JUNIOR HIGH TEAM RULE BOOK

This is an exciting time in the school year. Football marks the end of the summer and
beginning of a new school year, especially for the athlete who loves to play this great
sport. Football is both a physically and emotionally demanding sport. To be successful,
the player MUST have DISCIPLINE and be a TEAM PLAYER! The coaching staff is
excited about being able to contribute to the discipline and team-building spirit of your
young student athlete. We are looking forward to coaching them.
In order to build and maintain team spirit and proper discipline, the coaching staff has
developed “Rules of the Game” each player is expected to understand and follow while
being a part of the experience. The rules contained in this document are designed to
protect the player and his/her families and to maintain the integrity of the team by helping
to teach each player teamwork, responsibility, and what it takes to be a winner, not
only on the football field, but for life.
We, the coaches, are committed to the athlete and we pledge to establish an
environment both on and off the field that will foster good team values.
Each student athlete and his/her parent/guardian are responsible for knowing and
understanding the information contained in this document. Noncompliance with the
rules contained here will result in disciplinary action that may range from verbal
counseling to complete dismissal from the team. Calisthenics WILL be used as a
motivational enhancement for violation of basic practice rules and may be given by the
entire coaching staff. However, severe disciplinary action will be assessed and
implemented only by the Head Coach, _______________________. The coaching staff
will be more than happy to answer any questions if there are concerns about any of this
information.

These rules may not be all inclusive. Depending on the specific circumstance, other rules may be
required to be added to general or more specific needs. All players/parents/guardians will be
informed of these changes.
 General Team Rules

Academic
Each student athlete is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and no more than one
failing grade to be eligible to play on the team. Grades will be reviewed periodically
throughout the season. As coaches, we are here to also help any athlete that needs
academic assistance. We understand that athletes may be attending tutoring sessions
BUT they are expected to notify _______________________ ahead of time and then
report to practice immediately following this. It is important for all of us to help the
athlete maintain a positive balance between the academics and sports.

Attendance
It is our expectation that EVERY athlete will be prompt and take a responsible role for
their attendance. Consequences will be given after the second tardy in the same week,
which may be in the form of restricting the player from competing in the game for that
week. If an athlete needs to be tardy for a viable reason, it is their responsibility to
PERSONALLY notify _________________________ASAP.
“Excused absences” may be approved by the coaching staff. However, TWO
UNEXCUSED absences from practice or games WILL RESULT in one week suspension
from the team. TWO ABSENCES in one week due to illness or any other reason WILL
RESTRICT that player from competing that week.

Promptness
Each player is expected to be READY to go on time for ALL aspects of team
involvement! When practices require full pads/uniforms, realize it will take the player
longer to prepare.
EACH player MUST be ON TIME for practice. This means being in proper attire
AND on the field ready to go for the first stretching exercise. The coaching staff WILL
start with the time on _________________ watch, not the player’s. Tardiness WILL
RESULT in some form of disciplinary action. PLANNING AHEAD is the BEST way
to avoid problems. The only excuse accepted for a late arrival to practice is the one
___________________ accepts.
EACH player is responsible for notifying us ahead of time if you cannot attend or will be
late for a practice for any reason. Parents/guardians are expected to pick-up their
athlete in a timely manner as well.

Teamwork/Team Conduct
Football is a TEAM sport requiring 11 players to work together to reach a common goal.
That goal is to win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is NO “I” IN the word “TEAM”.
Football is also a physical sport. It is very likely players will be injured. It is the nature
of the game. However, you are NOT out there to deliberately inflict pain or injury upon
another player.
Swearing/cursing will NOT be tolerated anywhere while you are associated with the
team. There will be NO ARGUING with any of the coaching staff or game officials.
Referees are human and will make mistakes. It is not our job to argue with them about
any call they make. Doing so will result in disciplinary action. There will be NO
MESSING around in the locker rooms. Doing so will result in disciplinary action. When
we are the visitors, we will leave the locker room there in the proper condition showing
them respect and recognizing that we represent Albritton Junior High School.
Each player is expected to give 110% during all practices and games. Remember that
you PLAY LIKE YOU PRACTICE!!! Focus and discipline during practice will
translate to the gridiron at game time.

Each player will need to:

• Treat teammates with respect.
• Treat opponents with respect: shake hands prior to and/or after contests.
• Respect judgment of contest officials, abide by rules of the contest and display no
unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Cooperate with officials, coaches and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest.
• Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing Albritton Junior
High School.
• Live up to high standards of sportsmanship established by the coaching staff and
administration.
Health and Well-Being
It is imperative that athletes hydrate themselves well in advance of practices and games to
avoid heat exhaustion, fatigue, and cramps. This means drinking water or energy drinks
(NOT soft drinks, iced tea, or anything with caffeine – caffeine causes dehydration)
before practices/games. Athletes are advised to drink at least 2-3 glasses of water two
hours before and 2 more 8oz. glasses 15-20 minutes before exercising. Adequate water
breaks will be given during practices and games.

The athlete should eat healthy meals, concentrating on a diet rich in complex
carbohydrates (fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, cereals, and pastas) in
order to conserve the body’s energy reserves and postpone the amount of time it takes to
exhaust those reserves.

Equipment
Each athlete will be assigned an area in the equipment room to use. He/she will be
responsible for properly storing their equipment during the football season and notifying
the staff of any maintenance that needs to be done to it. They are expected to use the
designated area only and leave it clean after each practice/game.

Each player is required to provide their own mouthpiece, knee length white tube socks
and cleats. Failure to have the above items at practice/game will result in additional
calisthenics and may include not playing in a game.

Consequences
As previously outlined above, consequences for failing to abide by the above rules of the
extracurricular code will be determined by the coaches, athletic director, and school
principal. These many include, but are not limited to suspension from road trips and /or
home games, or temporary or permanent suspension from the activity/team.