FUQUAY-VARINA
FOOTBALL
2015
Parent/Player Handbook
FUQUAY-VARINA FOOTBALL
Together We Can…
Mission Statement
We want to reach our full potential as a team while representing our team,
school and community in a positive way both on and off the field.
Football Program Philosophy
1. Preparation. We will be as prepared as we can for every situation that will occur
in this program. From game preparations to practice preparation to fundraising, we
will make sure that we have done everything we can do to be successful.
Preparation is the one part of the game that we have total control over. There will
be no excuses for not being prepared in any situation.
2. Organization. There will be a very complete and detailed plan to everything that
we do. Everything that we do will be for a reason and in a rational order. We will
not do things just to pass the time, but each action will be set forth to accomplish
something very specific to making us better. It is important for each person in this
program, player and coach alike, to understand where they fit in the organization
and fulfill their duty to the best of their ability.
3. Discipline. This is the backbone of every successful program. Nothing can be
accomplished without discipline. It takes self-discipline to commit to play and
coach football. We cannot be selfish and do what we think is best for us and
still be a value to the team. We must discipline ourselves to be committed to
something bigger than we are. We must be committed to the team concept.
4. Accountability. Each person in this program will be held accountable for his
actions and accountable for his area of responsibility. The head coach is
accountable for the entire program and is responsible for the quality of the product
that we produce for Fuquay-Varina High School. The assistant coaches are
accountable for the players in their responsibility- how they play, how they act,
etc… The players are accountable for their effort, conduct, etc… If we all take
responsibility for our actions and accept no excuses, this program will continue to
rise to new heights.
5. Relationships. Football is the ultimate team sport. It takes a team of coaches to
coach players; it would be impossible for one coach to coach the entire team as it
can be done in other sports. It takes the entire team of players to play. A football
game cannot be dominated by one player as it can be with other sports. It is
important that we act like a family. You can only do this by building relationships.
Each person in this program must make great effort to build relationships within
the program. If we are a family, we will accomplish much more than if we play
only for ourselves.
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FUQUAY-VARINA FOOTBALL
Expectations for Players
1. Follow the “Do Right Principle”. Do what you are supposed to do,
when you are supposed to do it while representing your team, school,
and community in a positive way. This includes Social Media
websites (Facebook, Twitter, etc).
2. All team players are expect to know and follow football team
rules(handbook) while maintaining a positive, encouraging
attitude. Selfish, whining, losing and discouraging
attitudes will not be tolerated.
3. Commit yourself to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Don’t make excuses!
4. Do not allow outside influences be distractions from the team goals.
5. Work and play as a Team
6. Communicate with your coaches
7. Read your schedule/calendar and keep up with scheduled events each
week. Be on time for all classes and football activities!
8. Be on time for practice every day with the proper attitude and
willingness to learn and work hard. Players displaying an attitude that
is detrimental to practice or team will be removed from practice and
will have to have a conference with the head coach before the next
practice! Possible dismissal from team could occur if players do not
change attitude/behavior. (Be early, never late!!!!!!!!!!!)
9. Never Quit!!!!!!! (when you go down – Jump up)
1. A drill
2. Conditioning 3. On your teammates
10. Always give maximum effort, have great intensity and play with
passion. THIS IS WHO WE ARE!
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Assumptions: Role of the Players
It is important that you understand that we are making four assumptions about you as a
football player. The program is developed with these assumptions paramount in our mind.
If you are not in complete agreement with all four of these assumptions, it is best for you
not to ever begin the program because there will be constant problems. If you are trying to
go in a different direction then you and the coaches will never be able to work together.
1. We assume you want to be the best athlete you can be. This is important because
when our coaches’ look at you, they see what you could be and should be, and will
push you to achieve your maximum. You will never be allowed to settle for less
than your best.
2. We assume that you want to play on a championship team. Our practices, our
off-season, and our summer program are designed to produce a champion. You
understand that decisions are made with the team being the priority and the
individual coming second. Players must understand the positions they play are
where they can help the team the most. Sometimes a player cannot play where they
or their parents want them to play.
3. We assume you expect to graduate with the highest grades that you are capable
of making. We will not simply try and keep you eligible, you will be pushed to
make the highest grades you are capable of making. You will be responsible to the
team to turn in all assigned work on time. Time management will be very
imperative while playing a sport. Grades should not and will not suffer as a result
of playing a sport.
