THE TERRA NOVA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER’S GUIDELINES TO
TIGER PRIDE – DISCIPLINE
and
VICTORY
DISCIPLINE YOURSELF … AND NOBODY ELSE WILL HAVE TO
COACHABILITY - PUNCTUALITY
COOPERATION – RESPONSIBILITY
RELIABILITY – ACCOUNTABILITY
THE “DO RIGHT” RULE
IS IN EFFECT 24 hours A DAY – 7 days A WEEK – 365 days A YEAR … ALL 4 YEARS!!
ALL DECISIONS REGARDING THESE PLAYER GUIDELINES ARE MADE AT THE
DISCRETION OF THE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH.
TERRA NOVA TIGER CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TRADITION
FRESHMAN
CHAMPIONSHIPS
1969
1972
1973
1977
1999*
2000*
2004*
2007*
2010
*UNDEFEATED
SEASON vs
INDEPENDENT
SCHEDULE
JUNIOR VARSITY
CHAMPIONSHIPS
1969
1973
1976
1979
1984
1988
1992
1994
1998
2000
2003
2005
2008
2010
2015
1972
1974
1977
1980
1986
1989
1993
1995
1999
2001
2004
2006
2009
2011
VARSITY
CHAMPIONSHIPS
1975
1980
1982
1991
1995
2001
2009
2011
2013
1977
1981
1988
1994
1996
2002
2010
2012
CCS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
1982
1988
2010
2014
IMPORTANT FOOTBALL PROGRAM PHONE NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES
Parents please remember … when your son is absent from school … phone BOTH the attendance office AND the coach!
Terra Nova H.S. (main switchboard)
Coach Adams (Varsity Football)
Coach Piccolotti (JV Football)
Coach Thomas (Freshman Football)
Coach’s Office Fax Machine
Terra Nova Attendance Office
(650) 550-7600
(650) 550-7645
[email protected]
TBA
[email protected]
(650) 550-7616
(650) 550-7683 or (650) 550-7685
TERRA NOVA HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS
FOOTBALL PROGRAM DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES
IT TAKES PRIDE, MATURITY AND COMMITMENT
TO EARN THE PRIVILEGE OF BECOMING
A TERRA NOVA TIGER FOOTBALL PLAYER.
INTRODUCTION
In that “championship football” requires great commitment, effort, responsibility and concentration
from it’s’ participants, the following guidelines shall apply to ALL those individuals involved in the
Terra Nova High School Football Program … without exception!!
It is assumed by the coaching staff, that all participating players and their parent/guardian have
read, acknowledged and accepted the guidelines as stated in this booklet. Prior to participating in
the Terra Nova High School Football Program, each player must have a TEAM RULES
ACKOWLEDGEMENT FORM (included on the Football Form Supplement), signed and dated by
the player and parent/guardian, on file with the coaching staff.
BASIC CONCEPTS & PHILOSOPHY:
The application of and decisions regarding these guidelines are done at the discretion of the head
football coach. Any situation not specifically covered by these guidelines will also be handled and
adjudicated at the discretion of the head football coach.
All of the guidelines and expectations presented in this booklet stem from the basic fundamental
“DO RIGHT RULE” …
“DO RIGHT RULE”
The Terra Nova football coaches make the assumption that all Terra Nova football players know
the difference between “right and wrong”. Terra Nova football players are always expected to make
the “right” decision in relation to matters of behavior, discipline and academics. If a player makes a
“wrong” decision in relation to behavior, discipline or academics, the coaching staff will assume
that it was a conscious decision on the part of the athlete to do so … and the athlete will therefore
be held accountable for willfully making a “wrong” decision. Accountability can range from being
counseled and or reprimanded by the head coach … denial of playing or practice time …
suspension or dismissal from the team … expulsion from the football program … all to be decided
at the discretion of the head football coach.
The “DO RIGHT RULE” is in effect 24 hours a day … both on and off campus … for the
duration of a student/athlete’s participation in the Terra Nova Football Program.
•
Football championships are won by “special” people … a championship football player must
be a disciplined person … we must be a disciplined team.
•
In order to be a disciplined team, every player must adhere to the guidelines set forth in this
packet. An athletic team cannot win championships with “individuals” … nor does a team
win championships with common people. The Terra Nova Football Program requires
student/athletes who will sacrifice their personal welfare for the betterment of the team.
Athletes who wish to stand out or draw attention to themselves as “individuals” will not be
allowed to participate.
