Policies
(updated July 27, 2019)
The "Team" Rule
By joining Flyers Football you are assuming ownership of our team’s identity: you are adopting the team, your teammates, and our values as your own. LIVE ABOVE THE LINE!
Flyers Football values and teaches integrity, commitment, and grit. Athletes who possess and/or strive to develop these values are contributing to the program and are in good standing. Athletes who habitually refuse to act upon these values are not in good standing and face escalating consequences if not corrected: first, reduced playing time; next, suspension; and last, cut from the team.
By joining Flyers Football you are assuming ownership of our team’s identity: you are adopting the team, your teammates, and our values as your own. LIVE ABOVE THE LINE!
Flyers Football values and teaches integrity, commitment, and grit. Athletes who possess and/or strive to develop these values are contributing to the program and are in good standing. Athletes who habitually refuse to act upon these values are not in good standing and face escalating consequences if not corrected: first, reduced playing time; next, suspension; and last, cut from the team.
School Attendance
Students need to be in school the whole day in order to practice and play; we do not permit players to leave school early before a contest, or come to school late the following morning. If an excused absence is communicated ahead of time, practice or play may be permitted. Absences due to appointments or family emergencies may be excused. Absences related to jobs, hunting, vacations, etc will not be excused.
Students need to be in school the whole day in order to practice and play; we do not permit players to leave school early before a contest, or come to school late the following morning. If an excused absence is communicated ahead of time, practice or play may be permitted. Absences due to appointments or family emergencies may be excused. Absences related to jobs, hunting, vacations, etc will not be excused.
Team Attendance
Attendance at all official, in-season team functions is mandatory: make necessary arrangements and appointments outside of our time. School-related absences must be pre-approved by the head coach. Absences related to jobs, hunting, vacations, etc will not be excused. If injured, you are not excused from practice unless visiting Mike Arneson (refer to "Injuries" policy below) or the doctor. Each unexcused absence will result in sitting out one game; attendance at which is still mandatory. Extended absences for emergencies will be treated as one. Four unexcused absences will result in the athlete being cut from the team.
Attendance at all official, in-season team functions is mandatory: make necessary arrangements and appointments outside of our time. School-related absences must be pre-approved by the head coach. Absences related to jobs, hunting, vacations, etc will not be excused. If injured, you are not excused from practice unless visiting Mike Arneson (refer to "Injuries" policy below) or the doctor. Each unexcused absence will result in sitting out one game; attendance at which is still mandatory. Extended absences for emergencies will be treated as one. Four unexcused absences will result in the athlete being cut from the team.
Playing Time
Varsity – Playing to win. Only the players who make our team the best will play. In situations where we are up by a lot or down by a lot the coaching staff will attempt to get all varsity players in good standing playing time.
Junior Varsity – Team is made up of 10th-12th graders who do not see significant playing time during the varsity game. All players who are in good standing with the coaching staff will see lots playing time. Our goal is to develop players. We want to win, but developing solid football players is the coaching staff’s number one priority.
C Squad – Team is made of 9th & 10th graders. The coaching staff will attempt to walk the fine line between winning and developing players. Playing time won’t be evenly distributed among players. However, all players in good standing with the coaching staff will get a minimum of 15 plays in each game.
Varsity – Playing to win. Only the players who make our team the best will play. In situations where we are up by a lot or down by a lot the coaching staff will attempt to get all varsity players in good standing playing time.
Junior Varsity – Team is made up of 10th-12th graders who do not see significant playing time during the varsity game. All players who are in good standing with the coaching staff will see lots playing time. Our goal is to develop players. We want to win, but developing solid football players is the coaching staff’s number one priority.
C Squad – Team is made of 9th & 10th graders. The coaching staff will attempt to walk the fine line between winning and developing players. Playing time won’t be evenly distributed among players. However, all players in good standing with the coaching staff will get a minimum of 15 plays in each game.
Honors
Earning a varsity football letter is a special accomplishment. Football players must complete the winners manual, live “Above the Line”, and meet at least two of the criteria below. Special recognition is given athletes who meet three or more of the criteria.
East Central North All District / Honorable Mention teams and District MVP selections are selected by district head football coaches after the regular season.
Team MVP’s are selected by the Flyers Varsity Coaching staff at the conclusion of the season.
Earning a varsity football letter is a special accomplishment. Football players must complete the winners manual, live “Above the Line”, and meet at least two of the criteria below. Special recognition is given athletes who meet three or more of the criteria.