4. We assume you want to become a better person. You understand that you
represent our team and our school. You may very well be the only athlete some
people will ever know. Your character is a direct reflection of our program and our
school. We assume that you will always be a member of our football program. You
understand that there are many benefits that go along with being a member of our
program. With those benefits, you will be held accountable for your actions. We as
coaches will help you become all you can be on and off the field.
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Objectives of the Football Program
1. Character
Through the athletic experience, become a better person. It is the
intent of this program to teach more than fundamentals. Players will
develop or improve a genuine care and concern for other people.
They should be more accountable and responsible.
2. Academic
Reach your full potential in route to earning a diploma. Each
player will receive a diploma and an education. These are not
necessarily the same. The diploma will come if you follow the play
set forth by the counselors, teachers, and coaches. Education is
learning to pour yourself out, and learning how to make a
commitment to something higher and more rewarding than yourself.
It is the learning to give, and the more you give the more you will
receive. To learn is to give all that you have, and not be concerned
with what others think.
3. Preparing to Win
Winning is not our ultimate goal, but it is the objective of the
game. Winning is a by-product of doing things right, working
hard, and committing. You must want to play at a level that our
opponents cannot endure for 60 minutes of play. You must demand
a higher level of intensity, aggression, and perseverance than our
opponents.
4. Teamwork
We are a family before all else. We put the team first. We must
all realize that we are in this together. We all have different roles
and responsibilities. We must respect each other’s roles and
encourage each other.
5. Having Fun
We coach and play the game because it is fun. We must never
lose sight of this. Football is a game to be enjoyed. To be enjoyed,
it must be done correctly. Once the game is learned correctly, there
is nothing more fun. . Realize how lucky you are and have fun.
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Team Standards of Conduct
I.
Eligibility:
A) 1) North Carolina High School Athletic Association
(a) Must pass minimum of 3 courses. (Can only fail one) and be promoted.
(b) For football your eligibility is based solely on your 2nd semester average.
(c) Rising freshman are automatically eligible if they are promoted and assigned to our
school.
2) Wake County Standards
(a) Must pass English/Must be promoted
(b) Maintain a cumulative 1.5 grade point average
B) Attendance requirements
1) North Carolina High School Athletic Association
(a) Must be in attendance 85% of previous semester (13.5 days)
2) Wake County
(a) Must be at school entire day to participate in a scrimmage, practice, or a game.
C) Medical Requirement
1) Physicals
- Must have a medical examination to participate in practice or game.
- Physical is good for one calendar year.
2) Injury Policy (also see injury section)
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All injuries must be reported to the Head Trainer First! They are to
be handled by the Head Trainer.
If out of practice for five or more days, you must have a doctor’s release.
If you see a doctor, we must have a note from him before you can practice.
(See Head Trainer first if injury occurs at practice!!!!!)
There is a certified athletic trainer at every one of our practices/games.
She/He will assess injuries and determine the severity of the injuries.
If a player receives a concussion, he must follow the follow the
NCHSAA protocol before returning to play. Athlete must be cleared
by a certified doctor and the “return to play” form must be signed
off by athletic trainer and doctor before athlete is allowed to practice.
(see Mrs. Pagel for paperwork)
- *Players are still required to attend practices when they are
injured
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II.
Training Rules-
Players are expected to keep their bodies in proper physical condition. A player shall
not be in possession of, using, or under the influence of tobacco products, alcoholic
beverages, marijuana or other controlled substances. Failure to comply will lead to
probable suspension to possible dismissal from the team. (See FVHS Athletic Pledge)
III.
***Practice Attendance-
Players are expected to attend all team meetings and practice sessions. Players are
expected to be on time!
1. It is the responsibility of each athlete to notify his coach in advance of
any absence from practice. This may be done by a phone message or in
person, but not through a friend.
2. If a player is in attendance at school, he is expected to attend practice.
3. If a player is home sick, he is still required to call and notify the
coaching staff of his whereabouts.
Missing practice
Excused absence- if an athlete misses a practice for any valid reason and
notifies his coach in advance, this is considered an excused absence. Players
will be expected to make up missed conditioning and may not start or play
in the game.
