South Elgin High School Football

Program Expectations

and Overview

Coaching Philosophy

• Respect of my players is a must. The first part of gaining the respect of my players is to gain respect of the student body in the classroom. This can only be done with a devotion to student success by establishing proper organization, discipline, and teaching techniques. I believe the better the classroom teacher you are the better coach you will be.

• Football is fun. Even when it doesnt feel fun, it is more fun than 95% of the other things going on in this world. Find ways to make it enjoyable for the players.

• 99% of players like discipline. If handled judiciously and fairly, it will contribute to our winning, and the perception the players have of us. They do not like harassment. Discipline breeds success, harassment breeds contempt.

• The most important element of a team is morale. Players have to be “in to” what they are doing. In modern society keeping them happy is an instant gratification issue. Our players are used to getting anything they want when they want. When it comes to life, whether it is music, information, or otherwise our players are not used to waiting for anything. This cultural issue is one that we have minimal control over. Our options are to fight culture within our team, or find ways to provide small amounts of instant gratification. It is our belief that discipline, well-earned pride and a high degree of selflessness contribute to achieving a desirable morale.

Coaching Philosophy

• My goal is to instill a passion for the game of football into each one of my players and the school community.

• To help each player set personal and team goals and push them to meet those through a disciplined effort.

• To earn success by working hard and making individual sacrifices for the good of the team.• To establish a family that pulls together for each other and can be counted on in good and

tough times.• I believe football gives young men an outlet to be risk takers in a healthy arena and they will

learn how to deal with successes and failures with class and grace. • My hope is that our team will play with passion and pride, and leave a legacy of success for

future players. • Championships are decided on the “little things.” Thus, meticulous attention must be paid to

the relatively obscure aspects of the program. • Simplicity should be one of the greatest guides in helping our selection when it comes to the

technical aspects of the game. • Anything that applies to our players regarding attitude, character, and morale must be

emulated by the coaches at all times. • A great rapport with my staff, administration, the other coaching staffs in school, and

community is vital. A coach is no stronger then the people who surround him.

Program Foundation and Characteristics

• 1. Football is a game of habits. Repetition and practice will develop and maintain successful habits.

• 2. There is a purpose to everything we do- we must work together to get better each day.

• 3. We will do the little things extremely well: attention to detail is a must.• 4. We must develop mental toughness- allow nothing to interfere with our goal.• 5. We will build a tremendous sense of team, spirit, unity, and pride.• 6. We must learn to compete with each other, ourselves, and with the game.• 7. Great players are self-made: each individual must make that commitment to

and sustain the drive and excel.• 8. Teamwork is the essence of life. Learn your role and strive to become excellent

playing it.• 9. We will play the game with intensity, intelligence, and aggressiveness- “Nobody Plays Harder”

• 10. There is no substitute for Hard Work.

Little Goals to Meet the Major Goals

• Strong leadership

• Become a team

• Great offseason

• Increase overall team strength and speed

• Be accountable

• Practice Harder than our opponent

• Be Positive at all times

Team Major Goals• Immediate Goals for our Program• 1. To combine athletic excellence with academic success.• 2. To have our players play with passion, pride, and

enthusiasm. • 3. To have success at the conference and state level• 4. Improve Everyday- as a student, player,

and person.• Long Range Goals • 1. Conference Championship• 2. State Championship• 3. Produce College Football Players

5 Components of a Team Member

• Enthusiasm- We must burn with hunger and drive for excellence. We must never be satisfied with anything but our very best efforts. We will be relentless in our pursuit to accomplish our mission.

• Accountability-To the team (players, coaches, and support personnel) and the school in its entirety.

• Gratitude- we must be thankful for the opportunity to be able to be part of a team and participate in athletics. Never take this for granted.

• Loyalty- in our teammates, in our coaches, in our system. There must me an unyielding belief and resilient faith in all phases of our program.

• Esteem- have confidence in your program we will prepare, above and beyond the will to win. We will never be outworked….there is nothing more to say.

Five Elements for Success

• 1. Possess a great work ethic• 2. Know how to prepare, compete, and win.• 3. Possess extreme amounts of mental

toughness. • 4. Know how to absorb adversity and drive

on. • 5. Be a man of integrity, character, and honor.• 6. Make a positive impact.

A South Elgin Player Will:• Be on time! Every team has one thing exactly

even, 24 hours in a day. Being on time actually means arriving 5 minutes early and waiting to begin.

• Practice and Play Hard• Be Well Conditioned and Strong• Be Disciplined and Intelligent• Learn and understand what a “Team” is!

• No Criticism of others will be tolerated• Have Pride in the school and the

Program

Player Evaluation• One of our roles as coaches is to decide who plays, how much each

player plays, and when they play. These decisions are primarily in the hands of the position coaches with input from the coordinator and the head coach.

