Amherst Football Parent Meeting

Welcome Welcome to the 2016 Football Season. Thank you for sending your son to join our program. We look forward to a successful season. Your son will be challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally over the course of the season. They will be held to high standards on and off the field, and will develop many friendships, and many memories over the course of the season.

Coaching Philosophy - Mission Statement Mission Statement: The Amherst Football Program exists to enhance the educational process of student-athletes. The focus of the Program is to provide a rigorous, fun and engaging experience that offers the highest level of instruction on the fundamental techniques of football. Additionally, the Program strives to develop healthy behaviors, strong character traits and positive citizenship among its’ participants. Vision Statement: The Amherst Football Program will consistently field teams that are disciplined, fundamentally sound, and hard-working. Team members will continually strive to reach their own potential while working as a team toward common goals. They will represent the Program with pride, integrity, and good character both on and off the field.

Expectations Many of these were addressed already in the Athletic Director’s presentation. Players have all signed a pledge detailing our specific expectations. Key Points Be on time, better yet, be early. Attend all practices - communicate any absences - notify ahead of time, bring a note from a parent. ANY missed practice time will affect playing time. Be a great student/citizen first - a great football players second. Respect teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents. Do Right. Put the TEAM first.

Schedules Players have been provided with practice calendars, and they will be posted online as well. Generally we practice 6 days a week in the pre-season. In-season - 4-5 practices each week - followed by a game. Varsity games are usually on Friday - some Saturdays. JV games are usually Thursday nights - or Saturday mornings. Players are expected to take team transportation (bus) to and from away contests unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Equipment All required protective equipment, except an athletic supporter and cup, is provided by the school. Players are responsible for the upkeep (laundering) of uniforms, and responsible use of the equipment. Any equipment not returned at the end of the year will result in a charge. Team Clothing: we do expect team members to wear school colors at all team functions. They do not have to say “Amherst” but should be orange, black, white or grey. We have two options for purchasing team clothing: paper handout and online store. https://amherstfootball2016.itemorder.com/sale

Equipment - cont. Varsity Only Over the last 8-10 years we have had a tradition of purchasing a 3rd jersey, with player’s name embroidered on it, that they can keep. Forms were handed out in June. They were not turned in on time to receive jerseys for homecoming game. I am in the process of trying to get them for Senior night. If we can not get a guarantee that they will arrive in time you will get a refund. Players do NOT have to buy one to play - if you choose not to, we have a few team owned jerseys you can wear. If money is an issue - we did a fundraiser to allow players to defray the cost. Unfortunately, very few players took advantage. We can work out a payment plan if necessary, see me individually.

Safety - Injuries We are a USA Football certified school. Our coaches have participated in annual clinics and training on concussion and heat illness prevention. Also certified in blocking and tackling instruction. Injuries are a part of all sports. We have a top notch trainer, we have quality coaches, we have great equipment. Nothing can eliminate all injuries. When an athlete is injured: They need to notify a coach or the trainer. They need to follow the recommendations of the trainer in order to return to play. Sometimes this involves a physician appointment. Unless an emergency, please utilize the resources provided by our trainer. Hurt/Injury - that is why we have a certified trainer on staff.

Communication Players should express their concerns/conflicts directly to a coach. (Playing time, schedule conflicts, etc.) We want our players to develop good communication skills. Occasionally there is an issue that is not resolved, or an issue arises when a parent would like to contact a coach directly. We welcome communication from parents. Please let us know about any family or medical concerns that may prevent your child from fully participating. We welcome questions about how to help child improve, concerns about their behavior, schoolwork, or how they are being treated by teammates or coaches.

Communication - continued Our coaching staff wants to develop open lines of communication with parents. However, we ask you to respect the following guidelines: Issues not to be discussed with coaches: Team Strategy Play Calling Lineups Inappropriate times to contact coaches (unless an emergency) During/ or immediately prior to a contest/practice Immediately following a contest These are typically very busy times and or emotionally charged times. Rarely do they make for productive resolutions. A good rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours before discussing non-emergency items.

Booster Club - Volunteers - Fundraising We are always in need of parents to help with activities: snack stand, chain gang, fundraising, video taping, statistics, etc. Please provide your name and email address before leaving. Those of you who would like to get involved - please stay after for a few minutes to discuss our immediate needs. Fundraising - monies raised go back into the program. Banquet costs defrayed, player gifts, locker room banners, spaghetti dinners, passing league tournaments, coaching honorariums (planned).

Miscellaneous Football Website: A work in progress, but will be updated with important forms and announcements: http://www.amherstschools.org/athletics.cfm?subpage=35584

Question and Answer Let’s make this a great season! Thanks for attending. Any questions? Contact: Jason Beckman jbeckman@amherstschools.org