1. COMMITMENT: How your priorities must rank during the football season: Faith/Family 2. Academics 3. Football 4. Friends/Fun/Job/Girlfriends/Twitter/Concerts/Facebook/Video Games

2. Alcohol/Tobacco Use – the use of these substances is illegal, harmful to your body, and portrays a negative image of our school, community, and football team. This is a serious offense and could result in suspension or removal from the team according to school policy in addition to loss of playing time.

3. Drugs/Stealing/Dishonesty = Severest offense – possible suspension and/or removal from team according to school policy. Use of performance enhancing drugs or substances (legal or illegal) is prohibited.

4. Unexcused tardiness to any football activity is unacceptable. Repeat offenses could result in suspension from games or loss of starting position. Be Early. If you arrive on time you are late.

5. All team events/meetings/practices are mandatory. “Unexcused” absences are defined as those without A) PRIOR approval from Head Coach unless a true emergency, or B) deemed a true emergency (auto accident, death in family, etc.). ALWAYS CALL OR SEE HEAD COACH – NEVER SEND A TEXT MESSAGE OR NOTE OR TWEET - KEEP CALLING UNTIL YOU GET THROUGH. If you need a ride we will work that out. Missing practice will result in a loss of playing time.

6. All injured players will be at practice with their position coach or trainer unless in the hospital/restricted at home under doctor’s orders. Immediately inform your position coach, head coach, and/or the trainer of any injury or illness that would hamper your performance. Injured players are still part of the team and expected to attend all team events.

7. You are expected to always represent your family, school, community, team, and coaches in a mature, respectful, positive manner. Don’t do anything to bring shame or embarrassment to the program or school.

8. Grades will be monitored weekly throughout the school year. You are expected to do your best in school!!! See a coach as soon as possible if you are having trouble in a class. Missing practice to catch up on school work is not acceptable. A lack of commitment to your academics could result in boot camp, suspension, or academic ineligibility.

9. Use of excessive profanity and/or poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated, especially if directed at others. This includes taunting or “trash talking”. Never do or say anything that shames our school and your teammates/coaches.

10. Players are expected to know and obey all school rules and policies. Set a good example for other students and be a positive influence on others at school. Players will be disciplined at practice or lose playing time for improper conduct at school.

11. There will be no hazing or initiation of new players/freshmen. This is an ignorant and divisive practice, and will be dealt with severely, including possible removal from the team. Severe offenses may require referral to law enforcement. This includes any improper verbal or physical behavior that is demeaning.

12. Equipment must be obtained from a coach - not other players. Players are responsible for care and return of their equipment.

13. Players must ride the bus back from away games/events with the team and put their equipment away. The only exception allowed would be an injury suffered during the game that would require a trip to the hospital.

14. Social Media: Do not post/tweet/retweet anything to do with sex, race, sexual orientation, drugs, politics, vulgarity, opponents (trash talks), or other religions. Do not post anything you would not want your parents or grandparents to see. Use discretion and avoid venting or ranting. Do not block coaches from your Twitter account. See #7.

15. Violation of school, team, or training rules not on above list will be handled on a case by case basis. Any behavior that violates the law or the student code of conduct is considered a violation of team rules.

16. Core Covenants. Ridgefield Football players will know and follow the following; Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Excellence, Perseverance.

1. Make sure your son/daughter knows you love them! Win or lose, scared or heroic, let them know you appreciate their efforts and will never be disappointed with them. This will help them to do their best without a fear of failure. Be the person in their life they can look to for constant positive reinforcement.

2. Try to be honest about your child’s athletic capability, competitive attitude, and skill level.

3. Be interested and supportive but don’t coach your player. It’s tough for a child to be overwhelmed with advice, pep talks, and frequent critical instruction. Involve yourself in the program. Volunteering for dinners, auction, and other events will let your child know that you support what they are doing.

4. Teach them to enjoy the thrill of competition. Let them know that improving skills and attitude are important. Help them to develop the feel for competing, working hard and having fun.

5. Don’t relive your athletic life through your child! This creates added pressure that your son/daughter does not need. Remember, we have all fumbled, lost games and have been frightened.

6. Don’t compete with the coach. Keep in mind that they are balancing the development of your child with the growth and progress of an entire athletic program and team. Often coaches have many considerations that are not obvious to parents. Coaches are solely responsible for playing time, play calling and scheme.

7. Don’t compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with other members of the team, at least within their presence.

8. Get to know the coach. Understand his philosophy, attitudes, ethics and knowledge in such a way that you are happy to have your child under his leadership.

9. Remember, young people tend to exaggerate when being praised and/or criticized. Temper your reaction until you investigate. Choose the appropriate time to speak with the Head Coach. During or after games is not that time.

10.Make a point of understanding courage and the fact that it is relative. Some people can climb mountains but are afraid to fight. Others will fight but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened of certain things. Explain that courage is not the absence of fear, but means doing something in spite of the fear or discomfort.

The job of an athlete’s parent is tough and takes a lot of effort to do it well. However, it is worth the effort when at some point you hear them say, “My parents were extremely important to my success as a student athlete.. I am very lucky in this respect.”