Linn-Mar Football Players and Parent(s) / Guardian(s):
Welcome to another season of Lion Football! The following information provides a brief informational and philosophical framework of our football program.
Linn-Mar football players will be disciplined and fundamentally sound, with an emphasis on fun, character, playing the game right, and working hard. We will achieve the most when players are playing football the way it was meant to be played while building memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Off the field Lion football players will be recognized as not only good football players, but respectful, mature young men.
Players and parents are encouraged to make the most of this time spent competing in high school athletics. Be proud members of the football program!
As parents of our football players know that the football program relies on your support and volunteerism to ensure a successful season. Please be involved in the Touchdown Club and help in any way you can.
In this pre-season program handbook, you will find information attempting to improve communication and expectations between coaches, parents, and players. Parents and Players should make sure they are aware of our Code of Conduct Polices issued by the high school and how a violation of these polices may effect their athletic participation. If you have any questions please email me at:
lionfootball@rocketmail.comGO LIONS!
Bob Forsyth
Head Football Coach
Linn-Mar High School
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The Lion Football Program will be based on sound principles to challenge, motivate, and inspire young men during their High School football experience. We will focus on competing to the best of our ability, and we will coach with energy and enthusiasm to achieve that goal. The ultimate goal is a State Championship but as we focus on giving 100% effort; success will be a byproduct of our hard work, enthusiasm and love of the game. As a staff, we are here to serve and be a living example of commitment to our players. We will challenge them to grow physically, academically, and socially.
The Game of Football
Football is a unique game that brings together young men from different racial,social and economic backgrounds and teaches them to work as one. The team is the priority and becomes an extension of immediate family. Players will learn to work together and build trust and respect for one another. Football is also an extension of the education process. Student-athletes will develop such qualities as hard work, determination, desire, and an ability to deal with adversity.
PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE
We believe that strict mental and physical discipline is the cornerstone of every great football program.
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Negative attitudes will never be tolerated.
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The football team family is #1.
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Everyone will be treated fairly.
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All student athletes will adhere to our team guidelines.
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All student athletes will adhere strictly to a no use contract with applies to all mood altering substances, including alcohol and tobacco.
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All of our student athletes will be present and on time for all practices, meetings, and other team family functions.
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All of our student athletes will work to the best of their abilities in the classroom.
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All of our student athletes are expected to be good citizens and good people.
EXPECTATIONS
Athletics provide great opportunities for physical, mental, emotional, and social development. Football is much more than a sport; it is a means to develop young people into great individuals that can give back to our community and nation. It is the philosophy of the Lion Football Program to help develop each and every individual on the team into successful leaders on and off the field.
As coaches, we must help our student-athletes make the best choices. We can teach hard work, loyalty, honesty, perseverance, etc. There are many teachable moments in the course of a football season that coaches, parents, and teammates can take advantage of in order to teach valuable lessons.
Decision making at the high school level is broken down into three components. These components include making decisions on academics, decisions on extracurricular activities, and personal life decisions. All of these areas directly correlate with one another. Thus, it is our belief as a football program, if we can teach student-athletes how to make great decisions related to academics, football, and their personal life, we can positively affect their future.
Attendance at Practice and Games
Regular attendance at football practice / workouts and games is essential if the players are to learn the skills and the strategies that make them and the team successful. Missing practice jeopardizes this success, lets the team down and reflects a clear lack of commitment to its goals. For these reasons, it cannot be tolerated.
Policy:
- Student-Athletes will be expected to be in attendance and on time to all football related functions unless excused by the Head Coach.
- If a player misses a practice/workout/ treatment, an explanation will be asked for by the coaching staff. If the missed practice is deemed unexcused by the coaching staff, the player will be penalized at the discretion of the coaching staff.
- If a player misses a practice/workout/treatment again that is deemed unexcused the parents will be notified and removal from the team is possible.
- Any student-athlete may be dismissed from the football team for behavior unbecoming a student-athlete at Linn-Mar High School as determined by the Head Coach
TEAM DEFINITIONS
Freshmen Team
- Consists of all Freshmen
- Emphasis on participation and fundamental development
Sophomore Team
- Consists of Sophomores
- Emphasis on participation and fundamental development
- Core sophomore team may be joined by members of the freshman team as the roster numbers or player situations dictate.