“INDIVIDUAL” RIGHTS NEVER SUPERCEDE “TEAM” RIGHTS
•
The Terra Nova High School Football Program is based on PRIDE, COMMON SENSE,
GOOD CITIZENSHIP, RESPECT, LOYALTY and ACADEMICS … we are not a “win at all
cost” football program.
•
An athlete wishing to join the Terra Nova High School Football Program must first commit to
proper and appropriate behavior on and off the campus … must promote a feeling of pride,
loyalty and respect for his team, school, community, family, faculty and administration …
coupled with the understanding that his primary purpose at Terra Nova High School is to be
an excellent student/citizen … his secondary purpose is to play football.
•
An athlete’s decision is not whether he wants to adhere to these disciplinary guidelines …
but whether or not he wishes to join the team. Once an athlete chooses to join the team, his
decision in terms of these disciplinary guidelines has already been made.
•
An athlete who chooses to lie, cheat, steal, sneak or perform poorly academically has no
place in the Terra Nova Football Program.
TERRA NOVA FOOTBALL PROGRAM
TEAM GOALS
The Terra Nova High School Football Program consists of three levels of competition …
FRESHMAN, JUNIOR VARSITY and VARSITY.
The primary goal of this three level program is to provide an enjoyable, competitive football
experience for those youngsters who voluntarily choose to participate. The Football Program is
designed to ensure that a young man who remains in the program for four years will grow
physically, mentally and socially … will appropriately mature as a student, citizen, athlete and
person. Through a player’s four year commitment … RESPONSIBILITY, COOPERATION,
SELFLESSNESS, RELIABILITY, COMMITMENT, GOAL SETTING, WORK ETHIC, LOYALTY and
ACOUNTABILITY will be learned.
The athlete and his family will learn that expectations of an athlete are greater than those for nonathletes in the general student body … and that the athlete will held accountable for any failure
to meet those lofty expectations.
In general, the expectations are as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be on time … being early is better
Pay attention to your teachers and your coaches
Be at school every day … all day
Be at practice every day … plan ahead to meet your commitment
Earn A’s, B’s and C’s on your report card … never D’s or F’s
Adhere to the “DO RIGHT RULE” at all times
Specific FRESHMAN TEAM GOALS include:
•
Introduce young athletes and their families to the demands of high school athletics.
•
Insure that the athlete understands the connection between academic achievement and
athletic eligibility.
•
Provide an opportunity for as many students as possible to discover if football is an activity
they wish to continue for the duration of their stay in high school.
•
The development of viable players for the Junior Varsity and Varsity squads … identifying
those youngsters who have the greatest chance of playing varsity football when they are
juniors and seniors. Player development takes precedence over winning games.
•
Terra Nova is one of the few public schools in the Peninsula Athletic League to field
freshman only football teams. Therefore the freshman football team may be playing an
“independent” or “non-league” schedule of games. If available, the TNHS freshman football
program may join another frosh football league as a supplemental member. The freshman
football schedule is of very high quality … against excellent football programs.
•
Freshman football players will be encouraged to try a variety of sports and will be motivated
to train year round as athletes.
Specific JUNIOR VARSITY team goals include:
•
Successful competition at a level greater than freshman football … with higher expectations
in relation to the guidelines listed in this booklet.
•
Increased expectations involving off-season training as an athlete and as a football player;
continued encouragement to be a multiple sport athlete.
•
Continue high academic achievement.
•
Develop viable football candidates for the varsity squad that can be projected as reliable
junior and senior prospects.
•
Win the Peninsula Athletic League Junior Varsity football championship with players that
continue to be excellent students and citizens.
Specific VARSITY team goals include:
•
Successful competition at a level greater than Junior Varsity football … with the highest of
expectations in relation to the guidelines listed in this booklet.
•
To field a competitive team of loyal athletes who have progressed through the freshman and
Junior Varsity programs.
•
To field a team of players who are committed to training year round as athletes and as
football players; continued encouragement to be a multiple sport athlete.
•
To field a team of athletes who remain academically eligible for the entire school year and
achieve at the highest academic levels.
•
Provide a realistic evaluation and opportunity for those athletes wishing to continue their
academics and athletics beyond the high school level (junior college or college).
•
Win Peninsula Athletic League, Central Coast Section and CIF championships with players
that continue to be excellent students and citizens.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH TERRA NOVA ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICY:
ALL TERRA NOVA FOOTBALL PRACTICES ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY
IF YOU CANNOT PRACTICE … YOU CANNOT PLAY
All Terra Nova football players and their families are expected to PLAN AHEAD and organize
their personal schedules so that they can meet and honor their school responsibilities and
commitment to their team.