Unexcused absence- an unexcused absence is given to an athlete who fails
to notify, in advance, his coach; or who does not have a valid reason for missing
practice. Players might not play or suit up for that week’s game if they have an
unexcused absence. If an athlete has two unexcused absences he could be
dismissed from the team.
Attendance: (either you’re early or you’re late)
Come every day on time. If you cannot physically practice, come dress out, and encourage
your teammates. It you cannot come to practice, call and let Coach Hall know. If you check
out of school early, come see Coach Hall before you leave. Do not send messages by other
players. Irregular attendance makes it difficult or impossible for you to be part of our team.
If you do not come and do not call in, you will not start the week’s contest, and there is a
strong possibility that you will not play. Practice attendance has a great deal to do with
attitude and missing displays a selfish one.
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Academic BehaviorPlayers are expected to be leaders in the classroom. Biweekly progress reports will
be evaluated with rewards and penalties given for good and bad reports. Football
players should set a positive example to other students on how to act appropriately in
school. Poor academic/poor behavior can results in game suspensions during the year.
Classroom conduct
1. Athletes must adopt the attitude that “they are students first”. Members of the FuquayVarina Football Program will conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with
guidelines of school policies.
2. Each athlete must follow the state –adopted minimum standard for participation in
extracurricular activities.
3. Since students are permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities only if their
academic grades meet the standards established by the state and the county, the football
coaching staff will monitor the progress of each of the athletes.
4. It is our belief that football does not interfere with regular classroom activities,
but enhances the athletes’ progress.
5. Students who fail to meet the Football Team’s Academic Standards may be suspended
from football games until grades improve and the student meets all the requirements of
the football team. Players will still be required to practice when suspended from
games, but will not dress out or play in the games.
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A. Accountability: You will be a responsible for all the work that your teachers
ask you to complete. Being a winner in the classroom is giving 100% effort, which
means turning in assigned work. Players who fail to turn in their work will get an
after practice “opportunities” reminder for every missing assignment. Players who
continue to not turn in their work will be suspended from games until assignments
get turned in. Players must learn about time management and how to manage
their time during the season.( Xbox 360, Play station, and texting might need
to take a backseat to school and football during the season)
B. Responsibility: You are responsible for your own actions. Breaking a school or
classroom rule are choices that must have consequences. You are a member of
something great and being suspended for breaking school rules hurts our team. You
have chosen to be selfish instead of selfless. Use good judgment in the classroom,
and on school grounds. Always keep the team in mind. If you break school or
classroom rules you must accept the teacher or school punishment. Coach Hall
will deal with each incident on an individual basis.
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Locker Rooms/Meeting Rooms
These are your athletic homes. You are responsible for keeping your individual area clean
and as a team keep the area clean. You must keep your locker in an orderly fashion. This
is what may be in your locker:
 Football Issued Equipment: Helmet and shoulder pads hung up
 Two pairs of cleats, one pair of tennis shoes
 Practice or PE clothes- must be clean
No fighting, horseplay, inappropriate behavior, etc. will be permitted in the locker room.
*Valuables should not be brought into the FB locker room. Players can lock valuables
up into the PE locker rooms located next to the main gym or valuables can be given
to the coaches to lock up in emergency situations.
At the end of the day, there should not be any dirty clothes (wash practice clothes often),
books (that’s what your book bag is for), or trash (that’s what the trash can is for) in your
locker. The coaches and I will check lockers and the locker room frequently. Each unkempt
locker is one gasser for the team.
The coaches and I will also check and pick up the locker room and weightlifting room after
practice. Each article found is one gasser for the team. We do not look for reasons to
punish you, but to install an attitude of taking pride in what is yours. Discipline starts
here.
*No one except players and coaches are allowed in the locker/weight
rooms. Do not have or invite friends and/or family without prior
permission.
Equipment
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All athletes are responsible for any equipment issue, and are permitted to wear
that equipment at games and practices only.
Practice equipment cannot be taken home. Only equipment that needs to be
washed can be taken home.
Equipment issued should never be altered or cut by the athlete.
Athletes will only be allowed to wear equipment, which is issued or approved by
the head coach.
All athletes are expected to take care of their equipment
All athletes are not allowed in the equipment room without a coach
Stealing equipment from teammates will not be permitted and will be
disciplined severely.
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Traveling for Games
 All athletes are required to travel and return with the team.
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Players who are late will be left behind and will not play.