- Achieve a grade point average of 3.0+
- Achieve a power index of 3.0+
- Play in a minimum of 9 varsity halves
- Senior who completes the year in good standing
- Recommendation of the coaching staff with approval of the Activities Director
East Central North All District / Honorable Mention teams and District MVP selections are selected by district head football coaches after the regular season.
Team MVP’s are selected by the Flyers Varsity Coaching staff at the conclusion of the season.
Athletic Development
Attaining greater strength, agility, speed, flexibility and body control (technique) are principle foundations for success in all athletic activities. Lifting as a multi-sport athlete and attendance at summer F.A.S.T. directly contribute towards lettering and developing the physical attributes necessary to successfully compete.
Attaining greater strength, agility, speed, flexibility and body control (technique) are principle foundations for success in all athletic activities. Lifting as a multi-sport athlete and attendance at summer F.A.S.T. directly contribute towards lettering and developing the physical attributes necessary to successfully compete.
Practice Effort & Hustle
Perfect effort makes perfect practice; we do things right (perfect effort) or we do them again. Players are expected to hustle at all times. We sprint, run or jog on the field; we NEVER walk. Helmets, as a matter of safety, will be worn at all times during practice unless instructed otherwise by a coach. Always be physically and/or mentally ‘present’ within a drill - do not goof off or otherwise be disengaged from what we are trying to accomplish. Always go to the whistle. Be enthusiastic and encouraging of your teammates; help them become better by celebrating successes and addressing mental and/or physical errors (every player is also a coach).
Perfect effort makes perfect practice; we do things right (perfect effort) or we do them again. Players are expected to hustle at all times. We sprint, run or jog on the field; we NEVER walk. Helmets, as a matter of safety, will be worn at all times during practice unless instructed otherwise by a coach. Always be physically and/or mentally ‘present’ within a drill - do not goof off or otherwise be disengaged from what we are trying to accomplish. Always go to the whistle. Be enthusiastic and encouraging of your teammates; help them become better by celebrating successes and addressing mental and/or physical errors (every player is also a coach).
Game Conduct
AT ALL TIMES, we conduct ourselves with the highest level of class towards each other, the officials, the fans and our opponents. We display the highest level of sportsmanship on the field. A player receiving a deliberate unsportsmanlike penalty will be removed from the game for a minumum of one quarter. If conflict with opposing players, coaches or fans occurs be quiet, walk away and report it immediately to one of our coaches - DO NOT RETALIATE.
AT ALL TIMES, we conduct ourselves with the highest level of class towards each other, the officials, the fans and our opponents. We display the highest level of sportsmanship on the field. A player receiving a deliberate unsportsmanlike penalty will be removed from the game for a minumum of one quarter. If conflict with opposing players, coaches or fans occurs be quiet, walk away and report it immediately to one of our coaches - DO NOT RETALIATE.
Personal Fouls & Unsportsmanlike Conducts
These penalties are unacceptable: they demonstrate a lack of control, broken trust and/or selfishness. At a minimum, each 15 yard penalty during a game will result in a team “Chair Run” the following practice. Dependent upon the nature of the penalty a player may be removed from play for a period of time at the coaching staff’s discretion.
These penalties are unacceptable: they demonstrate a lack of control, broken trust and/or selfishness. At a minimum, each 15 yard penalty during a game will result in a team “Chair Run” the following practice. Dependent upon the nature of the penalty a player may be removed from play for a period of time at the coaching staff’s discretion.
Team Violations
We expect our players to be classy young men and meet or exceed the WTD pyramid. School offenses resulting in detention will correspond to a minimum one quarter suspension; each additional hour of detention will equal an additional quarter of play. Any school offense resulting in a full day suspension will result in a one game suspension. All team sponsored activities, on- and off-site, are considered school events and are therefore subject to school disciplinary policies.
We expect our players to be classy young men and meet or exceed the WTD pyramid. School offenses resulting in detention will correspond to a minimum one quarter suspension; each additional hour of detention will equal an additional quarter of play. Any school offense resulting in a full day suspension will result in a one game suspension. All team sponsored activities, on- and off-site, are considered school events and are therefore subject to school disciplinary policies.
MSHSL Violations
Our school calls for a minimum three game suspension on the first offense, a minimum seven game suspension on the second offense and a minimum 21 game suspension on the third offense of its (and the MSHSL’s) policies regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, harassment and hazing.
Our school calls for a minimum three game suspension on the first offense, a minimum seven game suspension on the second offense and a minimum 21 game suspension on the third offense of its (and the MSHSL’s) policies regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, harassment and hazing.
