7 4 League Championships 53-24 (last 7 years) 3 Time State Semi-Finalists Players/Parents Handbook Bart Mayes Head Football Coach School room/office D229 Phone: 970-613-7877 bart.mayes@thompsonschools.org Sean Flusche Head Freshman Coach Phone: 817-366-3228 (cell)
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GENERAL PHILOSOPHY pg 3 2. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS...pg 3 3. GOALS FOR THE TEAM AND PROGRAM..pg 4 4. TEAM IMAGE EXPECTATIONS pg 4 5. WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A STARTER..pg 5 6. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS.pg 5 7. ATTITUDES THAT WILL LEAD TO DISMISSAL..pg 5 8. ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS pg 6 9. PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS..pg 7 10. GAME EXPECTATIONS..pg 8 11. HELMET CARE.pg 9 12. CATASTROPHIC INJURY..pg 9 13. THE UNITY COMMITTEE.pg 10 14. CAPTAINS..pg 10 15. EQUIPMENT PRICE BREAKDOWN pg 10 16. MISC. PARENT INFO COMMUNICATION pg 11 17. VARSITY LETTERING POLICY.pg 12 18. MANAGER LETTERING POLICY...pg 13 19. PLAYER/PARENT SIGNATURE FORM..pg 14
GENERAL PHILOSOPHY Here at Mountain View, we will exhibit a Double-Win philosophy. We will certainly have an intense desire to win and be successful; but more importantly, we will have a desire to help players learn life lessons and positive character traits from participating in this great game of football. Definition of Success: Success is the inner satisfaction and peace of mind that come from knowing I did the very best I was capable of doing for the group. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS 1. Set your priorities and act on them every day. We believe that your general and lifelong priorities should be in the following order: Your Faith Your Family Your Academics Your Football Commitment Your Personal Goals 2. Never act in a way that would cause embarrassment or disgrace to your family, school, or team. 3. Conduct yourself like a gentleman at all times. 4. Your freedom to do things ENDS when your COMMITMENT to this team begins. 5. If you cannot conform to the basic expectations of this team, then you cannot and will not be a part of the program! Page 3 Player s Handbook
GOALS FOR THE TEAM AND PROGRAM 1. To provide student athletes with the opportunity to engage in a contact sport and come to understand that the word compete is derived from the Latin word meaning to strive together. 2. To provide student athletes with the opportunity to experience self-discipline, sacrifice, and dedication as a means of achieving goals. 3. To provide clear expectations and attention to each athletes academic standing. 4. To provide student athletes with the opportunity to exemplify good sportsmanship as a means of learning good citizenship. 5. To provide student athletes with the opportunity to learn the value of working together as a team to achieve a goal. 6. To provide student athletes with the opportunity to experience a feeling of selfworth and to develop a strong sense of self-confidence. 7. To provide student athletes with the opportunity to engage in an organized activity with other student athletes from various cultures, ethnically diverse backgrounds, and different academic abilities. 8. To provide student athletes with a winning attitude so that winning is an expectation not a hope. This will be achieved with the full understanding that we will never compromise our program s values and morals in order to win any game. 9. To provide the student athletes with opportunities to help them learn life lessons and positive character traits that will help them become authentic and influential men in our society. TEAM IMAGE EXPECTATIONS 1. Treat all people in and out of the program with respect. Anything less will be a poor reflection on the ENTIRE Mountain View football team. 2. Respect Authority. We expect everyone (coaches and players) to submit to authority. Open defiance from players will result from dismissal from practice and a Unity Committee Hearing will decide further consequences. 3. Speak Respectfully. Appropriately address all those in authority. Example: Mr., Coach, Sir, etc. 4. No Hazing. There will be zero tolerance for any type of hazing in this program. Everyone is vital to the success of the team and a sense of belonging and pride must be emphasized at all times. Page 4 Player s Handbook
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A STARTER PLAYER EVALUATION 1. The best man physically. He is an aggressive, hard-hitting, and athletic individual. 2. The best man mentally. He possesses mental capacity, toughness, and selfdiscipline. 3. The best team player. He will put the good of the team above personal considerations. 4. A winning attitude. He improves on a daily basis and strives to be his best on and off the field. 5. The best MAN. This is someone who rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects the greater reward. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS As players you will be expected to exhibit these behaviors in the classroom, in the community, and on the practice/game field: 1. Respect the authority of any adult figure (teacher, principal, parent, coach, etc.) 2. Respect women. No down-grading or demeaning women will EVER be tolerated. 