master their position. Because of this, we feel that we will have a fresh offense and defense every game.
Medina Football Attendance Policy: Players are expected to be at every practice. Only a death in the family, missing school due to sickness, and doctor’s appointments (from a football injury or condition) will be accepted as excused absences. If your son isn’t at practice, he misses valuable work time, evaluation by the coaching staff, and the installation of that week’s game plan. If a player misses practice for any reason they will not be permitted to start for that week’s game. Playing time is determined by the Medina Football staff on a weekly basis. If your son has more than three unexcused practices your son can be removed from team. This is not ideal; however we cannot in good conscience, play kids who are not putting in quality work to make the TEAM better. Please make all attempts to ensure your child is at practice!
2013 MEDINA FOOTBALL POLICIES & EXPECTATIONS PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT: Medina Football Players will be: 1. On time to EVERYTHING 2. Respectful to adults and others 3. Hardworking in school, the weight room, and on the field 4. Role Models (in school and community) 5. Disciplined in all areas. TEAM POLICIES: 1. All Medina Football Players will follow the Medina City Schools/Athletic department discipline policy/code of conduct as it is laid out in the student handbook and on the school districts website. 2. You are expected to be at every practice. Only death in the family, missing school due to illness, and doctor’s appointments (from a football injury or condition) will be accepted as excused absences. 3. Any missed practice (for any reason) will result in that player not starting and playing time will be determined by the Medina Football Staff. 4. You will conduct yourself in the “Medina Way”. Failure to do so may result in punishment and/or suspension by the coaching staff. 5. If you have more than three unexcused practices you will be removed from team.
* Any violations of the above policies will be handled by the Medina Varsity Football Staff in an appropriate manner.
**AT ANY TIME THE FOOTBALL STAFF HAS THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND/OR REMOVE YOU FROM THE FOOTBALL TEAM IF THEY DEEM AN ACTION WARRANTS SUCH CONSEQUENCES.
Medina Football Stats Policy: The Medina Football Staff is not responsible for compiling/completing stats. This has been instituted to save us the time and energy so that we may concentrate on preparing the players to be successful on the field. We have two men (who are paid by the athletic department & the football parents club) who take and record the stats for the football program. How Stats Can Be Viewed: Go to www.hsgamecenter.com
Stats that we take: *Offense: Rushing: attempts, yards, average yards per carry, and touchdowns Passing: attempts, completions, yards, yards per completion and touchdowns/interceptions Receiving: catches, total yards receiving, yards per catch, and touchdowns *Defense: Solo Tackles: Occurs when only one player makes the tackle-he has no help from other players. Assists: Occur when a 2nd player in on the tackle will earn an assist. The 3rd player on a tackle will get no stats. Other stats taken: Interceptions, fumble recoveries, fumble caused, tackle for a loss, sacks, and blocked kicks
Medina Football Media/Interview Policy: Many questions have been asked regarding how interviews are requested, or handled, with the local reporters/media outlets; This is how they are done: *After Games: The reporter assigned to our game will ask the coach for players they want to talk to-which the coaching staff will provide. *Preseason Announcements: Typically the paper/reporter will ask for a overview of the team and/or players to watch-which the Medina Football staff will provide. We will do our best to promote players as much as possible in the media. *Media Postseason Awards: If a paper or reporter asks for a recommendation from the coaching staff for any postseason awards the Medina Football staff will provide it. In most cases, the Medina Football Staff has no input or control over postseason media awards. **Please be aware that we will do all that we can to get players recognition. However it is important to note that we do not provide recommendations to the media or reporters for awards or interviews unless a recommendation is requested.
What Medina Coaches Expect of Parents/Guardians: 1. To be a positive supporter of the program, the athletes, and the coaching staff. 2. To recognize that coaches strive to coach and discipline without prejudice. 3. To contact coaches with open and honest concerns about a participants role in the program. 4. To look at each participant as a part of the TEAM rather than separate individuals. 5. To respect the personal lives of the coaching staff. 6. To have all parents/guardians present at the preseason meeting. 7. To have realistic expectations in order to keep the activity in perspective-FamilySchool-Football
What Medina Parents/Guardians Expect of Coaches: 1. 2. 3. 4.
