BULLDOG FOOTBALL Player & Parent Manual 2016
Welcome to Bulldog Football. The following manual will provide you with information and the philosophies of the football program at New London High School (NLHS). The NLHS football program is a competitive athletic program which consists of a varsity, JV1, and JV2 team. The JV2 team may consist of freshmen and sophomore players, the JV1 team may consists of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, and the varsity team may consist of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and any qualified freshmen. Placement on the varsity team is determined by ability, team depth, work ethic, attitude, commitment, and character At the younger levels, we have an 8 th grade team and a 7 th grade team at New London Middle School (NLMS). Our football program also runs a flag football league on Saturday mornings in the fall for participants in 3 rd -6 th grade. Team members of the Bulldog Football program will be held to high standards derived from program goals and expectations. NLHS football players are committed, disciplined, and demonstrate character through a trusting and united environment. We will pride ourselves in being fundamentally sound, playing the game the right way, working hard, having fun, and respecting our opposition. By participating in Bulldog Football, players will leave the program with memories that last a lifetime. They will not only be good football players, but respectful young men. I encourage parents to become involved with the Bulldogs Gridiron Club by volunteering your time on game nights. Assistance is needed in the concession stand and with selling 50/50 raffle tickets. Parents aren t expected to volunteer during games your son plays in, however we are asking for your help during other level games. The Bulldogs Gridiron Club has done an amazing job supporting our football program. Over the years they have provided team meals, equipment, scholarships, and sponsored summer passing leagues, just to name a few contributions. Your help will allow the Bulldogs Gridiron Club to continue to support our team. In this Bulldog Football manual you will find information that communicates the expectations of the program. If you have any questions feel free to contact me: Thank you, e-mail mmarsh@newlondon.k12.wi.us website http://www.newlondon.k12.wi.us/highschool/football.cfm work # (920) 982-8532 ext 2254 home # (920) 982-9431 cell# (920) 915-4782 Marc R. Marsh Head Football Coach New London High School 2
2016 Football Staff Head Coach Varsity Assistant Varsity Assistant Varsity Assistant JV1 Coach JV1 Coach JV2 Coach JV2 Coach Marc Marsh Wade Berglund Sam Van Alstine Randy Marsh Matt Bredesen Jess Evans Kurt Schommer Kyle Lubinski 8 th Grade Coach Tony Porath 8 th Grade Coach Mike Wohlt 7 th Grade Coach Greg Shepard 7 th Grade Coach Nathan Penn Athletic Trainer Kayla Van Handel 3
BULLDOG FOOTBALL CORE VALUES 1. Commitment The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. It is also known as a pledge or an undertaking. A) Striving for excellence in the classroom B) Dedication to an off-season strength and conditioning program C) Preparation and learning through HUDL D) Giving back to the football program by participating in the annual fundraiser E) Assisting with the development of youth football players F) Attendance at all team functions The quality of a person s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor. Vince Lombardi Everybody is looking for instant success, but it doesn t work that way. You build a successful life one day at a time. Lou Holtz 2. Discipline Behavior in accord with the rules of conduct. To train oneself to do something correctly in a habitual manner. A) Obey the co-curricular code B) Demonstrate acceptable classroom behavior C) Follow all of the policies in the Bulldog Football Player Manual D) Show great effort in practice and games-even when nobody is watching you E) Do what you are coached to do Discipline is: knowing what to do, knowing when to do it, doing it to the best of your abilities, doing it that way every single time. Bobby Knight The difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing it exactly right. Edward C Simmons 3. Character The action you take to carry out the values, ethics, and morals that you believe in. A) Positively represent our program throughout the entire year. B) Give the youth, school, and community a great perception of the football program Character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things a man chooses or avoids. Aristotle Actions, looks, words and steps form the alphabet by which you may spell character. Johann Kasper Lavater 4. Trust Honesty, reliability, loyalty. You do what you say you ll do and stand by your teammates and coaches. A) Believe in yourself, team, and coaches B) Don t ever let your teammates down Either we're a team or we aren't. Either you trust me or you don't. Ally Carter A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody. Thomas Paine 5. Unity The state of being undivided or unbroken. The state of being one. A) Develop team chemistry by accepting, supporting, and helping all members of the team B) Create a brotherhood of men that is sustained beyond football, throughout life C) A common vision at all levels of the football program The power of we is stronger than the power of me. Unknown The secret of winning football games is working more as a team, less as individuals. I play not my eleven best, but my best eleven. Knute Rockne 4
