Letter to Parents

This is from my coaching manual...


WORKING WITH PARENTS
Each time a coach interacts with a player, he is interacting with someone’s prized possession, their pride and joy. Keep that in mind. We must strive to treat every player better than our own children. By being tough but fair and displaying true concern for the child, we are more likely to gain respect from the parents.
Part of the job is being an active listener. When a parent speaks, a coach listens and gives respect to get respect. We do not create a scene. If there is an issue please direct the parent to me and I will make an appointment to discuss that parents concerns. We do not give up practice time to deal with a parent. We will not discuss offensive or defensive philosophy or play calling outside of “Dads night” film sessions. We will not discuss playing time with a parent before discussing it with their son. This teaches the boy to become a man. We do not and will not compare athletes with a parent. If parents want to make comparisons they are more than welcome to come and watch practice and even get practice video. I will work hard to make parents an ally in every aspect of the program. We can accomplish much more if a parent supports the coaches and helps us do what is best not only for their sons, but for the team and program. We will not cave to parent pressure to give more playing time, personal glory, stats or play their son in any position other than what is best for the team. NO PLAYER BIGGER THAN THE TEAM, NO TEAM BIGGER THAN THE PROGRAM.
Some parents are generally friendly and cooperative. Others are interested only in the advancement of their sons. A coach must walk a fine line between being “buddies” with a parent and being professional and disciplined in what is shared. Keep in mind that parent/coach relationships will always bring scrutiny from the players.
PARENT CONTRACT
I am the parent/guardian of __________________________ in ___________________ school. I understand and support the commitment that my son AND I have made as he has chosen to play football. I understand that my role is to support, praise and motivate my son to be the best student and athlete he can be. I further understand that his coaches will teach him respect, honor, integrity, discipline, self esteem, team work, work ethic, the value of a man’s word and more. I expect that his coaches will treat him with respect and never physically abuse him.
I understand that if my son breaks rules he will be disciplined. Rule breaking results in additional conditioning and possible game suspensions or expulsion from the program.
I understand that it is my duty to encourage my son, the team and the program to be the best it can be. I understand that my son’s needs will not go before the needs of the team or program. When things go wrong, win or lose, I will tell my son that I saw him play and that I am proud of him either way. I will offer him praise and support and “something to eat”. I will not become negative and heap criticism on the staff or program as this will cause a distraction to my son and his priorities.
I understand that if I attempt to coach my son from the stands that my son could end up sitting there with me.
I understand that the off-season work, team building, weight program, proper nutrition, rest and recovery are critical for my son’s success.
I understand that he has a tremendous opportunity to earn P.R.I.D.E. points and the respect of his teammates and coaches. I will encourage him to participate in P.R.I.D.E, “super 11” and “May Madness”. I understand that if he participates in another sport for the school he will still earn points. I further understand that he is still encouraged to strength train year round.
I will provide year round support and encourage my son to be disciplined and responsible at all times. I will offer to take him where he needs to go and be there on time with a positive attitude.
I further understand the priorities of the program, Faith, Family, Academics and then football. I will remind my son of those priorities and not undermine them.
I will not approach the coaching staff about playing time, strategy or play calling. I will not concern myself or my son with other athletes. I will not interrupt meetings or practices and will appropriately schedule a meeting with the Head Coach if needed.
I will let the Coaches coach, the players play and the officials referee the game without harassment.
I will remember always that my actions reflect the school, my son and the community. I want to be a team parent and proud supporter of the football family.
I pledge to be a supportive parent to the best of my abilities.

Signed____________________________________


PLAYER CONTRACT
Congratulations on your courage to join the football program. It is a great responsibility for a young man to represent his family, coaches, team, the school and the community as a member of this team. Our primary goal as a staff is to see that you graduate a better person than when you start in the program. We will do everything we can to make this an enjoyable, rewarding experience. We ask that you read, understand and sign this player agreement.
• I pledge to be a team player. I understand “No player bigger than the team, no team bigger than the program” I will play where I am needed for the good of the team and program.
• I pledge to observe all of the team and school rules. I understand “Do what is right, always!” and will apply it to my actions.
• I understand that breaking rules means a) more conditioning b) possible game suspension c) possible expulsion from the program. I will accept the consequences of my actions. This is called being a man. I will learn from my mistakes.
• I pledge to represent my school with class. I will not bring embarrassment to myself or others.
• I pledge to be a role model to the future players, and assist in establishing a great football tradition for the program.
• I pledge to give 100% of my self to the program striving for greatness in everything I do.
• I will commit to academic success.
• I will commit myself to get physically stronger
• I will commit myself to getting faster and more agile.
• I will commit myself to getting mentally tougher and more disciplined. “Discipline is something you do for someone, not to someone”.
• I will commit myself to use of safe and proper fundamentals.
• I will observe the rules of the game. “Winners never cheat, cheaters never win!”
• I pledge to treat others with respect just as I wish to be treated.
• I pledge to learn my assignments on both offense and defense.
• I pledge not to quit when things get tough.
• I will accept coaching and say “thank you” when a coach takes the time to make me a better player or man.
• I will play through discomfort but if I am injured I will communicate to a coach and seek the attention of the trainer.
• I will be prepared for practices and games. I will maintain my equipment and be responsible enough to turn it in at the conclusion of the season.
• I pledge to be a champion. “Losers complain, Champions train!”

I have read the above. I understand that the list is a guideline and is not fully inclusive but it provides me with a blueprint for success as a proud member of this football family. I appreciate the opportunity to play football as it’s a privilege.
Signed__________________ date_________ Witness_____________