What most people are not aware of is the importance of preparation and practice. We have limited time to implement plays, schemes and teach fundamentals.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP;

1 Be punctual and prepared for practice. Make sure your son is fully dressed and ready by start time. Bring plenty of water for breaks and a towel or cold wash cloth.

2 Make sure your son is hydrated properly and has not eaten for at least 1 hour prior to practice. Hydration is key to performance and focus. 

3 Pay attention to what the coaches are teaching. Every practice will be planned by the head coach, they have extremely limited time to teach everything that has to be taught. You can help by reinforcing lessons at home. Help your son fire out of that 3 point stance, if a playbook is distributed - go over position assignments for your son. REINFORCE WHAT THE COACH IS TEACHING. 

4 Let the coaching staff coach. Stay off the practice field unless asked to help and refrain from conversing with coaches during practice time. You will have time after each practice to address questions, concerns or just socialize. The coaches have a lot to do in a short period of time, please respect them and understand that they volunteer their efforts.

5 Encourage all the players. Keep all comments positive and help set a good example. Discipline, integrity, character and respect are key tenets of the Pop Warner system. These principles will be reinforced by the coaching staff. 

6 Never criticize the coaches, officials, opponents or fans. Abusive language and cursing will not be tolerated. Keep in mind that this is a youth sport governed and administered by volunteers. Mistakes will be made. If you have a problem, please address your coach first, after practice away from the athletes.

7 Be responsible for family members and friends who attend games and practices.

 

8 Do not smoke or consume alcohol at the park, in the parking lot or at any team function.

 

9 VOLUNTEER! football demands  much more than coaching. Volunteers are always needed for concessions, set-up / clean-up, fund raising, etc.... If you are interested in getting involved, tell your head coach and he will put you in touch with our volunteer coordinator.

 

10 Report violations or poor conduct to the coaching staff or a board member.

Parents, please make sure all players come to practice with plenty of water. Coaches will break practice at frequent intervals to give the athletes time for cool down and drink fluids.  Other helpful items are cold wash cloths, ice gel packs and just a good dry towel help during these breaks. 

Remember, hydration starts well before practice. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that 75% of youth athletes start a sport dehydrated to a certain level. Make sure that your child is drinking water at regular intervals at least two weeks prior to the first practice and that you maintain this regiment throughout the season.

The payoff will be increased focus, better performance and a more enjoyable experience for your child.