PAO Philosophy - Football Commitment - Strength and Conditioning - Expectations
Letter of Committment
Play as One Philosophy
I have an important role to play when it comes to our team. As a member of our football community I recognize that we all Play as One by working hard, living pure, leading with courage, and honoring our team. We will not be defined by the minutes we play, the points we score, or the results of a scoreboard.
As a parent, player, and/or coach I understand and endorse the purpose of our football program is to help boys become men of empathy and integrity who will lead, be responsible, and change the world with good and with love. We serve as role models for our team by talking politely and acting courteously towards players, coaches, officials, other parents, visiting team parents, and spectators at practices, games, and meetings. Let the competition begin and let’s Play as One!
Football Commitment
Player Commitment
Commitment to “Work Hard
I will attend and be on time to all workouts and all practices.
I will perform to the best of my ability.
I will give a championship effort and poise.
Commitment to “Live Pure”
I will only put substances into my body that are legal and pure.
I will use the language of a gentleman.
I will help those who can’t and encourage the discouraged.
Commitment to “Lead with Courage”
I will have a positive attitude.
I will stay focused on the goals of the team.
I will challenge my teammates and hold them accountable to our commitment.
Commitment to “Honor Team”
I will honor my school with integrity as a student, athlete and citizen.
I will be patient with others.
I will put the team’s needs before my own and finish what I start.
Parent Commitment
As a parent of this student/athlete, I will support my son and the team in this commitment.
Coach Commitment
Coaches will know what each student athlete can give him, and will be relentless in getting that out of them. He will keep challenging and encouraging each player until they reach their potential as student, athlete, and citizen.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength training is the cornerstone of any elite football program. If our players are stronger they can produce more force to increase their ability to produce greater speed and power. That means better football performance. Well-conditioned athletes are also less susceptible to injuries or delayed recovery periods following injuries. Lifts will be done properly with good technique. We will do sport specific exercises. Safety is our biggest issue in strength training. Attendance at Strength and Conditioning practice is no less important than football practice. Without a strict strength and conditioning game plan our program will not succeed.
Expectations
Our program is broken down into four seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer) with clear expectations.
Excused Absences
If a player has three unexcused absences in a season of activity, they are no longer able to participate in our program. The expectations of an “excused” absence are the following:
- Out of town with family
- Out of town with church
- Out of town academic or involvement with another school sponsored group
- Injury Appointments (Regular Dentist and Doctor Exams should be scheduled around Organized Team Activities as not to interfere)
- Medical sickness (Note that injured players are still required to attend practice and support and honor their team).
We don't see the absence policy as punishment for those who are absent, but rather as a reward for those who don't miss.
Players must notify their head coach, defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, and position coach in advance of the “excused” absence using HUDL messenger.
Team Issued Attire for Game, Practice and Workouts
Each student-athlete must attend game, practice, and workouts in proper team issued attire. If team issued attire is not worn the student-athlete will not be allowed to participate. Cleats are mandatory at all on field practices and games (Cleats must be Black, White, Gray, or Maroon). Shoes must be worn in all strength training.
Our program is broken down into these seasons.
1. Fall Football Season- Begins in late July when we get into pads and lasts until our last contest is played. (Note: If a player misses a practice and/or workout during the Football Season for any reason, they will miss one quarter of playing time for each day missed. If the reason for missing is unexcused, the "three absence policy" will be enforced.)
2. The Winter/Spring Strength and Conditioning Season - The Tuesday after our last football game of the fall season we will begin the Winter season and will move into the Spring.
3. Spring Football Season - Spring football typically happens in the last two weeks of May.
4. Summer Conditioning and 7 on 7 Season- Begins after high school graduation. The weeks until our first day in pads will be non-pad football Practice and/or workout days, but are still considered Summer Season Practice and/or workout.
Lombardi Time : Being On Time
On time is late and early is on time. In the event a student-athlete is late to the start of an organized team activity. They are required to check in with their position coach as soon as they get to the field. It is up to the discretion of the coaching staff to determine if the student-athlete will be able to participate in the session. This will result in an unexcused absence and may also result in a partial game suspension depending on the reason. "If you are five minutes early, you are already ten minutes late. -Vince Lombardi"