Parent “Huddle Handbook”

BUILDING CHARACTER THROUGH FOOTBALL 

A competitive contest represents a challenge that involves planning, preparation, practice, competing, winning or losing, reasoning, and finally, regrouping; a process we repeat over and over in our lives.

The philosophy of our football program is to provide a competitive opportunity for young men under the competent leadership of qualified coaches while offering young men the opportunity to develop valuable human skills necessary for success in life.  Fenwick football will continue to strive for excellence, participation, and community support to continue our winning tradition.  

Code of Conduct: As recognized representatives of BFHS, members of the Fenwick football program require that all players display a high level of mature conduct, respect, integrity, and etiquette in the classroom, and the community.  The football program’s image is a reflection of your actions.  Everyone must uphold our football program and BFHS's reputation.  Members of the team engaging in any behaviors that cast an adverse reflection on this football program will receive disciplinary action.

Communication: Communication is very important.  Coaches have an open-door policy but we want you to talk to your son first.  No parent of a player should approach coaches before, during, or after a practice or game to discuss an issue.  Parents/Guardians should discuss all issues with your son first, and then contact the assistant coach if necessary.  After talking to your son, parents may request to talk to their position  coach with a scheduled meeting time.  If the issues have not been resolved, then the head coach will intervene.  If the issues are still not resolved, then the Athletic Director will be consulted.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches:

• The treatment of your child, mentally and physically

• Ways to help your child improve

• Concerns about your child’s behavior

Issues NOT Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches:

• Playing time

• Team strategy/play calling

• Other student-athletes

Transportation: Teams will travel by bus to games.  All school rules apply when traveling.  Players are expected to take good care of the bus and be courteous to the driver.  When a bus is provided for a football team, ALL team members must ride on the bus to and from the game.

Eligibility Requirements: No student is permitted to participate in the athletic program without the consent of his parents, and a current yearly physical examination.  All paperwork must be completed and turned in to participate via FINAL FORMS.

OHSAA Academic Requirements: Any athlete who does not meet the eligibility policy of the OHSAA is automatically ineligible for an entire quarter.  Eligibility for each grading period is determined by grades received in the preceding grading period.  Semester and yearly grades do not affect OHSAA eligibility.  To be eligible, a student-athlete must be currently enrolled in a member school and have received passing grades in a minimum of five one-credit courses, or the equivalent, in the immediately preceding grading period.  For more information go to:  http://www.ohsaa.org/eligibility/EligibilityGuide.pdf

AS ALWAYS, STATE (OHSAA) ELIGIBILITY IS DETERMINED SOLELY based on 4TH QUARTER GRADES for the Fall sports.

BFHS Academic Requirements: Under Construction

Team Placement:

Freshman Team: PENDING NUMBERS: The purpose of the 9th-grade football team is to develop players for the junior varsity level.  Playing time is NOT guaranteed.  All participants will play in each contest if possible, but not necessarily on an equal basis with all other payers.  Players have different skill levels, attitudes, and levels of commitment, and these factors will be considered in earning playing time.  If frosh numbers are inadequate, players will compete in the Junior Varsity team, while if applicable playing in specific Junior Varsity B games.

Junior Varsity Team: The purpose of JV football is to develop players for the varsity level.  All participants will play in each contest if possible, but not necessarily on an equal basis with all other payers.  Players have different skill levels, attitudes, and levels of commitment, and these factors will be considered in earning playing time.  Varsity players may be told to play down to get more game exposure and repetitions or to regain self-confidence.

Varsity Team:  A program for our most elite football players.  Playing time is given to those with the most athletic skill, the most determined attitude toward athletic endeavor, the most consistent and demonstrable commitment to the sport, and the ability to compete under pressure.

Lettering:

 To Earn your Letter:  You must first earn the right to receive it

• It is a seal of recognition from Bishop Fenwick High School signifying your athletic achievement

• You have paid for your letter with time, effort, sweat, and sacrifice

• your letter represents long hard days of practice, the games you played, and the hard work you put into the off-season 

• your letter represents loyalty and pride to Bishop Fenwick HS 

• Your letter represents the purposes and the ideals for which Bishop Fenwick HS stands for. 

• Your letter should be a constant reminder of unforgettable memories and friendships.  Take pride in what you have earned.

To earn a varsity letter, players must contribute during varsity contests: offense, defense or special teams.  Coaches may also make lettering decisions based on their discretion – considering factors such as attitude, work ethic, and behavior.

Captains: Team captains are chosen by the players each off-season.  Captains are relied on to communicate between coaches and players and provide necessary leadership and organizational duties.  Weekly Captains are included at the discretion of the coaching staff.

Uniforms: Players are responsible for the care of their football equipment and uniforms.  If a piece of equipment needs fixed please talk to a coach.  Uniforms are to be turned in WASHED after the season.  Uniforms are to be turned in on the required turn-in date.  Any cloth lost or not turned in is the financial responsibility of the player.  It can become a major hassle with irresponsibility in the department.  Inventory is very important and must be completed promptly.