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Madison Memorial Football
2015-16
Player & Parent
Handbook
JMM Parent-Player Handbook
Welcome to the Madison Memorial High School Football
Family or Spartan Nation!
Enclosed in this handbook is the information that will help you prepare for your
involvement with the JMM football program. While it would be very challenging to cover
every situation, we have tried to create a reference for you in preparation for the
season. We are excited about the future and direction of our program. Please refer to
our website (www.madisonmemorialfootball.com) or Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/JMMSpartansFootball) regularly as some of the data in this packet
is yet to be finalized.
This handbook is divided into two sections. First you will find coach-directed information
for both players and parents. Next is information about Spartan Gridiron Club events
that are tied directly to the football program. If you have any questions, please feel free
to contact Head Coach Adam Smith (608-206-3832, [email protected]).
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Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to what should serve as a positive and exciting experience for your son. We, the
coaching staff of the JMM Football Program, in conjunction with the Spartan Gridiron Club, have
put together an expectations package for you in the hopes of helping you to better understand
the program with which your child is involved. Our goal is to produce good people first and great
football players second, as football is an excellent tool for teaching fundamental and important
life skills.
This handbook is a look into what the Memorial football coaching staff deems to be the
important facets of our football program. High school football should be a positive, memorable
experience for all involved. Coaches’ goals are to provide players the opportunity to be the best
football players they can be. We intend to teach the game of football, instill discipline,
encourage classroom success, prepare players through weight training and off-season
conditioning, and build UNITY through hard work and commitment to a common goal of a
successful football season. In order to be successful, everyone involved should realize that a
positive attitude is a must. Very few worthwhile things in life come easily. Hard times require a
positive outlook and attitude to continue striving to improve. Our motto revolves around
everyone making a great effort to get better every day for the good of the TEAM. A player’s
level of improvement is directly related to the amount of effort put forth in each activity the team
undertakes. We, as coaches, expect players to give great effort in everything we instruct players
to do. While expecting great effort from players, coaches expect great effort from each other as
well. It would be unfair for the coaches to expect more of a player than of themselves. In order
for all to understand their role, everyone involved should realize the concept of "Team Before
Self". Coaches will show a genuine interest in the well-being and concerns of each player as an
individual, however; coaches, players, parents and administrators cannot put their interests
before the teams’ best interest. As coaches, we will emphasize the importance of player
accountability. It is expected that players will be individually responsible for their actions and
day-to-day choices. Everyone should remember, "Playing football is a privilege, not a right".
There is no room for special privileges on a team. Everyone is expected to abide by the same
standards and serve the same consequences when they do not.
The JMM Football Program demands a lot of time from our student athletes and there are
concrete and progressive consequences for absences or lateness for our practices, games, or
other scheduled events. There is a lot to learn in a relatively short amount of time so good
attendance helps both the player and the team. We need you to support us in this effort and
make sure that your son is available for the scheduled practices, games, and other events such
as teambuilding and fundraising.
Thank you for allowing your son to be a part of our program. Together we will have a lot of fun
while working hard towards our goals.
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Head Coach Adam Smith
608-206-3832
[email protected]
Program Philosophy
As Vince Lombardi said, “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender”. Preparing
like a Champion is the foundation of Madison Memorial High School’s football
philosophy. Football is demanding. It is a sport of discipline and will. It requires
commitment and hard work. It takes a dedicated athlete. We can only control 2 things in
life, our effort and our attitude. Having a great attitude and giving great effort places us
in a Championship state of mind. Believing you’re a Champion in everything you do and
performing the things necessary to be a Champion gives us the best opportunity to be
successful. Football is not for everyone. However, playing football will give back to you
far more than it will demand.
Football provides a variety of life skills and a tremendous sense of accomplishment and
pride. It fosters confidence, courage, and cultivates lifelong friendships. Being a football
player is an honor that only a few share. Although winning is always an objective and is
important, we believe winning is a by-product of preparation, dedication, commitment,
hard-work, respect, sacrifice, teamwork, and most of all, belief. At the beginning of each
season, players should make a commitment to strive for victory in everything they do in
life! WIN THE PLAY! Reflection is a key component to learning and progressing
forward. Asking yourself “What can I do to make myself and the team better?” should be
the question you ask yourself every day. Being able to consistently perform these
actions is how we define a successful season and football program.
Being a committed member of the Memorial High School football team translates
directly to behaving in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner. We must always
remember whom we represent. Each player and player’s parents/guardians must
sign the Player/Parent Contract, created by the Memorial High football program,
located on the back of this handbook.
Spartan Pride
It is a privilege to be a member of this football squad and to be a Spartan. The time,
effort, and energy we all spend in making our program a success is based on a strong
conviction that football and education will provide some of your greatest values and
most rewarding moments. Take pride in everything you do as part of our program. In
football and in life, the success you enjoy will result from the effort you are willing to give
to be a winner. Memorial High School Football is committed to PRIDE and
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EXCELLENCE. Remember the players who came before you every time you walk into
the locker room, weight room, step on the field, or wear a Spartan Football uniform.
Remember you are setting the example for those who will follow in your footsteps. You
are a Spartan always and forever.
Program Alignment
Freshman Football
Purpose: To introduce student-athletes to the initial rules of high school football, the
safe techniques and fundamentals, and strategies of JMM football.