Junior Varsity Team
Varsity Team
9th Grade Year to Sophomore Team
10th Grade year to Varsity Team
- Must finish 10th grade school year in good standing
- Must remain academically eligible
- Must be a consistent member of the off-season program when not involved in an in season sport
- Name and Number on the Football T-Shirt may be affected if expectations are not met
- Consideration for the Travel Squad may be affected if expectations are not met.
- Would be considered for the J.V Team only if expectations are not met
11th Grade Year to Varsity Team
- Must finish 11th grade school year in good standing
- Must remain academically eligible
- Must be a consistent member of the off-season program when not involved in an in season sport
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Appearance in the Senior Football Poster may be affected if expectations are not met
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Name and Number on the Football T-Shirt may be affected if expectations are not met
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Consideration for the Travel Squad may be affected if expectations are not met
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Would be considered for the J.V Team only if expectations are not met
POLICY ON WHO STARTS AND WHO PLAYS
Everyone on the team makes valuable contributions toward the success of the TEAM! Some of the most valuable players we will have are players who do not start. Not everyone can start, be all-conference, and all-state, but everyone can and will have a significant role!
The following criteria will be used in player evaluation:
- Who is the best player at that position? The best players will play regardless of their year in school. Performance in practice and not potential will be utilized.
- Effort, attitude, and hustle in practice.
- The player's health and injury status will be considered.
- Coach ability. Will the player do what we ask him to do? Can he get the job done?
- Team player. A person who will sacrifice individual glory for the good of the team.
We are constantly evaluating in practice and in the Weight Room. The following is how players are evaluated:
- Each individual position coach evaluates in drills, individual, group, and teamwork.
- Several coaches evaluate position in group and team / weight room sessions.
- Practice/scrimmages and games are videotaped and evaluated
FOOTBALL AWARDS
In order for an athlete to receive an award in football they must complete the season in good standing. Awards will be based on the individual's contribution to the success of the team. A variety of factors will be considered, including but not limited to the following: Playing time, attendance at practices, work ethic during practice and the off-season. If an athlete participates in the program Freshman-Senior year that athlete will receive a Varsity Letter at the conclusion of his senior year regardless of playing time.
- Freshman Year award = Certificate
- Sophomore Award = Graduation year numerals
- J.V Award = Certificate
- 1st Varsity Letter = LM
- 1st Football Letter = Football Pin or LM if you don't have one
- 2nd Football Letter= Football Pin
- 3rd Football Letter= Gold Bar
Student-Athletes will be recognized at the conclusion of the season at the Football Awards Night. This will be held at the high school and will include all high school teams (Freshman/Soph/Varsity) the date and time will be announced at the conclusion of the season. All student-athletes that have completed the season in good standing will be recognized with their team. Individual team awards will be given out to the sophomore and varsity players as well.
COMMUNICATION
Appropriate Concerns to Discuss
- The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
- Ways to help you child improve.
- Concerns about your child's behavior
Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Play calling
- Other student-athletes
UNIFORM CARE
Football Game uniforms should be laundered in warm or cool water after each use. DO NOT DRY CLEAN! Wash separately! NEVER MIX ITEMS! All practice gear should be washed on a REGULAR schedule at LEAST ONCE A WEEK!!!
Laundering Tips:
- Turn jerseys inside out
- Use a MILD detergent
- Do Not Bleach
- Do Not use a Fabric Softener
- Remove from wash immediately when finished.
- You may use a pre-soak agent if needed
- Tumble Dry or Hang dry only! USE LOW HEAT! If using a dryer.
THE RECRUITING PROCES
As coaches we will always help student-athletes in anyway we can to obtain life goals. We will always be very honest in our evaluation of each student-athlete in our football program. If you have an interest in playing football after you leave Linn-Mar We will do our best to help guide you and help you achieve that goal. We can not give out football scholarships! Any student-athlete who gets a chance to play in college will have EARENED that opportunity. There is a lot that goes into moving to the "Next Level"the first and most important is that you must 'Show Up' on film! In other words if you play well enough you will have a chance to be recruited.