REFER TO YOUR FOOTBALL CALENDAR OFTEN
PLEASE … PLAN AHEAD!
Parents must consider these guidelines when scheduling family functions, doctor and dental
appointments and all other activities that involve the player.
Absences from and tardies to school and/or practice … whether “excused” or “unexcused” … have
a negative effect on a player’s academics, the progress and preparation of the athlete and the
eventual success of the team. A missed day of school and/or a missed practice session are
opportunities for improvement and growth that cannot realistically be made up.
•
The “excusability” of an absence or a tardy is determined solely at the discretion of the
head football coach.
•
Terra Nova football players must learn to always be early. If you are always early … you
will never be late!
•
The player or his parents must notify the head coach in advance that he is going to be
tardy to any team function due to an “excusable” reason. If advance notice is not given,
the tardy will be considered “unexcused”.
•
Any player who is TARDY for a reason determined by the head coach to be “unexcused”,
shall be held accountable for his lack of punctuality. Accountability for lack of punctuality
can range from reprimand … to decrease in practice or playing time … to game day
suspension … to dismissal from the team … to be decided at the discretion of the head
coach.
•
The player or his parents must notify the head coach in advance that he is going to be
absent from any team function due to an “excusable” reason. If advance notice is not
given, the absence will be considered as “unexcused”.
EXCUSED ABSENCE RULE:
•
Excessive “excused” absences will jeopardize an athlete’s playing time. The athlete and
his parent/guardian are strongly encouraged to understand the vital importance of practice
time to the preparation of each individual player and the team as a whole. Even if “excused”,
an absence from practice and/or a game always has a negative effect on the team’s
opportunity for success.
The Terra Nova coaching staff will always award playing time in favor of those athletes who
have attended practice … as opposed to those who have not, regardless of the reason for
the absence.
The following penalties for excessive “excused” absences will be applied at the
discretion of the head football coach:
VARSITY:
2nd and subsequent excused absences = game day suspension
SOPHOMORE:
2nd and subsequent excused absences = game day suspension
FRESHMAN:
3rd and subsequent excused absences = game day suspension
The Terra Nova coaching staff will apply the “excused” absence rule with compassion and
understanding. While there are varied reasons that absences can fall under the “excused”
absence rule, the following examples can be used by parent/guardians as a guideline.
Excused absences that will NOT be penalized: Funerals; weddings; family member
graduation; family member illness; family crisis; reasonable after school academic time with
Terra Nova faculty; athlete illness verified by physician note; reasonable religious and/or
church activities; SAT, PSAT or ACT testing.
Excused absences that WILL be penalized: Family vacations and/or “get-togethers”; doctor
and dental appointments; DMV appointments; missing practice to complete school
assignments; excessive after school academic time with Terra Nova faculty; off-campus
tutoring; excessive religious and/or church or cultural activities; staying home to care for
siblings; inability to provide transportation to or from practice; minor or contrived athlete
injury or illness; athlete or family member birthdays and/or anniversaries.
The list of excused absences listed above is far from complete. Parents are strongly
encouraged to inform the head coach in advance of any absence so that the coach has
ample time to decide and inform the athlete and parent whether the “excused” absence will
be penalized or not.
Parent/guardians are respectfully requested to always assist their athlete son’s logistically
and in decision making … so that they can attend all team activities and thereby
successfully meet their team commitment!
•
Any player who is ABSENT for a reason determined by the head coach to be “unexcused”
shall be held accountable for the absence as listed below:
VARSITY:
1st unexcused absence = game day suspension
2nd unexcused absence = dismissal from the team
SOPHOMORE:
1st unexcused absence = game day suspension
2nd unexcused absence = game day suspension
3rd unexcused absence = dismissal from the team
FRESHMAN:
1st unexcused absence = game day suspension
2nd unexcused absence = game day suspension
3rd unexcused absence = game day suspension
4th unexcused absence = dismissal from the team
•
By California State Law, a player must participate in a minimum of 10 “team practices”
prior to playing in a game or scrimmage.
•
Any SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL by the Terra Nova High School Administration shall be
considered an unexcused absence … pending a player, parent, coaching staff and
administration conference. The “excusability” of the suspension from school shall be
decided at the discretion of the head coach.
