GREAT VALLEY FOOTBALL

PURPOSE: PRODUCE YOUNG MEN OF EMPATHY, INTEGRITY, AND MORAL COURAGE WHO WILL WORK TO MAKE THE WORLD AROUND THEM A BETTER PLACE.

VALUES:

EMPATHY – understanding and feeling with your fellow man

INTEGRITY – looking in the mirror and knowing that you did what was right.

MORAL COURAGE – holding true to yourself in the face of moral and social pressures

ATTITUDE – you control how you approach each day

EFFORT – it takes 0% skill to give 100% effort and completely falls under your control

BUILDING MEN FOR OTHERS:

Being a Man is based on relationships and purpose

Incorporate values of Empathy, Integrity, Moral Courage, Honor, Discipline, and Respect into our daily lives.

OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY: “Be Fast and Efficient in Scoring”

PLAY FAST!!!!!

Be aggressive in how we play and call plays

Be mentally and physically tough

Play Smart – No Turnovers, penalties, etc.

Big Play Attack

Be Accountable – to your teammates, your coaches, and yourself

DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY:“Relentlessly Pursue to the Ball”

Attack the Offense- Make them defend us

Attitude Defense- Pressure Mentality/Built onSpeed & Desire.

Great Disguise- Multiple Movements/Man and zone concepts look the same.

Communication– to your teammates and your coaches/ on and off the field

Solid Fundamentals- Tackling, escape blocks, and pursuit. Four seconds of concentration.

SPECIAL TEAMS PHILOSOPHY: “Be a Game Changer”

Play with an ATTITUDE!

Make a play – key tackle, blocked kick, score

Play Smart and know your responsibilities

Be a game changer

GREAT VALLEY FOOTBALL PHILOSOPHY

  1. We will strive to be the best Men we can be at all times.
  1. We will win with Humility.
  1. We will lose with Honor.
  1. We will commit ourselves to the betterment of the team and the man next to us.
  1. We will dedicate our time and effort in the pursuit of others.
  1. We will be disciplined.
  1. We will respect ourselves and our opponents.
  1. We will compete.
  1. We will work hard and work with a purpose.
  1. We will approach every day with a WIN attitude – What’s Important Now!
  1. We will do our best to keep our priorities in order.
  1. We will learn dedication and sacrifice in pursuit of our goals.
  1. We will represent ourselves, our families, our school, and our team in a positive manner.
  1. Coaches will be excellent role models for our players.
  1. Coaches will coach with intensity and enthusiasm, every snap of games and practices.
  1. Coaches will coach with the goal of building quality young men in an upbeat and affirming manner.
  1. Coaches will be honest with players and let them know where they stand and what they need to do to improve.
  1. We will be solution oriented, not complainers.
  1. Our players will leave us better than when they arrived.

GREAT VALLEY FOOTBALL

TEAM AND PLAYER PROFILE

TEAM GOALS

  1. Beat Rustin/Unionville
  2. Win Ches-Mont
  3. District I AAA Champions

PLAYER PROFILE: A Great Valley Football Player is a young man of empathy, integrity and moral courage who works to make the world around them a better place.

EXPECTATIONS AS STUDENT:EXPECTATIONS AS PLAYER:

1. Be early for everything1. Be early for everything

2. Sit near the front2. Give 100% in practice, games,

weight room

3. Do ALL assigned work3. Understand your role on the team

4. Advocate for yourself4. Celebrate great effort and success

5. Be a positive example for others5. Always STAND TALL

PLAYER LEVEL OF COMMITMENT

6. Creative Excellence

Empowered. Goes above and beyond, knows everything expected, and leads and mentors others.

5. Heartfelt Commitment

Committed to the goals of the team, can get things done on their own, and will go the extra mile.

4. Enthusiastic Cooperation

Engaged, works hard, wants to do it, and has a good coach player relationship. Beyond academic/behavior issues.

3. Willing Compliance

Does everything asked, but is a clock puncher. Does nothing more than the minimum.

2. Malicious Obedience

Complainer. Needs to be pushed and prodded, and complains even then. Constant behavior/academic issues.

1. Rebel/Quit

Selfish, ‘Me’ attitude. Rebels against team rules/expectations and will not last.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Decisions and Behavior impact the team

You are what you repeatedly do

What you do, you do to everyone at Great Valley

WHERE ARE YOU??

“DESERVES VICTORY” / “IMPEDING GROWTH”
Always on time.
Zero behavior issues.
Academics are in order.
Works 100% at all times.
Never misses practice/workout.
Celebrates as a team.
Works on areas of weakness.
Prepares – film study, reports, etc.
Thinks of the team first.
A leader in school and class.
Advocates for himself.
Seeks help without prodding.
Pushes himself in the weight room.
Works in pre practice on areas of weakness.
Keeps upbeat attitude at all times.
Listens to coaching and gets better.
Actively listens and watches in practice.
Never repeats the same mistake twice. / Consistently late.
Behavior issues in class, on the field
On eligibility list constantly.
Works at own pace, when they want
Spotty attendance.
Selfish, draws attention to ‘Me’.
Never admits weakness/self correct
Limited prep – Ex. Doesn’t watch film.
Plays for stats, headlines.
Relies on others to do for them.
Not proactive.
Is ok to just be in the weight room.
Wastes time during pre practice, does nothing.
Complains, drags others down.
Takes coaching as a personal attack.
When not involved in practice, goofs off and doesn’t pay attention.
Is constantly talked to about same issues – practice, school, games etc