Mission Statement The ultimate goal of our program is to represent our school and community with pride both on and off the football field. Our program wants to shape the lives of student-athletes by instilling character, discipline, work ethic, and perseverance. Members of the football team will learn leadership skills, commitment, hard work, and teamwork to reach a common goal. Participation in Football Football is a demanding sport based on discipline and will. A successful football team is made up of players who are committed, hard working, and dedicated. Football isn t for everyone. However, those who play will realize that football will give back more than it demands. Football provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. It can develop confidence, courage, and lifelong friendships. Philosophies of Bulldog Football 1) Hustle There is a wide range of ability levels between members of a football team. Not all players are capable of becoming All-Conference players. However, all players are capable of hustling 100% of the time. 2) Persevere During your time playing high school football you will get knocked down. The same is true for life. You must get up and be determined to overcome obstacles in your way. 3) Care You must have the desire to achieve greatness. Football is the ultimate team sport. There isn t anything more rewarding than 11 athletes working together towards a common goal. 4) Awareness Each player must know his assignment on every play. Teammates trust in each other and must consistently carry out their individual assignments for the benefit of the team. 5) Punctuality Be on time for every team function. In fact, plan on arriving early. Being on time is important and a skill that you will need for the remainder of your life. 6) Compete Everyday we need to strive to be the best-it starts in the weight room and on the practice field. Each player has the opportunity to contribute to the success of the team. All players must compete for an opportunity to contribute on game nights. Nobody is entitled to playing time, you must compete! Registration The following items must be completed and on file before a student-athlete can participate: $60 Co-curricular fee WIAA Physical card OR Alternate Year card Co-curricular Code and Injury Risk Understanding form Concussion Awareness form Theda Care form WIAA Eligibility form 5
Communication We have an open door policy at all times for PLAYERS on the team. We encourage players to communicate with the coaching staff regarding anything they wish to discuss. We also encourage players to communicate regularly with the team captains. Captains can be the voice of the team and discuss anything with the coaching staff. Parent/Guardian Communication Process 1) If parents/guardians have a question or concern, we ask that you communicate with the athlete first. As a member of the team they will be provided with information on a daily basis. 2) After speaking with the athlete, a parent/guardian may contact the Head Coach if necessary. 3) If there are remaining questions/concerns a meeting can be setup with the parent/guardian, Head Coach, and Activities Director. A coach should never be approached before, during, or after a game to discuss an issue. Attendance Attendance at games, practices and mandatory team functions is required. A missed game, practice or mandatory team function for any reason may result in a loss of playing time. If a player is going to miss a game, practice or mandatory team function he must inform Head Coach Marsh by phone, e-mail, or text before the absence. If a player leaves school during the day it is still necessary that they make contact with Coach Marsh. A player who is injured is still required to be at all practices and team functions, along with following the recovery plan set forth by the Athletic Trainer. A player may meet with a teacher after school if extra help is needed. You must make Coach Marsh aware before practice begins. Consequences Any tardy Meeting with the Head Coach 2 nd tardy Miss 1 st quarter of the next game 3 rd tardy Miss 1 st half of the next game 4 th tardy Miss the next game 1st unexcused absence 2nd unexcused absences 3rd unexcused absences 4th unexcused absences Meeting with the Head Coach Miss 1 st half of the next game Miss the next game Equipment will be collected, removal from team All members of each activity will attend all scheduled practices and meetings. If circumstances arise whereby the student cannot attend a practice or meeting, every attempt should be made to notify the coach or advisor by personal contact, phone call, or written statement from a parent or guardian prior to the missed practice or meeting. Any student who cuts practice or fails to attend school on a competition day or practice days may not be allowed to participate in any activity on that day or the following non-school day. 6
A participant must be in school and attended all scheduled afternoon classes on the day in which they are to practice or participate in a contest, except in cases of family emergency, excused pre-planned absences or if a written medical release is obtained from a physician. Furthermore, a participant must be in school for all afternoon classes on a Friday to be eligible for a Saturday activity. Because students are encouraged to be involved in co-curricular activities, coaches and advisors will work to decrease the likelihood of conflicts in schedules. Because avoiding conflicts in scheduling is not always possible, a student who misses an activity to compete in another shall not be coerced or penalized for the choice that the student and parents must make. Excessive absence from practices, games, or activities may be cause for removal from the group. All students involved in co-curricular activities are required to attend classes regularly. Those delinquent to class attendance are subject to disciplinary action. Lack of attendance in