Program Handbook
Program Handbook
Program Handbook
FAMILY
2019
Football Program Coaching Staff
VARSITY
JUNIOR VARSITY
MODIFIED B
FAMILY
Discipline
Hard work
Strength Training
The Double Wing Offense
Of course there are many other core beliefs or values that I feel are extremely important to a
football program. I believe in teaching and modeling sportsmanship and class, especially in the face of
adversity. I always tell my players that your true colors show not when you are up, but rather when times
are the most difficult. I also emphasize to my players that team always comes first, before any of us,
including the coaches. I have never bought into the star philosophy. I prefer to hold all studentathletes to
the same set of standards regardless of their athletic ability. As someone who had limited athletic ability
but tremendous heart, I always appreciated coaches who valued attitude over aptitude.
I also feel that a great coach must demand dedication from studentathletes in order to make a
commitment to achieving full potential and to build a championship atmosphere. To me this means being
involved in other sports or participating in offseason weight training. I have always expected all the
players to participate in summer weight training and placed great emphasis on this by making it part of our
inseason regimen as well. Another component to dedication is being present and on time, which are
lessons that will serve the studentathletes well in life. Dedication to the program is the only way I know of
to measure the most important attribute of every player….HEART.
In terms of the game of football itself, I feel there is only one way to win consistently and that is to
take a fundamental approach. I believe in oldfashioned hardnosed football with an emphasis on blocking
and tackling. We practice these techniques daily and everyone is required to do so. As coaches we “coach
on the run” to keep practices upbeat and get as much out of every minute as we can. From an X’s and O’s
standpoint I believe in running the football and stopping the run. I think the Double Wing offense is the
best rushing attack for high school football and is certainly an equalizer in terms of talent. Defensively we
will continue to run the 425 defense that we feel is very adaptable to the variety of offenses we will see.
It is also a very aggressive defense with a good mix of blitzing and coverage disguise aimed at confusing
the opponent. I have always emphasized the importance of special teams as and playing sound solid
football in this phase of the game.
Finally, I think it is important to build the program from the ground level (modified) up. It is not
easy to build a sense of unity and camaraderie amongst players and coaches. A coach cannot be a best
friend to their players, but at the same time must have a friendly demeanor and let them know you care.
My guys always know that like their parents I love them, although we might not always get along. We
build a sense of FAMILY and that is our motto. We try to build this by spending time together off the field
in a variety of ways and activities (teambuilding events, team dinners, preseason picnic, end of season
banquet, workouts etc.). It is my hope that the FAMILY environment that we create extends beyond the
studentathletes six years in the program (Gr. 7 to Gr. 12) and into their life. I have found that my greatest
reward in coaching has not been the wins and losses, but rather the relationships I have made and the lives I
have touched.
Eligibility Checklist
Player Checklist: NOTE – All of the following must be signed & on file prior to the player practicing
1. Player must be enrolled in the Spencerport School District and be a student in good standing
2. Player must follow and adhere to the state regulations regarding eligibility. This includes age and residency requirements,
current year in school, years participated at the varsity level, years in high school, and any selective classification
requirements (for younger players)
3. Players must have a valid physical from their family doctor on file with the nurses’ office. The Spencerport Health
Appraisal form or your family physicians health appraisal form is required for this and can be printed from the school
website or obtained from the school nurses office. *Note a physical is valid for one calendar year. If that year expires
any time prior to the beginning of a season a new physical must be on file before the player may participate.
4. Players must be recertified ***NOW ONLINE @ FAMILY ID web portal***
5. Players must have a valid IMPACT test on file with the school trainer. *Note an IMPACT test is valid for two calendar
years. If the test expires at any time prior to the beginning of a season a new test must be on file before the player
may participate.
6. Each player must have a Spencerport School District Code of Conduct signed by the studentathlete and their parents and
on file prior to the first scrimmage. The Code of Conduct must be signed and turned in at the Parent/StudentAthlete Pre
Season meeting.
Academic Eligibility
1. A student must be passing all classes in order to not put on probation or an ineligible list.
2. If at the end of a 5 week marking period a student is failing two or more classes they will be put on the ineligibility list for
a minimum of one week. During this time the student may practice but not compete in athletics.
3. If a student fails one class they will be put on probation and then have 10 school days to bring that grade up to a 65% or
greater. During this time they must report to the teacher of the class they are failing during Activity Period and then report
to practice with a signed pass. Students who are on probation can still complete in athletics.
4. Ineligibility begins on Mondays and ends on Mondays. To become eligible or to get off probation the student must have a
65% or greater in all classes and have turned in a REEL (ReEligible) Form by 12:45 on Friday.
