BEING A HEAD COACH comes with all sorts of responsibilities, many of which may have caught you off guard. While everyone thinks about winning the big game or running two-a-days, one of the most important responsibilities a head coach assumes is being the team disciplinarian. Your assistant coaches may have a role in discipline but you set the tone, make the rules and have the final say.
Working with boys aged 14-18, discipline needs to be worked as intensely as offense, defense and special teams. No coach would go on the field without an offensive philosophy and a practice plan. And, he should not go onto the field without a sound philosophy and plan for discipline.
There are three main areas of focus for disciplinary policy: on-the-field behavior; actions in the school/community; and a player’s academic responsibility.
on-the-field expectations
Discipline is necessary for running an efficient and productive practice as well as competing on Friday night. From aligning and stretching correctly to executing drills, discipline needs to be a part of all activities.
Players must understand what is expected of them and accept the necessity of being disciplined so they practice with a purpose. The following are examples of on-the-field rules.
Be on time to all meetings and practices. No exceptions!
Be dressed properly and ready to begin on the whistle.
Absolutely no profanity.
Don’t be a practice field lawyer — don’t explain why you made a mistake just accept the coach’s correction and do it properly.
Never talk back to a coach, trainer or staff member.
Practice at the same intensity level that you expect to play. Effort and enthusiasm aren’t turned on and off with a switch.
Pay attention when in line or standing and observing.
Great hustle and enthusiasm take no athletic ability.
school & community
When players leave the locker room and head for home, coaches have to depend on team rules and parental support to guide a player’s actions. If a player wants to be part of the team, his behavior must comply with school and team rules. Many a season has been ruined by a few selfish players who made poor decision and consequently earned suspensions.
As a head coach, hold a parent meeting at the start of each season and share football philosophy, as well as your policies on discipline.
Encourage parents to do their part and explain any school codes of conduct or academic requirements so there is no confusion. Here is a basic list of off-the-field expectations.
Don’t do anything that might embarrass your family, team, coaches or school.
Treat women with respect.
Carefully choose the people you associate with. You often are judged by the company you keep. Hang out with the team.
Treat your teachers, school administrators and staff with respect.
Be an outstanding school citizen.
When out in the community, be well behaved and respectful of adults.
Watch our for teammates. You are your brother’s keeper. Help teammates avoid situations that could lead to trouble.
academic expectations
You need to remember that you are a teacher and your primary focus is on the education of your players. A player’s future success in both college and athletics depends on his ability to score well on the SAT or ACT test. The better student always is a more attractive candidate to college recruiters. It’s not enough simply to be an excellent athlete.
You owe it to your players to demand their best efforts in the classroom. Track your team’s GPA and make accomplishing a good GPA a team goal. Reward players who achieve in the classroom just as you would someone who made a big play in a game. Call attention to achievement in front of the player’s teammates. Players only take academic achievement seriously if the coaching staff is sincere. Here are some basic academic expectations to discuss with your team.
Accept and thrive in the school’s academic policy.
You are a student-athlete — academics are the first priority.
Do your homework and study for tests and exams.
Learn to budget your time.
Be on time to school and to class. Be prepared for class when you arrive.
Treat teachers, school administrators and staff with respect.
Be honorable. Never cheat, copy or plagiarize.
If players work to achieve in all three of the disciplinary areas, they are better prepared for game nights. Above all, as a coach, be a leader and set the standard for your team. It makes it that much easier for you when you hold your players to high standards in school, on the field and in life.