Emphasis: For student-athletes to have the opportunity to participate in learning the
game of football. It is a vital component that the Freshman coaching staff is teaching our
student-athletes the safest techniques and fundamentals, at every position, in a way
that the players are engaged and having fun. While winning is a very important lesson
to learn how to do, it is more important, at this level, to teach our players the process of
how to win as a team. To get our student-athletes acclimated to high school life.
Weight room: Initial learning of techniques of weight lifting, agility drills, weight room
dynamics & rules, safety, and conditioning. We will introduce them to a correctly
structured program that improves their muscular balance, allow players to meet the
physical demands of playing high school football, and help prevent injury.
Junior Varsity Football
Purpose: To continue the development of our student-athletes for the Varsity level in a
way that keeps them engaged, safe, and having fun.
Emphasis: Prepare the players, both mentally and physically, for varsity football. While
winning becomes more important it is not as vital as continuing to learn and understand
the process of how to win as a team. Techniques and fundamentals become more
detailed along with schematic strategies to perform against our opponents. Studentathletes continue to develop their skills at a more specific position.
Weight room: To continue to develop strength, agility, quickness, and conditioning. We
will introduce them to more complex exercises, and continue to monitor and develop
their muscular balance to help prevent injury.
Varsity Football
Purpose: To continue to teach our student-athletes the advanced rules, techniques,
fundamentals, strategies and schemes of JMM football.
Emphasis: To win football games by fielding the best team of players possible, who are
both mentally and physically prepared to play football at the varsity level, and
understand and can perform as a team. Prepare potential college athletes for the
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collegiate level.
Weight room: To be at peak strength, agility,
quickness, and conditioning, as a team, to help prevent injury.
Leadership Council
A leadership council will be implemented for the first time this season, and much like its
collegiate and professional counterparts, this council will help Memorial High's football
program grow from within by putting the student-athletes at the forefront of many team
decisions. It gives the players a chance to lead by example and help shape the overall
culture of the program. Their feedback is truly valued by the coaching staff. Students will
be taught how to deal with issues concerning their fellow teammates while also
developing a strong working relationship with their coaches. This dual investment, made
by the coaches and the players, creates greater trust and accountability on both ends,
and fosters a better working environment overall. Through the leadership council, the
head coach will give the most committed players on the team, as selected by the
coaching staff, the right to determine how issues pertaining to player interaction, from
uniform selection to disciplinary procedures, are handled. The leadership council will
consist of players from all grades regardless of position or location on the depth chart.
How to Become a Team Captain
In the past the “Team” selected team Captains. While it is important the team has a
voice on who should lead them, most of the time a team vote becomes a popularity
contest and the best leaders do not always get the recognition they rightfully deserve.
For this reason the coaching staff will determine 2 offensive, 2 defensive, and 2 special
teams Captains for each season. Selection will be based on:
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Team vote
Attendance to school and team events
Grades
Increases, by percentage, in weight room testing
Community service hours
Overall leadership skills
Part of other school groups or sports
Awards and/or acknowledgements
Participation in community events and fund raising activates with the football
program
It is an honor to be named a Captain of the Madison Memorial Football Team. That
honor must be earned, respected, and appreciated. If, at any time, a Capitan violates a
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team and/or player code contract, the Leadership Council will deem whether to strip that
player of their Captain title or determine an appropriate consequence.
Introduction to Leadership & Life Skills Classes
On a weekly basis, all players will be exposed to lessons in leadership and life skills
necessary to be successful, not only on the football field, but in life! In a safe
environment, players will be asked to share experiences, talk about feelings, role play
situations, and learn how to cope and handle positive and negative situations. They will
also have the opportunity to listen to professionals in the field of law enforcement,
recruiting, psychology, job training, counseling, leadership, business, and alumni
elaborate on their post-high school experiences. Players will have to reflect, examine,
and express, both orally and on paper, what they have learned through these classes
and how what they have learned will benefit them in life. All players must pass out of
classes before moving to the next and must complete the lessons in order to practice.
These lessons will give our players the tools they will need to be successful in all facets
of life! After passing, players will receive an “E+R=O” bracelet to help remind them
every day about how their choices affect not only their lives but also the people around
them. We encourage you to talk to your child about what they are learning in these
classes and what E+R=O means.
Expectations of Our Coaching Staff
Be a positive role model. Carry yourself in a professional manner at all times, on the
field and in the community. Players and community members are always watching. As a
representative of the program your actions will reflect on everyone, not just yourself.
Make sure your interactions on the field reflect how you would want your own child to be
treated.
Coach every player. They won’t care how much you know until they know how much
you care. We will coach players to help prepare them to achieve their greatest potential.
Each player is putting in the time and effort to make the team better and it is the
responsibility of the coach to help him improve his skills.
Communicate. A football program consists of many parts, it is important that everyone
works hard to stay on the same page. All coaches should work together to stay
informed of what is going on with players, schemes, and the program in general.
Coaches should also strive to ensure the players understand the material being
presented in practice and be approachable if a player wants to talk.
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Committment. We ask our players to invest a lot of time into our program and therefore
the same commitment is needed from each coach. In turn, the program will try to place
a priority on using time wisely during meetings, practices, and team activities.
