Classroom behavior plan

I wouldn't cut them, but I would have some sort of consequence. To me, if a kid is being a jag in school, they do not deserve the privilege of playing time. I'm referring to chronic offenders.

Depends on how many times they are sent to me for misbehaving--at some point, yes, put them on the road. There comes a point where you're not helping them. If you've given them expectations, you've given them consequences--running, loss of playing time, sitting out games--and they continue to do the same things, then 1. they don't care what you say 2. you can't count on them 3. they are a detriment to your program 4. they aren't going to change 5. you're not "saving them" you're enabling them
6. At that point, get rid of them. I'm very clear with mine---we have expectations on the field, in the school and in the community. If you can't meet them, there will be escalating consequences that will eventually result in your dismissal. There is that point where trying to save them all will cause you to save fewer of them.

And yes, behavioral expectations include the offseason. I'm not going to start back at square one with teaching football and I'm not starting back at square one in teaching discipline. It's an ongoing process. If I don't follow through with discipline and expectations in the offseason, then let's be honest--I don't really care about the players other than what they can do for me on the field and I probably should find something else to do. As long as I keep them in my program, they are my problem 24-7 for 365---.and for many of them it extends after they finish high school.

We insist that they:

1.  Sit on the front row.  Take your hats off inside and keep your feet on the floor.
2.  Learn to say "yes sir", and "and "yes Ma'am".....it creates respect.
3.  Keep your mouth shut (unless called upon, or you raise your hand with a legit question).
4.  Smile a lot.
5.  An apple a day to the teacher (no fooling) will help!
6.  "If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep."

We won't HESITATE to cut a constant "problem-child!

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NOTE:  We have an "ACADEMIC PLAYBOOK" we issue to players, & we go over it in meetings with players & parents:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1.  Purpose of Academic Playbook

2.  Academic Requirements (Elibgibility)

3.  Academic Counselor & Student Development Center

4.  Academic Procedures & Policies

5.  Football Study Hall

6.  Football Tutorial Program

7.  Scholar Athletes

8.   Forms  (Includes things like:  Schedule Planning Worksheet, Study Contract, Time Management Sheet, etc.)

The entire booklet is about 30 pages.

"Man cannot survive except through his mind.  He comes to earth unarmed.  His brain is his only weapon.  Everything we have comes from a single attribute of man......the function of his reasoning mind".

I'll say this.  I hope I'm not judged for it, but it's where I'm at.  I'm not a head coach, so all I can do is give opinions to the HC, so don't worry.  This approach is not yet implemented anywhere.  I don't worry if a kid curses in front of me.  I just don't care.  Maybe it's because I once heard the phrase, "When it's 4th and goal on the one, you take the milk drinkers, I'll take the whiskey drinkers," haha.  Now, that being said, all players understand that if they curse AT me, there is a totally different story that leads to extra running that they will hate me for, and they learn this very soon in their career, and also learn that it will lead to turning in their pads and being done.   Along with it, they understand that anything that would cause a penalty in a game, such as saying a curse word loud enough for an official to hear and penalize, will be punished similarly.  The same goes for in the classroom, as far as I am concerned.  Right or wrong, I can cuss a blue streak in front of friends, but I would never, ever, ever, ever say a bad word in front of my 86 year old, Southern-raised Granny.  Learn to control yourself, it's pretty simple.  

I always said that if I was head coach, I would demand that my players use Sir and Ma'am in class and in the community, because I honestly feel that this sort of action creates a lot more manners just by repetition.  I'd have a list of other manners to provide, as well.  Who wouldn't be supportive of a guy wearing a football t-shirt who opens a door at the gas station and waits 15 seconds for an old woman to get there, and let her in, before entering himself?  

I grew up with some cousins, in South Mississippi, and my Uncle (who was their uncle by marriage)  one time described why he liked them.  He said that they might get in fights here and there and they might get busted at drinking parties, etc., but they NEVER miss a Sir or Ma'am and they call every elderly person Mr. or Mrs., etc.  So a kid can say a curse word, and I won't personally act like it's the end of the world, but outside of football, he'd better be on his best behavior.  