classes may result in failure of class work resulting in ineligibility. Playing Time Each season we intend to have three teams at the high school level (varsity, JV1, JV2). If there are not enough participants to have three teams we will then have a varsity team and then either a JV1 or JV2 team. The JV1 or JV2 determination is based on the amount of players in each grade and the ability to compete. Varsity Emphasis is placed on winning the game. Playing time will not be equal and may vary throughout the season. Each player is not guaranteed an opportunity to play in a game. The coaching staff will evaluate players in practice and game like situations, as well as performance during games. The TEAM always comes first! Factors for playing time at the varsity level: Attitude Skill and ability Work ethic Knowledge of schemes and concepts Commitment JV1 and JV2 The team will strive to win the game, but individual player and team development is the first priority. Playing time will not be equal, however coaches will attempt to start and play as many players as possible. Players that have attended all practices and are in good standing with the team will receive playing time during the game. The goal is to prepare underclassmen to advance in the program by working on skills and techniques that are used in schemes by the varsity team. Middle School At the Middle School level it is important to promote football by giving each player a positive learning experience. Fundamentals, teamwork, and beginning level varsity concepts will be taught. Each player will receive playing time if they demonstrate good effort and behavior and do not have any missed practices or discipline problems. The 3 rd quarter will be specifically designed to give playing time to less skilled players, or players who do not receive as much playing time. 7
Dress Code Practice dress code Players must wear their practice jersey for all practices. This includes days when shoulder pads are not used. Shorts or sweat pants should be worn on non-padded days. Pajama pants, running tights, or long johns are not acceptable. Cleats are mandatory for all outdoor activities, athletic shoes are needed for the weight room and indoor practices. Pre-game day dress code (Varsity only) Each player is required to follow the game day dress code beginning with the start of the school day up until postgame when the player leaves the locker room at NLHS for the night. Home game: All varsity roster players will wear khaki shorts/blue jeans (based on the weather) along with their team issued game jersey. The coaching staff will make players aware if it will be khaki shorts or jeans at the completion of practice on Thursday night. Away game: All varsity roster players will wear khaki shorts/blue jeans (based on the weather) along with their team issued Bulldog Football t-shirt. The coaching staff will make players aware if it will be khaki shorts or jeans at the completion of practice on Thursday night. Game dress code 1. Team issued pants and jerseys must be worn. 2. Wrist bands are not allowed, unless they are issued or approved by the head coach. 3. The length and color of shoes and socks may be decided by each individual player. 4. If a long sleeve shirt is worn under the game uniform, it must be the same color of the jersey. Exceptions will be made for team ordered/approved undershirts. Training Room 1. The training room is a place to get taped before a practice/game. It is also a place to do preventative and rehabilitative exercises. It is not a place to meet or hangout with other athletes and socialize. 2. If at anytime a player becomes injured he must inform a coach and also get checked out by the trainer before leaving school. 3. Any player who does not follow through with the rehabilitation program set forth by the trainer will not participate in the upcoming game. 4. If a player gets injured during practice, he may immediately get checked out by the trainer. After getting checked out by the trainer, each player is expected to return to his position coach or team activity to participate if cleared, or observe if not cleared. 5. Players that are unable to participate due to injury are expected to attend all practices and team functions. Players need to watch and learn what is being taught at their position. 8
Locker Room 1. The varsity locker room at NLHS and at opposing schools must be kept clean. It is the responsibility of all players on the team to do their part and make sure everything is picked up. 2. Football cleats are not allowed in any school building. 3. Lock up all valuables before leaving the locker room. You will be issued a school lock to use in the NLHS varsity locker room. Purchase a lock that you can take with you for all away games. Transportation The bus ride to an opposing team s football field is an excellent time to get mentally prepared for the game. Each player should review his game notes and pay special attention to the game plan that was developed during the week in practice. Keep in mind that the task at hand is to go and win a football game later that evening. The bus ride to the game should be quiet. 1. Be on time for the bus departure. We will leave without anyone who is late. 2. All travel bags and equipment should be loaded on the truck or underneath the bus. 3. All players should sit in pairs on the bus, leaving the first four seats open for coaches and managers. 