A player on administrative school suspension is not allowed to practice, play in a game or
participate in any team function for the duration of the suspension.
Terra Nova football players are strongly encouraged to use common sense in avoiding
situations on or off campus that have the potential of resulting in school suspension. These
situations are to be avoided at all costs … players must remember to make “team”
decisions, not “individual” decisions … always remember the “DO RIGHT RULE”!
•
A player assigned after-school DETENTION by a faculty member or administrator will
serve the detention as assigned. If the detention causes a player to be tardy to or absent
from a required team function … the tardy/absence shall be considered “unexcused” …
with the player being held accountable at the discretion of the head coach.
•
A player who misses a team bus, game or scrimmage for an unexcused reason shall be
dismissed from the team.
•
Players will not be allowed to miss or leave any team function to meet a personal job
commitment, transportation commitment or commitment to another athletic team. Any player
who insists on leaving a team function for any of the above reasons will be charged with an
unexcused absence and held accountable at the discretion of the head coach.
•
Terra Nova football players are encouraged to honor their commitment to their football
team and are not to participate on other athletic teams or other athletic/physical activities,
whether “structured” or “recreational” in nature, for the duration of the football season.
Questions concerning the “outside team” guideline are to be directed to and adjudicated at
the discretion of the head coach.
•
A player who is injured during the course of the season and is unable to participate under
doctor’s or trainer’s orders must still attend all team functions, unless the doctor or trainer
states otherwise.
Whether under partial or complete activity restrictions, the player must dress for practice in
jersey, shorts and helmet … if permitted by the doctor or trainer. The injured player will be
expected to participate and contribute to the team effort to the best of his ability. A specific
work-out or rehabilitation assignment (approved by the doctor or trainer) may be provided
and is to be completed in its’ entirety by the player.
Should a player become injured or ill during the course of the season and require a doctor’s
treatment and care, it is the responsibility of the player and/or his parents to communicate
with the head coach regarding any limitations placed upon the player’s activity by the
doctor.
•
All players are expected to meet their responsibilities in the classroom by attending every
class during the school day … to be early to their classes … to demonstrate respect for
their classmates, teachers, administrators and all other school staff.
In addition, all class assignments are to be turned in on time. ALL REASONABLE
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES.
Therefore, conflicts between football and academics are avoided by meeting classroom
obligations eagerly and on time.
•
The coaching staff will be notified immediately by the Terra Nova administration of all player
class cuts and class tardies. A football player’s classes are considered required team
functions. Unexcused absences (“class cuts”) from and tardies to class during the regular
school day will be adjudicated as stated above … at the discretion of the head coach.
Parents are reminded to notify the Terra Nova High School Attendance Office (550-7683 or
550-7685) in advance if their son is going to be absent from school for the entire or partial
day. Parents are also reminded to write excuse notes upon a player’s return to school
following an excused period of absence.
Parents are reminded that the TNHS Attendance Office will not notify the coaching staff if a
student/athlete is going to be absent for the day … we ask that the parent make a second
phone call or email to the appropriate head coach to notify him of the player’s absence
from school and practice. Coaches phone numbers are listed on Page 2 of this booklet.
•
A player must be in attendance the entire school day in order to practice or play in a game
on that same day. A player who misses a portion of the school day due to an “excused”
reason must have the absence excused by their parent, through the attendance office prior
to practicing or playing in a game. An absence of more than two periods on a practice or
game day requires a parental excuse and administrative clearance prior to practicing or
participating in a game. If the absence is not excused and/or cleared by the administration,
the player may not practice or play in a game on that specific day.
•
A player returning to school and or football team functions following an “excused” absence
or “excused” tardy will be expected to efficiently and quickly “make-up” the academic and
football work they have missed … including, but not limited to class work, tests and
homework in all classes … plus system learning, drill work and conditioning in football.
•
The Terra Nova Athletic Department’s SPORTSMANSHIP NIGHTS and BLOCK TN
AWARDS NIGHTS are required team functions. Dates and times for both of these events
are listed in your football calendar and football schedule.
A player who fails to attend the FALL SEASON SPORTSMANSHIP NIGHT with at least
one parent will be suspended from all game day activities until a “make-up” document is
signed and returned to the athletic director.
A player who fails to attend the FALL SEASON BLOCK TN AWARDS NIGHT shall forfeit
his Block TN points and any awards earned during football season.