Communication to Parents
The JMM coaching staff in conjunction with the JMM Gridiron Club will make every
attempt to keep our players and their parents/guardians up to date on football program
issues and events. We have four ways of communicating with parents and players:
email, website, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Please be sure that your email is updated with the Gridiron Club Secretary, Lisa
Walters, at [email protected]
• Please refer to the website regularly. Significant information is available including
game schedules, rosters, meetings, training schedules etc. The web address is
www.madisonmemorialfootball.com
• Facebook can be accessed from our website.
• Sign up for Twitter through our website if you would like to receive JMM Football
messages, game scores and highlights.
Communication Process
Coaches and administration have the authority over who becomes a participant of the
team and when the participant plays or is removed from the team. The coaching staff
determines coaching strategy. Acceptance of a position on the team includes
acceptance of this policy. It is NEVER acceptable for a parent to attempt to discuss
playing time with a coach during a game or practice. It is also NEVER acceptable for a
parent to attempt to discuss the performance or playing time of another participant.
Head Coach, athlete, and/or parent meetings may help to resolve OTHER issues
creating concern or dissatisfaction. Such meetings MUST be scheduled beforehand and
will be on campus. Any meeting with a parent may also include an assistant coach,
trainer, or an administrator.
Meetings can be scheduled by contacting Coach Smith through email. Contact should
not be made to an assistant coach as they are relieved from meeting with parents and
will simply point you toward contacting Coach Smith. If a meeting is requested it should
be done through Coach Smith only. The vast majority of player concerns will be worked
out at this level. If the player or parent were not satisfied with what transpired at the
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coach’s level, the next step would be to involve the Athletic Director. If all else fails, the
Principal will become involved.
During the season parents WILL NOT discuss player concerns (other than injuries)
within the time period 24 hours before a game to 24 hours after a game. A parent may
send an email but a response should not be expected within this time period.
Physical and Health Insurance Paperwork
All players must have an updated physical exam on WIAA forms in order to participate
in games and/or practices. All players are also required to have health insurance. If a
family does not have health insurance, a policy can be purchased through JMM to cover
the student-athlete. Please see Athletic Director, Jeremy Schlitz if interested in
purchasing this policy.
Eligibility Forms
All required forms for athletic participation are available on the web. You can access the
site http://webapp1.madison.k12.wi.us/webapp1/athletic_forms/ or through the link on
JMM’s website in the Athletics section. BOTH parents and students will both login using
their Infinite Campus user name and password. There is a separate process for both
students and parents please make sure that both complete. You may complete all this
time for all anticipated sports throughout the school year, please make sure to indicate
correct season and confirm information by clicking button at button of questionnaire.
Any pop-up indications that ask you to follow up with athletic office can be done via
email or calling 608-663-6079. This step must be completed prior to reporting to
practice.
Online Spirit Store
You can order Spirit Wear at http://madisonmemorial.ilchq.com/ The site is available
365 days a year/24 hours a day to purchase a variety of clothing, flags, blankets,
bleacher chair backs and other options with Memorial logos for sale. If in the case you
do not see what you were looking for please contact the Athletic office and we will work
to get those items added as options.
Schedule/Information
You can sign up to receive schedule notifications at big8conference.net This will allow
you to have up-to-the-minute information on schedules, postponements, and
cancellations, and will send alerts via email or text. Athletics information is also shared
via Twitter @SpartanJMM
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Athletic Secretary, Kelsey Heck
[email protected]
608-663-6191
Fax: 608-442-2199
Athletic Director, Jeremy Schlitz, CAA
[email protected]
608-663-6079
Twitter: @SpartanJMM
Inclement Weather
When a practice is scheduled we will do something as a team regardless of the weather
(obviously, extreme occurrences such as a tornado warning provide exceptions) so
practice will always be on. When a situation arises where we have inclement weather
(i.e. lightning) we will do one of the following:
1. Move practice to the gymnasium
2. Watch film and wait out the weather for an opportunity to go back outside
3. Go to weight room and wait out the weather. In a situation where we go inside to wait
out the weather, practice will end at the scheduled time.
Player Expectations
We will operate the JMM Football Program in accordance with the rules, regulations,
and policies as outlined by the WIAA, and the administrative policies of JMM. Within
that framework, we will provide a football program of the highest quality that meets the
needs of our students, alumni, school, and community. As Head Coach, I believe that
our football program provides a vital link between the school and the community.
Student, parental, alumni, and community involvement in our program helps to enhance
school spirit, develop sound minds and bodies, and develop skills and qualities which
endure for life. As a general rule, all players are to conduct themselves with class and
dignity, both on and off the field. Your behavior is a direct reflection of your family,
school, and football program. Any action that will embarrass you, your team, school, or
parents is an action that should not be taken. All players in this program will recognize
and respect the authority of all coaches, teachers, administrators, and support staff
members or they will not be a part of the team. Those who work hard and adhere to
these policies are showing that being a part of this team is important and will be
rewarded with success, satisfaction, and wins. Any violation of one or more of the rules
covered in this handbook is an indication that this football program, and being a part of
it, is not important to you. Any violation will be dealt with accordingly, ranging from Pride
Reminders (PR) to dismissal from the team.
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Attendance
All players are expected to be present and punctual to classes, meetings, and practices.
1. Any player who is late to class, meeting, and/or practice will be held after practice to
make up for the time they missed – PR (Pride Reminders).