4. Players are encouraged to make healthy selections if they choose to eat/or drink prior to the game. All garbage needs to be kept by the individual player and then thrown away when leaving the bus, or thrown away at the school we are traveling to. 5. As we approach New London, each player that needs a ride home from the high school should make contact via cell phone with the person responsible for providing the ride so we can quickly lock the school up and leave for the night. A participant who travels to an out-of town-activity with a school group must return with his or her group. Exceptions to this rule are: 1. The parent may make prior arrangements, in writing, with the athletic director/assistant principal in advance of the trip. A travel release form is available from the athletic director/assistant principal and must be completed by the parent. Details of these arrangements will be forwarded to the coach/advisor and the student may be released to the designated adult. 2. If a parent is present at an out-of-town site, the parent may request the student to return with him/her. This request must be made, in person and in writing, by the parent to the coach/advisor in charge. Uniforms and Equipment 1. Players must see a coach if something needs to be fixed or adjusted. Do NOT make any alterations to any equipment on your own. 2. Do not throw or slam your helmet down. Never sit on your helmet. Helmets will be worn at all times on the football field. 3. Do not share equipment with other teammates. This can be a safety issue as well as a hygiene issue. 4. All protective equipment must be issued by the school. Any accessory equipment (gloves, towels, etc. must be approved by the head coach.) 9
All participants will be required to replace lost or stolen equipment issued to them either by payment or with the equivalence of the lost article. Hygiene 1. Showers after athletic activity are high encouraged. Showering will eliminate dirt and odors, and help prevent the spread of skin diseases. 2. Practice gear needs to be washed on a regular basis. 3. All game worn uniforms will be washed by the school. Multi-sport Athletes and Loyalty The Bulldog Football program continuously promotes multi-sport athletes. Great athletes are people who compete in several activities and don t specialize in one sport. However, when the football season begins it is important that all participants focus on the current football season. Attendance at NLHS issued open gyms for other sports is not allowed unless the activity is approved by the Head Coach. Fundraising It is important that our players participate in fundraising to raise money for the football program. Each player benefits directly from the fundraiser with the annual purchase of additional equipment and team sponsored activities. Participating in the fundraiser is a great way for a player to give back to the Bulldog Football program. Captains Team captains are chosen by the coaching staff each season. Team captains must positively represent the football program. The role of a team captain is to provide leadership for the team and to be source of communication between the coaches and players. A captain may be removed due to suspension or other actions deemed unnecessary by the coaching staff. Lettering and Award Policies 1. A player will qualify for a letter if he attains playing time as a starter or back up in 12 quarters of varsity game action. 2. A player must finish the season in good standing with the football program to be eligible for a letter. The coaching staff can make lettering decisions based on attitude, work ethic, and behavior. 3. The coaching staff will decide on the following post-season awards each year: Most Valuable Players Team Captains Most Improved Player Team Player Scout Player of the Year Bulldog Award Bill Rohan Memorial Award All-Conference nominations A player who is suspended during the season will not be eligible for post-season awards 10
Eligibility Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege and not a right. A student must earn this privilege through dedication, desire, and discipline. To be eligible for co-curricular activities, a student must be in compliance with the New London School Policies concerning correct and legal enrollment and the rules and regulations of the individual activity association, i.e. WIAA. Academics I. An athlete must be enrolled in the required number of classes and must either pass all courses they were enrolled in during the previous grading period OR have a 2.000 grade point average during the previous grading period. Any failure for the semester or quarter will result in an automatic period of ineligibility without regard to grade point average. Incompletes shall count as failures until made up. (Reference: Online Co- curricular Code Book, 8/1/2015) II If a student does not meet the criteria stated in #1, he or she will not be allowed to participate in games, contests, or performances for 15 scheduled school days and nights following the end of the marking period. The participant may not return to competition until the school day following the 15 day ineligibility period. During these 15 days and nights, the students must continue to practice and attend meetings, but he or she may not be involved in any inter-school competition or performance. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) felt that these rules applied to fall activities were unfair. Thus the following modification has been made for athletes that are ineligible and participating in a fall sport. If a particular sport has a contest prior to the start of school, the minimum ineligibility period shall be the lesser of (a) 21 consecutive calendar days beginning with the date of earliest allowed competition in a sport or (b) one-third of the maximum number of games/meets allowed in a sport (rounded up if one-third results in a fraction). III At the conclusion of the ineligibility period, the student may be reinstated by the following procedure: A. Verify, in writing, on a form obtained in the Student Services Office that he/she is doing passing work in all courses for which he/she is currently enrolled. B. This form will be presented to the coach/advisor, assistant principal and/or Athletic director. C. The assistant principal/athletic director will reinstate the student by signature. IV Summer school is currently offered for credit make-up at the high school level. Only core courses are offered for credit make-up. Students may become academically eligible by successfully completing the summer school make-up credit program if the course failed is offered and they meet all other prerequisites. V Grade reports will be printed on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th Friday of each quarter. Any student that has a current failing grade in any class during the quarter will be notified on that Friday and ruled ineligible on the following Monday. Any student listed as failing a class can be ruled eligible immediately upon the receipt of a written statement of passing from the teacher assigning the current failing grade. Freshmen properly enrolled in school will be academically eligible for the first six weeks; thereafter regular eligibility rules will apply. 11
Code of Conduct The following are established policies of the co-curricular program. Deviation from these standards will mean suspension from part, or the entire program. Unless otherwise described, the term violation in this code means a confirmed or admitted violation. Coaches/Advisors will clearly communicate to participants criteria for awards and letters as well as reviewing this code of conduct. Participants will be required to sign the Acknowledgment of the Co- Curricular Code at the beginning of each activity season. This code is in effect 12 months of the year. A. No smoking or use, including chewing, of tobacco. B. No drinking or use of alcoholic beverages. C. No use, possession, buying or selling of controlled substance or illegal drugs. D. The possession of alcoholic beverages, smoking materials or illegal drugs with the intent * to use such items for an illegal purpose or in violation of these training rules is also prohibited. E. A co-curricular participant who chooses to remain at an unacceptable social gathering where alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are present or are being consumed will be considered in violation of the co-curricular code. F. Conduct in and out of school shall be such as will not bring discredit to the student, his/her parents, his/her school, or his/her team. G. Criminal action by a participant may result in immediate and/or indefinite suspension. *Definition: Intent means that the student athlete must have had the mental purpose to use such item in violation of this code, or that he/she believed that his/her acts, if successful, would accomplish use of such items in violation of this code. Intent must be determined from the student s acts, words, and statements which bear upon his or her intent. Hazing Any student that is accused of participating in an act of hazing will be immediately suspended from their activity while an investigation is done in a timely manner. All investigations into hazing incidents will be done with the cooperation of the Police/School Liaison Officer. If a student is found guilty of committing an act of hazing he/she will be immediately dismissed from their current activity and be required to serve a code violation penalty at the start of their next activity. Consequences 1 st Violation The participant will suspended for 15% of the competitive contest season schedule in which he/she is or will be competing. The actual events of ineligibility will be rounded up to the next whole number. 2 nd Violation The participant will be suspended for a number of contests equal to 50% of the season. The actual events of suspension will be rounded up to the next whole number. C. 3 rd Violation and subsequent violations The participant will be suspended from all activities for one calendar year from the date of the violation. A competitive season is defined as beginning on the first day of practice, in which an athlete is medically and academically eligible, and continuing until the day following the last contest in a specific sport or activity. Other cocurricular programs may be year long. Regardless of whether an activity has a specific season or is year long, all cocurricular programs will be subject to disciplinary action throughout the entire school year. 12
Students who voluntarily share personal information with the administration about involvement regarding code violations will have their ineligibility reduced by one contest/performance. Students who intentionally deceive the administration will be suspended for one additional day of performance/contest. (Reference: Online Co-curricular Code Book, 8/1/2015 During the period of suspension the student will be required to practice and meet all obligations of the activity. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the activity. The suspension will then carry over into the next activity the individual is involved in. A student must be eligible for the final regular season activity to compete in any post-season, WIAA tournament series, or state competition. Any violation which cannot be made up in its entirety during one season will have the remaining % carried over into the next activity. For example, if a student was suspended for 50% of a season, but only had one of eight activities remaining to serve (1/8 = 13%), he/she would be suspended for 37% of the next activity. If a calendar year passes from a students most recent violation, the students number of accumulated violations is reduced by one. 13