Welcome to the 2011 SMNW Cougar Football Season

1. Welcome to the 2011 SMNW Cougar Football Season • Please take one rules packet per family before the meeting • TOUGH LOVE IS IN EFFECT HERE: We will not simply accept your son as he is: Instead we will show him a vision of what he could be and help him achieve it!

2. Welcome and Introductions • Head Coach Aaron Barnett • Bob Jensen • Billy Dent • Angelo Giacalone • Jeff Adams • Brad Qualls • Howard Newcomb • Greg Agderian • Mike Cooper • Tim Pitcher • Christopher Perez

3. Coaches • Varsity Team - All coaches have input • Junior Varsity - Jeff Adams, Billy Dent- All varsity coaches work home JV games • Sophomore - Tim Pitcher, Bob Jensen • Freshman Howard Newcomb, Greg Agderian, Mike Cooper, Christopher Perez

4. Weekly Schedule • 9th grade Friday Film only Saturday 8:00-10 AM Sunday Off • JV Saturday 8:00 AM Games at 10:00 Sunday off • 10th grade Friday Off Saturday Practice 8:00-10:00 AM Sunday Off • Varsity Saturday 8:00 Film Sunday Off

5. Outcomes for SMNW Football players • Develop a strong work ethic • Understand the word accountability • Develop traits that will enable them to become good fathers and husbands

6. “Character comes before ability!”It is my feeling that when one comes up with a lot of rules, they are asking for a lot of problems. We will keep our rules simple and to a minimum; thus, I feel that we will have fewer misunderstandings and fewer individuals who will be looking for a “way to beat the system.”We will expect three things from our athletes:Number One:DO WHAT’S RIGHT!High school students should be able to understand what is right and what is wrong.It’s right to be on time!It’s right to be coachable!It’s right to be polite!It’s right to be honest!It’s right to remain drug free!It’s right to be at practices regularly!It’s right to have a great attitude!It’s right to put out 100% effort!It’s right to hustle!It’s right to be mentally prepared!It’s right to pick up after yourself!It’s right to act appropriately!Number Two:DO THE BEST YOU CAN! Mediocrity is unacceptable when you are capable of doing better!Number Three:TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED!Any team, family, or business can improve their success by emphasizing love and understanding for each other. “When we win, EVERYONE is happy, when we lose NO ONE is happy.”TEAMWORK

7. Absent from practices or meetingsExcused: Upon returning to practice, the player will present a note from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence to the head coach. A phone call or email from the parent or guardian can be used instead of a note. Freshman notes, emails or phone calls regarding missed practices only should be directed to the head freshman coach Howard Newcomb. Presenting a note or phone call does not guarantee an excused practice; the head coach will determine this. Players that do not have a note or phone call will fall into the unexcused practice policy.Any absence from practice for any reason will have to be made up with 4 timed 100’s after practice for each day missed. He may also miss playing time if the coach feels the player is behind on opponent information or not physically ready. Players must be at practice if they want to play in the games. If a player misses out on both hard days of practice (Tuesday and Wednesday) they will not be able to play in the varsity game on Friday.

8. Unexcused Practice:100 yards of tire flips after practice for 5 days, and or playing time. After third unexcused practice the player will be dismissed from the team. Tardy to practice or meetings or leaving early:If a player is with a teacher after school they must talk to Coach Barnett or Coach Newcomb before school is out: No fine if there is no other time for conference. All other’s 50 Yards tire flips at the end of practice, and or playing time. Detentions will be dealt with directly with Coach Barnett.Undisciplined behavior:Not being coachable.Not paying attention/socializing during game or practice.Throwing helmets or objects.Lack of respect for themselves or others.Inappropriate language.Anything a coach feels is demeaning to the SMNW community and the SMNW football team. Fine: 50 Yards tire flips and or playing time.

9. Locker room conduct:Throwing of objects.Not picking up tape, towels, and paper before leaving each day.No cleats in the locker room or hallways.Leaving out equipment-25 push-ups for each piece of equipment.Fine: Cleaning up of locker room for one week and or playing time.Player initiation (harassment):There will be no type of harassment (initiation) conducted toward any player who is a part of the SMNW football team. Any type of harassment that is reported or observed by players or coaches will be dealt with directly by Coach Barnett. The range of punishment will be from physical to dismissal from the team, depending on the severity of the infractions. This type of behavior will NOT be tolerated.Game Day apparel:Our players will dress up when they have a game. Dressed up means pants, (NO JEANS) collared shirt tucked in, (tie is preferred, not required) with DRESS SHOES. We will wear our jerseys on special occasions decided by the coaching staff.

10. Varsity Lettering RequirementsStudent must play at least one play in 19 quarters of Varsity games to receive a letter.A provisional letter will be earned by anyone who a coach feels has made a contribution at the Varsity level but has not reached the number of quarters.All seniors will receive a letter if they have been out for football the entire season and finished in good standing. Letter of ParticipationAny person who has started, and finished the season in good standing.

