Building a Football Program

Tony Tabor, Head Football Coach Desert Mountain High School

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COACHING PHILOSOPHY Athletes First. Football is a game that provides unique young men an opportunity to learn about life. While it is debatable whether football builds character, it most certainly provides opportunity for young men to learn about self-discipline, teamwork, adversity, and courage. Football also provides a framework to satisfy individuals social, ego, and self-actualization needs. It provides an outlet for aggression channeled into a positive, controlled environment. Coaches have a responsibility not only to teach athletes but also help them satisfy their needs. Winning is secondary to the development of young men, however, this does not mean winning isn’t important. Winning is, and will be, the objective of any football game, but it is not as important as making the effort to win. Success lies in the journey, not the destination. Ideally, young men are better citizens and will make a greater contribution to society because of their participation in football.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR SON AS A TEAM MEMBER To learn football and how to achieve success. To cultivate physical and mental stamina far above the average athlete. To improve and develop the skills of the game. To build true and everlasting friendships with team members. To widen a circle of friends by communication with members of the opposing team and communities. To express and exemplify good sportsmanship and exhibit class. To compete with confidence and follow through on a commitment. To be associated with coaches and members that are involved in one of the classiest high school

programs in the State of Arizona. To enjoy one of the greatest heritages of youth, the privilege to play the game of football. To be involved with the four downs of life: team, school, home, and community. To learn that a violation of a rule brings on consequences, and that this same sequence follows in the

game of life. In short, to learn that you get back or receive in direct proportion to what you put into something.

DM CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHAMPION WINNERS Be a winner on and off the field, all the time. UNSELFISHNESS Give when it hurts. Love people when they are unloved. TOUGHNESS Be physically and mentally tough. Be honest when other folks are not. INTELLIGENCE Educationally. Understand X and O strategies. CHARACTER Never quit on principles. Do what you believe is right.

DM STAFF EXPECTATIONS 1) DEMAND DISCIPLINE. Demand that whatever the players do, they do it with effort and

enthusiasm; and that it is done correctly. 2) KEEP PLAYERS MOTIVATED AND ENTHUSED. Have a plan to keep your players (as well as

yourselves) motivated, enthused, and upbeat about what we are trying to teach. Work with all young men. Do not let a player go unnoticed.

3) APPLAUD SUCCESS/DO NOT ACCEPT FAILURES. Never let a player quit a drill. If he quits during a drill he has accepted failure. It is easy to always point out the negatives. Remember you can make more progress with positive than you can with negative.

4) TEAM TOUGHNESS. We must be tougher than ever before. Do not let the players feel sorry for themselves. Our practices must be mentally and physically tough.

5) BE ORGANIZED. Have your drills and ideas for practices set up and ready to go. Make sure you know what you are going to teach and say to the players for each meeting, drill, practice, and technique.

6) MAKE WINNING IMPORTANT AND LOSING INTOLERABLE. Accept only their best. Don’t let anyone take anything for granted.

7) PROMOTE TEAM UNITY AND TOGETHERNESS. Great teams play as one.

8) TEACH LEADERSHIP. Especially from the individuals we expect it from.

9) HUSTLE. Run, Run, Run…

10) COACH ON THE RUN. Do not lose your poise, composure, or confidence when things go astray. Just continue to coach as best as you can.

11) IMPROVE. This includes all phases of the game for both players and coaches.

12) EXTRA EDGE. Give players “little secrets” to help them.

13) DRESS. Be properly dressed for all functions.

14) CHARACTER. If you have “jumped” on a young man pretty good, be sure to talk with him after practice.

15) LANGUAGE. Watch your language in all situations. You will be dealing with parents, staff, administration, children, and the press.

16) RESPECT. Do not argue or “discuss problems” on the field with other coaches.

17) RESPONSIBILITY. Expect to take responsibility for these expectations.

18) POST-PRACTICE. Roam around the locker room talking with players. Remember, this is the last thing they will see or do for the day; it is what they will remember, so be positive.

DM STAFF EXPECTATIONS – Page 2

19) DISCIPLINE. Never send a player off the field without the Head Coaches’ permission.

20) HOURS. We will work harder and smarter than any other staff and there will be a lot demanded of you. Coaching football is NOT easy; if it were, then everyone would do it. If you are tired, pray for strength.

DM STAFF GOALS A championship is obtained by uncommon people. Uncommon people who are willing to do the things that a common person won’t because common people cannot overcome themselves. The game is played to WIN. Everything else must be done with that in mind. Players like discipline. If handled judiciously and fairly, it will contribute to our winning. They do not like harassment. Discipline breeds success, harassment breeds contempt. The success of the program will rise and fall on the ability initiative and ambition of the coaching staff. The most important single characteristic of a successful coach of champions is found in their ability to teach. Be a great teacher. The most important element in a successful football program is MORALE. Almost all decision will be guided by what is best for the squad morale. It is our belief that discipline, well-earned pride, hard work and a high degree of unselfishness contribute to achieving desirable morale. CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE DECIDED ON THE LITTLE THINGS. Thus, meticulous attention must be paid to the relatively obscure aspects of the program. SIMPLICITY should be one of the greatest guides in helping out selection when it comes to the technical aspects of the game. A WINNING ATTITUDE AMONG COACHES AND PLAYERS IS MANDATORY. We will rely on a swarming and punishing defense, an aggressively sound kicking game (with emphasis on punt and punt block teams), and a multi-functional, explosive offense. We must give sufficient attention to all three departments. This is to be done not merely though time allotment, but through stress and preparation as well. We may not be fortunate enough to have better raw talent than most of our opponents. To win, therefore, it will be essential that we build better men and do a job of coaching which is superior to that done by our opponents.

