Francis Howell Central High School Spartan Football Program Student-Athlete and Parent Handbook Congratulations on being a part of the Spartan Football Program for the 2016-2017 season. This handbook provides information regarding our philosophy, expectations, rules, and regulations. 1
Spartan Core Values P.R.I.D.E. Perseverance: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20 th. -Julie Andrews (Actor) Respect: a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners. -Laurence Sterne (Novelist) Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; the state of being whole and undivided. Don t walk through life just playing football. Don t walk through life just being an athlete. Athletics will fade. Character, integrity, and really making an impact on someone s life. That s the ultimate vision. That s the ultimate goal bottom line. -Ray Lewis (Football Player) Desire: a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. The starting point of all achievements is desire. -Napoleon Hill (Author) Effort: a vigorous or determined attempt. Individual commitment to a group effort that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. -Vince Lombardi (Football Coach) 2
Program Overview Freshman Football Purpose We will strive to teach these student-athletes the basic rules and strategies of football. We will build the student-athletes knowledge of football to a level that will allow them the opportunity to progress to the junior varsity or varsity level, depending upon their ability. Emphasis We want these student-athletes to learn the basic techniques, schemes, and mentality to develop into a player that is prepared for high school football. At this level we will allow every student-athlete an opportunity to compete during practice and in every freshman game. Development We will teach our student-athletes how to use proper technique and the necessary work habits in the weight room. We will concentrate on speed, agility, and explosive strength. We will also start leadership meetings to develop our freshmen to be better students, citizens, future husbands, and fathers. Junior Varsity Football Purpose We will reinforce what we taught these student-athletes as freshmen, and continue to build on their football skills and knowledge. Emphasis We want to prepare these student-athletes, both mentally and physically, for varsity football. At this level we will allow every student-athlete an opportunity to compete during practice and in every junior varsity game. Development We will continue our speed, agility, and explosive strength training. We will also continue in our leadership meetings. Varsity Football Purpose We will compete at the highest level. We will strive to bring our community and school together as one. Emphasis We want our student-athletes to compete at the highest level. We will field the best available student-athletes at every position. Development We will continue our speed, agility, and explosive strength training. We will also continue in our leadership meetings. We will also prepare our potential college student-athletes for the college level. 3
Program Philosophies Team: Our mission is to develop young men to be better students, citizens, future husbands, and fathers. We will achieve these goals through a positive concentration on Academics, Citizenship, and Football. Within these facets, our young men are driven to achieve their highest potential so they can become the leaders of our school, community, and our society. We will strive to be CHAMPIONS in everything we do, in the classroom, in the community, and on the field. Special Teams: Our Special Teams will always be attacking. We will attack our opponent s weaknesses on every Special Team. We will use fakes and onside kicks when we feel we have the advantage. Special Teams are a momentum swinging aspect of football. We will strive to gain every advantage in our Special Teams play. Defense: Our defense is designed to primarily stop the run by having six to eight defenders in the box, and at least six of those defenders exclusively committed to stopping the run. Our defense also allows for great flexibility in the secondary while putting maximum pressure on the quarterback in the opponent s passing game. The goal of our defense will be to create a turnover and give the ball back to our offense. We will be aggressive and physical from our intense practices during the week, and we will force every offense to make mistakes by our aggressive and physical play. Offense: Our Offense will use multiple personnel packages, and get the ball to our playmakers. We want to put our players in a position where they will be the most successful and play to their full ability. Our players will play extremely fast and physical football. Our offense is based on the belief that we will utilize our player s strengths and protect the football. Our offense will force every defense to use all of their rules by using multiple formations, shifts, and motions. Our offense will strive to have zero tendencies, and be always evolving. 4
Expectations Student-athletes: 1. COMMUNICATE. Come to your coaches with issues, concerns or if you feel unsafe. Do not hesitate to talk to us. We can help or have the resources to find help for whatever you need. 2. Be a role model amongst your peers and teachers. 3. Respect yourself, coaches, teammates, opposing team, and the game of football. 4. Come prepared and on time for every practice and game. This means physically and mentally. Come ready to compete. 5. We will outwork every opponent and never give up. There is no excuse for lack of effort and we will exhibit 100% effort in everything we do. 6. Be each other s biggest fan. Always stay positive and believe in your teammates. 7. Focus on your studies. Be a student first, athlete second. 8. Don t be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand. The football field is still a learning environment. 9. Believe in what you re doing and do it to the best of your abilities. Parents: 1. COMMUNICATE. Talk to your son regularly. If they have issues, have them come to us first. If the issue persists, please talk to the coach. 2. Respect the coaches, teams, and referees. 3. Empower your son to come to the coaches, instead of you. Coaches will not discuss playing time, stuff to work on, or other concerns unless your son has approached us. 4. Be active in your child s participation in football. They put a lot of time and effort into their craft. 5. Create a positive and supportive fan-experience for other spectators and the competing teams. 6. Understand your son is a student first, athlete second. 5