To have open, honest communication. To set clear expectations and then explain those expectations. To establish a safe, fair, and positive environment. To demonstrate professional role modeling while treating each participant with understanding, respect and dignity. 5. To provide enthusiastic and organized practice and game experience. 6. To maintain a current knowledge/understanding of the game of football. 7. To maintain proper supervision at all football events.
“THE MEDINA WAY” ALWAYS Compete!! Do EVERYTHING to the best of YOUR ability. Practice is EVERYTHING-How we practice defines who we are. Always protect the TEAM No Whining, No Complaining, No Excuses! If you’re 5 minutes early, YOU’RE LATE! 16 Medina Football Characteristics for Success: 1. Make a commitment 2. Be Unselfish 3. Create Unity-come together as never before 4. Improve everyday as a player, person, and student 5. Be tough 6. Be self-disciplined-do it right, don’t accept less 7. Give great effort 8. Be enthusiastic 9. Eliminate mistakes-don’t beat yourself 10. Never give up 11. Don’t accept losing 12. Permit no self-limitations-expect more of yourself! 13. Expect to win 14. Be consistent 15. Develop leadership 16. Be responsible
WHAT IS TOUGHNESS IN FOOTBALL? DEFINING TOUGHNESS AT MEDINA HIGH SCHOOL…. Toughness has nothing to do with size, physical strength or athleticism. Tough Players Play So Hard, Their Coach Has To Take Them Out: Tough players play so hard that their coaches have to take them out to get rest so they can put them back in. The toughest players don’t pace themselves. Tough Players Get To Their Teammates First: Tough players are also great teammates. Tough Players Take Responsibility For Their Teammates: Tough players expect a lot from their teammates, but also put them first. Tough players take responsibility for others in addition to themselves. Tough Players Finish Plays: A tough player plays through to the end of the play and works to finish every play. Tough Players Take And Give Criticism The Right Way: Tough players can take criticism without feeling the need to answer back or give excuses. Tough players listen and are not afraid to say what other teammate may not want to hear, but need to hear. Tough Players Show Strength In Your Body Language: Tough players project confidence and security with their body language. They do not hang their heads, do not react negatively to a mistake of a teammate, and do not whine and complain to officials. Tough players project strength and do not cause their teammates to worry about them. Tough Players Are Alert: Tough players echo commands until everyone is on the same page. Tough Players Concentrate, And Encourage Their Teammates To Concentrate: Concentration is a skill, and tough players work hard to concentrate on every play. Tough players go as hard as they can for as long as they can. Tough Players Take Responsibility For Their Actions: Tough players make no excuses. They take responsibility for their actions. No excuses. Shouldering the responsibility. That’s toughness. Tough Players Look Their Coaches And Teammates In The Eye: Tough players never drop their heads. You always look coaches teammates in the eye, because if they are talking, it is important to them and to you.
