Coach Betton’s Vision for SABER Football:

To be one of the very best football programs in the state.

To prepare athletes for their future on the field, in the classroom and as young adults.
High school and Saber football will not only serve as learning experiences and opportunities to improve for students, but they will also create enjoyable and memorable moments for each athlete. Coach Betton is proud of each young man who plays for Shakopee High School. The football coaching staff will also be dedicated, not only to the football SABER program but also to the academic achievements of the players.
Our goal is to use the game of football to build lifelong characteristics that our young men can use throughout life. We expect our kids to be successful on and off the field. On the field our goal is to be the fastest, most disciplined and excited team every day.
Our goal is to play for a conference and section title every year – and go to the state tournament.
If we work hard and do the right things we can achieve these goals. Off the field our goal is to be the best we can be every moment. We need to have the goal to be the greatest citizens that we can be.
The expectations of our student-athletes are to be productive members of the community and
Shakopee High School. We expect our kids to follow T*E*A*M values of Technique, Effort,
Attitude and Mental Toughness while on the field. They must be disciplined, hard working and prideful. Football is a game of discipline and hard work. We expect our kids to take pride in

everything that they do. Pride is knowing we have done the right thing. Take pride in academics, the team, the school, your community, your family and your faith .
Have a team G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher. Our goal is to push our studentathletes to do well so there are more options for our student-athletes at the end of their high school career.
Physical Goals: These goals are for junior and senior players.
Lineman FB’s, LB’s
TE’s
HB’s,
Safeties
WR ’s, CB’s QB’s
Bench
Squat
Clean
40 Time
300+
400+
250+
Sub 5.25
275+
350+
225+
Sub 5.0
250+
325+
200+
Sub 4.7
250+
325+
200+
Sub 4.6
225+
300+
185+
Sub 4.7
Freshman Level Goals:
1) Whether it is on the field, in the classroom or in the weight room, we want to play hard, work hard and not make excuses.
2) Have Fun.
3) Learn weight lifting mechanics and use them all year.
4) Develop and maintain a large number of participants by playing every participant in at least two offensive or two defensive series every game provided team rules have been followed and effort is deserving of playing time.
Academic Goals:
1) Use of 4 th week Progress Report Sheets to monitor academic progress at start of season.
2) Reward 4 th
Quarter Honor Roll with Saber Paws at the Striping Ceremony

a.
3.0 GPA and above = 1 Paw Decal b.
3.5 GPA and above = 2 Paws Decals c.
4.0 GPA = 3 Paws Decals.
Physical Development Goals:
1) In-season weight lifting program will be incorporated into a 2-3 day/week program.
2) Off-season summer training incorporated through a 4 day/week program.
3) Winter weight training for those who are not in a winter sport. This is incorporated on a 3 day/week. I encourage all football players to participate in a winter sport.
On Field Goals:
1) Emphasize T*E*A*M: Establish hard work habits in practice and reward kids with weekly Player of the Week, Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week,
Special Teams Player of the Week and Service Offensive and Defensive Player of the
Week, Most Improved, All Conference, All State awards.
2) Develop mental toughness through challenging student-athletes to meet high expectations for intellectual and physical efforts in practice
The SABER Way Personal Conduct Goals
The SABER Way is Shakopee’s community’s commitment to work as a team to achieve:
 A safe, welcoming, respectful and nurturing atmosphere for everyone
 A dedication to excellence in learning and a commitment to empowering everyone to achieve to their fullest.
Goals:
1.
To Be a Part of the Solution
2.
To Help Others and Ourselves Succeed
3.
To Communicate “You Matter”
4.
To Honor the Absent

All Players are expected to know the following:
1) T.E.A.M. a.
Technique –To master the requirements/fundamentals to play your position
"Little things make the difference. Everyone is well prepared in the big things, but only the winners perfect the little things." -- Bear Bryant b.
Effort – Giving 100 percent, working hard, being smart, and seizing the moment- that's what will get you the results you desire. The best athletes, the most successful athletes are those who mentally block out pain, fatigue, doubt, and despair. The best athletes focus on pushing beyond their limits, drawing energy from untapped reserves, hope, success, and reaching our team goals!
State Championship!
Be the best athlete you can be and give us 100 percent! c.
Attitude –A predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a certain idea, object, person or situation.
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do.” --Lou Holtz d.
Mental Toughness-Having a physiological edge that enables you to be consistent, confident, focused, and determined during high pressure situations in order to perform at maximum potential.
2) Player Handbook- (Team Rules)
Sportsmanship:
As players our job is to play the game. Issues regarding officials will be handled by the coaches.
We expect all players to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all time. When we score a TD, it is expected to hand the ball to the refs. We do not dive into the end zone on breakaway TDs; we do not do a chest bump after a catch or any other selfish, hot-doggish behaviors that bring attention to ourselves. We will celebrate as a team.
Addressing Adults:

