PROGRAM GOALS:
We want to build a program at WEST JOHNSTON that everyone – PLAYERS, COACHERS, PARENTS, STUDENTS, FACULTY, AMINISTRATION, and ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY – CAN BE PROUD OF. We believe that there are many good young people here that want to have such a program and who are willing to work hard together to achieve it. The coaching staff is committed to providing the POSITIVE leadership necessary to achieve consistent success. In order to build the program the way we all want, it is important for parents, players and coaches to keep in mind the basic goals that serve as our foundation. Those goals are:
- The football program must be an integral part of our school and one of which everyone can be proud of.
- We must do things the right way and win the right way.
- We must work hard and earn what we get. NO ENTITLEMENT!
- We must develop team unity and maintain a team concept.
- We should have fun playing and practicing the game.
The coaching staff believes that there are certain fundamental principles that are essential to our success. We don’t just want to win games – we want to help our players develop into the finest young men they can become. We believe character is important to both on and off the field. Some of these principles are:
- LOYALTY: We want our players to be loyal to the program, their teammates and the coaching staff. Loyalty is essential to building a strong program.
- COMMITMENT: We want a commitment to excellence. Once you make commitment, you should carry it through to completion.
- HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Nobody rises to low expectations! We want our players to have high but reasonable expectations of what they can accomplish as individuals and as a team.
- SELF-DICSIPLINE: We all should be accountable for our own actions. Players should do the right thing even when no one is watching. They should work hard even when they don’t feel like it.
- MAKE RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS: This goes hand in hand with self-discipline. Your teammates depend on you. Decisions you make on and off the field will affect your teammates, so make responsible choices. You are accountable for the choices that you make.
- PLAY HARD: We will never accept less than your best effort and neither should you.
- PLAY WITH EMOTION AND ENTHUSIASM: Nothing great ever happens without enthusiasm. It is contagious; it can inspire you and your teammates to greatness.
- BE A TEAM: Work together, play together and succeed together.
We will never ask for anything more than your BEST. Neither you nor we should ever accept less!!!!
ACADEMICS:
Football takes a great deal of time, which means that players must learn the importance of time management in order to get their school work done. This is a critical life skill. The same attitude of hard work, self-discipline and commitment that are required to be successful on the football field will also make you successful in the classroom. Just as we expected your best on the field, we expect your best in the classroom.
- Do your assignments and do them on time. Do the best quality work possible. Don’t wait to the last minute. It is easier to keep up than catch up.
- Treat teachers with respect. If you work with your teachers, they will work with you. Most teachers respect the commitment you make to football.
- Plan your day so that you can get your work done. You may have to give up something to do this. You chose to play football because you wanted to. Do not make excuses. Never use football as an excuse for not doing your schoolwork. This is not acceptable.
- Parents should help their sons set definite times for doing homework and studying for testes throughout the year, not just during the season.
- If you need help in a course, ask the teacher in a polite way. The will usually help. Also alert your coaches when you need help.
- We will check to see how you are doing ion the classroom both in terms of progress and behavior. Any problems will be addressed. We expect our players to be positive role models in the classroom and to be examples of leadership.
- If you do not meet academic and attendance requirements for eligibility then you will not be able to play. We will help you get whatever help you need in order to be successful in the classroom you must earn it.
EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS:
- Closely monitor your son’s academic progress. Notify coaches and teachers at the first sign of a problem.
- Make sure your son gets proper rest and nutrition.
- SUPPORT our program; help us build unity and a quality program. No table talk. Help build the program up…not tear it down.
- If a problem arises, discuss it with a coach. We will do our best to work it out. HOWEVER, we will not discuss playing time with parents. We will not discuss strategy with parents. We will not discuss anything immediately after a game. We will be glad to discuss with the players what they need to do to improve.
- Set the right example for your son. It will serve him well as an adult.
- Let the players play and the coaches coach.
EXPECTATIONS FOR PLAYERS:
- Do what you are supposed to do when you are supposed to do it. Say what you are supposed to say when you are supposed to say it. Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Respect others as you would like to be respected.
- Be an example of the right kind of man on and off the field.
- Exhibit CLASS everywhere you go
- Commit yourself to EXCELLENCE! No excuses!
- Work Hard. THE HARDER YOU WORK, THE HARDER IT IS TO SURRENDER!!
- Develop yourself physically through our strength and conditioning program. WILL TO WORK…PRIDE TO WIN
- Follow your coaches instructions. Be coachable.
- Communicate with your coaches.
- Work hard….be disciplined…play as a team.
- Do not let outside influences distract you from your team goals or individual goals.
- LEARN HOW TO SAY NO
- Read your calendar and keep up with scheduled events.
- GIVE MAXIMUM EFFORT IN OUR FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES!!!
- YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT PRACTICE, ON TIME, EVERY DAY. IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE AT PRACTICES OR YOU WILL BE LATE, YOU MUST TALK TO ME IN ADVANCE. IF I DO NOT HAVE A TEXT OR A PHONE CALL OR AN EMAIL AS TO WHERE YOU ARE…WE WILL HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM!!!
- All missed practices will be made up by chasing the rabbit. The rabbit has never been caught!