• We would rather play you a “week late” rather than a “week early”. This means that we would rather have you “totally” ready to play rather than “not quite” ready.

• Many aspects make up the criteria for deciding who plays and when. Position, depth, and circumstances certainly play a part. Ultimate criteria comes down to the following:• Confidence in the player• Confidence in the player’s ability to do what he is supposed to do• The player’s ability and potential to make a big play within the system• Consistency of performance• LeadershipThese five criteria will determine who plays and how much the player plays.

We evaluated each player daily in our staff meetings. We are aware that everyone wants to play and so we are as careful as humanly possible to be fair in all of our evaluations. You must remember that practice is the major way to demonstrate your level competency

Evaluations every day, every way.

Player Awards

• Weekly Awards

• Defensive Player of the

Week

• Offensive Player of the

Week

• Special Teams Player of

the Week

• Scout team player of the

Week

• End of the Year Awards

• Most Valuable Player

• Toughest Player

• Scout Team Player of the

Year

• Offensive Player of the Year

• Defensive Player of the year

• Special teams Player of the

Year

• Academic excellence Award

• Iron Man Award

Meetings

• 1. Be on time

• 2. Bring playbook and all required materials.

• 3. Be taped and dressed before position meetings

except for shoulder pads and helmets.

• 4. You should watch film of our opponents during your

free time to prepare.

• 5. Be prepared to for testing throughout the season.

Leadership Council• Our team captain is the highest representative honor a man can

hold on this team. It brings with it responsibilities to his teammates, his coaches, and this program. It means he has been chosen to lead and to represent a very select group in the most competitive of sports.

• When you select your captains, remember to ask; is this the man I want to represent what I stand for? Is this the man I want to lead me to another level athletically? Is this the man I want to represent our team in public and with the media? If you are chosen to be our captain, your on the field performance must be exemplary. Your attitude about our team must be one that everyone admires. Your leadership must inspire others, and you character must symbolize our team’s character.

• Your responsibilities include game-day decision making, team representation with the media, decision making with the coaches, policymaking and enforcement, procedures, daily practice leadership, pre-meal grace, and program wide representation as our spokesman and leader. • This is a great honor and only the most honorable should be

chosen

Squad Membership

• Quitting is a bad habit to start. We want our

players to see things through. At the end of

the season is the only acceptable time to quit

the team. Anyone that quits at another time

is letting the team, coaches, and himself

down..

Attendance Procedures We believe that for our athletes to be successful it is essential that they attend all

scheduled practices and behave in a positive manner as outlined in our Storm Traits. We would like to believe this will never be an issue. If the time comes where these beliefs are tested then we will apply the following guidelines as needed.

• If missing practice due to schoolwork, the athlete must bring a pass from the teacher that they have been working with, to practice to be excused. It will not be excused if they do not check in with a coach before the end of practice. Make attempt to meet before school with teachers. Are you utilizing your Study Hall/Free time efficiently????

• If your athlete has to miss a practice we will need a parent contact before the end of the school day . You must contact the head coach for each level by e-mail or a phone message even if you notify the attendance office.

• The athlete is also expected to be in attendance at the designated times for all meetings, practices and games. If they are injured they must still attend all team activities to earn the end of the year award.

Excused vs. UnexcusedExcused Absence

•Illness

•Family Emergency

•Death in Family

•  Going home sick/calling in sick

• Court (must notify coach in advance)

•  College Visit

•  Religious Traditions (notify coach in

advance)

•  Dentist/Doctor Appt. (Bring note when

you return to practice)

Unexcused Absence

• Babysitting

• Work

• Vacations

• No Ride

• Detention

• Overslept

• Anything not excused

Attendance Consequences

• 1 unexcused Absence = 1 game suspension (the next game),

a phone call to parents will be made

• 2 unexcused Absences = Another game suspension, a phone

call to your parents will be made

• 3 unexcused Absences = Meeting with Athletic Director to

discuss removal from the program for the rest of the season.

• Attendance is mandatory for all practices, meetings, games,

and team functions.

Academics & BehaviorThe IHSA identifies participants in their sports programs as student / athletes.

In our program we echo these sentiments. The student comes before the athlete. An athlete’s participation is earned. This will be monitored by the athletic office and relayed to the appropriate level head coach each week. The coaches will be responsible to relay the information on to each student.

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• Athletes will be passing a minimum of 5 classes each week ( U-46 )

• Athletes on the varsity should strive to make academic all-conference (3.5 GPA)

• Athletes will participate in their classes, and submit work on time.

• Athletes will seek extra help from their teachers if not performing well.

• Athletes that are academically ineligible will be expected to try to meet with that teacher daily for extra help before they come to practice. They must have documentation from that teacher. They are still expected to come to practice and participate.