5. Also – remember that eligibility carries over from one season to the next. Anyone who was ineligible for the 4 th quarter is
automatically on probation for the first 2 weeks of school and must submit a REEL form to remain eligible.
In Good Standing with School Rules / Code of Conduct (see code of conduct for further information)
In Good Standing with all other school requirements including attendance requirement & P.E. requirement.
***Physical Education Requirement: StudentAthletes who have an unexcused absence from or do not participate in physical
education class will not be permitted to participate in games or practice on the day of the absence.
***School Attendance Requirement: StudentAthletes must be in attendance during the school day in order to participate in
extracurricular activities including all practices and contests. Additionally, if a contest occurs on a day in which there is no school
(e.g. Saturday) a student must be in attendance the previous day prior to the contest. In order to be considered “in attendance”
studentathletes must be in school before a half day has been completed or have a legal excused absence with prior approval from a
school administrator.
Furthermore: Eligibility may also be determined by coaches according to team rules.
Chain of Communication
1. If there is a question or concern the player should be responsible and come to the
coaching staff first.
2. If the situation remains unresolved the parent should then contact the coach.
3. Call or email to set up a meeting w/ between the player, parent and coach.
4. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Office (they will help you get a hold of
the coach)
5. If there was not a satisfactory resolution the parent may set up an appointment with the
athletic director. The parent, coach, athletic director and student will meet to discuss the
problem.
6. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be followed.
Procedures for Approaching Staff
1. There will be no secret phone calls, emails or meetings. The studentathlete should be
aware of all communications and should have already met with the coaches prior to
additional contact.
2. All communication should go through the Head coach or person in charge at each level
(then to the Varsity coach if the player is on a lower level). Assistant coaches should not
be contacted.
3. Please do not approach the coaching staff immediately before, after or during a practice
or game. Instead, please set up a meeting ahead of time so that we can sit down and
discuss your concerns.
4. Please take at least 24 hrs. “cooling off period” to reflect on the situation before
approaching the coaching staff.
5. Please do not approach the coaching staff in public situations. Meetings about kids
should not occur in front of other people.
6. In order for our meetings to be productive they must be professional and friendly. Please
maintain a calm tone and use appropriate language.
7. Please do not discuss other student athletes. Our staff is available only to discuss your
child. *Note: obviously there is an exception to this rule if a conflict or some other
inappropriate action has occurred.
8. Remember, we are here to discuss you concerns about the safety and well being of your
son. We are not here to discuss playing time and or strategy – that is the discretion of the
coaching staff.
*Nonetheless, remember our doors are always open to players and parents
TEAM RULES & EXPECTATIONS
Please remember that…Being a member of the program is a privilege not a right – to be part of the team you must adhere to the
rules/. Also, although these rules are for everyone in the program the expectations and consequences will increase with
each level. Finally, I believe football is a great place to teach life lessons (our consequences in place to hold student-
athletes accountable for their actions and to teach them responsibility, respect, teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work etc.)
BE A GOOD STUDENT AND CITIZEN Adhere to the Code of Conduct
Avoid Crime, Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol
BE RESPONSIBLE WITH MEDICAL PAPERWORK No note no practice, no practice no play
All injuries must be reported to the SCS athletic trainer who will then recommend the appropriate course of
action and can refer you to a sports medicine doctor. If a doctor says you are out – that is it until you get
cleared. *Note – even if the doctor says you are okay you must get a note that says you are cleared with no
restrictions and then be cleared by the SCS trainer as well. Studentathletes who do not get cleared by the
SCS trainer will not be allowed to return to play regardless of a doctors note specifying return to play.
BE A GOOD TEAMMATE No Hazing, Be Loyal, Don’t steal from teammates.
We will stick together and be a true FAMILY. We will not bad mouth our fellow teammates or the program,
especially in public (many will be against us, so we must stick together). Hazing is illegal and immoral and
will never be tolerated. A good teammate watches over others things and doesn’t take whats not theirs.
Remember we are a FAMILY – we take care of each other.
BE A STUDENT FIRST
Academics come first. Do your best, show up on time and don’t skip class. Never use football as an excuse
for bad grades – learn to manage your time. Hand in all homework and remember that the teacher is always
right. Maintain eligibility and aim to excel.
BE POSITIVE / BE COACHABLE
Do what is asked of you. Put the team before individual glory. Be open and willing to try new positions to
make the team better. Accept constructive criticism. Minor attitude problems will be taken care of after
practice. Constant attitude problems will affect playing time.
BE DEDICATED IN THE OFFSEASON
In off-season we expect our players to either play another sport for the school or take part in our strength and
conditioning program. In the summer we expect ALL players to plan ahead and make time to attend summer
workouts. Remember, dedication is a major factor when deciding playing time. Manage your time and make
football a priority.
