Welcome to the 2011 Fowler Falcon Parent Meeting

1. Welcome to the 2011Fowler FalconParent Meeting

2. Fowler Vision Statement To make participating in athletics at Fowler Middle School one of the greatest experiences of a young person’s life And to prepare our student-athletes for the next level of play

3. Athletic Program Program Goals The Role of Middle School Athletics Coaching Staff Parent Information Football Procedures

4. Program Goals Academics – This is always the first priority in our program. It is the reason we are here, to educate young minds Excellence – This is different to every team. It is doing the best we can possibly do with each team. Always making constant improvement in our program. You are either getting better or getting worse, there is no in between. There is no substitute for hard work in this regard. Team First – To be the best we can, our players and coaches must have an attitude whereby they care more about the team than they do about their own individual success. This is the key to success in any walk of life. Fun – We are here to work, but athletics were invented to be fun. We can never lose sight of this as coaches. We must find creative ways to have fun while we work hard.

5. The Role of Middle School Athletics Learn skills the athletes will use the rest of their lives. Start to learn the terminology that is in place at Liberty High School. Start to learn our parent school’s schemes, moves or plays. Start to learn Liberty’s off-season program. Be invited to have a role in what goes on at the high school level.

6. Coaching Staff Bret Willis– Boys Coordinator – 8th Grade Football Coordinator, 8th Grade Offense James Maples– 8th Grade Defense John Singleton – 8th Grade Special Teams Travis Hooker– 7th Grade Football Coordinator, 7th Grade Offense Josh Stevens– 7th Grade Defense Klay London– 7th Grade Special Teams

7. Parent Information Athletic Forms Practice Cleanliness Injuries Equipment Game Day 24 Hour Rule and Participation Academic Eligibility Travel Falcon of the Week Grooming Player Development Parental Role Player Rules Other Information Contact Information

8. Athletic Forms Forms (Online – Frisco ISD – Fowler Middle School – Athletics – Athletic Forms Preparticipation Physical (7th Grade only) UIL Acknowledgement of Rules Student Athlete Travel Form Fowler Policies and Procedures Contract UIL Medical History Forms are due TODAY – if not turned in by the first week of school may be removed Athletes may not participate until the physical form is turned in.

9. Practice Practice Starts at 7:00 am sharp! Athletic area doors open at 6:40 am – no earlier. The doors will lock at 6:50, and everyone will be out by 6:55. Some athletes will go out earlier. If an athlete is late they will be required to watch practice in “street clothes” Unexcused Tardiness may result in loss of playing time Excessive tardiness may result in removal from program If a player is in class he will be expected to be at practice – no exceptions

10. Practice If a player is not going to be at practice – he must call in (not parents) prior to practice time One excused absence will result in 1 quarter not played. Two excused absences will result in 1 half not played. More than 2 excused absences will result in a missed game. If absent from practice more than 2 consecutive days, he must have a doctor’s note Please, try to make doctor’s appointments for after school.

11. Practice One unexcused absence will result in a half not played. Two unexcused absences will result in missing a game. Multiple unexcused absences may result in removal from the team. If you are injured you still have a role on our team – you are expected to come to practice Any missed practice time will result in make up conditioning. Tutoring should be done after school or the morning after games. If tutoring is mandatory, the athlete should still come to practice until it is time for them to leave for tutoring.

12. Practice We practice every day at the same time, except the day after games. The only time a practice will be cancelled is if school is delayed or cancelled.

13. Cleanliness Everyone will shower after workout MRSA (staph) Soap Towels (we provide) Clothes Washed (regularly) Shower Shoes No sprays

14. Injuries All injuries must be reported to supervising coach do not go to the nurse first If an individual has any special medical problems make sure the coaches are informed (Ex. asthma, diabetes, etc.) Should an injury be discovered after a participant has returned home, call Coach Willis and leave a message. Know the difference between a little pain and an injury If you are ill or injured, and go to school, you are expected to be at practice watching, if it is serious, call us at school Taping – If an athlete has been injured and needs to be taped, he should notify his coach.

15. Injuries If the athlete has not been evaluated by the doctor or our high school trainer, he will be expected to workout. HS trainer contact information: Joseph White, Liberty High School 469-633-5864 whitej@friscoisd.org Hours: 7:30-8:30 on Wednesdays in the LHS Field House Athletic Training Rooms Coach Willis should notify the trainer prior to visit.

16. Uniform A definition of uniform is: “Identical or consistent”

17. Football Equipment Issued Helmet Shoulder Pads 5 Pocket Girdle ($15 if lost) Workout clothes w/ laundry Clip (2 shirts/1 short) - $15 each piece if lost Hip/Knee/Thigh/Tail pads Practice Jersey and Pants - $20 each Sweats - $30 each piece

18. Equipment Not Issued Socks Jock Straps Shoes (They will need cleats and flats in their locker everyday for the rest of the year).

19. Game Day Pants, button-down shirt with a tie and dress shoes Special Equipment Visors (only if medically necessary – not tinted) Wristbands (coach approved only) No Ankle bands Gloves No Spats Undergarments – No non-school issued clothing except in special circumstances. (school colors only) Game Day Attendance – all eligible athletes

20. Game Day There will be 2 teams per grade. (Red and White). White team plays at 5:45 and the Red team will play at 7:15. Teams will be decided approximately one week before the first game. Possibly only one game on some weeks. May scrimmage ourselves these weeks. 7th grade will play on Monday nights and the 8th grade will play on Tuesday nights (1 exception)

21. 24 Hour Rule and Partcipation If an athlete quits athletics, he will be given an initial 24-hour grace period to return. If he quits again, they will not be allowed to participate until the following season We want to encourage our student athletes to participate in as many sports and activities as they would like.