• Athletes that are academically ineligible two weeks in a row may be subject to further interventions. This may also result in losing the privilege of being part of the team.

• Athletes that become at risk students may be required to carry a “weekly academic checklist” that will help us monitor and

motivate that student.

• All student athletes are required to follow the IHSA and U-46 Code of Conduct

24/7/365.

Injury Policy• Our policy is that you cannot lose your position due to an

injury up to a point. That point is when your replacement is performing at a higher level than you were performing at before your injury. To keep this an objective decision, the position coach, coordinator, and head coach must agree that the replacement is performing at a higher level than the injured player. • As a team we have taken a position that we are

accountable for each other, therefore it is your responsibility to make sure your teammates and coaches have the feeling that you are doing everything possible on and off the field to get back on the field and help the team.

• Remember the only constant that is used to judge you is your behavior. How you act will create a perception by the other groups involved. If you want this team to have the highest degree of trust, then you must act like you trust them.

Injury Policy• Injured players will wear the maximum

amount of gear allowed by the trainer and participate as much as possible. Players do not get treatment during practice and are never out in street clothes. At the very least they are out in practice clothes.

• The training staff will determine if you are one of the three classifications

• Out- Full equipment and involved in practice taking mental reps.

• Limited participation- Full Equipment and participate in all drills and team situations approved by training staff. Yellow Jersey

• Full participation- approval by training staff to participate in practice.

Equipment Requirements• You are responsible for every item that

has been issued to you. If you misplace an item you will be assessed a fine.

• If you lose or damage an item let your coach know and we will replace it.

• Do not cut or alter any of the equipment. You will be charged to replace it.

• All equipment must meet league regulations.

• All equipment will be checked and fixed before entering the practice or game field.

• Equipment issues should not be addressed last minute before a game.

Locker Room Policy1. Keep your locker room clean. Any

equipment left out at the end of the day will be picked up and stored in the equipment room. Your position coach will be notified and a fine will be issued for repeat offenders.

2. Keep items locked at all times3. Keep your lockers clean4. Captains are responsible for the locker room.5. No Horseplay will be allowed in the locker

room.6. We will issue the cleanest locker award

throughout the season.

Team Travel• When we are traveling for one reason only! This is to win a football game• Transportation-The entire team will be required to travel on the bus. We ride to the game together and come

home together. • Any player that misses the bus and still makes it to the game will not start and will play at the coach’s discretion. • As a member of our program, we expect you to show proper respect wherever we might travel. Show the utmost

respect for the bus driver by saying hello and thanks as you enter and leave the bus. Clean up all of your trash.

• Dress-Will be determined prior to each trip by the head coach. • Visiting Guest or Family-No player will be allowed to entertain guests in his room. All guests will be entertained in

the lobby, in a designated area. We will concentrate all of our energy on defeating the enemy and visit with family and friends after the game.

• Meetings- Be on time• Bed Check-Coaches/Team Council will handle.• No Radio’s- use of personal music player only on the bus.• Meals- Attendance is Mandatory.• Room Service- None allowed• Phones- all hotel phones are off limits for outgoing calls.• Behavior- Have a disciplined, mature, and organized approach to victory.• All game gear must be turned in after the game. Fines will be issued when necessary.• Do not take anything from the hotel• IPods are allowed as you enter the locker room before the game, you should be relaxed but serious about your

game preparation. • Once we begin the 60 minute countdown to kickoff, absolutely no cell phones are allowed to be used. • Do not leave valuables unattended. •

Game Conduct• Pre-game warm ups are

serious. Do not worry about the opposition.

• Do not talk with anyone in the stands.

• Concentrate on your assignments and game plan.

• Always hustle on and off of the field.

• After a series report to the bench for instruction from your coach.

• Keep your head in the game at all times whether you are playing or not.

• Anticipate your responsibilities.

• You never know when your chance to be a hero will come.

• Nobody talks to the officials besides the captains when directed and the head coach.

• Never show that you are upset with an officials call, leave that to the head coach.

• Any player that receives a personal foul for misconduct will automatically come out of the game. Because of the players actions, they run the risk of not returning to the game.

• After a touchdown make sure to hand the ball back to the referee.

• Win or Lose be first class.

Practice

• Be early• Respect the indoor facility( no spitting, seeds, gum)

• Do not leave tape or any garbage on the field after practice

• No jewelry• Understand and adhere to the tempos

• Shadow-most common tempo. This means no contact-the defender will “shadow” the offensive player

• Thud- This tempo will be used in situations where minimal contact is needed upfront. OL/DL two live steps to fit and disengage. The ball carrier will be wrapped up but never taken to the ground.

• Live- this tempos is full go except the Qb. Qb is never live unless stated clearly by the head coach. No one should come within a 2 yard box of a QB when he is throwing.