11. WHO WILL PLAY?Those who can perform the task asked.Those who practice; if you can’t practice, you can’t play.Those who know and understand their assignments.Those who show a commitment and investment to the SMNW football team.

12. Teams • Freshman Team A and B • A and B teams will be decided by freshman coaches. These teams may change weekly based on giving each player an opportunity to play. • Sophomore Team • For sophomores who do not see significant playing time in junior varsity games, occasionally a junior if a specific position is needed to ensure we have a game. • Junior Varsity Team • For 10th and 11th graders who do not see significant playing time in varsity games. • Varsity Team • Our best 10th, 11th and 12th graders who give the team the greatest opportunity to win.

13. Other notes of importance1. All players will ride to and from games on the team bus with almost NO exceptions.2. There will be a 9-12 awards assembly in the SMNW auditorium Sunday November 20th. It will be a mandatory event for all players to attend. 3. All equipment a player wears must be checked out/approved by a coach at SMNW before being worn in a game or practice.4. Football clothing; predominately black shoes, with the same sock decided upon by the team before the first game. Any type of under gear must be black or white. Gloves must be NHSAA certified. No visors unless a written note from a doctor stating why you must wear a visor. No piece of clothing can be worn under your helmet at any time, head bands, skull caps, doo rags, etc. No taping or altering your jersey, pants, or any type of equipment in any way. No spatting your shoes, even with your own tape. I want your son to stick out because of his play, not for the way he looks.

14. Communication with CoachAll communication regarding the football program 10-12th grade will go through the head football coach first with no exceptions. All communication regarding the freshman football program will go through Coach Newcomb or Coach Barnett. Any questions regarding playing time or lack of playing time will not be discussed unless your son has talked to his position coach and or head coach in advance. In most cases your son knows why he is earning the amount of playing time he is receiving. It is your job to go to your son first, not the coach first. After that has been done, if you still feel you need to talk to a coach then an appointment will be made with the head coach, player and parents. All three members must be present before discussing anything football related. An administrator may be present if requested by the head coach or parents. Emails between parents and head coach, and assistant coaches will not be appropriate when discussing playing time, only as an avenue to explain absence from practice or general questions concerning the football program. If at any time during the conversation another player’s name is brought up, the conversation will be over. If we are meeting about your son, we will focus on what your son needs to do to get better, not talk about another player.

15. The head coach is in charge of all aspects of the football program 9-12. The sub-varsity teams are an extension of the Varsity teams and are used as an opportunity to participate in game situations while developing the basic fundamentals of the game of football. Our main goal of sub-varsity teams will be to develop football players who will have the fundamental tools to thrive at the Varsity level. WE WILL BE DEVOTED TO WINNING EACH GAME AT THE SUB-VARISTY LEVEL, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUNDAMENTALS.

16. Gold Card Sales • THE FOOTBALL TEAM’S ONLY FUNDRAISER! • Get cards on Aug 17th after practice • Will turn cards in with money on Aug 27th before practice • Every player’s goal is to sell 10 cards! • There will be pizza provided for all players after practice on the 27th to reward their sales efforts

17. Guidelines for Parents1. Get involved in the Cougar Football Family. Our SMNW football booster club actively supports our program, players, and coaches. We greatly depend on parent involvement for the survival and success of our football program not only during the season but throughout the off-season as well.2. We welcome parents to come watch practice at any time. We feel that our players and coaches are going to work as hard as any team and are proud of this. We have some simple rules for observing practices: 1. Stay clear of all drills to ensure your safety. 2. No cheering/coaching your son during practice time. 3. What happens in practice, stays in practice. 4. Directly after practice is not a good time to have an important conversation with coaches. Please set up conference times as explained earlier whenever the need arises.3. Please help your son prepare for practice at home. This includes aiding him in maintaining a well-balanced diet, proper hydration, sufficient rest, and even reminding him to wash his uniform and equipment frequently. Although we would hope that our young men begin to take initiative and responsibility themselves, we all know that this does not always happen.4. Communicate any illnesses, injuries, and or health issues to the coaching staff whenever they arise. You can’t assume your son will always tell the coaches what is going on. If there is a problem, we want to know about it so we can address it as efficiently as possible. Anyone who wants to see the trainer must first contact Coach Barnett, or Coach Newcomb before the trainer will see them. This is to make sure the coaches are on the same page with players in regards to injuries.

18. 5. If your son becomes injured, it is imperative that you communicate with the athletic trainer and the coaching staff as to the best course of action in recovery and rehabilitation. If you do not already have a physician that specializes in athletics-related injuries, we can direct you to our team doctor and other qualified physicians.6. Chain of command: Player, assistant coach, head coach, building athletic director, assistant principal, head principal, district athletic director, assistant superintendent, and district superintendent.