Important Links
http://www.actstudent.org/ http://www.actstudent.org/regist/currentdates.htmlhttps://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/
DIVISION I / IAA:
http://web1.ncaa.org/memberLinks/links.jsp?div=1DIVISION III:
http://web1.ncaa.org/memberLinks/links.jsp?div=3JUNIOR YEAR
- PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT YEAR IN TERMS OF RECRUITING.
- YOU ARE UNLIKELY TO RECEIVE ANY SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS.
- COACHES ARE ALLOWED TO CALL ONCE DURING THE SPRING. THEY CAN PICK UP THE PHONE AND TALK IF YOU CALL THEM, AND RESPOND TO EMAILS. THEY CAN ALSO SEND MAIL.
- A UNIVERSITY SHOWS ITS INTEREST BY INVITING YOU TO A RECRUITING DAY IN THE SPRING AND/OR AN ONE-DAY ?ELITE CAMP? IN THE SUMMER. THEY MAY ALSO SPEAK WITH YOUR COACHES AND ATTEND A GAME.
- ELITE PLAYERS MAY RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS DURING THE YEAR OR AFTER A VISIT TO AN ELITE SUMMER CAMP.
TAKE the ACT TEST AT LEAST TWICE: FALL AND SPRING OF YOUR JUNIOR YEAR. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN ACT TUTORING.
SENIOR YEAR
- RECRUITING WILL HEAT UP AS THE SEASON PROGRESSES.
- YOU MAY RECEIVE AN OFFER AT ANY TIME DURING YOUR SENIOR YEAR.
- CONTACTS BETWEEN COACHES AND PLAYERS ARE LIMITED. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE FIVE PAID VISITS.
- YOU CAN TAKE AS MANY UNOFFICAL VISITS AS YOU WANT
- WORK HARD AT ACADEMICS. NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE AT FOOTBALL, NO COACH WANTS A PLAYER WHO CAN NOT MAINTAIN ELIGIBILITY.
- STAY OUT OF TROUBLE! NO TRUE FRIEND WOULD EVER PUT YOU IN A SITUATION THAT MIGHT JEOPARDIZE A COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP. THIS IS YOUR LIFE; TAKE CONTROL OF IT AND DON?T LET SOMEBODY ELSE DETERMINE YOUR FATE
SCHOOL POLICES
Academic Eligibility
(Board Policy: 502.6) A student must pass all courses during the preceding grading period in order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Students who do not pass all courses shall be ineligible for the next nine week grading period. Extra-curricular activities include, but are not limited to: interscholastic athletics, music performances not related to daily classroom instruction (i.e. jazz band, show choir), competition speech, and competitions./performances/trips of Linn-Mar High School sponsored clubs, teams, and organizations.
Students who receive incomplete grades shall be ineligible until all course work is satisfactorily completed. These courses must be completed within two weeks after the conclusion of the previous grading period. Students who receive ?F+? grades shall be ineligible for a minimum
of thirty days pending the completion of all course work at a passing (D-) level. This work will be monitored by the academic assistance counselor with final approval by the principal.
Attendance Requirement
Students are required to be in good standing with the ?Attendance Policy? in order to be eligible to participate in a co-curricular activity on a given day.Conflicts
Every effort is made by school officials to avoid scheduling conflicts. When they do occur, the following criteria are used to prioritize:
1. State level performance
2. District level performance
3. Conference level performance
4. Inter-school competition,
5. Public Performance
"Good Conduct" or ?Co-curricular? Policy
Students must maintain good standing in terms of the "Co-curricular Policy" (often referred to as a ?Good Conduct Policy?) developed and reviewed by the Board of Education. Students placed on out-of-school suspension are ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities for
the duration of the suspension. See "Co-curricular Policy".
Insurance
(Reference: Board Policy 504.9) It is strongly recommended that a student participating in the interscholastic athletics be adequately insured.
A policy from an insurance company determined by the Superintendent, may be obtained through the school. If a parent wishes his/her child to participate without insurance, he/she must submit a written statement accepting full responsibility.