2. Any player who misses practice without notifying Coach Smith in person or by email
ahead of time will be dealt with accordingly.
a. 1 Unexcused absence or tardy = miss game time at Coach’s discretion (i.e.
miss 1st Q of the game)
b. 2 Unexcused absence or tardy = 1 game suspension
c. 3 Unexcused absence or tardy = possible removal from team
3. In the case of an unforeseen emergency, parent must contact Coach Smith.
4. All illness and sickness absences need to have a prior approval or doctor’s excuse
upon returning to practice to determine excused or unexcused. This does not mean that
any time a player is sick or ill they need to go to the doctor, but any major illness and
sickness that causes players to miss practice should seek treatment. Not feeling good is
not an excused absence.
5. Any absence, regardless of excused or unexcused, will require conditioning to be
made up upon returning to practice. (This does not include players injured, determined
by the trainer or medical professional, but are in attendance for practice)
6. Any circumstances (Dr. visit, Dentist, etc.) that would be excused may ONLY be
excused through the JMM administration.
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Academics
You are expected to be a student first and an athlete second. Treat yourself with proper
respect. To be a member of this team, you must attend class regularly. Poor behavior,
attendance, and low academic achievement cast the football program in a negative
light. The academic progress of all team members will be monitored throughout the
school year. A team GPA goal will be established by our Leadership Council and results
will be monitored every quarter. Any player that has a class grade of a “D” or lower is
required to make arrangements with the teacher of that class(es) to receive help.
Players will be required to attend tutors during open or free periods, Monday study
table, and/or attend class prior to school. Player(s) must make these efforts until
grade is satisfactory. If any player that has a behavior code violation or is in poor
academic standing will not receive a game jersey nor be allowed on the field of
play during the game.
Academic Requirements for College Athletes
NCAA D1 Eligibility Requirements:
The following requirements are for all athletes who want to play NCAA D1 sports and
receive an athletic scholarship. 99% of athletes who meet the DI requirements will also
be eligible at other division levels. It is important to remember that just because you
meet the academic requirements of the NCAA, you are not guaranteed to gain
admission into the school of your choice. Here are the NCAA D1 requirements for
athlete graduating in the class of 2016.
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You must graduate from high school
You must complete 16 core courses and receive a minimum GPA of 2.3 in those
courses. The core course requirements are as follows: 4 years of English, 3
years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher), 2 years of Natural or Physical Science, 2
years of Social Science, 1 extra year of English, Math or Science and 4 years of
Religion, Philosophy, Foreign Language or additional years of any of the
categories above.
You must complete 10 of your 16 core course before your senior year of high
school.
You will not be allowed to retake any of your 10 core courses before your senior
year for a higher score.
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You must take the SAT or ACT and score a minimum of 400 on the SAT (Math
and Reading only) or 37 on the ACT (your sum score).
Your core course, GPA combined with your SAT/ACT score, must meet the
minimum requirements as laid out by the NCAA Sliding Scale (please go to
http://www.athleticscholarships.net/academic-requirements.htm to see the
complete sliding scale).
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The academic requirements for student athletes graduating in 2016 or later are going to
be much higher than the current academic markers. If current high school athletes were
required to meet the new academic standards, over 15% of incoming freshman would
not be eligible (40% of basketball players and 35% of football players). This means if
you are following the same courses as the athletes ahead of you, there is a chance you
will not be eligible.
NCAA DII Eligibility Requirements:
The requirements to play NCAA D2 sports and receive a scholarship are lower than the
DI level. All eligible DI athletes are eligible at the DII level. If you don’t meet the DI
requirements but meet the requirements below, you can compete at the NCAA DII level.
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You must graduate from high school
You must complete 16 core courses and receive a minimum GPA of 2.0. The
core course requirements are as follows 3 years of English, 3 years of Math
(Algebra 1 or higher), 2 years of Natural or Physical Science, 2 years of Social
Science, 2 extra years of English, Math or Science and 4 years of Religion,
Philosophy, Foreign Language or additional years of any of the categories
above.
You must take the SAT or ACT. You need to score a minimum of 820 on the
SAT (Math and Reading only) or an ACT sum score of 68.
Tuesday Reports
All student-athletes participating in a MMSD sanctioned athletic program are required to
fill out a weekly “Tuesday report”. The Tuesday report is handed to student-athletes on
Tuesday and they are required to be completed and hand into Coach Smith/Athletic
Office on same Tuesday. If a student-athlete has an unexcused tardy(s) or absence(s),
the student-athlete must get them excused prior to any game in order to be allowed to
participate. If a student-athlete receives an “F” letter-grade in any subject, the studentathlete has 1 week to receive a “passing grade” in same class. If passing, they are
allowed to participate in weekly competition. If still failing for a second consecutive week
the student-athlete is barred from competing in weekly competition until they receive a
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passing mark from teacher. All football players will be required to fill out a Tuesday
Report weekly for the entire school year. Anytime a football player is not “inseason” they must fill out a Tuesday Report every week and hand into the athletic
office for Coach Smith.
Social Media Guidelines
The Madison Memorial High School Football Program recognizes and supports the
student-athletes’ rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association, including the
use of social networks. In this context, however, each student-athlete must remember
that playing and competing for The Madison Memorial High School Football team is a
privilege. As a student-athlete, you represent Memorial High School, Madison
Metropolitan School District and the community, and you are expected to portray
yourself, your team, and the School District in a positive manner at all times.