When we address adults, we will address them as Mr./Mrs./Miss or Sir. Addressing coaches as
Coach or Sir is acceptable. Failure to do so will result in 10 push-ups.
Game Bench Behavior:
Helmets will be worn unless receiving medical attention. Players will not be talking with/gesturing towards fans. After each series, players are to meet as a unit with the field coordinator.
NO SWEARING
Locker Room:
All equipment and personal items will be stored in a locker and LOCKED. Nothing will be left out on the floor. Individual head phones will be allowed before games. Boom Boxes are not allowed before games. Our locker room is quiet and focused before each game.
Lost Equipment:
You are responsible for the equipment which has been issued to you. You will be charged for and lost or unreturned equipment. Lock your equipment at all times. If you lose pieces of equipment check out a new piece by filling out a Lost Equipment Form. Equipment left in lockers 1 week after end of season will be removed and stored in equipment room. Equipment sign-out sheets will be used to match numbers to those they belong to. All missing items will result in a fine to the student who checked it out.
Equipment Switch:
If you need to switch a piece of equipment make sure you see Coach Alekson so that you are not billed for that piece of equipment.
Injured Players:
Injured players must report to Coach Betton or Coach Tiedens with a doctor’s note. All injured players are expected to still attend all practices. Injured players must attended and work out in a practice after being cleared by a doctor in order to play in a game.

Varsity/B-Squad/9 th Attendance Guidelines:
Each missed practice- 10x50 yard sprints (10x100 yard sprints without prior notification)
Once a player has missed 3 times they will be held out of play for at least one half of a game. If a player misses a fourth time they will be suspended from the team until meeting with Coach
Betton and the players parents to discuss rejoining the team. (Missing practice the fourth time for a family emergency i.e. funeral, hospital visit or sickness will not count towards the attendance totals.)
Bus Riding Policy:
All athletes will ride the bus to and from all events unless prior written notification has been cleared with the schools office.
Weather:
We are going to practice in all conditions except in the event of lightning. All student-athletes are to have tennis shoes available in case we must practice indoors, weight lift or condition.
Uniform Policy:
There will be no bracelets, necklaces or any other jewelry worn. Wristbands may be worn around the wrists only. If a long sleeve shirt or under armor shirt is desired, it MUST be white, black or red . If purchasing shoes please purchase predominantly black or red. If there is a need to purchase a chin strap please purchase black.
Game Jerseys:
Game jerseys are NOT to be borrowed out. These are your jerseys only. Please do NOT give them to any friends or girls to wear except for homecoming. You are responsible for all equipment.
Off-Season:
All players are expected to take part in our off-season Saber Power training programs.
This is a key portion of our program being the best.

These policies and procedures are developed to help our team be its very best. Clear communication is necessary in order for accountability to take place.
Policy 1: Attendance
All players are expected to be at all practices, meetings, team functions, and games on time. Athletes are expected to communicate any conflicts 24 hours in advance so preparations can be made to change practice plans if need be. All players will be given several phone numbers of coaches so that they can communicate these conflicts.
Please try to schedule appointments around practice time.
Procedure for being late or absent
1. Excused / late for practice  conditioning
2. Unexcused / late for practice or game-you will sit out one quarter
3. Excused absence  conditioning (player may lose playing time in game)
Policy 2: Conduct
All players are expected to be solid citizens that positively represent their family, community, school and team. Whether on or off the field players understand that they are to act with class and treat others with respect. Bad sportsmanship will not be tolerated! Players who have poor conduct are open to disciplinary action.
Policy 3: Playing Time
All athletes realize that playing a team sport that the team comes first. Not all players will see equal time. Efforts will be made to involve all players in JV, B-Squad and freshmen games. If there is a concern about playing, players are to follow this procedure:
Step 1: Visit with position coach about concern
Step 2: Address concern with Head Coach and position coach
Step 3: Meeting with Coach, Player and Parent
We have an open door policy about communication. Players are encouraged to communicate with any coach about concerns.

Policy 4: Chemical Use
Substance Abuse:
Abuse of alcohol is not a new problem. I do not have a solution. There are things you need to know about before using drugs or alcohol! The greatest killer of people in your age group is a drunk driver. If you use drugs/alcohol to have courage you are a coward and alcohol/drugs cannot change that. If you use drugs/alcohol to run away from problems you do not solve a problem you create a second problem. The second you put drugs/alcohol into your body you lose any chance of our coaches defending you. You must understand you represent some great entities; SABER Football, Shakopee community, your family- you risk hurting every one of these by the use of drugs/alcohol. This is a very selfish act.
A player that uses drugs or alcohol will not be able to be recognized for any awards. This includes but is not limited to a: MIP, All-State, All-Conference or Honorable Mention. You will also lose playing time beyond what is set by the MSHSL.
All SABER Football and MSHSL rules will be enforced.
Players are expected to abide by the Minnesota State High School League Chemical Use
Policy.
Policy 5: Academic Achievement
All players are expected to do their best in the classroom. Our team goal is to collectively achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Player Name (printed):_____________________________
Player agrees to these policies and procedures - Signed: __________________________
Parent agrees to these policies and procedures – Signed: _________________________
T.E.A.M
Technique * Effort * Attitude * Mental Toughness