Physicals
All students must have a physical each year in order to participate in athletics. These physicals must be taken after July 1 and before participating. Forms may be obtained from the school nurse or the athletic office.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs
(Reference: Board Policy 502.5R) Students who participate in extra-curricular activities involving public performance are prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, controlling, or transmitting tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs at any time (year around) during his/her junior high or high school career. This rule applies to students 365 days per year while in school, out of school (any location), or at school events (either home or away).
Violations
The administration will suspend a student from participation if it is determined that a violation did occur. Suspensions may also result from legal documentation, from admission by the student, or as a result of an investigation conducted by the administration. Parents will be notified any time the administration becomes aware of a possible violation.
In order for a suspension to be put into effect, it must be clearly determined that the violation did occur. It is clear that an admission from the student is not required prior to disciplining a student
If a student is guilty of an infraction and is not currently involved in an activity, the suspension will become effective utilizing the activities the student was involved in during the previous year.
Sanctions for Violations
1st OFFENSE: Suspended from at least 20% of public performances, with carryover to next activity. Counseling required prior to reinstatement (suspended from at least 33% of performances if no progression in counseling). Must continue to practice.
2nd OFFENSE: Suspended from at least 50% of public performances with carryover to next activity. Counseling required prior to reinstatement. Must continue to practice.
3rd OFFENSE: One-year suspension from co-curricular activities. Counseling required prior to reinstatement for all third offenses.
4th OFFENSE: Permanent suspension from co-curricular activities. Counseling available for all fourth offenses. Established school, team, group rules may also apply to violations. If a violation occurs before the suspension for a previous violation has been served, the suspensions shall be added together and served concurrently.
Court System
Students admitting or found guilty of non-traffic misdemeanors or felonies not defined in these regulations may be subject to suspension from co-curricular activities as determined by the building principal or designee. The school district will cooperate with the courts or other recognized public agencies in carrying out consequences in co-curricular activities.
Appeal Process
(Board Policy 502.5 and 502.5-R1)
Step I: A student may contest sanctions as outlined in the "Code of Conduct", "Attendance Policy", or "Co-Curricular Policy" to the building principal. The appeal must be submitted in writing and in the principal?s possession within 48 hours of the dispensation of the sanction.
Step II: An adverse decision by the building principal may be appealed to the Superintendent of Schools. This appeal shall be in writing and in the possession of the superintendent within seven days of receipt of the principal?s ruling.
Step III: In the event of an adverse decision by the principal and the superintendent, the sanction may be appealed to the Board of Education. This appeal shall be in writing and in the Possession of the Board secretary within seven days of receipt of the
Superintendent?s ruling.
Enforcement
The high school principal or designee(s) reserves the right to deviate from the punishments identified herein if deemed appropriate. Every effort will be made to inform parent(s)/guardian(s) of any problems that arise concerning student violations of the Code of Conduct. Efforts will be made to involve parents, teachers, counselors, and other support personnel to find positive resolutions to behavior issues.
Violations
Reference: Board Policy 502.1, 701.1R
The following are considered to be violations of the Linn-Mar High School Code of Conduct and consistent with efforts to provide a safe, orderly, positive, and productive learning environment:
Assault-Attacking or threatening to physically attack any student, teacher visitor, administrator, or other school personnel. Includes sexual assault. (Board Policy 502.1)
Campus Violations-Including but not limited to: leaving w/o permission, transporting students who do not have permission to leave, reckless driving, trespass after hours, parking violations, loitering.
Cheating-Including but not limited to: copying answers, using unauthorized copies of tests, using an unauthorized ?cheat sheet? when taking a quiz/test, looking at other students? work/answers.
Disruptive behavior-Excessive talking, noisemaking, arguing with other students, arguing with a teacher, or engaging in any activity which disrupts the orderly conduct of classroom procedures.
Disorderly conduct-Disrupting the orderly, disciplined atmosphere and operation of the school or school related activity.
Drugs and alcohol-A student shall not use, possess, sell, distribute, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug, controlled substance, or controlled substance look-alike. Coming to school after using drugs or alcohol is a violation of the Code of Conduct.