Below you will find the guidelines for social networking site usage:
• Everything you post is public information – any text or photo placed online is
completely out of your control the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access
to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, and comments) may be accessible
even after you remove it. Once you post a photo or comment on a social networking
site, that photo or comment becomes the property of the site and may be searchable
even after you remove it.
• What you post may affect your future. Many employers and college admissions
officers and coaches review social networking sites as part of their overall evaluation of
an applicant. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before you give
them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures, videos, comments,
and posters).
• Similar to comments made in person, the Madison Memorial High School Football
Program will not tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online, such as:
- Derogatory language or remarks that may harm teammates or coaches; other student
athletes, teachers, or coaches; and student-athletes, coaches, or representatives of
other schools, including comments that may disrespect our opponents.
- Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment; full
or partial nudity; inappropriate gestures; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking, selling,
possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate or illegal
behaviors.
- Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat
of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.
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- Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation—regardless if the
violation was unintentional or intentional.
In short, do not have a false sense of security about your rights to freedom of speech.
Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited. The on-line social network sites are
NOT a place where you can say and do whatever you want without repercussions. The
information you post on a social networking site is considered public information.
Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image of which you can be proud for years to
come.
Violations of any of the above social media usage can result in loss of playing time,
suspension, behavior contracts or removal from the team. This decision will be made by
the sole discretion of the head coach of Madison Memorial High School Football
Program and subject to MMSD behavior policies and athletic code.
PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY
All persons associated with the James Madison Memorial High School Football program
are required to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence of
JMM Football and all of their events, games, practices, tryouts and meetings. This
requirement applies to players, coaches, employees, volunteers, game officials and all
others privileged to work for or be associated with JMM Football.
It is well understood that rules promoting lawful, ethical, and responsible conduct serve
the interests of JMM Football, its players, coaches, employees and volunteers. Illegal or
irresponsible conduct does more than simply tarnish the offender. It puts innocent
people at risk and undermines public respect and damages the reputation of JMM
Football.
STANDARD OF CONDUCT
While criminal activity is clearly outside the scope of permissible conduct, and
players\coaches\volunteers who engage in criminal activity will be subject to discipline.
It is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as a
player\coach\volunteer of JMM Football, you are held to a higher standard and expected
to conduct yourself in a way that is responsible, promotes the values upon which JMM
Football is based, and is lawful. Persons who fail to live up to this standard of conduct
are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself
does not result in conviction of a crime. Discipline may be imposed by the Athletic
Director or, in some instances, the JMM Athletic Principal, whichever is appropriate.
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This policy applies to all players, coaches, employees, volunteers, game officials and all
others privileged to work for JMM Football. By signing this form, you agree to the
Personal Conduct Policy set forth above by JMM Football.
We hope this handbook answers your questions and motivates you to become a
superior student-athlete. This handbook is not intended to substitute for coach-player
communication. Problems most often arise from misunderstandings, and/or lack of
communication. We must be willing to search for answers and solutions properly if we
are to progress as coaches, students, team, and as a community. As the 2015 season
progresses, you may at one time or another have questions in regards to a variety of
different issues. Please feel free to contact Coach Smith and every effort will be made
to provide you with the information you need.
“Individually we have responsibilities, that when executed together, will allow us
to succeed as a team!”
School Suspensions
Suspension dictates that the student shall not be allowed to attend his/her regular
classes or school sponsored activities for a prescribed number of days and shall be
declared ineligible (practices or contests) for the period of the suspension (including
weekends and holidays). Suspensions begin with the conclusion of school on the day of
the suspension until the start of school the day the student returns from the suspension.
A second suspension within a competitive season will result in ineligibility for the
remainder of the season in the case of athletics. Any player suspended from school will
receive the following consequences.
1. 1st Suspension = Level 1 code violation (up to 25% of scheduled games)
2. 2nd Suspension = In addition to Level 1 violation, automatic 25% and possible
removal from the team.
Hazing
No player will ever be ridiculed by another player either in the locker room, training
rooms, on the field, and in the community. The members of the Madison Memorial
Football Program will be respected by the entire program. WE ARE ONE!
Locker Room
The locker room floor will be free of trash and equipment that does not belong there.
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Drugs and Alcohol Use
The use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco will not be tolerated. The use of these products
is damaging to your health and to the image of our football team. The possession or use
of drugs or alcohol during school and/or football activities will result in a Level 2 code
violation and dismissal from the team.
Equipment Care
All players must have regard for the equipment. Equipment care is very essential in
maintaining good quality equipment for you and others to use while participating with
the JMM football team. The average cost of outfitting you with essential and proper
fitting safety gear is around $700.00 per student/athlete. The costs continue to rise each
and every year, so it is necessary for you, as the borrower, to take full responsibility for
your equipment care. We only require players to purchase their own cleats. Everything
else will be loaned to the athletes so we need to follow some simple maintenance steps
for your borrowed equipment throughout the year:
• Helmet: Cost $260.00 and up. This is not a device made to use as a weapon. The use
of the helmet other than a safety device is strictly prohibited:
!
!
!
!
Inspect & tighten facemask screws weekly.
Inspect & tighten chinstrap screws weekly.
Inspect chinstrap buckles weekly.