QUESTIONS COACHES ASK ABOUT EACH PLAYER

  1. Can we trust you?
  2. Are you committed?
  3. Do you really care?

GREAT VALLEY FOOTBALL

TEAM POLICY

PRIORITIES:

  1. FAITH
  2. FAMILY
  3. ACADEMICS
  4. FOOTBALL
  5. EVERYTHING ELSE

TEAM POLICY – ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

Do not get involved with or do anything that would ever embarrass or compromise the integrity of the players or coaches of our team. This includes non-school hours. Everything you do reflects on you, your family, your school, your team, your teammates, and your coaches. Any violation of this policy can result in suspension or expulsion from the team.

  1. Pride - As a Great Valley Patriot, taking Pride in our program is the key in building Great Valley football to the heights that we want it to reach. Our Standards are high and expected to be followed at all times.
  1. Character – The true character of a man can be measured by how he carries himself when no one is looking. We take pride in our character and being a morally sound person. Reputation is what people think of you, Character is the true measure of the man.
  1. Honor and Integrity – No matter how we perform on and off the field, we will carry ourselves with honor and integrity. We must all look at the Man in the Mirror at the end of the day and make sure that we are proud of the person we see.
  1. Respect – We all are working together to be the best football program we can be. Believe that all coaching decisions are made in the view of what is best for the team. We will not compromise the success of the team for one individual.
  1. Discipline and Effort – It takes 0% skill to give 100% effort. Do your best at all times. Effort is the one constant that our program is based on and the one area where your coaches will give no slack. Effort is a demand and will not be compromised.
  1. Sacrifice and Unselfishness – The team always comes before the individual. Everyone will have a role, and that role needs to be accepted and recognized as important by all. We achieve all things together and everyone is a contributing member of our accomplishments. All are equal – scout team players through all-state players.

TEAM POLICY – SPECIFIC AREAS

  1. Classroom – As a student you will conduct yourself as a gentleman and show respect to your teachers and classmates. Do not allow a poor attitude, misbehavior, or poor attendance get you into trouble. Coaches are not going to get you out of trouble. You are responsible for your academic performance and behavior. Remember, you are a STUDENT-athlete.
  1. On the Field – We will conduct ourselves on the field with honor and class at all times.
  1. Eligibility – We will follow all PIAA and Great Valley eligibility requirements. It is your responsibility to maintain those standards.
  1. Practice– If you do not practice, you will not play.
  2. Always be on time. Early is on time; on time is late.
  3. Never miss (coaches exceptions)
  4. If you absolutely must miss, call/email the head coach or position coach
  5. Unexcused absence –Will not play that week (multiple unexcused absences may be cause for dismissal from team)
  6. Late to practice (1 minute or 1 hour) – coach’s discretion
  7. All injuries must be checked out by schools athletic trainer. Athletic trainer is only person to excuse player from practice for an injury. Players/Parents do not self diagnose.
  8. If there is any issue beyond the athletic trainer’s level, she will immediately pass it along to the appropriate doctor or specialist.
  9. If you do not practice, you are still expected to be at practice with your position coach and position group.
  10. In order to play, you must practice.
  1. Equipment/Locker Room – This is our facility. We will treat the locker room and our equipment like it was our own. As in all things, we will take pride in our equipment and how our locker room looks. You are responsible for all equipment given to you and must pay for all lost/stolen equipment. Do not leave equipment out.
  1. Offseason Training – You are encouraged to play as many sports as possible. If you are not involved in a current sport, our expectation is that you are in the weight room and involved in our weight training program.
  2. Injury Prevention – Football is a tough, physical game. The weight room is primarily used to prepare your body for the wear and tear of a football season.
  3. Getting on the field – Unlike other sports, offseason work in football focuses on preparing physically for the season, not actually playing the game. If you didn’t pick up a basketball during the basketball offseason, how much better will you be the next year? Our offseason is the weight room!!
  4. Playing time – Not attending the weight room will result in less playing time. It is not a punishment. It is a fact of life. If you are equal to another player and he dedicates himself to the offseason program and you do not, who is going to be more prepared? The best player will play, but the player who pushes his limits in the offseason will put himself in a better position.
  5. Building a Team – The offseason program will develop a team through its intensity and the players shared experience. Pushing each other physically and mentally will help create a bond, a sense of being one, which will payoff when the going gets tough during the season.
  6. Championships – Championships on the field are the validation of hard work throughout the year. Championships are earned through a relentless pursuit of excellence starting in January of each year and culminating in defeating your opponents in November. There is no magic wand and no easy path. Championships are forged in the weight room!

