1.      Thou shall insist that your son do his very best in school.  We expect that our players always give their very best effort on the field so they do not cheat their teammates.  We also know that they cheat themselves if they give less than their best in each and every class.  Real winners give a consistent effort in all areas, including the classroom.

2.      Thou shall insist that your son respects team rules, school rules, game officials and display positive sportsmanship.  If he knows you will not enable him to avoid the consequences, he will avoid the trouble in the first place.  Remind him frequently of his responsibilities to his family, his team, and his school.  High expectations should be clear and consistent.  Avoid accepting excuses.

3.      Thou shall “Release your son to the game.”  Identify and accept your son’s role on the team.  This is their game, the success is theirs, the failures are theirs, and release them to solve their own problems related to being on a team and playing the game.

4.      Thou shall not allow envy or jealousy to poison your son’s attitude.  Jealousy is the most dangerous poison that can contaminate a team.  Coveting another player’s position, playing time or press clippings creates resentment, which quickly derails a team on the way to success.

5.      Thou shall speak well of your son’s teammates and coaches.  If you have nothing good to say, say nothing.  Clearly, criticizing your son’s teammates or coaches cannot and will not improve his attitude or performance.  “You never improve your own furniture by busting up others.”

6.      Thou shall be positive with your son.  Being part of a team, sweating, sacrificing and committing to common team goals are certainly things to be proud of, so let your son know you are proud of him and his efforts.  Recognize the many ways of contributing beyond starting and being a star.

7.      Thou shall not call the coaches to discuss your son’s position or playing time.   Coaches base decisions about player positions and playing time on what they believe is best for the team.  Position and playing time are based on attitude, athletic ability, football skill, strength, game sense and knowledge of our system.  When parents call the coach, other players or even your son could perceive even a well-intentioned effort, as an attempt to gain unfair advantage for your son.

8.      Thou shall insist that your son eats healthy food and gets plenty of rest.  You shall also insist that your son drives carefully to and from practice and always wears his seat belt.

We love these young men and we want what is best for them.  The team needs each one of them. We must keep them safe, healthy and strong.

9.      Thou shall refrain from second guessing game decisions or “ could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve opportunities.  Coaches and players make thousands of decisions before and during games.  Using hindsight, some might have been made differently, but in the instant of action, hindsight is not possible.  Remember we have teenage boys playing the game, not professionals.

10.  Thou shall always strive to model “poise and confidence.”  The #1 thing your child needs from you at the game, at home and in the community.

11.  Thou shall remember to be thankful for this opportunity to share your son’s “joy of victory” and his “tears in defeat.”  At times, football is a game of great joy and other times, sadness.  It’s a game that helps shape and mold young men for what they will someday face in their future.  Life is not all fun and games.  To go where we want to go in life is often times hard work, and we have to pass thru many tunnels of frustration and conflict to get there.  But it is worth it!  Having an attitude of thanksgiving will help us appreciate what has been done for years to come. That’s the real victory.

12.  Thou shall do your very best to attend all your son’s football games!  It is very important in the life of your child for you as the parent to be present at your child’s games.  He will remember that “you were there” for him for the rest of his life.  The most important memory he will have is not how well he performed in the game.  The most important thing is that you were there supporting him no matter what!