DM STAFF REMINDERS MEETINGS Cover schedule of other things that relate to them Evaluate the most recent practice Cover schedule of the day Cover any new material being put in Study film – technique or opponent PRACTICE

COACH

Discipline Toughness Hustle Aggressiveness Quickness Relentlessness – never quit

CONCENTRATION

Discipline Change of Direction/Quickness Mobility Speed Extra Effort

• Don’t relax during the Kicking Game, mobility’s, etc. It is important or we would not be

doing it. • Breed CONFIDENCE into our squad. • Keep things competitive. • Physical condition precedes mental toughness. We must have it to win the close ones. • Morale stems from discipline – make them believe in our approach. • Emotion – got to have it. • LEARNING. It is a new system and we must be willing to learn. It will only be possible to

get better if we listen, watch tape, and learn from our mistakes. We (players included) must study football.

• Use drills that allow you to experience success. • Remember, you are the expert – be firm, fair, and flexible.

DM DAILY CHECK LIST

Post the practice schedule and gear of the day.

If we are having position meetings, meet with your players for the full time. Make sure they are on the field on time.

Coach the specialty period as hard as you coach your position. We must win the kicking game versus all our opponents.

Make players run hard from drill to drill, if not, send them back. Also, make the players go hard during their drill. If not, make them do it over again. DON’T FORGET: REWARD THE HUSTLE AND EXTRA EFFORT.

Establish practice areas for each coach.

Organize student managers – practice preparation.

BREAKS – make sure cups/water bottles are picked up.

Coach on the run.

Keep bags, balls, etc., out of the way. Avoid “dumb” injuries.

Emphasis on the 4th quarter – WIN the 4th quarter.

Run on and off the field.

COACHES in the locker room after practice – make sure your players leave in a positive mood. Get to “really” know all of the players.

Check on all injuries.

Locker room neat and orderly or they will run.

Shoes off before entering the facility.

Check all players – make sure they are wearing ALL proper equipment.

ALL PLAYERS – injured, etc., in the dress of the day, unless noted by the head coach.

Pay attention to drills – no collisions/avoid injuries.

DEMAND – Great Effort – Doing it Right – Little Things.

Bags/Balls/Ropes, etc. – have them set up BEFORE we go out. If you have a student manager – get him to do it. We want to spend our time coaching when we are out on the field, not running around.

Players that are not practicing: o Not in the way. o Paying attention. o Communicate loud and clear to them what is going on.

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FOOTBALL PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION TASK LIST/TIMELINE DECEMBER ” End of Season Reviews with Players ” End of Season Awards Banquet ” Staff Reviews/Evaluations ” Letter to Returning Players ” Expectations/Start Dates ” General Announcements/Invitation to Prospective Players ” Scout for Fall Camp Site/Dates ” Prepare for First Day of Lifting JANUARY ” Start Off-Season Lifting Program ” Review Clinics/Schedule Clinics for Staff ” Booster Club – Upcoming Budget/Projects for Next Season ” Equipment Inventory/Needs ” Begin Playbook Revision ” Reserve Site for Fall Camp ” Begin Staffing Process – Get existing coach commitments FEBRUARY ” Attend Clinics/Other Professional Growth ” Letter of Intent Day – Organize Signing ” QBs/Rec not in other sports – 1 time per week ” Continue Playbook Revision ” Secure Fall Scrimmage MARCH ” Sign up for Summer Passing Tournaments ” Continue Playbook Revision ” Equipment Orders ” Junior Prospect Fact Sheet and Film out to Colleges APRIL ” Organize Summer Passing League ” Finalize Playbook ” Hold Coaches Retreat – Distribute Playbooks/Spring Practice Preparation ” Summer Lifting/Passing League Information Out to Players/Parents MAY ” Spring Practice ” Incoming Frosh Orientation ” Returning Players Orientation ” Summer Lifting and Passing League ” Bus Schedules/Team Meals JUNE ” Start Summer Weight Lifting Camp ” Passing League Games/Tournaments ” Fall Camp Information/Billing to all Players

FOOTBALL PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION TASK LIST/TIMELINE – Page 2 JULY ” Continue Summer Weight Lifting ” Prepare for Fall Camp ” Finalize Preparations for Fall Camp ” Issue Equipment ” Leave for Pre-Season Camp AUGUST ” Begin Permissive Days ” First Day of School – Open Invitation to Student Body – New Player Recruitment ” Team Pictures ” Begin Season