Wipe down your helmet weekly (inside & out) with a damp cloth.
• Shoulder Pads: Cost $200.00 and up
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Inspect all straps, strings, & clips weekly.
Tape all your straps after proper clip adjustment has been received.
Wash the molded plastic with a damp cloth.
Clean Shoulder Pads on a regular basis with boiled water and a disinfectant
• Pants, Girdle, Belt, & Practice Jersey
!
Wash them regularly to keep them from stinking, staining and housing bacteria.
• Hip Pads, Thigh Pads, Knee Pads & Tail Pads
!
Wipe these down with a damp cloth.
• LOCKS on Lockers.
!
All players are required to have a lock on their locker in the locker room in order
to maintain the safety of their equipment.
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!
If a player loses any piece of equipment then they are responsible for the cost of
replacing it new!
Players need to report any faulty equipment to Coach Smith.
Weight Room Requirement
All Football players will be required to participate in a weight-training program during the
season. The purpose of this strength training is to prevent injury, maintain strength
level, and improve strength. Since one of the purposes in strength training for football is
to help avoid injuries, the need to maintain all such development actually increases as
the season goes on. The loss of this strength could increase the chance of injury. All
players who plan to play football next year are expected to be working out with the team
in the off-season. Awards will be given for weight room attendance and achievement.
Winter Workouts: We will have off-season workouts during the school year after our
regular season. These workout schedules will be posted on the website. They will
include weight training, flexibility training and speed work. Participation is very strongly
encouraged. Attendance will be taken for the team’s records and our program goal is
80%. Football is a contact sport and therefore it is very physical. Physical conditioning is
very important to help prevent injuries and enable the JMM football team to compete at
the High School level. It also provides players the opportunity to develop and maintain
friendships with their teammates and build team spirit and camaraderie. It is cliché, but
championships are won during the off-season. Your football team is built December
through July, not August through November.
Spring Practice (Passing League)
All current and incoming JMM football players have the opportunity to participate in
Spring passing league. It will be essential, if you want to be an integral part of the team,
to attend passing league consistently. The purpose of Spring Practice is to introduce the
upcoming season’s offensive, defensive, and special team’s philosophies and schemes.
Coaches will be able to evaluate spring practice via film breakdown and give feedback
to players on Hudl. Only students who are participating in a sanctioned Spring sport are
exempt from spring practices.
Summer Workouts
The summer is a time to get a jumpstart on our season. The amount of work you put in
during the summer will largely determine the amount of success you have in the fall.
Summer workouts are mandatory; they are a necessity for a successful season. 7 on
7’s and summer conditioning sessions are put together in order to provide for a better
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season. It is your goal to make 90% of summer workouts. Our objective this summer is
to get better each day and enjoy ourselves. When you are going out of town or on
vacation, let Coach Smith know BEFORE you leave. Be responsible and communicate
with him. BE COMMITTED to your team and its goals. You are now a member of the
football program, and you need to be willing to make individual sacrifices for the
good of the whole.
Injuries and Health Concerns
If you have an injury or health concern, please see one of the JMM Athletic Trainers,
Ms. Braun, before going to a doctor. If a player is taken to the hospital then either
Coach Smith or the Athletic Trainer will notify a parent.
Players should report any updates in medical conditions or medications being taken to
both Coach Smith and Ms. Braun. Players should also report health conditions such as
skin rashes or mononucleosis to Coach Smith so appropriate action can be taken to
prevent spreading to teammates.
Any player who is injured and not participating in practice will spend part of
practice (as determined by coaches and trainer) performing physical activity and
part of practice getting ‘mental reps’ by analyzing practice.
Team Meals
Pre-game meals are a privilege and a tradition at Memorial High School. It is an honor
to attend, and should be realized by all players. A great many people put forward a
tremendous amount of work to provide our meals. Take PRIDE in that and be thankful.
You may speak in a low voice while at the team meal. But no horseplay will be
tolerated. If your actions take away from our team's focus, you will be asked to leave.
The parents and supporters who give us the team meals are not your butlers and
maids. Show your appreciation by acting polite and always disposing of your trash
property. Thank our supporters as you leave.
Nutrition
Try to stay away from soda, fast food, fatty foods, fried foods, and sweets. Pasta,
breads, meat, fruits and vegetables, and milk are preferred. Drink lots of water. On
game days do not consume soda and candy. Think healthy. The better you eat the
more energy you will have and you will feel and play better. It is also very important to
get at least eight hours sleep per night. Players will be given sample menus to use as a
reference to determine what their diet should consist of on a daily basis.
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Parent Expectations
Be positive with your athlete. Let them know you are proud they are part of the team.
Focus on the benefits of teamwork and personal discipline.
Encourage your athlete to follow all training rules. Help the coaches build a
commitment to the team. Set a good example in your personal lifestyle.
Allow your athlete to perform and progress at a level consistent with his ability.
Athletes mature at different ages; some are more gifted than others.
Always support the coaching staff when controversial decisions are made. The
coaches need your backing to keep good morale on the team.
Insist on positive behavior in school and a high level of performance in the
classroom. Numerous studies indicate extracurricular involvement helps enhance
academic performance.
Stay calm in injury situations. Parents can help minimize the trauma by being in
control and offering comfort. Allow the medical staff to perform their assessment of your
son’s injury. No parent is allowed on the field unless the training staff requests it.