Injuries
Report all injuries to your position coach. Make sure to keep your coach informed of your progress toward recovery. Upon injury most football players will be encouraged to take advantage of a free initial consultation with our physical therapist Mike Arneson, DPT (Advance Physical Therapy, 320-631-2302). Mike will be at all varsity games to help manage care as well. If an athlete visits a doctor, he will not be allowed to return to activity without that doctor’s written consent.
Report all injuries to your position coach. Make sure to keep your coach informed of your progress toward recovery. Upon injury most football players will be encouraged to take advantage of a free initial consultation with our physical therapist Mike Arneson, DPT (Advance Physical Therapy, 320-631-2302). Mike will be at all varsity games to help manage care as well. If an athlete visits a doctor, he will not be allowed to return to activity without that doctor’s written consent.
Uniforms
All players need to be dressed similarly for games. Socks (required), undershirts and leggings (optional) must be the color chosen the evening before. If you have a problem finding something meeting these requirements, see your coach. Spats, due-rags, additional arm bands, etc are not accepted.
All players need to be dressed similarly for games. Socks (required), undershirts and leggings (optional) must be the color chosen the evening before. If you have a problem finding something meeting these requirements, see your coach. Spats, due-rags, additional arm bands, etc are not accepted.
Equipment
The equipment that you have checked out is loaned to you by the school. Do not trade or swap with someone else because you are still responsible for the equipment that they now have. You will need to turn in all of your equipment before the banquet to be eligible to letter. You will have to pay for any piece of equipment missing at that time. Your game pants and jersey MUST be turned into the laundry basket after EVERY game.
The equipment that you have checked out is loaned to you by the school. Do not trade or swap with someone else because you are still responsible for the equipment that they now have. You will need to turn in all of your equipment before the banquet to be eligible to letter. You will have to pay for any piece of equipment missing at that time. Your game pants and jersey MUST be turned into the laundry basket after EVERY game.
Media
At times, you may be asked to interview for a newspaper, radio or cable broadcast. Always be humble and respectful. If mentioning our opponents, always do so in a positive manner (they played hard, they have a good team…). Also, as much as possible, credit your team and teammates rather than giving credit specific team members: the star of the team is the TEAM!
At times, you may be asked to interview for a newspaper, radio or cable broadcast. Always be humble and respectful. If mentioning our opponents, always do so in a positive manner (they played hard, they have a good team…). Also, as much as possible, credit your team and teammates rather than giving credit specific team members: the star of the team is the TEAM!
Social Media
Assume Nothing is Private: This includes direct messaging. If you write it / retweet / repost / etc you own it. Remember that your audience is vast: You have no idea who will ever see what you write on the internet. Anyone from your best friend on the team, to your head coach, to players from our biggest rivals, to your teachers can see what you post. Your microphone to the world is right at your fingertips: Be wise & classy: play with your pads, not your mouth and your fingers on the keyboard; do not discuss injuries; and never post pictures from the locker room. Student-athletes who violate the Little Falls High School Football Program SocialMedia Policy may result in disciplinary action – including temporary or permanent suspension from the team – as determined by Athletic Director and Head Coach.
Assume Nothing is Private: This includes direct messaging. If you write it / retweet / repost / etc you own it. Remember that your audience is vast: You have no idea who will ever see what you write on the internet. Anyone from your best friend on the team, to your head coach, to players from our biggest rivals, to your teachers can see what you post. Your microphone to the world is right at your fingertips: Be wise & classy: play with your pads, not your mouth and your fingers on the keyboard; do not discuss injuries; and never post pictures from the locker room. Student-athletes who violate the Little Falls High School Football Program SocialMedia Policy may result in disciplinary action – including temporary or permanent suspension from the team – as determined by Athletic Director and Head Coach.
Concerns
Complaining about your coaches or teammates will not solve anything. Talk to them directly to solve problems to make yourself and team better. The following policy has been adapted from the LFCHS Parent Handbook.Communication Parents Can Expect From Coaches:
Complaining about your coaches or teammates will not solve anything. Talk to them directly to solve problems to make yourself and team better. The following policy has been adapted from the LFCHS Parent Handbook.Communication Parents Can Expect From Coaches:
- Philosophy of the coach
- Expectations the coach has for participants
- Schedule of all practices and events
- Team requirements: fees, necessary equipment, off-season program, etc
- Procedure should the participant be injured
- Discipline that may affect the participant
- First step is for the athlete to communicate to the position coach any concern(s)
- If unresolved, the athlete will then expresses concern(s) to the head coach
- The Athletic Director will not discuss any concern that has not already been discussed between the athlete/family and coaching staff
- The treatment of the athlete mentally and physically
- Ways to help improve the athlete
- Concerns about the athlete’s behavior
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Play calling
- Team selection
- Other athletes / personnel