Rules and Regulations The following guidelines must be followed by all participants in the Spartan Football Program. These rules have been taken from MSHSAA, FHSD, or the Coaching Staff. 1. Academic Eligibility: student-athletes must be enrolled and pass at least 3.0 units of credit to be eligible for MSHSAA standards. Student-athletes must also maintain a minimum of a 1.5 GPA. 2. Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco: This is simple: DO NOT DO THEM OR DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN A POSITION TO BE ACCUSED. All of these substances will affect mental and muscular efficiency. Not to mention, it is ILLEGAL. a. First Violation: the student-athlete will be suspended for 20 percent of the games (2 Games). The student-athlete and parent(s)/guardian(s) must meet with the coach and activities director before the student-athlete can return to participation b. Second Violation: The student-athlete will be suspended for the remainder of the season. c. Third Violation: The student-athlete will be suspended from participating in any sport or activity for a full calendar year (365 days) or beyond depending on a hearing by an Athletic Review Board consisting of the coach, activities director, and principal/designee. The violations will accumulate over the student s high school career. 3. Attendance: Athletes are expected to be at school and practice on a daily basis. Any prearranged absences from school must be cleared through the Activities Office and the Coaching Staff prior to the absence. Any sudden absence needs to be called in to the Head Coach. Do not relay messages through other student-athletes or text. If a studentathlete is not at school, for any reason besides a prearranged absence, they are not allowed to participate in the activity for that day, either practice or game. 3 unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the program. 4. School Suspensions: These instances will not be tolerated for any reason. If you receive a school suspension, you cannot participate in any activity until after your suspension ends. Each situation will be dealt with on an individual basis but further discipline may result, including game suspensions or dismissal from team. 5. Detentions: In the event that a student-athlete is assigned an afternoon detention period as the result of a classroom problem, the detention MUST be served before the studentathlete can return to practice. The classroom obligation always comes first 6. Missed Practices: If a student-athlete is late to a practice, for any reason, conditioning punishment and lack of playing time in the next game will result. If a student-athlete misses practice for any reason, they will not be allowed to start in the next game. On an individual basis, this may be waived (college visits, funerals, etc.). 3 unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the program. 6
7. Class Behavior: We expect you to represent this program at the highest level. This means being a good citizen in the classroom by staying out of trouble, getting to class on time, and getting good grades. 8. Personal Fouls and Game Ejections: As a student-athlete, it is your duty to play the game without questioning the referees. Any student-athlete receiving a personal foul or game ejection will be removed from the game and disciplined, including loss of playing time. It is the coaches job to ensure the game is being called fairly and clarify calls. 9. Equipment: Student-athletes are responsible for all equipment issued to them. They will be charged for anything that is not returned at the end of the season or is damaged. School issued equipment is not to be worn outside of practice or games. Keep equipment clean and nice. 10. Practices: Practice schedules have been determined and printed. We will start on time and end on time. We value your time and ours. Student-athletes are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early to practice to prepare. 11. Travel: When visiting other schools, treat their personnel, facilities, and equipment with the utmost respect. Absolutely no damaging or stealing will be tolerated. Any violation could result in game suspension/dismissal from team. 12. Dress/Attire: Student-athletes are expected to dress appropriately, both in school and on the field. In school, student-athletes are required to follow the school s dress code. Remember, you are to be good citizens. 13. Game Behavior: Our program is just that, a program. When possible, JV and Varsity teams will be expected to stay and support the Freshman team. Likewise, the Freshman team will be asked to come to JV and Varsity games. Varsity and JV members will be asked to stay for each other s games. 14. Transportation to Away Games: Bus transportation will be provided for all away contests. All student-athletes are required to ride the bus to the games. The Varsity team will be required to ride the bus back to school following every game as well. Freshman and JV student-athletes may ride home with parents after the game, but a signed note needs to be provided. Under NO circumstances will a student-athlete be allowed to ride home with another student-athlete or student. 15. Social Media: Do not put anything online that can get you in trouble. This means Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail. If anything is found on social media that represents our program in a negative light, discipline may result, including game suspensions and dismissal from team. 7
Contact Information Head Coach Activities Director Pete Eberhardt coacheberhardt@gmail.com 636-219-4723 Scott Harris scott.harris@fhsdschools.org 636-851-4612 High School Number 636-851-4600 School Website Team Website http://fhsdfhc.sharpschool.net/ http://www.hudl.com/team/6763 Twitter Account @FootballFHC ***Please follow for up-to-date information*** 8
Acknowledgment of the Spartan Football Handbook I acknowledge receipt of the handbook. I have read and understand the expectations outlined for me in this handbook. I understand that I am subject to the disciplinary measures outlined if I should violate any rules or regulations. I agree to conduct myself in a positive manner in accordance with our programs standards. I agree to treat my teammates, coaches, referees, and all constituents with respect at all times. I, the student-athlete, will discuss playing time with my coach directly. I understand my parents cannot discuss playing time. I understand my coach may need to text the teams to relay immediate information. This is acceptable. Student-Athlete Name Printed Student-Athlete Signature Date Parent Name Printed Parent Signature Date All student-athletes must tear off and return this page to before they will be allowed to play a game during the season. 9