•
Both the Junior Varsity and Varsity football teams schedule 10 days of voluntary SPRING
FOOTBALL PRACTICE in the months of May and/or June. Spring Football Practice is an
integral and vitally important part of a player’s progress and improvement within the Terra
Nova Football Program.
Football players participating in a spring season Terra Nova High School interscholastic
sport will be excused from Spring Football Practice until the spring sport season has
concluded.
•
OFF-SEASON TRAINING:
Terra Nova’s VARSITY & JUNIOR VARSITY off-season training programs begin upon
return from winter recess. Both Varsity and Junior Varsity football off-season training
programs also include summer workouts. All off-season training is voluntary.
Terra Nova football players are encouraged to be multiple sport athletes. The football offseason program will not conflict or interfere with participation in a Terra Nova winter or
spring sport activity.
The VARSITY FOOTBALL voluntary off-season program includes:
•
•
•
•
Weight training & conditioning (Monday thru Thursday – 7:00 am to 7:45 am)
“Drop-in” video study sessions (Monday thru Thursday – at lunch time)
Spring Football Practice
Summer Program
The JV FOOTBALL voluntary off-season program includes:
•
•
•
Weight training & conditioning (Monday thru Thursday – 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm) for
those athletes not participating in a Terra Nova winter or spring season sport.
Spring Football Practice
Summer Program
*********************************
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
A’s are great … B’s are good … C’s are “OK”
D’s and F’s are poison!
High school sports are for high school students …
… College sports are for college students.
VARSITY & JUNIOR VARSITY TEAMS:
All football players must declare their academic eligibility four times during the season.
•
•
•
•
Academic eligibility for Spring Football Practice is based upon 2nd SEMESTER GRADES.
Fall Football academic eligibility is based upon 2nd SEMESTER GRADES. Summer school
grades can be used to improve your 2nd semester GPA. Be sure to inform your coach of all
summer school classes that you are enrolled in. Summer school grades can help an
ineligible athlete become eligible. Summer school grades cannot make an eligible athlete
ineligible.
Continuing academic eligibility to remain eligible for the 6th week of the season to the end of
the regular season is based upon 1st grading period marks.
Initial eligibility for the Winter Sport Season and continuing eligibility for the end of the PAL
season and CCS/CIF post-season football playoffs is based upon 2nd grading period
marks.
By California State Law, In order to be ACADEMICALLY ELIGIBLE, a student athlete must
accomplish ALL of the following:
•
•
•
Maintain 2.00 grade point average (“C” average) in all classes attempted.
Be currently enrolled in and passing a minimum of 20 semester credits
Be making normal progress toward graduation
******************
•
A football athlete who fails to earn a 2.00 GPA during the appropriate grading period may
continue to participate in the football program’s off-season program … to be decided at the
discretion of the head football coach.
•
A football candidate who is eligible and participates in Spring Football Practice, but fails to
earn a 2nd semester 2.00 GPA may be suspended from all summer and fall football
activities. There are exceptions to this rule … contact the head coach for more information.
•
A football player who is eligible and participates in Spring Football Practice, summer and fall
football activities, but fails to earn a 1st grading period 2.00 GPA may be dismissed from the
team … to be decided at the discretion of the head coach.
•
Academically ineligible football candidates may continue participation in or “rejoin” the football
program under “restricted status” … to be decided at the discretion of the head football
coach. “Restricted status” criteria continue until the ineligible athlete becomes academically
eligible.
•
“RESTRICTED STATUS” is defined as:
o
o
o
o
o
Extremely limited playing time
Limited participation in certain phases of practice
Zero tolerance in relation to breaches of the “DO RIGHT RULE”
Two “D’s” or one “F” on a grade check or report card results in dismissal from the team.
Any detention or suspension from school results in dismissal from the team.
•
The Terra Nova High School coaching staff will check each player’s grades every week during
the football season … beginning with the second week of school. These grade checks are
mandatory and must be signed by all of the player’s instructors. A player who fails to turn in a
completed grade check will be suspended from game day activities.
•
A player who returns a grade check that is fraudulent or forged will be dismissed from the team.
•
A player whose grade check shows that he has fallen below the 2.00 GPA standard will be
placed on ACADEMIC PROBATION … and will attend mandatory study hall with the coaching
staff and/or his teachers until his grades have improved to the 2.00 GPA standard or higher.
•
A player whose grade checks place him on academic probation for two consecutive grade
check periods will remain on academic probation and will be placed on GAME DAY
SUSPENSION until his class work and grades have improved to the 2.00 GPA standard or
higher.