3. Accept responsibility for your actions. 4. Reject passivity. 5. Expect the greater reward ** If a teacher goes out of their way to approach the coaching staff about a player s classroom behavior, that player will face heavy consequences chosen by the Head Coach and/or Unity Committee. A player should never draw negative attention to the team in any way by making poor decisions (especially in the classroom!). ATTITUDES THAT WILL LEAD TO A PLAYER S DISMISSAL FROM THE TEAM 1. Inability to uphold the training rules. 2. Habitual tardiness or unexcused absences (3). (*for practices and the classroom!) 3. Inability to take care of school-work. 4. Lack of integrity (dishonesty, immoral, selfishness, etc.) 5. Hypersensitivity to constructive criticism. (uncoachable) 6. Inability to hold the Team s needs above anything else. 7. Self pity. 8. Lack of loyalty to the Team or the coaches. 9. Inability to encourage teammates (put-ups). 10. Inability to follow and adhere to any contract a player may be on. Page 5 Player s Handbook
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS 1. Maintain a minimum of a C average. There will be a weekly grade check. You are expected to represent this program in a positive light through your pride, class, and dignity in the classroom. Failure to take care of your grades will result in not playing and could ultimately end in the removal from the team. I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT YOUR GRADES AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS ARE IN THIS PROGRAM!!! D s and F s will result in spending Tuesday thru Friday in Coach Mayes room at 6:45 am to study and get help. ** Two F s at any time of the season The player will NOT play that week and will not play again until at least one F changes to a passing grade. 2. The coaching staff views ineligibility as a direct result of that player making very poor choices due to being lazy and selfish. If a coach cannot count on a player to be eligible in the classroom (by making wise choices), then how can he count on that player in a game???!!! 3. Attendance: You are expected to attend class everyday. Checks will be completed on your attendance every week. A. Tardiness to class is the result very bad choices. If it is unacceptable to be late for practice or for a football meeting, then it is certainly unacceptable (even more so) to be late for class. Habitual offenders will be subjected to extensive conditioning after practice and may be referred to the Unity Committee for further disciplinary actions. B. Ditching class is also a very poor choice. It will ultimately lead to failure in the classroom and on the football team. Not showing up for class is the number one reason for poor grades. C. If you are absent from a class without an excuse, you will have extensive conditioning after practice. Absences from class need to be excused BEFORE you leave for the appointment. D. PARENTS MUST WRITE A NOTE TO EXCUSE THEIR SON FROM CLASS. E. If you ditch twice in a week, you will be considered a habitual offender and will be referred to the Unity Committee. F. If you ditch the day of the game, you will not play or travel with the team!. Page 6 Player s Handbook
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS 1. Timeliness You are expected to be dressed, on the field and ready to begin BEFORE the announced practice time. Ready to begin means that you are standing at the BLACK LINE and mentally prepared to work hard, to give your full effort, and to learn and be coachable. If you are late and have not excused your tardiness, then you will have extensive conditioning after practice. Our players must be on time for everything class, football meetings, and football practices. 2. Reporting Dates All Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores must report before the end of the first week of school. As a general rule, late reporting upper classmen will miss 1-2 games and will only be given the right to earn a starting position for the 3 rd game. However, the head coach and Unity Committee reserves the right to make decisions on any unusual circumstances for an incoming upper classmen. Freshmen may report up to the 1 st week of September without penalty. Encourage your friends to be a part of something bigger than yourselves. 3. Absences You are expected to be at every practice every scheduled day without exception (this includes holidays and Saturdays). If you miss school due to an illness, you may not participate in practice or in a game. You must contact the head coach if you are missing a practice no excuses! (613-7877) If you have 3 unexcused absences you will be removed from the team. 4. Absences/Games If you miss practice during the week of a game, then you will not play in that game for one half. If you miss a second practice during the week of a game, then you will not play that game. Any missed practices due to injury will be handled by the Trainer and Head Coach, and playing time will be determined according to each individual circumstance. 