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BOOSTER CLUB Mission – Why we Exist… Support the advancement of the high school football program; Promote school spirit and the development of high quality individuals participating in the football

program; Support projects to improve facilities and equipment necessary to provide the best possible football

experience for the football players; Support the school administration, coaches and community in pursuit of the goal in developing the

best high school football program in the state. Board Members Board Members act as a central governing body responsible for decision making. They consist primarily of parents of current players, but may also include other interested parties. There should be an Executive Committee consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. These positions, as well as other positions should be outlined in the organizations Bylaws. The Booster Club will act in conjunction with the Head Coach in satisfying the program needs. The Head Coach will be consulted on board actions. 501c3 Non-Profit Corporation (Private Foundation) Setting up your Booster Club as a 501c3 non-profit corporation allows the Booster Club to act independently from the school in fundraising and purchasing. In general, a corporation is formed under state law by the filing of articles of incorporation with the state. The state must generally date-stamp the articles before they are effective. You may wish to consult the law of the state in which the organization is incorporated. Note that for a corporation to qualify under section 501(c) (3) of the Code, its charter or articles of incorporation must contain certain language. Publication 557 contains suggested language. You should also create Bylaws which are an organization's internal operating rules. Federal tax law does not require specific language in the bylaws of most organizations. State law may require nonprofit corporations to have bylaws, however, and nonprofit organizations generally find it advisable to have internal operating rules. To apply for recognition by the IRS of exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Code, use Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption. The organization should also request an employer identification number, even if it does not have any employees. See Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. Tax-exempt organizations with annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $50,000 must file Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. A tax-exempt organization whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less are required to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, unless they choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ instead. See http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Other-Non-Profits for more information. Bank Account Once you are incorporated and have obtained 501c3 status, you should set up a bank account in the name of your Booster Club. There should be at least two signers on the account from your executive board members.

BOOSTER CLUB – Page 2 Create an Annual Budget An annual budget should be created at the beginning of your fiscal year (calendar year). This budget must be approved by the board. Accountability is key and monthly income/expenses should be monitored via income & expense reports at each board meeting. QuickBooks is a good accounting program to assist with this. Note – the check writer should not be the same person that reconciles the checking account each month. Insurance The Booster Club President, and all other officers and directors of the Booster Club can be personally and individually named, in a lawsuit placing their personal assets at risk. Your Booster Club should obtain a Commercial General Liability insurance protection with limits of $1,000,000/$2,000,000 Per Occurrence/Annual Aggregate.

PARENT’S ROLE The word is LOYALTY – we must have 100% loyalty to the DM Football Team. Realizing that high school football is a part of the educational process and DM and the Scottsdale Unified School District, we must all work together to provide our young men the best opportunities athletically and scholastically. This can only be achieved through the cooperation, support, and team work of the administration, teachers, coaches, players, Booster Club, and parents. If one of these groups weakens, our entire TEAM weakens. Our program is dependent upon you (the parents) being totally loyal to all the players, coaches, administration, and anyone else connected with DM Football. PARENTS SHOULD NOT: Be critical of your son, the team, or the coaching staff, trainers, and doctors. Remember, everyone is

doing the BEST they can. Tell him how to play his position. We as coaches have worked extremely hard to develop and demand

discipline to play a certain position and its techniques – it is our profession. Discourage him when he is not playing much. He may already be discouraged, he needs

encouragement. Be a MONDAY NIGHT QUARTERBACK – our staff has many years of FOOTBALL experience

and has invested many hours (more than you realize) in preparation for what we do. The HEAD COACH will listen only to his assistants when it regards FOOTBALL MATTERS.

PARENTS SHOULD: ENCOURAGE your son and teammates to work harder on the field, in the weight room, and in the

classroom. Recognize the importance of your son’s role on the team. The third team player is just as important as

the first team player. It may not be his time yet, but he’ll keep working and it will pay off. Attend as many functions and games as possible. Let your son know you appreciate his hard work

and that you are behind him 100%. Be in attendance and avoid being around negative people. Our team, school, and community need positive leaders with enthusiasm for their team.

Always talk positive about your son’s coaches, teammates, and school. Encourage your son to do the

same. Be a good listener and advise your son to talk to his coaches, head coach, or team leader. Assist and encourage you son to follow team policies, procedures, and training rules. Encourage him

to be prompt (on time) and attend workouts, and proper rehabilitation treatments. Invite and promote social activity that involves his football teammates. Recognize your son’s need for proper rest and nutrition.

PARENT’S ROLE – Page 2 Football is a WELL-TAUGHT subject that gives the players a THEORY and hours of practice in the

theory. It involves much sacrifice and hard work. Through those sacrifices and hard work, you will be proud of his accomplishment and the fact that the GAME will make him a MAN.

SUPPORT ALL FUNDRAISING PROJECTS – IT TAKES EXTRA EFFORT TO RAISE THE

BEST THINGS AVAILABLE TO HELP THEM REACH THE UPPERMOST LIMITS!!

THOSE WHO STAY WILL BE CHAMPIONS!

AN OUNCE OF LOYALTY IS WORTH A POUND OF CLEVERNESS!

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