INCOMING FRESHMEN:
All incoming freshman student/athletes are automatically eligible to begin participation in the Terra
Nova High School Football Program … however, those athletes who earned an 8th grade GPA of
less than 2.00 or have an 8th grade history of undisciplined or inappropriate behavior must
schedule and complete a coach/player/parent “restricted status” conference as a prerequisite to
their participation. Should the low academic achievement and/or undisciplined, inappropriate
behavior continue at Terra Nova High School, the player will be dismissed from the freshman
football team, to be determined at the discretion of the head coach.
IT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE TERRA NOVA FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF THAT FRESHMEN ATHLETES MUST
BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE THE “CONNECTION” BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN
THE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM AS EARLY IN THEIR HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE AS POSSIBLE.
•
The Terra Nova High School coaching staff will check each freshman player’s grades every
week during the season … beginning at the second week of school. These grade checks are
mandatory and must be signed by all of the player’s instructors. A player who fails to turn in a
completed grade check will be suspended from all game day activities.
•
A freshman player who returns a grade check that is fraudulent or forged will be dismissed from
the team.
•
A freshman player whose grade check has one “F” or two “D’s” will be placed on ACADEMIC
SUSPENSION until his grades have improved to the minimum 2.00 GPA standard or higher.
The player will attend mandatory study hall with the coaching staff and/or his teachers … and
will be suspended from all game day activities … to be decided at the discretion of the head
football coach.
•
At the conclusion of the freshman football season, all freshman football athletes will fall under
the eligibility requirements listed in this booklet for Junior Varsity and Varsity players.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
•
All members of the Terra Nova High School student body are eligible to try-out for the Terra
Nova Football Program … providing they are residentially and academically eligible and do not
turn 19 years of age before June 15 of the previous school year.
•
An athlete must be 15 years old in order to play varsity football (waivers are possible).
•
Any questions regarding academic, residential, transfer or general eligibility should be referred
to the head coach or athletic director.
GENERAL DISCIPLINE
•
Being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco (smoking and/or chewing) or any other drug
without medical approval is considered unacceptable behavior both on and off the campus.
•
A player in violation of the tobacco guideline will initially be reprimanded and counseled by the
coaching staff and will be suspended from game day activities for a minimum of one game,
to be decided at the discretion of the head coach. Repeat offenders will be suspended from
all football activities and referred to a “tobacco cessation” program which must be completed
in its entirety. Upon completion of the “tobacco cessation” program the player may “rejoin” the
football program under “restricted status”. If, after completion of the “tobacco cessation”
program, the athlete once again violates the tobacco guideline, he will be permanently
dismissed from the team.
•
A player in violation of the alcohol and drug guideline will be suspended from all extracurricular school activities, including athletics … for a period of one year … by the Terra
Nova High School administration. The suspension from extra-curricular activities may be
shortened if the student willingly and successfully completes a school district sanctioned
“intervention program”. Once verification of completion of the “intervention program” is
received, the athlete may “rejoin” the football program under “restricted status”. If, after
completion of the “intervention” program, the athlete once again violates the alcohol and drug
guideline, he will be permanently dismissed from the team.
•
A player engaged in any criminal activity, on or off campus, at any time of the year … will be
dismissed from the team.
•
A player found in the act of stealing equipment or personal property from another player or the
Terra Nova Athletic Department … or in possession of stolen equipment or personal property
will be dismissed from the team and have charges brought against him with the Pacifica Police
Department for theft.
•
Any demonstration of disrespect or insubordination towards a teammate, coach, official,
manager, trainer, faculty, staff member or administrator shall be held accountable for their
behavior at the discretion of the head coach.
•
All players must demonstrate common sense, maturity and self-discipline in the men’s locker
room, team room, weight room, training room and equipment rooms:
o All areas listed above must be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion.
o All football equipment must be securely stored in a neat and orderly fashion in the
appropriate area designated by the coaching staff.
o Football cleats must be thoroughly cleaned before entering the locker room or team
room areas.
o All tape and other waste must be deposited in garbage cans, do not litter our team’s
home!
o Radios, tape decks, CD players, etc are not allowed in the above areas … unless first
approved by the coaching staff. Any music or videos played in the locker room or
team room areas must exhibit good taste and be considered appropriate for a school
setting … to be decided at the discretion of the head coach.
o Players must demonstrate courteous, adult behavior. Loud, rowdy behavior is prohibited.