BE CLASSY / BE A GOOD SPORT
We will always use proper language and tone of voice. We will mind our manners and act as gentlemen both
on and off the field. If someone threatens us or tries to provoke us will not retaliate – we will walk away…
Always. We will not trash talk or taunt our opponent. We will have positive team celebrations only – no
individual excessive or choreographed celebrations. We will not talk to officials unless they speak to us first
and then we will always refer to them as Sir or Mr. Official. We will behave on the bus (no comments or rude
gestures out the windows etc.).
BE RESPECTFUL
Respect People - teachers, coaches, officials, custodians, opponents and each other) and address them
properly. Use Mr./Mrs. or Coach as appropriate to the situation. Respect Places – our fields, locker rooms,
and hallways as well as those of your opponents. Clean cleats outside, walk with shirts on indoors, clean up
locker rooms, don’t damage facilties). Respect Things - Respect the property of others - do not take or
borrow that which is not yours – do not touch others belongings.
BE APPROPRIATELY DRESSED FOR GAMES
We will look and act like a classy team and FAMILY at all times. We will adhere to both state and team rules.
State rules - No jewelry, extra sweatbands, dark visors etc. Team rules – Everyone will wear the same color
and length socks or leggings as voted on by the team, If you choose to wear sleeves under your jersey they
must match the sock color. No bandanas (although team color skull caps are ok). Cleats should be blue,
gold, black, grey or white. Jerseys should be tucked in.
BE PREPARED – for school, practices and games
Our players will come to school and practice ready to go. Players will be expected to get their equipment and
uniforms prior to the first practice during one of our equipment pick up dates/times. If for some reason a
conflict arises the player must talk to the coaches about it ahead of time. We will always have the proper
equipment/uniforms and have them on. If there is a problem with our equipment we will take care of it ahead
of time! Prior to a game you should always check and double check with a buddy to make sure you have all
your equipment and your uniform. Being prepared also means that we are always ready to go when called on.
Therefore, in practice and in games helmets will be on and chin straps will be strapped (even on the sideline).
During games the team will stand together and cheer for one another rather than stand at the fence and talk to
parents or friends. We will not sit on the field during practice and we will never sit on our helmets.
Individuals will also be responsible for having a valid physical, recertification and for handing in all
paperwork on time. Those who fail to be prepared will face consequences.
BE THERE (ATTEND ALL PRACTICES, GAMES & MEETINGS)
Players are expected to be at all practices, games and meetings during the season. (This includes morning
lifting for the Varsity team.) Attendance is required in order to earn the privilege of playing time. No
unexcused absences will be tolerated. Unexcused absences will result in a loss of playing time. Excusable
absences are limited to serious illness and family emergency. If you must miss practice for an excusable
reason please check with a coach ahead of time and verify with a note or a phone call from an adult. *Note
according to state rule – a player may only miss one practice and still be eligible to participate in our first
scrimmage and may only miss two practices and still be eligible for our first game. If a player gets ill
during the day to the point that they must go home early they must notify a coach of the situation. Injured
players are also expected be in attendance at all team functions. During a game week players missing
practices due to injuries and illness will result in a reduction of playing time (not as a punishment but as a
reward to those who have been there and also as a safety precaution for the ill or injured player). Family
vacations will affect playing time as well. Also please remember not to schedule personal appointments
(including doctor, dentist, drivers test, 5 hour course etc.) during practice or morning lift. We expect that you
will not miss our practice or arrive late / leave earlier to attend other activities or sports. Plan ahead, Plan
accordingly and make football a top priority.
BE YOUR OWN MAN
If there is a problem or concern come talk to the coaches yourself first. Whether we agree or disagree you
will be given the opportunity to be heard. Please do that before you go any further. Then you may go on to
the next link in the chain of communication.
RIDE THE BUS W/ THE TEAM
Players will always ride the team bus to games and scrimmages. Players are also expected to ride home on
the team bus as well as per school policy. Furthermore, this time spent together promotes team unity and a
sense of camaraderie. If an extenuating situation arises, and you must have your son ride home with you
from an away contest he must submit a written note signed by you and given to the coach 24 hrs. in advance
or we cannot legally release him. Also – we may only release the player directly to you (face to face) and
only to the legal parent or guardian.
REMEMBER – THE TRUE MEASURE OF A MAN IS NOT HOW HE ACTS WHEN HE IS ON
TOP, BUT RATHER HOW HE ACTS DURING TIMES OF ADVERSITY
Play with HEART and never give regardless of the score. Do the right thing when nobody is watching. Push
yourself when the coaches are not there to push you. Remember, you have to face the man in the mirror each
and every day.