Proper attitude/behavior is a requirement when traveling to games. Any
misbehavior will result in suspension from the team
Players are required to bring and return all of their equipment.
Players are responsible for any lost equipment.
Injuries, Treatment, Training Room
Report all injuries to athletic trainer
All injured athletes and their parents should consult the trainer before seeing your
family physician or going to urgent care. (she can assist athletes/parents on where
to go)
The training room is not a lounge.
Tardiness to practice due to taping or treatment is not acceptable.
Return to play after injury will be permitted only after medical
clearance. (concussion: Return to play form)
 Players are still required to attend practices when they are injured.
Helmet Rule (located on helmet)
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Do not use your helmet to butt, ram or spear an opposing player. This is in
violation of the football rules and can result in severe head, brain, or neck
injuries, paralysis, or death to you and possible injury to an opponent. There
is a risk these injuries may also occur as a result of accidental contact without
the intent to butt, ram, or spear.
No Helmet can prevent All such injuries.
 When tackling make initial contact with your shoulder pads NOT your
helmet or face mask.
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Weight Workouts and Conditioning
Our weight workouts and conditioning are critical to our success. Players who are
physically fit dramatically reduce the risk of injury, and working out together builds team
unity and morale. It also helps players to reach maximum levels of performance. Our lifting
program is very sports specific and uses a specific lifting schedule throughout the year. The
lifting program will be beneficial for all athletes and not just football players. The program
is designed to allow for recovery time during the year. It is extremely imperative that
athletes train all year long with weights to maximize their potential and prevent injuries.
Guidelines
1. The coaching staff will supervise the weight room. Players must abide by the
coaches’ instruction and do the prescribed workout. The workout will be on the
board or workout card and is the workout you are to do.
2. Attendance and records of performance will be closely monitored.
3. Players are expected to be on time to workouts.
4. Rack weights and put away all equipment upon completion of the workout.
5. You must complete the entire workout, running and lifting, to get credit for the
workout.
6. Follow all weight room rules and procedures
DO NOT SHOW UP TO “DO YOUR THING”- PLAN TO DO “OUR THING”
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Personnel Decisions
(How we pick who plays)
Depth Charts
Hopefully every one of you wants to start for our football team. Unfortunately, not all of
you will. Some members of the team might never play. Playing time is earned; it is not a
right guaranteed to everyone on the team. The coaching staff must determine who will start
based on what is best for the team. It is important for you to understand how we
decide on the depth charts as practice progresses. The following five
points will be used to determine the depth charts.
1. Knowledge of Assignment:
We cannot and will not play people who do not know their assignments. Everyone can
and should know their assignments.
2. Hustle and Effort
Everyone will be expected to give 100% at all times. Your teammates will be giving
100% and they will expect you to do the same. Extra effort wins games. Everyone can give
100%.
3. Hitting and mental toughness:
We will discover during fall practice who has a strong desire to intimidate our
opponents. Football is a contact sport and it must be played with mental toughness both
physically and mentally. Everyone can hit with the proper form.
4. Attitude and contribution to the overall team:
Football is one of the true team sports left. The individual who motivates his
Teammates to do better, is always enthusiastic and ready, will make a great contribution
than one who does not possess this quality. Everyone can be a team player with a good
attitude. Everyone wants to win, but what we are looking for are players who can’t live
with losing.
5.Talent
If the above four characteristics are equal, and they should be, the young man with the
most talent, that makes the most plays, will be the starting player. We will evaluate
performance, not potential. Obviously, if you are injured, it will be difficult for us to
evaluate you.
The best football players, according to the criteria previously mentioned, will be the
starting players. Starters will be determined on the field by your performance. Our coaching
staff has years of experience in coaching and evaluating talent. We want the best players
for our team on the field. Your success is in your hands.
** Players should see their position coach first if they do not understand why they are not
playing as much as they want. Each coach should be able to tell their players why they are
not playing as much they want. The coach has an obligation to tell the player, but the player
might not like what he hears, but he will be given an objective honest answer.
(Don’t complain to other teammates, etc….See your coach first)
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Parental Support For athletes playing Sports
Keeping parent support in perspective: All parents should be proud parents. All
parents should be advocates for their son and other players. All parents should help and
encourage their son. When these important parental attitudes are taken to the extreme,
however, athletes can miss important life lessons, and significant growth opportunities.