Swearing and vulgar language is not permitted.
o NO HORESPLAY IN THE LOCKER ROOM AND TEAM ROOM AREAS.
•
All players must demonstrate maturity and self-discipline on the practice field and game field:
o Players must always be properly attired in the “uniform of the day” as designated by
the head coach … players dressed inappropriately will be sent home and charged with
an “unexcused absence”.
o Players will be completely dressed in proper uniform before entering the practice or
game field … and will remain so for the duration of the practice or game. Football
helmets with mouthpieces will be worn at all times. A player must ask the permission of
a coach to remove his helmet while on the practice field. A player must never sit on his
helmet.
o A player’s shirt tail must always be tucked in during practice and games.
o All players must be dressed in a common, appropriate team uniform while at practice
and games. Players will not be allowed to draw attention to their selves by dressing
differently than the team. Players are not permitted to individually alter, change or
decorate their uniforms in any fashion.
o During practice, conditioning sessions and game day activities when football helmets are
not required, baseball hats or any other head covering may NOT be worn.
o By National Football Federation rule, during wet weather, a player may wear an
unmarked white towel … with the permission of the head coach.
o Appropriate football gloves may be worn with the permission of the player’s position
coach, but must bear the NF/NCAA sanctioning label. Please note that some position
coaches do not allow their players to wear gloves … be sure to check with your coach
before making a purchase.
o By Peninsula Athletic League rule, no scarves or head covering of any kind may be
worn under a player’s football helmet.
o By National Federation rule … all forms of jewelry are prohibited.
o By National Federation rule … players socks/tights must be of a single uniform color …
external taping, spatting, socks and tights must be identical for both legs.
o Football cleats must be ½” in length … by National Federation rule; cleats longer than
½” are prohibited. Appropriate replacement cleats are to be purchased from the
coaching staff for $2.00 a set.
o By National Federation rule … audible swearing or vulgar language are prohibited …
and if heard by an official are disqualifying fouls. Swearing or vulgar language are also
prohibited on the practice and game fields.
o Players are not to involve themselves in any football related activity unless directly
supervised by a member of the coaching staff.
o Any player involved in “hazing” or “bullying” will be dismissed from the team.
•
Terra Nova football players must project the image of maturity, common sense, pride and
discipline outside the “football environment”.
•
All football players must maintain good grooming and proper appearance in public and on
campus. A well groomed player looks good … when you look good … you feel good … when
you feel good … YOU PLAY GOOD!
•
We ask for and raise a great deal of money in the community for you and your football team.
People will not be as generous if we cast a poor image in the community.
•
Any “gang” or “gang-related” attire and behavior is strictly prohibited on the Terra Nova
High School campus … and therefore prohibited in the Terra Nova Football Program.
•
The basic concepts of personal hygiene, health and cleanliness must be adhered to daily by
every player:
o Players must shower with hot water and soap after every practice session and game …
properly washing and drying their hair … showers may be taken at home.
o Players must launder their practice gear a minimum of once a week … more often if the
weather dictates.
o Players must rinse the interior of their helmet with clear, clean water at least once a
week … more often if necessary.
o Clean and dry t-shirts and girdle are to be worn under your football gear for each
practice or game … you must feel good to play good!
o Each player is responsible for the proper maintenance of his equipment. Inspect your
equipment daily and report any damage to the head coach. Damaged equipment is
unsafe and must not be worn. Players are not to repair their own equipment.
o Players are responsible for maintaining their football shoes in good order. Game shoes
are to be cleaned, polished and shined the night before games … if necessary, new
laces and/or cleats replaced. DO NOT CHEAT YOUR FEET!
o Game jerseys and game pants must be returned to the coaching staff immediately after
each game … to be properly laundered and repaired. Game uniforms are not to be
laundered at home. Players who damage their game uniforms by laundering them at
home or in any other fashion will be billed for the replacement cost of the item.
•
Any player wishing to participate in a school assembly or rally on the day of a game … must
receive permission to do so from the head football coach prior to the assembly or rally.
ANY PLAYER PERFORMING AN ACT NOT SPECIFICALLY OUTLINED IN THIS BOOKLET …
THAT CONTRADICTS THE SPIRIT AND PHILOSOPHY OF THESE DISCIPLINARY
GUIDELINES … VIOLATES THE “DO RIGHT RULE” … OR DETRACTS FROM THE
APPROPRIATE IMAGE OF THE TERRA NOVA FOOTBALL PROGRAM WILL BE HELD
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DECISION AND BEHAVIOR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH.