Practice Expectations• When you arrive on the field, you are ready to work• We run from drill to drill- No Walking! We cannot

afford to waste time.• Veterans should always be first in drill• Practice hard on every rep, every day.• Do things right- create good habits• We will keep a win loss record during practice.• Leave everything on the practice field every day, and

that way you know you have done your best.• “Win the war then fight the war”

Tardiness• If you have an unexcused tardy to a meeting, practice, weight room workout, study hall, or

training room session you have earned 500 yards of up downs after practice.

• To be on time is to be 5 minutes Early

• The quickest way to get fired is to be late.

• Meeting Times are always communicated and posted.

• 1st Tardy= 5oo Yards of Up downs

• 2nd Tardy= 1000 Yards of Up downs

• 3rd Tardy= Breakfast Club

• Discipline is a major part of building a CHAMPIONSHIP football team. • Do what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed to do it, the way you are supposed

to do it, and do it that way every time and you will never have a problem in the program.

Academic Study Hall• Our Goal is to continually improve the retention of the

football players, our team grade point average, and the graduation rate of the football program.

• Any player that is on the eligibility warning list or below a 2.5 cumulative GPA will be responsible for attending Academic Study hall two nights per week after practice.

• Attendance will be taken by one of the coaches.• Rules

• Be on time• Act Right• No Cell Phones• No Music• Computers will be allowed for the completion of

Academic work only, if you are working on anything else, you will be asked to leave and you will need to make up the study hall session.

Breakfast Club

• Days of Breakfast club will be up to the discretion of the head coach. This will be led by the coordinator/Position coach of the player that qualifies for Breakfast Club.

• If any player on the team is unexcused from practice, weight room, study table, training room or class he will be responsible for attending Breakfast Club.

• You will participate in the 6 am 1000 yard workout with the head coach.

• If you manage to earn three breakfast club sessions and seem to have problems with your accountability we will have a meeting with your parents to discuss your future in the program.

• If you do not complete the Assigned Breakfast Club Opportunity, you will be suspended from the team until you complete this task.

College Recruitment • My goal is persuade all of my players to play at the next level. I believe

there is a college for every type of player if he loves the game.

• Create a spreadsheet outlining player strengths and send it out to via email as many coaches as possible.

Develop a rapport with a variety of college coaches that is based on trust.

• Provide all players with the necessary paperwork and expectations to ensure that they can make an educated decision on their goals for playing college football.

• Provide players with opportunities to visit local campuses during a game day.

• Provide players with opportunities to meet with visiting coaches.• Provide films to college coaches upon request and to use our networks to

showcase our players talents.• Provide players access to accountable recruitment services. • Create a player profile sheet and send it to the schools that players are

interested in and other established collegiate programs. • Remind the player that his primary reason for going to college is to pursue

a life career. Education should be the most important consideration.

Off Season• As a three sport athlete my entire life, I truly understand the difficulty

of balancing all commitments and I appreciate my players who play multiple sports.

• Summertime is critical for the development of a program and I will utilize all 25 contact dates.

• With this in mind it is critical to meet with all other coaches and develop an agreement to work out a plan for multisport athletes.

• Provide all players with numerous opportunities to sharpen their skill set.

• Leadership council will play a major role in the off season workouts. • I urge all of my players to compete in the offseason and stay involved

in school activities. • Information will be provided to all players about the following

opportunities• Weight Room Training• Speed Training• Individual and Team Camp opportunities• Combine and other showcases

Strength and Conditioning Philosophy• The goals of this manual are going to be

specific to the needs of our program. There will be both seat and science involved.

• Football Specific-• This workout will not make you a body

builder, nor will it make you a successful power lifter. It is important to take into consideration WHAT you are training for. That is why our program is comprehensive in its development to include weight training, plyometric, speed and agility, and football skills training.

Strength and Conditioning Philosophy• Order of the

exercises is specific• We have systematically

added exercises that train non-workout dominant muscle groups for the following reasons.

• Recovery time for the major muscle group

• Develop Daily interaction between specific muscle groups that will be used in a daily development on the football field.

• Daily Breakdown• Though you may feel

like you are working certain muscle groups on repeating days, this is a false/positive statement. Though you may be working a targeted muscle on consecutive days, you will be working different movements of the muscle group

Strength and Conditioning Philosophy• Non-Weight Movements

• These movements are crucial to our development as athletes. Certain exercises take advantage our body’s natural positioning to create a force that strengthen muscles without overloading them. These movements can create gains in joint strength and flexibility, muscle thickness, and quick twitch neuromuscular development that cannot be equaled in weight training.

• Shocking the muscle system• Muscle movements are

very habitual. Certain muscle groups need to be stimulated in different manners to continue to grow. That is why our workouts will change on a regular basis

Questions ??

• Email Coach Pistorio

sehsfootballcoach@gmail.com