TEAM POLICY – PERSONAL CONDUCT

  1. Drugs and Alcohol – Drugs and alcohol are expressly prohibited by school and team policy and are subject to school punishment. Do not put yourself in a position to hurt yourself and the team. Being under the influence damages your ability to be physically fit and healthy and impacts your ability to be at your best. No Tolerance!!
  1. School Policies – All policies in the student handbook and athletic department apply to our football program. We want to be leaders on the field and in the school building. Be a model for the rest of your classmates to follow, and be the standard by which all Great Valley students are measured.
  1. Jewelry and Clothing – No jewelry at football activities – practice, games, weight room, meetings, etc. Clothing – no one wants to see your boxers.
  1. Cell Phones – No cell phones at team functions including the weight room, meetings, practices, etc. That includes in the locker room before games or on the bus before games.

TEAM POLICY – SMALL DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

  1. Great players hate to lose more than they like to win
  2. Great players compare themselves to the best, not to just anyone
  3. Be in the locker room early
  4. Look at your coaches and teachers in the eye when they talk to you
  5. Never walk on the field
  6. Stand Tall on the field or the weight room
  7. Always wear your helmet
  8. A successful person learns to get by with less praise than he deserves
  9. Our team does not exist to improve your personal statistics
  10. Personal goals will never come before team goals
  11. Teams can accomplish amazing feats when no one cares who gets the credit.
  12. True winners are not content with yesterday’s victories
  13. Champions focus on where they are going, not where they have been

TEAM POLICY – DISCIPLINE

It is a privilege to be a member of the Great ValleyFootball Program, it is not a right. Each member of the team has earned that status. You and I are not more important than the team. If I ever have to choose between you and the team, I will choose the team.

CAPTAINS AND LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

SELECTION PROCESS

All interested players, 10th-12th grade, on the Varsity team are open to applying for the position of team captain. There is no set number of captains. There is a process to becoming a captain for our team including the following steps:

  1. Apply by the deadline date
  2. Confidential interview with committee of coaches and others important to the program
  3. Summer responsibilities for attendance
  4. Coordinating a service project with other applicants for our entire team to complete that helps our community in some manner
  5. Final Confidential Interview

Applications by players should include the following items:

  1. Letter of Interest – position you are applying for, your intentions, and a statement of commitment to the task
  2. Resume – name, address, sports played, academic honors, athletic honors, and miscellaneous things
  3. Statement of Goals and Plan of Action – personal and athletic

The Captains and Leadership Committee will meet with the head coach every Thursday following practice.

CAPTAINS AND LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Being a captain is a big responsibility, and captains will be the players that best handle the application and interviewing process and best represent our values as a football program. The job of a captain is not easy, but is hugely rewarding.

There are challenges for all captains to deal with, including the following:

  1. Confronting teammates for not doing what they should be doing
  2. Being held accountable by coaching staff
  3. Maintaining respect of both coaches and teammates
  4. Teammates jealous of leadership positions
  5. Making difficult decisions
  6. Expectations of being a leader despite playing time/poor playing performance
  7. Communicating with coaches on an informal

Captains, leadership committee members and coaches will work through these challenges together.

Captains are the direct liaison with the coaches. The Leadership Committee helps the Captains with all of their duties and also acts as a liaison with the coaches. The Leadership Committee as a whole has a responsibility to work together for the betterment of the team and the program.

Expectations of Captains and Leadership Committee

  1. Model of our philosophy
  2. Be essential leader on and off the field
  3. Conduit from teammates to the coaches and vice versa
  4. Model of work ethic and core values of the team
  5. Great communicator with teammates, coaches, teachers, and administrators
  6. Great advocate for himself and his teammates

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Be prepared at all times, in season and off season. Teach, correct, and affirm. Use patience and careful, planned instruction.

WE ARE BUILDING AND MOLDING YOUNG MEN

  1. We are teachers who have the last word on each given school day.
  2. We will teach what means to be a Man –based on relationships and being apart of something greater than ourselves
  3. We often have the ability to mold young men in a positive and negative way – be positive.

HAVE FUN

  1. We get to coach football and
  2. We work with young men

BE A MODEL OF OUR PHILOSOPHY

  1. Model empathy, integrity, and courage
  2. We ask a lot of our kids, we must do the same
  3. If we are not the role models for our players, who will be?
  4. Discourage alcohol and drug use
  5. Encourage academic performance and team over the individual

BE ENTHUSIASTIC

  1. Great job, enjoy it
  2. Work hard, improve yourself, improve your players

BE POSITIVE AND COACH UP YOUR PLAYERS

  1. Coach players each and every play – practice, scout team, games
  2. Coach in a firm manner, but always affirm your players

EXPECT GAME LIKE PERFORMANCE IN PRACTICE

  1. Play like you practice, practice like you play
  2. Put pressure on athletes during practice so they perform under pressure
  3. We are responsible for game night, leave nothing up to chance during the week
  4. Give everyone a chance at success

BE PREPARED

  1. Watch film, watch film, watch film
  2. Practice plans
  3. Staff Meetings
  4. Games

BE PUNCTUAL

  1. Be on time, simple enough

BE A PROFESSIONAL WITH FELLOW COACHES

  1. Talk among the staff about issues
  2. Help other staff members
  3. Be a resource for other coaches
  4. Be at staff meetings

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR THE PLAYERS