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EQUIPMENT & SECURITY
•
Players must respect their own and their teammate’s equipment … as well as the effort by all of
the generous people that worked to purchase it. Our football equipment is the best that money
can buy and is supplied to you with your health and safety as a primary objective. RESPECT
YOUR EQUPIMENT AND TREAT IT PROPERLY … IT MAKES FOOTBALL A SAFE GAME
FOR YOU!
•
A player providing his own equipment must first check with the head football coach to insure
that the equipment is appropriately certified for use at the high school level. By Federal Law,
helmets and shoulder pads must be inspected, reconditioned and certified on an annual basis.
Youth and Pop Warner football helmets and shoulder pads are illegal to use at the high school
level. Any equipment that you purchase on your own must be approved by the head football
coach before you wear it in a practice, scrimmage or game.
•
Any player finding equipment or personal property that does not belong to him must
immediately return the items to their proper owner or to a member of the coaching staff. Any
player found in the possession of missing or stolen equipment or personal property shall be
dismissed from the team.
•
In the interest of security … players are not permitted in the team room, training room, storage
areas, coach’s office, equipment room or any other secured areas unless given permission by
or immediately supervised by a coach.
•
Only VARSITY players are allowed in the VARSITY team room.
•
Only JUNIOR VARSITY players are allowed in the JUNIOR VARSITY equipment storage area.
•
FRESHMAN players will be issued equipment bags to store and transport their equipment to
and from school. Freshman players are encouraged to be diligent in the care and supervision of
their equipment bags. Each freshman player will be issued a small PE locker. Large equipment
items such as shoulder pads and helmets are not to be forced into these small lockers.
Freshman Football equipment bags may be stored during the school day in a secure area
designated by the coaching staff. Only FRESHMAN players are allowed in the FRESHMAN
equipment storage area.
•
Never share your locker or locker combination with another player or student.
•
It is highly recommended that you purchase a combination lock … and that you “double
lock” your locker.
•
Always check the area around your locker to make sure that all of your equipment is secure …
always double check your locker and “spin the dial” to make sure that your locker is completely
locked before leaving the area.
•
Players are expected to bring ALL of the equipment they need to practice every day. A player
who has forgotten or lost a piece of equipment will be issued a replacement item and
immediately billed for the missing equipment. If the “original issue” piece of equipment is
found or brought to practice on a subsequent day … the replacement item must be returned
promptly to the head coach … upon return the equipment bill for the replacement item will be
cleared.
•
All players are responsible for the return of all equipment issued to them by the Terra Nova
Football Program. Equipment is to be returned at the end of the season on the date
designated by the head coach.
•
Players will be promptly billed for all missing, altered or abused equipment … excluding
normal wear and tear. Failure to return equipment and/or promptly pay for “billed” equipment
will result in the player being declared “ineligible” for subsequent sport seasons, the
withholding of report cards and all academic records (eventually to include graduation) and the
denial of ticket “purchase rights” to the junior prom and senior ball.
•
Equipment for which a player has been “billed” must be returned to the appropriate head
coach … NOT the school cashier. Once the equipment is returned and inspected, the head
coach will clear the equipment bill with the cashier.
•
When a player is “billed” for a piece of equipment … he will be billed for the replacement cost
of the item, including sales tax and shipping costs. Players and parents are reminded that
certain items and vendors have rigid “ordering deadlines”. A piece of “billed” equipment cannot
be returned by the player after the vendor’s ordering deadline has passed.
•
Each player is completely responsible for his individual gear and personal property. Safety and
security is the duty of each player. All players must be diligent in maintaining their equipment
and keeping it in a safe, secure place.
•
LOSS AND THEFT CAN BE COMPLETELY AVOIDED BY THE RESPONSIBLE AND
CAREFUL ACTIONS OF THE PLAYER! PURCHASE AND USE QUALITY COMBINATION
LOCKS FOR YOUR TEAM ROOM AND PE LOCKERS.
FINALLY …
NO EXCUSES … ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH!
What you have done …
whether right or wrong …
… is your own doing.
************
• TEAM GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED & WRITTEN BY THE 1992 TERRA
NOVA FOOTBALL TEAM & COACHES.
• TEAM GUIDELINES REVISED BY THE 1998 TERRA NOVA FOOTBALL
TEAM & COACHES.
• TEAM GUIDELINES REVISED BY THE 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012
and 2015 COACHES.
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TIGER PRIDE!