PROGRAM
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
PROGRAM
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
The John Jay Soccer Program strives for excellence, aiming for League 1-A, Section I, Regional, and NYSPHSAA State Championships while preparing players for college athletics and scholarships. Success, however, extends beyond wins—it requires character, confidence, and sportsmanship from every athlete.
The Players Expectation Guide outlines the values and standards that define our program’s culture. These principles aren’t rigid rules but essential guidelines to help players grow as athletes, teammates, and students, ensuring both personal and program-wide success.
≡ Be Respectful at All Times
Being a John Jay Soccer player means holding yourself to a high standard on and off the pitch. Respect is at the heart of our program's culture.
We show respect to everyone involved in our game and community: teammates, coaches, teachers, officials, and opponents alike. As representatives of John Jay, players are also expected to take pride in and care for all facilities we use, including fields, team spaces, and storage areas. Excellent sportsmanship is required at all times.
≡ Compete at All Times
Success in the John Jay Soccer Program relies on daily effort, dedication, and accountability.
Lineups, tactics, and player rotations are determined entirely by the coaching staff. Players are always welcome to discuss their progress and playing time directly with coaches. To foster player accountability and growth, parents should not engage coaches in discussions regarding playing time or positions.
Time on the field is continuously earned through practice attendance, fitness, performance, and overall commitment. On the Varsity team, roles generally fall into starting, rotational, or situational capacity. Moving between these tiers requires ongoing effort and self-improvement. Every roster spot plays a vital role in our success, and player support from the sidelines is just as crucial as performance on the pitch.
≡ Set a Good Example
Great programs are built on strong leadership and positive energy. We look to our upperclassmen and returning veterans to set the tone daily through their actions, attitude, and effort.
Growth happens when players support one another. We expect high energy at every training session and match, centered around constant encouragement. Bringing down a teammate is never acceptable; we build each other up to reach our potential together.
≡ Commitment to the Program
As ambassadors of John Jay High School, players are held to high standards of conduct on and off the field. Joining this program is a commitment to uphold the values of our school, coaching staff, and community.
Timeliness demonstrates respect for the team. Players should arrive 15 minutes early for practices and 60 minutes early for games. If a player expects to be late or absent due to illness or an unavoidable conflict, they must contact their coach directly well ahead of time. Communicating through parents or teammates is discouraged.
Mastery of skills and physical conditioning require extra effort outside of team sessions. Off-field preparation directly impacts on-field performance. Playing time and positional assignments are determined by the coach based on continuous effort, commitment, attitude, and skill execution.
≡ Healthy Lifestyle
Representing John Jay Soccer requires players to protect their bodies and performance. Student-athletes must commit to healthy nutrition, proper sleep and recovery, and zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs.
Player safety extends to the parking lot. Any player driving on campus must operate their vehicle responsibly and adhere strictly to the 5 mph speed limit at John Jay High School.
Success on match day starts with mental discipline. Players are expected to arrive at every practice, team function, and game focused, mentally prepared, and ready to perform at their absolute best.
≡ Be Prepared at All Times
Meeting the standards of John Jay Soccer requires effort beyond our daily fall practices. Players are expected to maintain their sharpest form through home workouts, club participation, and off-season training to remain competitive for roster spots and playing time.
Preparation is mental as well as physical. Coaches will assign videos, film analysis, and supplementary readings throughout the season. Every player on the roster must complete these assignments. Roles within the team evolve rapidly, and every athlete is expected to stay fully prepared to execute our game plan at any moment.
≡ Social Media
Student-athletes must recognize that their personal social media accounts are visible to the public, media, college recruiters, and opponents.
Players are required to exercise mature judgment online. Content, comments, or images that reflect unfavorably on the school district, John Jay High School, or the soccer program are strictly prohibited. Before sharing anything online, ask yourself if it upholds the values and standards of our team. You are responsible for your digital footprint at all times.