Unfortunately, we have all seen parents who seem satisfied only when their son is starting
and/or winning. When it comes to their son, some parents seem to have difficulty
maintaining perspective.
Supporting football players, even though one may disagree with the coaches’
judgment regarding playing time and level or position placement, is an important parent
role. Supporting the athlete in the pursuit of improved skills or alternative interest is an
appropriate parent role. Challenging the coaches’ judgment regarding playing time or
selection is not appropriate.
BALANCE IS THE KEY: Parents should maintain a balanced perspective between:
 Savoring the possibility of one’s son becoming a professional or college athlete,
and a realistic assessment of skills and possibilities.
 Protecting one’s son from adverse events and helping an athlete learn from the
lessons of adversity.
 Blindly defending one’s son when assessment seems unfair and helping him to
learn to view circumstances from an objective perspective.
 Stop blaming others and accepting responsibility is important for athletes to learn.
 Holding on to perceived injustices and moving forward positively.
 Being a supportive parent is a complex business. Just as in athletics, the skill of
balance is appropriate to parenting.
Expectations for Parents
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1. Closely monitor your son’s academic progress. Notify coaches and
teachers if you think there is a problem.
2. Make sure your son gets proper rest and nutrition
3. Support our football program; help us build unity and a quality
program. Help build the program up, not tear it down.
4. If a problem arises, please discuss with the Head Coach first. I
will try and assist if I am able to. However, the coaches will
not talk about certain things with parents.
5. Set the right example for your son.
6. Parents are welcome to watch practice, but please stay on the
outside of the fence during practice sessions and let the players
play and coaches coach.
7. Do not distract your son or the coaches during practice by yelling
or trying to coach your son from a distance.
PARENTS:
If you have any concerns or need to talk to Coach Hall, please call me during school hours
and if I am unavailable, I will return your call. Please be aware of four things Coach Hall
and the assistant coaches will not discuss with you:
1. We will not discuss other players with you
2. We will not discuss matters of football philosophy
(Example- what offense or defense we run)
3. We will not discuss matters of game decisions or game strategy
4. We will not discuss the amount of playing time your son gets.
( Players are encouraged to ask their position coach first if they are unhappy
with playing time. Coaches have an obligation to tell that athlete why they are not playing.
Sometimes athletes will not like what they hear, but they will be given a reason.)
I will, at any time, discuss anything about policies in the handbook or ways that we
can improve your child’s performance in the classroom and on the playing field.
If you have any concerns about our program, varsity or junior varsity, I would ask you to
please contact me first:
Phone: 557-2530 (*FB office)
Email: jhall3@wcpss.net
Thank you for being part of our program and allowing your son to play for us.
Sincerely,
Jeb Hall
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Fuquay-Varina Football Player Agreement
Print Name______________________ Grade_________
 I have read and understand all rules and guidelines found in the
FVHS football handbook.
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I have read the helmet warning and will not use my helmet to make a tackle.
The proper way to tackle is:
A. Make initial contact with the shoulder not your head, helmet,
or face mask.
B. Wrap up your arms and grab cloth
C. Keep feet moving and run your feet
D. Keep head up at all times
I understand that playing football is a privilege rather than a right. I am expected to
be a worthy representative of my teammates, coaches, abiding by all school and
community expectations of my behavior and reflecting my team’s values of
commitment and hard work.
I understand that I must read and sign the FVHS/NCHSAA Rules and Contract
Pledge in order to play any sport at FVHS.
In addition to the team handbook:
 I agree to be on time
 I agree to call, in advance, when I am sick or will miss any practice for any reason.
 I agree to abide by the school/team rules at all times
 I agree to avoid situations away from school that could cause embarrassment to me
or my football team. (Follow “Do Right Principal”)
 I agree to take seriously my commitment to academics and my classroom
conduct.
 I agree to treat with respect fellow teammates, coaches, and teachers at all
times.
 FVHS Football players must not be involved in drugs, drinking of alcoholic
beverages, or use of steroids. If you are involved in any of these, you will be
suspended from our football program immediately and possible dismissal
from the team for the rest of the season.
I have read the above statements and the Team Handbook and promise to live up to
them:
Player’s signature____________________________________
I, too have read the team handbook and parent section and promise to do what I can
to help my child live up to them.
Parent’s signature______________________________________
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