19. Richard Grinage Athletic Director (913) 993-7280 • Every Athlete must buy the activity ticket! • School Attendance Policy for practice and play. (What if you have an appointment?) • Eligibility (District Policy) • Student Accident or Health Insurance • Highschoolsports.net (Schedules) • Follow the chain of communication

20. What you need to play football this season 1. Signed physical on file in the main office (Concussion Form included with this) 2. Orange Packet completed and turned in 3. A positive attitude 4. A love for the game of football 5. A desire to develop a strong work ethic 6. A LOVE FOR ORANGE AND BLACK!!

21. 1st day of practice Monday, August 15th • 9th grade will be after school 3:00-6:00 PM • 10-12th grade 6:00-7:30 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM (1st day only) • August 16thth After school for 9th-12th. 3:00-6:00 PM

22. Booster Club Mission: The SMNW Football Booster Club is not successful without parent support. Help us help your player!! The SMNW Cougar Football Booster Club is a group of parents/supporters, dedicated to improving the football experience for all players in the SMNW football program. We will support the needs of the coaches and players to the best of our ability through forward planning, volunteerism, fund raising, and exuberant support. Copies of our bylaws can be found at www.smnwfootball.com Officers: President: Amy Patton Co Vice Presidents: Laura Fields & Dale Filsinger Treasurer: Keith Pittrich Secretary: Joan Benson Class Coordinators: Senior: Sonja Pittrich Junior: Laura Fields Sophomore: Jody Miller Freshman: John Sullivan

23. 2011 Budgeted Revenue 2011 Budgeted Expenses 95% of Expenses go toward Player & Coaches support Booster Club Membership Levels: White $85 Black $150 Orange $200+ Includes: Personal ad in program & various gifts Financial support enables us to provide food, drinks, and equipment not provided for by the school district funds. Please join this important organization in support of our Cougar Football Players.- 2

24. Parent Involvement • The booster club is THE means for involvement and support of your player. • 100% donation/fundraiser financed. • Provide team support in the following ways: • Pre-game meals & Post-game drinks [includes post game sandwiches for select sub-varsity away games] • Equipment purchase (player, field, weight room) [2011 purchases: $8,000 on uniforms & >$3,000 on shoulder pads, helmets & practice jerseys. School district funding is simply not enough for our players] • Special events (Bonfire, Homecoming, Senior Night) • Coaching support (video equipment, clinics, etc.) • Team spirit/support, spirit wear, memorabilia • Provide parent support in the following ways: • First hand information sharing via e-mail updates • Welcome for new members • Coach interaction with club at select meetings

25. 100% Booster Club Membership 100% Parent Involvement at Some Level 100% Informed parents/players 100% Support for coaches & players 100% Fun!!!!!! Please Join Us!!!! Our Ultimate Goal www.smnwfootball.com “SMNW FOOTBALL” is on Facebook

26. Tonight’s Sign up opportunities! Stop by your class coordinator table tonight. Even if you don’t need anything, they may need something from you! • Class Coordinator tables- Meet your class coordinators (9th-12th grades) and learn what you can do to help out the football program. At this table you can… • Make sure your player’s emergency contact form is complete. • Pick up your NW Text Alert Sign up forms. • Join the Booster Club • Complete your son’s personal ad form. • Pick up Booster Club gifts for various levels of giving – Tote bag, yard sign, UA sac pack. • Sign up to help: • Sell Spirit Wear at Varsity home games & Back to School night. • Provide Post-game sports drinks for Varsity or sub-varsity. • Post game scores to SMNW Football Facebook page. • Volunteer to take pictures at SMNW football games this year and post to Facebook. All levels of play needed – one game or numerous games. • Become part of the Gang - Chain Gang & Scoreboard operators needed for ALL sub-varsity home games. • Find information about player specific game pictures or collages by Shawn Haley, photographer.

27. More sign up opportunities! • Program Game Day Sales – Sign up to sell programs at Varsity home games – need Freshman & Sophomore parents. • Video/Highlight film- You can sign up for this year’s video package at this table. The package includes game film and highlights for all Varsity games plus an end of season DVD ($125/family). • Varsity Pre-game meals - This is an opportunity to help prepare, serve and clean up for the meals. We need lots of help to make this work. You can also sign-up to help with the August 20 “Watermelon Feast” at this table. • Spirit wear- Get all of the up to date Orange and Black football gear! • Credit Card table – use your credit card to pay for any items above. • Athletic Office Table: - turn in physical, concussion form, orange packet & purchase Activity pass for the year. (Proceeds from passes go to individual schools, gate fees are split amongst all SM schools so buy from NW!!) Important Notes: • If you have NOT joined the Booster Club, tonight is the last night to join and have your son’s personal ad (included in the BC fee) and your name included in the Fall Sports program. If you have any questions relative to tonight’s sign up opportunities, see any of the Booster Club Officers.