Program Philosophy

Character and doing things the right way.

Teaching young men to make the right choices, tell the truth and become young adults. We only have one rule in our program, "Be where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing, and doing that all the time." If all of this takes place, then winning football games will take care of itself.

Our philosophy (or put in Administrator-speak, "Mission Statement") is this:

"We believe that high school Football can be a valuable educational experience for students with the desire to participate in a disciplined, highly-organized, competitive interscholastic team sport.

"Since Football is an extension of the total school experience, our major emphasis will be on teaching skills, attitudes, and values; the process of preparing to play the contests; and the physical, emotional, and social development of each individual within the team concept."

On a different level (on the field), our "Game Goals" are:

1. Win first game
2. Win neighborhood games
3. Have winning season
4. Make playoffs
5. Win conference
6. Win playoff game
7. Be competitive with everyone in our class in the state

Be tough: mental and phyiscal

Be accountable: To yourself, to your teammates, to your school work

Do the right thing when no one is looking

Have pride: Self, team, personal, school, and community

Have a purpose in life: hold your head up high and chest out

Outwork everyone: teammates, friends, and opponents

Need to differentiate between Philosophy, Goals, and Expectations.

Didn't read your link john, but to me coaching philosophy is more about how you are going to carry out your program philosophy.

So they're not exactly the same, but interrelated.

Well-done, dc.

Coaches,

Thanks for all the great feedback. I love all the program rules and philosophies. But I am looking for something that goes deeper than the coach speak "do what's right" "be accountable" etc. HOW do you make them accountable? HOW do you force the kids who aren't in with your vision to do what is right? Is it winning?

What comes first: winning or kids buying in? Do you have to show them results before they get on board?

Also, what is your formula for winning on Friday night? We all see the Texas Techs who just want to. Score 100 and then we see Alabama play defense and special teams and grind you down on offense. What's your formula?

Keep coming with the feedback please!

To me, "Program Philosophy" means - if someone asked you why you should have a Football program at your school, you would have a succinct, educationally sound answer.

Has nothing to do with whether you're going to run or pass more, what Defense you're going to play, or even how you're going to practice.


That's why I posted earlier you must differntiate between Philosophy, etc.

1. Let them know expectations and hold them to them.

2. Must foster belief before results (faith = belief without evidence).

Be Positive but Demanding. We want to be a disciplined program, have great enthusiasm and camaraderie, and control those things we can control (attitude, effort, conditioning).

3. Defense, kicking game, then do what you can Offensively.

The following is an excerpt from Coach Don Nehlen's "Building a Winning Program." I imagine a lot have seen this, but I think some of it really hits what's been discussed in this thread. Hope someone gets something out of it...

First and foremost, I believe you must "develop a plan." There are five key elements to lead your program and philosophy in the right direction:

1.Attitude

2.Commitment

3.Accountability

4.Dependability

5.Enthusiasm

Let's break down each element, along with some tips and thoughts that may help others buy into your plan.

1. Attitude–Understanding the Plan
It all starts here. You can lose your athletes before you get out of the chute if you begin with criticism of previous seasons or past coaching experiences. These young men are most likely to be loyal to their old coaches. To approach them with negative comments will only give them reason to doubt and question who is right or wrong. Remember, this is the beginning–a new start with new techniques and philosophies. In order to get their attention and bring about positive thoughts, you must make sure they buy into your plan. Here at West Virginia University we have a slogan: "Raising the Bar." It simply means that there will be a new way of doing and measuring things. For instance, it will no
longer be tolerated if an athlete misses class, is late for study hall, or doesn't achieve the required lifts in the weight room. We have raised the bar (i.e. like reaching new heights in the high jump) and new standards have been set for the program.

2. Commitment–Living the Plan
Your athletes need to be aware of the good things that can and will materialize if they believe and are committed to reaching new levels. In other words, all (coaches and players) must march to the same heartbeat, beginning with positive thoughts and an
understanding that by crossing all T's and dotting all I's, they will master new fundamentals required to achieve success. If they learn to pay close attention to every detail en route to reaching their goals, they will become better students, athletes, and
citizens.

3. Accountability–Accepting the Plan
When starting a new program, "finger pointing" needs to be a thing of the past. Teach your athletes a new technique: to become "thumb pointers." It is easy to point fingers and
criticize last year's seniors, coaches, and whatever else, but that is old news and is no longer important. The task of changing this finger pointing is really quite simple. Determine which of your
athletes are leaders. It is your job as the head coach to find these guys and put them in leadership roles. Every team has players who fit this category–those who will step up and
take charge–guys who want the run coming right at them on 4th and 2, guys that want to scream downfield and cover kicks. I refer to these athletes as "thumb pointers," and they will become infectious in a positive manner for the rest of your squad.

4. Dependability–Doing the Plan
The "count on me" guys will be the foundation of your program. These young men areyour sergeants, the doers, the ones you can count on in a pinch. I believe that the worst mistake a coach can make is to continually utilize the most talented and flashy, yet nondependable, athlete. He may be the best "potential" athlete at a given position, but more than "potential" is required to get the job done. It is essential to employ a mix of potential
players with a greater amount of dependable athletes to be on the right track and stay on

5. Enthusiasm–Enjoying Your Plan
Outside of your family, this program is the biggest thing in the world. However, to some of your athletes, it is still a game. To others it is a vehicle for an education, and to a select few, it is their life and future. In order to generate enthusiasm, you must seek a common bond to unite all your athletes. If every player puts forth effort, you will have a fighting chance for a successful program. All eyes are on you as their leader. Put bounce in your step, enthusiasm in your voice, and crank it up. Enthusiasm is a key factor for winning. For your athletes to run full speed,
practice hard, and play with passion, enthusiasm must be motivated, cultivated, and molded into their everyday experience. Most importantly, make sure that enthusiasm is visibly present when your team charges the field just before kickoff.