5. Equipment Practice attire will be posted or verbally stated for each day. Have your equipment prepared and take pride in it. There will be severe consequences for not being prepared. Do not alter your equipment in any way. You will be charged for altered equipment. Keep your helmet on at all times during practice and during a game. 6. Jewelry Absolutely no jewelry, bandanas, or due rags will be worn at practice or in a game. They are not part of the uniform in any way. 7. Athletic Supporters All players will be expected to wear athletic supporters or cups. 8. Training Room Report all injuries to the Trainer IMMEDIATELY. If you need treatment, get it and then report to practice. Do not hang around the training room unless you need treatment. Do not use the Trainer as an excuse for being late or missing practice. The Trainer and the Head Coach will have extensive communication and dialogue about all players injuries. If you need to be taped or need physical therapy, report to the training room as soon as possible after school. There is no reason to be late to practice because of seeing the trainer. Page 7 Player s Handbook
GAME EXPECTATIONS 1. Dress On game days, you will be expected to wear your football dress shirt with a nice pair of pants. This includes JV games and Varsity games! 2. Uniform On game night, you will be required to wear your uniform as it was checked out to you. You may not alter pads, jerseys, or other equipment without the Head Coach s approval. Socks are to be worn with your cleats. Helmets and cleats must be shined before the pre-game check. You represent Mountain View High School, and we want to be a first class program. If you alter your uniform or do not shine your helmet or cleats, you will not be given the privilege of playing that week. There will be a pre-game inspection before every game! 3. Travel Dress Everyone will be expected to wear the pre-determined travel attire. 4. Travel Behavior You may bring your own music with headsets on the bus. You will act like gentlemen. There will be no horseplay. This is the time to mentally prepare yourself. The bus will be left cleaner than you found it. 5. Officials Players will address all officials with respect at all times. Players will not ridicule officials from the sideline. Parents and spectators will not be permitted to shout or discuss questionable calls with officials. Please respect the game, the athletes, and the officials. Allow the head coach to handle questionable Calls. 6. Parents are not allowed in or around the locker room area unless given the privilege to do so by the Head Coach. 7. Parents are not allowed to go onto field after the game is over when we are the VISITING team. Page 8 Player s Handbook
HELMET CARE AND CAUTION 1. Inspect Check your helmet for defects such as cracks, broken areas, or broken face mask throughout the season. This should be done at least once per week. We will plan to do this every Monday. 2. Helmet Sticker Check the sticker that is attached to your helmet. This sticker has to be on your helmet and reads as follows: Do not use this helmet to butt, ram or spear an opposing player. This is a violation of the football rules and such use can result in severe head or neck injuries, paralysis, or even death to you and possible injury to your opponent. No helmet can prevent all head or neck injuries a player might receive while participating in football. ** This sticker must be worn at all times no exceptions. Not having this sticker on your helmet will result in a penalty, and the player will be removed from the game until he can return with a proper helmet (with a sticker on it). NEVER 1. Throw your helmet 2. Sit on your helmet CATASTROPHIC INJURY Football is a sport that can be dangerous. You need to know that you can be seriously injured, maimed, or even killed while playing this game. These possibilities are especially true when a player uses the head or facemask as the initial point of contact. The Mountain View coaching staff will always teach you the proper techniques necessary to insure your safety and your opponent s safety. Your hands, forearms, or shoulders should always be used as the initial form of contact when tackling or blocking. Never use your head or facemask! In addition, injuries must be reported to the trainer immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Players will follow the trainer s recommendations in all injury situations. The trainer or player s physician will have the final word in a decision on the availability or a player who is questionable due to injury. Coaches will always honor the decisions of the trainer or physician. Page 9 Player s Handbook
Page 13 Player s Handbook THE UNITY COMMITTEE The Unity Committee will consist of team captains and one player from each of the six positions: Defensive Linemen, Offensive Linemen, Running Backs, Receivers, Defensive Backs, and Linebackers. A player will be voted in by the other players in that position and they will be responsible for giving and maintaining the direction of our program. They will also decide the consequences for players that have crossed over the line in regards to team policies and training rules. They will meet with the head coach each week to discuss any team issues. The captains will run the Unity Committee. CAPTAINS It is a great honor to be chosen as a team captain for the football team. Two team captains will be chosen by the team and one will be chosen by the coaching staff during the first week of practice. One other player will be honored each week as a rotating captain. EQUIPMENT PRICE BREAKDOWN Game Jerseys $200 ($100 each) Game pants $160 ($80 each) Practice pants $25 Practice jersey $25 Helmet $225 Shoulder pads $255 Belt $2 Hip Pad set $20 Thigh Pads $8 Knee Pads $5 Mouth Piece $5 Total $930 Page 10 Player s Handbook