22. Academic Eligibility -Students who are not passing all of their classes on their 6 weeks report card, will be ineligible from participating in games and meets for three weeks. -If the ineligible student is passing all classes on his progress report, then he will be eligible for the rest of the 6 weeks. -There is a possibility of a waiver if the student failed a Pre-AP class.

23. Academic Eligibility -There will be a mandatory tutorial time for 7th grade athletes that become ineligible at the end of each 6 weeks. These will be held with Mrs.Tipton on game days starting at the beginning of the 2nd 6 weeks. -There will be consequences for those who are scheduled to be there and do not attend. -Students who are ineligible will still need to attend all practices.

24. Travel All Athletes are required to ride the bus to and from the athletic event Sign outs will not be permitted Emergency situations

25. Falcon of the Week Based on hustle Based on classroom performance Based on teamwork Based on performance Will go to high school game as an honorary member of the team on the sidelines

26. Grooming Hairstyles and clothing should not be disruptive Make up is disruptive No facial hair No hair in their eyes (or if it may possibly fall in their eyes) or below the collar. No hairstyles that will make you stand out. (mohawks, designs, dyed, etc.) Tattoos must be covered. Any piercings must be removed when entering athletics area and when representing Fowler Athletics.

27. Player Development It is a privilege to be in athletics. We are competitive Major goal is for us to prepare student/athletes to be at Liberty High School We are running the High School’s System We are all coming from different systems We are professional coaches

28. Parental Role Supporter Ask Questions (ask your son first) Stand Behavior Yelling at Coaches Yelling at Kids (encouragement only) Yelling at officials Team Game Be involved Please do not enter the doors by the locker rooms or the locker rooms. http://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/manuals/parent-information-manual.pdf

29. Coaching Philosophy Motivate Care about our players. Constant Improvement Expect to succeed Teach our players Consistency Coach every down of every practice

30. Football Procedures Player Rules Characteristics of a Football Player Practice Procedures Game and Sideline Conduct Equipment and Dress Rules

31. Player Rules Do right Be first Class Be on time Do not embarrass the program or the school

32. Characteristics of a football player We treat the members of our football family with the same kind of respect in which we want to be treated. We are men of integrity; we do not lie, cheat, or steal. We do not use drugs. We do not use profanity. We obey the law. We put academics first. We go to class. We treat everyone on campus with honor and respect. We celebrate together. We do right. We are first class.

33. Practice Procedures Concentrate and pay attention during all drills. If you are waiting in line, learn by listening, watching, and coaching others. Be mentally and physically tough. Know the difference between injured and hurting. Drink plenty of water. Do all drills full speed and condition hard. Most games are won or lost in the fourth quarter when conditioning is essential. Disrespectful or vulgar language will not be tolerated. Full equipment and strapped helmets are to be worn at all times unless your coach tells you otherwise. Look like a champion. Keep your equipment and uniform clean. Turn in whatever clothes your coach tells you to turn in each day.

34. Practice Procedures Never sit or lay down on the field. Practice is always full speed. We run everywhere on the practice field. Always hustle. Get into condition and stay there. Remember, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Only school equipment is to be worn. Have pride in your school If it is cold you may wear something under your uniform. School colors only. Any problems… Talk to your coach after practice. Treat your helmet with pride. Work hard on blocking and tackling! They are the two most important skills in football.

35. Practice Procedures 1st 4 days of practice are non contact. Test in passing, kicking, punting, snapping, catching, and 40 time Will use this information to begin determining positions.

36. Game and Sideline Conduct Do not talk to spectators or opponents during a game. Be polite to officials. “Yes sir” and “no sir” are the only words you are ever allowed to speak to an official. Encourage your teammates. Congratulate the “Big Play.” If you’re not on the field physically, at least be on the field mentally at all times. Keep your helmet on at all times during the game Disrespectful or vulgar language will not be tolerated.

37. Equipment Rules The school will loan each young man the equipment necessary to participate in football with the exception of shoes. The original equipment issued to you as a participant must be returned at the close of the season. If equipment needs repair or if you need a change in size, tell your coach immediately. You will be held responsible for any lost or misplaced equipment. Inspect your equipment every week the day prior to a game to make sure everything is ok and fits properly.

38. Equipment Rules Never wear someone else’s equipment. All pads must be worn for each practice and game unless your coach tells you otherwise. All players must wear athletic supporters (or girdle), and T-shirts under their pads. This is for every practice and game. No jewelry of any kind is to be worn on the field.

39. Other Information -Meals -Sports Passes -Fowler Athletic Contract -Schedule – Rank One Fields

40. Meals -Catered by the FISD catering department -Order forms are due by Tuesday morning, August 30th. -$49.50 for all 9 games. -Meal procedures on game day.

41. Sports Passes -Middle School Athletic Pass: Adults - $50*** Children - $25*** All-Season Pass (HS and MS events) Adults - $75*** Students - $50*** ***Does not include entry to varsity football.

42. Fowler Athletic Contract http://www.friscoisd.org/schools/fowler/documents/MicrosoftWord-2009-2010FowlerAthleticPolicy.pdf

43. Rank One http://www.friscoisd.org/schools/fowler/

44. Field Use All fields in Frisco ISD are for FISD use only. There will be a FISD coach present at the time the field is being used.

45. Parent Meetings Please call or e-mail to set up a meeting if you have a concern.

46. Contact Information Bret Willis willisb@friscoisd.org Office Phone Number - 469-633-5081 Website http://www.friscoisd.org/schools/fowler/athletics.htm