Three Simple Things That You Can Do For your Players

By Jim Place

Head Coach

Dayton Ponitz High School

Think of how much we ask of our players. Sometimes a coach needs to take a step back and look at himself through the eyes of his players. If you do this, ask yourself, “What am I doing for my players?” I am sure all of you can answer the question with a long list of positive experiences, but let me suggest three simple things to add to that list.

1. Write your players a thank you note. I sent it two days before graduation, but it could be sent anytime. It is a great way to end this phase of your relationship. Here is an example of one of the letters:

Dear Charles:

Congratulations on your graduation. It is something both you and your parents can be very proud of. You can also be proud of the fact that, as a member of the varsity football team, you were willing to make sacrifices necessary to set yourself apart as someone special among your classmates. I know that sometimes it was very demanding, but I am sure that some of the values you developed in football will aid you in your future. If I haven’t already done so, I want to personally thank you for the efforts you put forth.

You and your fellow seniors have left the Tiger football program in great standing. You kept alive the winning tradition. You are appreciated!

Even though you are graduating, you don’t have to become a stranger. Please come and visit both WHS and me personally. Also, if you are ever in need of a character reference, please feel free to use my name.

Charles, I wish you the best of luck in college. You have a wonderful and caring personality. You were one of the leaders of our team, and I look forward to hearing about all the success that I believe you will achieve.

2. Have a senior ceremony the last practice of the year. Most schools have a last gesture of some type, but we make our senior ceremony much more than that. Each activity has a special message and the culminating point in the character journey we hope our players have experienced as members of our team. There is nothing original in this program, and I appreciate the other coaches who have passed this type of program on to me. Here is the agenda:

--After practice, come together at the scoreboard at the end of the game field. Each senior picks an underclassman to conduct his last hit:  block and tackle. These signify that Friday will be his last hits as a TIGER football player.

--After last hits, we move to the fire area. Each senior will carry a piece of a TIGER uniform that will be given to him. He will then address the team, “What playing for the TIGERS” means to him. He will then drop his piece on the pile. This signifies the last time the seniors will ever but on the TIGER jersey.

--After all comments, the coaches will throw a match on the pile. The alma mater will be played during the fire.

--After the alma mater, everyone returns to the stadium where in complete silence the seniors line up on the 10-yard line and run 4 plays. This is the last time this group will ever work together as a unit on the practice field.

--After the four plays have been run, the seniors will line up on the far side of the field to receive a “last hit” from Coach Place. At this time, the underclassmen will form a tunnel into the locker room door. Assistant coaches will be at the beginning and end of the line. Give each player a handshake and applause. This is our “Thank You”.

  --Seniors will have the locker room to themselves for 20 minutes.

3. Have a Mother/Son picnic or dance. This event has three purposes:

--Bring team together to create a special bond with each other.

--Remind players of the special place their mom or special female has in their

lives.

--Create a positive relationship between you and your football moms. I have a strong belief that the first time that you meet a parent should not be in a discipline situation.

After we eat we do three things:

--Each player walks around with this mom and introduces her to all the other moms and tells them one special thing about his mom.

--Each player gets up in front of the entire group and tells special things about his mom.

--I will make a few comments about the upcoming season, pass out our character cards and challenge them to create a family culture.

An invitation is sent to each mom:

Tiger Football

Moms (or special female) Picnic

What: A picnic for all the Tiger football players and their Moms or special females in their lives. This is a chance to come together and meet the other Moms. It is also a time for mother-son bonding. No business, just a relaxing, fun event.

When: Sunday, May 5, 3:00 to 5:00pm

Rain or shine – we will go in the gym if it rains.

Where: Withrow High School. We will use the school grounds and the park beside the school.

How: Coach Place and his wife Joanie will provide the beverages, table settings, hot dogs, hamburgers and buns.

Each player and his mom should bring:

1.     Lawn chairs or something to sit on.

2.     A side dish to share with everyone. Please bring a salad, dessert or chips. We will set up a serving table for everyone to go through.

About the Author:

Jim Place has been an educator for 46 years. He is a member of the Ohio High Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He now teaches 9 different character education classes at the University of Dayton. If you would like more information on any of these topics, please feel free to visit his website, www.jimplaceservices.com or email rjplace5@gmail.com.

He was also just named the head coach at Dayton Ponitz High School.