The Ten Commandments of Positive Athletic Parenting 1. Be positive with your athlete; let him know he is accomplishing something by simply being a part of the team. 2. Don’t offer excuses for him if he is not playing. There is usually a reason for it. Encourage him to work harder and do one’s best. 3. Don’t put down his coaches, etc. Remember the coach represents the” Boss” the “Authority” the “Teacher” the, etc. If you are constantly bad mouthing your athlete’s coaches, how can you expect the youngster to play for the coach? You are teaching him to be a complainer, not a doer! 4. Encourage your athlete to follow the team rules. Whether he is a first stringer or a seventh stringer, players must follow rules pertaining to curfew, drinking, smoking, promptness and school. Athletics is demanding, and coaches must concern themselves with a player’s off field activities in order to get the maximum performance of the team. 5. Insist on good grades. Check the number of hours your athlete spends on homework. It is the duty of the parents so see that their athlete is working in the classroom. 6. Athletics are games for kids – let them play! 7. The coaches work with the players on a daily basis and they know what each can and cannot do. As a fan, you are entitled to cheer in support of our team, but please don’t become aggressive towards player, coaches, and officials. 8. Insist on your athlete’s respect for team rules, school rules, game officials and sportsmanship. Self-respect begins with self-control! 9. Encourage your athlete to surround themselves with a strong circle of support. The ball will not always bounce in their direction and they will need positive people to lean on. Be there for your kids. 10. Encourage your athlete to play for the love of the game, not trophies and scholarships. This alleviates a lot of pressure for an athlete. Insist on unselfishness. Good things happen to those who give of themselves for the greater good of others. George Curry-Head High School Football Coach-Pennsylvania
Tips for high school sports parents New book provides 'positive coaching' advice to parents of sports- team members by Terri Lobdell Palo Alto Online Staff Positive Coaching Alliance founder and Executive Director Jim Thompson recently wrote "The High School Sports Parent," which includes the following advice to parents: ■ Focus on the "Big Picture." Help kids take away from sports character lessons that will contribute to their success in life. Lessons include the rewards of commitment and delayed gratification, learning to bounce back from difficulties with renewed determination, and discovering how to support people within a team context. Avoid becoming a "back-seat coach" and leave performance on the field to the athletes and coaches. ■ Help your child keep sports in proper perspective by focusing on effort rather than outcome. Focusing on athletic talent rather than effort is a "trap" that can actually harm the player's ability to reach potential. Focusing on talent also breeds an attitude of entitlement. Help your teen understand that hard work is usually entwined with enjoyment and is a gift that will serve him or her well throughout life. ■ Mistakes are what kids worry about most. The fear of making a mistake can paralyze them. Consider the typical reaction from the stands that an athlete hears or sees after a glaring mistake: Many parents groan, slap their heads, frown or yell corrective instructions. Instead, help your teen learn not to fear mistakes and to bounce back quickly, leaving more energy to learn the game. ■ Model "honoring the game." Demonstrate respect at all times for the other team and for game officials. ■ Realize that coaches have to balance competing needs. The playing time "pie" is limited and the coach cannot give every family everything it wants. The team concept requires give-and-take for the sake of the whole. ■ Help your teen learn to advocate for himself or herself. Encourage your teen to think about how he or she wants to deal with a problem. Offer to listen or role-play. For most problems, your child is in charge of his or her own experience, not you. ■ Don't make derogatory comments about the coach to your teen or other parents or members of the team. Undermining coaches behind their backs is rampant in high school sports. This toxic behavior can devastate team culture, divide a team and place high school athletes in an awkward middle between coach and parent. If you don't like the coach, keep it to yourself and don't poison the water.
■ If there's an issue you think warrants intervention, proceed sensibly. There are some situations -- such as physical or emotional abuse -- where you may decide you need to step in. In cases in which parents decide they must act: ■ Don't intervene while angry; wait until you cool down. ■ Assume that everything you write in an e-mail will be seen by exactly the people you don't want to see it. ■ Don't assume you know what is going on or that your child's portrayal is the only "true" one. Seek confirmation of what you heard from other parents you trust not to feed the rumor mill. ■ Consult with your athlete on your plans. It is crucial that you don't act in a way that undercuts or embarrasses your teen. ■ Act as if everyone is operating out of good will, even if you suspect they are not. ■ Follow the chain of authority. Go to the coach first, even if you think he or she is the problem. You will ultimately get better results with the athletic director if you start with the coach. Similarly, the athletic director should always be contacted before an issue is brought to the principal or assistant principal. ■ If there is evidence of a coach behaving badly or abusing a player, it is better to err on the side of speaking up than to let it slide. Editor's Note: This article was part of an investigative two-part series on high school coaching in Palo Alto published in the Palo Alto Weekly on May 14, 2010 and May 21, 2010. Additional articles appeared only online.