I think that's a very simple way to show kids that you are going to give them a little leeway while at the same time showing them that you are going to hold them accountable for what they do.  

Beyond that, just make a rule and make it very clear to kids what the rule is.  The vast majority of kids won't be mad at you for enforcing what you have told them 15 times is a violation.  They will, however, toe that line if you allow them.  

Just make your rules and live by them.  Also, know that every coach has favorites.  While I was a position coach, I had a kid named "Smith" that I really liked that was ALWAYS great when in my drills and during scrimmage when I was watching, for that matter.  A coach who dealt with him in other drills said that he was disrespectful and that other players had claimed he was allowed to do anything he wanted and wouldn't be reprimanded.  I told him not to threaten me with a good time, because I will definitely, equal opportunity, jump on him like any other player.  I did that the very next day.  He apologized and did the extra up-downs that I told him to do.  Ten minutes later, we were joking around, and there was never a problem with this other coach again.  He didn't start hating me because I punished him.  He did it, learned his lesson, and started behaving in a way that I approve of.  I don't know of a situation where that has not happened.  It's just a fact.  

As much as I'm probably feeding a troll here, what is your deal with Randy Jackson?

I have coached at 2 schools with constant behavior problems.   I felt like because these kids didn't have the proper support at home that I needed to keep them around and give them a good influence and work to change them.  In both places it came back to bite me.  Now some kids do need help and can be changed, but some don't care.  I take this approach now and will for rest of my career.  As long as they are trying to help themselves and arent a detriment to team I will keep them around and help.  The minute they stop trying or hurt the team, they are gone.  Most kids will learn more by having to sit and watch for a year than coddling.  I have heard "well if i kick him off he will start running with the wrong crowd".  If he starts running with wrong crowd, he was going to anyway.  Ill quote a movie "REMEMBER THE TITANS", Herman Boone... "your not helping these kids ... your crippling them for life.  The real world doesnt coddle... well wait, now days maybe.... thats another subject for another board lol.

if it gets to be too much and they keep getting in trouble for things in school or even one major i will put them on contract.
This is a very standard one that I use.


I, , _________, understand that playing football at ______ High School is a privilege and that I am to be held to a higher standard than my peers. To remain a member of the football team I agree to the following conditions:

1. I will abide by the Eagle Rule in all cases. This includes games, practices, in the community, and at school.
(The eagle rule is our team rule that says you will not be involved in any action that brings discredit to your, your school, your family, your team or your community. Very broad)
2. I will refrain from the use of illegal drugs or alcohol.
3. I will stay out of legal trouble or run ins with law enforcement.
4. I will act like a young adult and show respect to my teachers, administrators, staff and fellow students at _____ High School with respect.
5. I will refrain from being written up for any reason.
6. I will show my commitment by being present and on time for all football functions.
7. I will show my commitment actively participate in all football functions to the best of my ability including weights, conditioning, fundraising, etc.
8. I will personally inform Coach _____ of any absence from a football function prior to the absence. (This means via text or phone call, not through another player.)
9. I will treat my fellow players and coaches with the respect that they deserve and will be a positive influence in the locker room.
10. I will work to the best of my abilities in my classes so that I do not fall behind. This includes not being distracted by technology, talking to others, not doing class work or homework, etc.
11. I will use appropriate language during my conversations in school, on school property and at any school sponsored event.
I understand that violating any one of the previous conditions can result in the following disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the incident.
1. Physical Conditioning
2. Loss of Playing time.
3. Suspension for ½ game.
4. Suspension for 1 week
5. Removal from the team
I understand that this contract is in effect the minute it is signed. I further agree that the coaching staff has the ultimate discretion in making decisions if the above conditions are not complied with. I further agree that the coaching staff has ultimate decision making authority on any situation not covered above.
Player _______________________ Date________________
Guardian___________________________ Date________________
Coach ________________________ Date________________