Extortion-Extortion is defined as obtaining money, property, favors from another student by illegal means, force, or undue power.
Fighting-Fighting with other students at school, on school grounds, or at any school activity (home or away).
Fire alarms/bomb threats-Students are not to tamper with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, or turn in false alarms or bomb threats.
Causing fire or explosion-Students are prohibited from causing a fire or explosion. Students are also prohibited from placing a burning, combustible, or explosive device in a school building, on school grounds, or near any school property.
Contraband
possession of-Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, non-prescription controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for the administration of controlled substances, controlled substance look-alike items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons, and stolen property. (reference: Board Policy 502.8) Other contraband items include: lighters, matches, laser pointers and any other item deemed as unsafe or disruptive to the school environment.
Fraud-Forging notes, falsifying identification, fraudulent phone calls.
Harassment-Harassment, in any form, is not tolerated at Linn-Mar High School. Reference: Board Policies 403.13 and 502.14
Hate Crimes-Malicious acts aimed at a person or group of persons, use of intimidation (physical or other), and use of offensive symbols
Hazing-(reference Board Policy 502.14) Initiations, indoctrination, "class wars", and other acts which may embarrass or humiliate a student and that may or may not be against the will of another student.
Insubordination-Insubordination is defined as refusal to obey a school rule, regulation, or request of a teacher, administrator, or other school personnel.
Parking violations-Students are to park in designated areas.
Profanity-use of profanity is considered inappropriate in a school setting. Students who use profanity are subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in this document.
Theft/Robbery-Stealing items from the school or other persons associated with the school is considered a violation of the "Code of Conduct"
Tobacco-Smoking or use of tobacco products of any kind is prohibited.
Trespass-Trespass involves prohibited presence in the building or on campus.
Vandalism-damaging, altering, defacing, or destroying school facilities or property
Weapons -possession of-weapons include knives, firearms, clubs, brass knuckles, "stun" guns, other dangerous objects or facsimiles of weapons
Consequences
Expulsion: (Reference: Board Policy 502.2, 502.2R) Removal from the school setting for a specified period of time by the Board of Education.
Hallway restriction-students placed on the hallway restriction list are not allowed to move to other parts of the building during class time unless accompanied by an adult.
Parking privileges-students may have parking privileges revoked by school officials.
Restitution-students may be required to pay for lost, stolen, or damaged property or other items.
Wednesday School-students who violate provisions of the "Code of Conduct" or the "Attendance Policy" may be required to attend school on Wednesday afternoon for a designated length of time.
Suspension- students may be suspended from class attendance for a period of time designated by the administration. In-school suspension involves confinement in a designated area within the school. Student?s suspended out-of-school are prohibited from attending classes or school activities for the duration of the suspension.
Time Release Privileges-Students may have Time-Release privileges revoked by school officials.
Students who fail to comply with the sanctions outlined above are considered insubordinate and subject to further, more severe, disciplinary actions.
Due Process
When provisions of the Code of Conduct, Co-Curricular Policy or Attendance Policy are violated, students will be given procedural due process as outlined by the Iowa Code and Board Policy 502.1. Students will be given: oral and/or written notice of charges, the opportunity to
admit or deny such charges, an explanation of the evidence against the student, and an opportunity to explain the situation. If a suspension is involved, the building principal or designee will outline the conditions and timeline for readmission.
Appeal Process
Step I: A student may contest sanctions as outlined in the "Code of Conduct", "Attendance Policy", or "Co-Curricular Conduct Policy" to the building principal. The appeal must be submitted in writing and in the principal?s possession within 48 hours of the dispensation of the
sanction.
Step II: An adverse decision by the building principal may be appealed to the Superintendent of Schools. This appeal shall be in writing and in the possession of the superintendent within seven days of receipt of the principal?s ruling.
Step III: In the event of an adverse decision by the principal and the superintendent, the sanction may be appealed to the Board of Education.
This appeal shall be in writing and in the Possession of the Board secretary within seven days of receipt of the superintendent?s ruling