EQUIPMENT EXPECTATIONS Any modifications or alterations will result in charges to that player based on the prices on the previous page. All equipment must be turned in at the end of the season and must be clean! (a $10 charge will be assessed for any dirty clothing as well as full charges for any missing equipment) If a player is removed or if he removes himself from the program, it is his responsibility to check in his equipment. Any equipment left in lockers is often lost or stolen leaving the student (or parent!) a very costly bill at the end of the semester. COMMUNICATION THE HEAD COACH SHOULD EXPECT FROM PARENTS 1. Notification of any schedule conflicts (Appointments, family emergencies, etc.) We expect the players to be at practice! Schedule appointments at another time! 2. Notification of injury and/or sickness. 3. Before a parent calls the head coach about an issue concerning their son, parents should encourage the player to approach the head coach first. We need to help these young men face their own issues. APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH THE HEAD COACH 1. The treatment of your son mentally and physically. 2. Ways to help your son improve. 3. Concerns about your son s behavior. ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES 1. Team strategy and/or philosophy 2. Play calling 3. Playing time 4. Other players on the team 24 HOUR RULE Please do not approach me with a concern right after a game. It is beneficial for both of us to have time to evaluate and reflect before a discussion especially since my immediate concern and responsibility after a game is to talk to the players and get them home safely. If a situation has the potential to turn volatile, I will use the 24 hour which means I will pledge to call you within 24 hours from that point. Please try to avoid Sunday phone calls (unless it is an emergency) as Sundays are my family days. Page 11 Player s Handbook
Player Lettering Policy There are three ways a player can earn a varsity letter during a season: 1. Each player must participate in a minimum of 120 plays (offense, defense, or special teams) during the regular season. (There are typically 1200 total plays in a 10 game season). 2. If a player qualifies with all of the following criteria, he can earn a letter: a. 3.0 or higher G.P.A. (2.6-2.99 will NOT be acceptable) b. Be one of the top 20 players in summer work out attendance c. Fundraising each player must raise $150 for the program (thru donations, banners, letter writing campaign, etc.) d. Adherence to all the Training Rules (includes behavioral referrals) e. School attendance no unexcused absences, no more than 3 tardies during the football season 3. A 4 year participant (has been part of this football program at Mountain View for all 4 years) **Please note: o A freshman player may only letter by accomplishing the first requirement (participation in a minimum of 120 varsity plays) Page 12 Player s Handbook
Manager Lettering Policy **Managers must be able to do all of these requirements in order to letter! 1. Attendance a. Attends all practices and Varsity games b. Is on time c. Stays for the entire practice d. If unable to attend practice must get OK from Head Coach (no unexcused absences!) e. Is expected to not have a job managing a football team is many times even more demanding than most jobs. f. Must manage at least 3 of the JV games g. School attendance no unexcused absences, no more than 3 tardies to class during the football season. 2. Off season a. Must be available to work during the off-season (winter, spring, and summer) 3. Must follow all Training Rules (includes behavioral referrals) 4. 2.5 or higher G.P.A. 5. Great attitude willing to do whatever needs to be done and whatever the Head Coach needs. 6. Will not draw attention to oneself the best manager is the one that you hardly know is there, yet everything gets done that needs to get done. 7. Wears appropriate attire at games and practices a. Subject to Head Coach s discretion (the same dress code policy as in the school handbook.) b. Will be given or told what to wear during games (will be involved in the pre-game inspection just like the players. Page 13 Player s Handbook
Player and Parent Acknowledgement Form I have read and understood all rules, policies, and other parts of this handbook. I understand that this is a dangerous sport that has the potential for catastrophic injuries. I completely understand the expectations that concern practices and absences, the school and the football staff s stance and policies on the of use drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and equipment care. I will follow these training rules. Player signature Date Parent signature Date Page 14 Player s Handbook