Cheer for our team and players. Opponents and referees deserve respect. Realize
that high school players will make mistakes. Your support is needed during tough times.
Promote having fun and being a team player. Very few high school athletes receive
scholarships. Concentrate on what is best for the team. Preoccupation with statistics
can be very distracting.
An athlete's self-confidence and self-image will be improved by support at home.
Comparison to others is discouraged. Encourage the athlete to do their best regardless
of family or friends who may have been outstanding players.
Winning is fun, but building positive team values is most important. The concept
of working together to perform a task will have lasting benefits. Winning takes place
when all the little things are done correctly.
Find the time to be an avid booster of school activities. Help build a solid support
system for coaches and athletes.
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Help students keep jobs and cars in proper perspective. Materialistic values can
detract from the commitment to the team. Teenagers should have the opportunity to
take advantage of extracurricular activities.
Athletes must attend all practices, games and team events. Stress the necessity to
make a commitment to the team.
Emphasize the importance of well-balanced meals and regular sleep patterns. An
athlete functions best when care is taken to consume nutritious food and obtain
sufficient rest.
Persistence and being able to accept a role is extremely important for the team to
be successful. Not everyone will be a starter, but everyone is important to the team.
Some players may not develop until their senior season. Encourage them to be
persistent.
Parent Code of Conduct
I will enjoy my child’s opportunity to experience the benefits of playing high school
football.
I will trust in my child’s ability to have fun and to perform and achieve excellence on his
own.
I will help my child learn the right lessons from winning, losing, individual achievement,
and mistakes.
I will respect my child’s teammates as well as fellow parents and fans.
I will give encouragement and applaud only positive accomplishments whether from my
child or his teammates.
I will support the efforts of the coaching staff.
I will not instruct from the sidelines unless asked to by the coach.
I will ensure that my child will attend all practices and games and will inform the coach
in advance if unable to attend.
I will respect all facilities made available to my child.
I will respect the equipment and uniform loaned to my child for practice and play.
I will respect the officials and their authority during games.
I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behavior.
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Parents Attending Practice
All practices are open to parents unless otherwise notified. However, parents must stay
off the field, safety reasons, and not communicate with any players or coaches. The
time allocated for practice is short and all attention needs to be on practice. Due to the
intense focus and nature of teaching required in the film room, only players and
coaches will be allowed to attend film sessions and team meetings. Also, due to limited
space parents will not be able to go into the weight room when the team is lifting.
However, when the team is doing drills in the gym parents are welcomed to sit in and
observe.
Football: More Than Just A Game
Teamwork – The ability to work with others is extremely important in today’s world.
Commitment – Players must be at all practices and follow team rules.
Work Ethic – Peak physical condition can only be attained through hard work.
Pride in Performance – A feeling of accomplishment is realized through persistent
application of effort.
Friendships – Lifetime relationships are developed through participation in sports.
Achievement – Players represent their communities, schools, and families. A feeling of
togetherness is experienced.
Enthusiasm – In order to be successful, both football and life must be approached with
enthusiasm.
Persistence – One learns to get up and go again after being knocked down.
Confidence – Self-esteem is enhanced through a series of achievements.
Athletic Ability – The skills essential for football are valuable in other sports.
Have Fun! – Football is fun to play and exciting to watch.
Identity – The team provides all participants with a sense of belonging.
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JMM Parent-Player Handbook
Courage – Performance under pressure helps conquer fear.
Challenges – Participants learn how to overcome obstacles to success.
Better Grades – Numerous studies indicate students active in school activities perform
better in the classroom.
Responsibility – The game of football holds individuals accountable for their actions.
Success in Life – According to the American College Testing Service, participating in
high school activities is a major indicator of success later in life.
2015 Player Fees
Madison Memorial High School Football Player Fee 2015 Football Player Fee is $115 –
Total Due TBD.
The full cost of team expenses is not covered by the Madison Metropolitan School
District. As a result, all players are asked to contribute their “fair share” of the full cost
for the JMM football program. Fair share costs are estimated at $/player. Contributions
to the Spartan Gridiron Club are encouraged and are tax-deductible. Alternatively, or in
addition to making a contribution, all players are encouraged to participate in fundraising
events to raise all or part of their fair share amount (See calendar on website).
It is critical that all players contribute to the team and/or participate in fundraisers.
What is covered by your Fair Share contribution?
•
Spirit Pack (t-shirt, athletic shorts, 5-pad girdle, and game socks)
•
Pre-game meals before Varsity and JV games
•
Post-game snacks for long distance away games
•
Equipment Rental (Helmet, Pads, Game Uniforms, Practice Jerseys)
•
Filming of games
•
HUDL web-based video system – players will have the capability to make their
own highlight videos for personal use or recruiting purposes
•
Weight training
•
Off-season training
•
Certified Trainer at all practices and games; Physician & Physical Therapist at all
home games
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•
End of season banquet
•
Laundry
Your fee also helps pay for maintenance of equipment room and field equipment, major
equipment purchases, transportation expenses, and scrimmage/game fees.
Spartan Gridiron Club
Who We Are
The Spartan Gridiron Club hosts and/or organizes all of the off-field activities associated
with Memorial Football including community service projects, weekly team meals, game
day programs (advertising, players ads, etc.), special game night activities (Senior
Night), fundraisers, end of the season banquet and much more.
