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Voorhees Football Parent/Player Handbook |
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MISSION STATEMENT Develop student-athletes who are committed to achieving excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. PROGRAM GOALS 1. Field a successful team at the freshmen, JV, and Varsity levels in the following Areas: A. In the classroom B. On the field C. In the community 2. Provide each player with the opportunity to learn, develop, and improve individual and team football skills on a daily basis. 3. Provide each player with an atmosphere that encourages mental, social, and emotional maturity. 4. Open doors for academic and athletic advancement in college PLAYER EXPECTATIONS An athlete in the Voorhees Football Program is expected to: 1. Be at every practice 2. Show up on time. 3. Work hard. 4. Maintain a positive attitude. 5. Dedicate yourself to improvement everyday. 6. Put the TEAM ahead of personal goals. 7. Respect your coaches, teammates, opposing teams and officials. 8. Encourage your teammates. 9. Discuss questions or concerns with your coach in a positive, mature manner. 10. Represent the program appropriately on the field, in the classroom and in the community. 11. Remember your priorities. Family first, academics second, athletics third. Discipline- Playing football at Voorhees is a privilege and not a right. Players are expected to maintain a high level of behavior on the field, in the classroom, or in the community. Any player breaking team rules will be held accountable. The discipline involved will be appropriate for the offense. No player will be suspended or dismissed without the approval of the athletic director. Program rules and expectations will be specifically discussed with the players the first day of practice. All players are expected to abide by the athletic departments code of discipline. Practices- It is expected that all players attend practices. If a player misses a practice for an excused reason, he can’t start the game, but he may play. If a player misses a practice for an unexcused reason, he will not play. If a player continually misses practices, he may be excused from the team. Freshman Football The purpose of the Freshman program is to: • Develop and refine basic skills and conditioning of the athlete. • Introduce, explain, and reinforce the rules of the sport. • Introduce, explain and reinforce the same offense and defense that the varsity is using. • Asses the students athletic ability which will lead to a continued involvement in the sport. • At the coaches discretion, provide playing time to all participants The freshman team will consist of ninth graders who have either played or not played the game of football. In regards to playing time, the players who demonstrate, IN PRACTICE, that they are physically and mentally capable of safely playing the game of football will play in interscholastic contests. Players who may not see a lot of or any playing time, will be encouraged to improve their skills and earn playing time during practices.
Junior Varsity Football The purpose of the Junior Varsity program is to: • Further develop skills of the athlete. • Increase the intensity of the competition. • Prepare the athlete for the varsity level. • Place more emphasis on winning, but not to the extent of the varsity level. • Provide opportunities for playing time as game conditions merit.
Varsity Football The purpose of the Varsity program is to: • Develop the physical skills and conditioning of the athlete to his fullest potential. • Provide talented athletes the chance to excel. • Provide the athletes with the opportunities to learn to set goals, strive to achieve them, and serve as role models for younger athletes. • Develop program goals that include winning, team building skills, and enjoyment of the sport. • Provide athletes with notification during the pre-season if the coach feels the player will see minimal playing time. The Varsity team will consist primarily of Juniors and Seniors, but may include Freshmen and Sophomores whom have demonstrated the ability to be starters or key contributors. The varsity player must show the mental skills, proper attitude, physical skills, and sport specific skills needed to be starters or essential contributors to the success of the team. These attributes will be assessed daily in practices and meetings. Note: Regardless of the level, no player is guaranteed a position in the present year because he was a part of the program the previous year. If the coaches feel that somebody is better, then that player will play. If a senior and an underclassmen are on the same level, the underclassmen will likely play over the senior.
Voorhees Football Parent and Coach Communication Process Both parenting and coaching are challenging endeavors. By establishing an understanding of each other, we are able to accept the actions of each party and provide greater benefit to the young men involved in the Voorhees Football Program . As a parent of a child involved in our athletic program, you have the right to understand what the expectations and communication processes are for you and your son. Communications Parents Should Expect from the Coach:
. Philosophy and goals of
the Voorhees Football program Communications Voorhees Staff Should Expect from Players and Parents:
. Concerns expressed directly to the Head Coach Appropriate Concerns for Discussion With the Football Staff:
. The
staff's treatment of your son Issues Not Appropriate for Discussion with the Football Staff: While the Head Coach and staff are committed to open communication between staff and parents, there is a certain protocol that we ask be observed. In particular, the time before and after a game is dedicated to our players. It is not appropriate for a parent to approach a coach to discuss game or individual player concerns at this time. An exception to this request is an incident when a player is injured -- the Head Coach and trainer will be available immediately after a game to discuss the situation and any concerns with parents. It is important for parents to understand that we, as coaches, have been hired to make decisions based on what we believe to be best for the team as a whole and for all players involved with the football program. This understood, we will be available to discuss parental concerns with the following exceptions, which we consider either inappropriate or counter-productive to team leadership:
. Play calling and team
strategies There are certain situations that may require a conference between a player, coach and/or parent. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position, and what procedure should be followed. When a player or parent has a question or concern regarding the football program and needs to contact a member of the coaching staff or administration, the communication process outlined below has been adopted by the football program. Voorhees Football Communication Process: Step 1. The concerned player should contact his position coach or head coach to schedule time to discuss his questions or concerns. If the player does not feel satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, he should move forward to Step 2. Step 2. A meeting involving the player, his position and level coaches, the Head Coach and parent(s)/guardian(s) should be requested via e-mail or phone message. The message should include a brief explanation of the player/parent concerns. If this meeting does not resolve the situation, the player and his parents should move forward with Step 3. Step 3. A meeting should be requested involving the player, appropriate Voorhees football coaches, parent(s)/guardian(s), and the Athletic Director, Mr. Stumpf. If all the parties involved are still not comfortable with the outcome of the meeting, additional alternatives will be discussed to resolve the matter. The Voorhees Football staff believes that if there is a problem, proper communication is usually the best answer. We believe that if a problem arises, the parties involved should all be a part of that communication process. Therefore, the coaches will not meet with parents unless the player is involved in the meeting. All discussions should focus on individual concerns and questions. The performance and ability of other players will not be a topic of discussion. TO CONTACT COACH Makoski: tmakoski@nhvweb.net or by phone (908)-638-6116 Ext 7460
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