The Board of Directors for the Spartan Gridiron Club is essentially the administrative
staff for the Head Football Coach. We are a non-profit organization that fundraises to
provide the program with the necessary equipment, training, and activities essential to
develop players and coaches both in the off-season and throughout the regular season,
as well as to give back to the school and community. 100% of the time and money
generated by the club goes directly to the Madison Memorial Football program.
Mission Statement
The Spartan Gridiron Club is an all-volunteer organization that is committed to
supporting coaches, athletes, and school programs in a positive way both on and off the
field. The purpose of the Spartan Gridiron Club is to promote, develop, encourage and
support the football program. Our goal is to enhance a more integrated relationship
among the parents, administration, faculty, coaching staff, football players, and the local
community. The Spartan Gridiron Club wants to foster and promote a spirit of unity and
goodwill among the members.
There is no fee to be a part of the Spartans Gridiron Club. Any parents who wish to be
a member or to help out in any way can simply contact one of the club's officers. If you
are interested in joining the Spartan Gridiron Club or volunteering please visit
www.spartansyouthfootball.com
Fundraising
With the high cost of outfitting a player in quality football equipment (~$700), it is
essential that we perform various fundraisers to supplement what is provided by the
school’s football fund allotment. In addition to the basic expenses, some other major
expenses are field equipment, team building events and travel. We are also currently
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trying to raise funds for some long-term major improvements to the program. We have
several fundraisers planned and the dates will post on the website’s calendar of events.
Fundraising is a Team Function!
One misconception is that our game ticket sales go directly to the football program; they
do not! The money from our ticket gate goes to the district’s general athletic fund and is
a tremendous source for all school athletic programs. Purchases of Booster Passes
for $30/50 go directly to JMM.
If you have any other ideas for fundraising or would like to serve on a fundraising
committee, please let us know. We are always interested in hearing different ideas for
how we can keep the fees low for our players. All fundraising events can be found at
www.spartansyouthfootball.com under Spartans Gridiron Club link.
Community Service
We continually ask ourselves, "What is the mission of our high school athletic
programs?” For some members of our community or for some parents, the answer
would center on how well the team does in terms of wins and losses. This viewpoint
would evaluate the season based upon winning the conference title or how far a team
advances in the playoffs.
We associate educational athletics as being the intentional efforts of our coaches to
teach skills, behaviors, actions and attitudes that extend far beyond the X's and O's of
our sports. Some of these positive character traits are: hard work, discipline, teamwork,
perseverance, sportsmanship, respect and learning how to win and lose with dignity.
In addition to these we will add community service as another character trait that can be
used in our pursuit of educational athletics. We define community service as giving back
to the school and surrounding community through volunteerism. Service is doing
something for somebody else without any expectation of getting anything in return. It is
a selfless way for our team to give back to their community.
Throughout the year, the team will participate in several community service activities.
These activities will have the secondary benefit of being team building events as well as
allowing the players to claim hours for college entrance. Community Service is a
Team Function!
Team Building
Team building has many key elements; the most important elements are earning trust,
communication, and teamwork. These elements can be built in many different ways.
Through team camps, recreational events, community service, fundraising events and
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standard team preparation. Throughout the year (on and off-season) the team will
participate in several team-building events. The team will attend at least one full contact
football camp during the summer. All the team building events will be posted on the
website’s calendar of events. Team Building Events are Mandatory!
2015-16 Player/Parent Contract
(Submission required for participation)
I, ____________________________ (player), and _____________________
(parent/guardian),
have read the 2015-16 Memorial Spartans Football Player & Parent Expectations
Handbook. By signing below, we acknowledge that we understand its contents and
agree to the terms of the handbook. We understand the guidelines for attendance,
punctuality, playing time, etc. We will do our best to work together to provide a positive
experience. We are aware of the commitment it takes to be a part of the Madison
Memorial Football Program and are aware that all decisions that are made are for the
benefit of the TEAM.
It is a privilege to play football at Madison Memorial High School, NOT a right!
_______________________________________ _______________
Athlete Signature
Date
_______________________________________ _______________
Parent/Guardian Signature
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What It Takes to be Number One
"Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while;
you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all of the time. Winning is a
habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.
There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that's first
place. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay, and I don't ever want to
finish second again. There is a second place bowl game, but it is a game for losers
played by losers. It is and always has been an American zeal to be first in anything we
do, and to win, and to win, and to win.
Every time a football player goes to ply his trade he's got to play from the ground up from the soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play. Some guys
play with their heads. That's O.K. You've got to be smart to be number one in any
business. But more importantly, you've got to play with your heart, with every fiber of
your body. If you're lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he's
never going to come off the field second.
Running a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization - an
army, a political party or a business. The principles are the same. The object is to win to beat the other guy. Maybe that sounds hard or cruel. I don't think it is.
It is a reality of life that men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the
most competitive men. That's why they are there - to compete. The object is to win
fairly, squarely, by the rules - but to win.
And in truth, I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in
his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something in good men that
really yearns for discipline and the harsh reality of head to head combat.
I don't say these things because I believe in the ‘brute' nature of men or that men must
be brutalized to be combative. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I
firmly believe that any man's finest hour -- his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear -is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted
on the field of battle - victorious."
- Coach Vincent T. Lombardi
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