1. Insist that your son do his very best in school.                         
   1. We expect that our players always give their very best effort on the field so they do not cheat their teammates.  We also know that they cheat themselves if they give less than their best in each and every class.  Real winners give a consistent effort in all arenas, including the classroom, hallways, and lunchroom.  The words STUDENT-athlete are listed intentionally and playing football in OUR program is a privilege not a right.  Attendance and Academics will have influence on the amount of time your STUDENT-athlete plays.
2. Insist that your son respects team rules, school rules, game officials, and display positive sportsmanship.                               
   1. If he knows that you will not enable him to avoid the consequences, he will avoid the trouble in the first place.  Remind him frequently of his responsibilities to his family, his team, and his school.  High expectations should be clear and consistent.  Do not accept excuses.  Consequences are not good or bad, they are simply the results of the choices we make.
3. “Release your son to the game”.                                           
   1. Identify and accept your son’s role on the team.  This is their game, the success is theirs, and the failures are theirs. Release them to solve their own problems related to being on a team and playing the game.  
4. Don’t let envy or jealousy to poison your son’s attitude. 
   1. ​​​​​​​Jealousy is the most dangerous poison which can contaminate a team, partnership, or organization.  Coveting another player’s position, playing time, or press clippings creates resentment which quickly derails a team on the way to success.  Don’t wish it was easier, will yourself to work harder and become better.
5. Speak well of your son’s teammates and coaches.                       
   1. ​​​​​​​If you have nothing good to say, say nothing.  Clearly, criticizing your son’s teammates or coaches cannot and will not improve his attitude or performance.  You never improve your own furniture by busting up your neighbors.  
6. Be positive with your son.                                                         
   1. ​​​​​​​Being part of a team, sweating, sacrificing, and committing to team goals are certainly things to be proud of, so let your son know you are proud of him and his efforts.  Recognize the many ways of contributing beyond being starting or being a star.  Cheer for the Wolfpack, not against the opponent.
7. Do NOT call the coaches during the season to discuss your son’s position or playing time.                                             
   1. ​​​​​​​Coaches base decisions about player positions and playing time on what they believe is best for the team.  Position and playing time are based on attitude, athletic ability, football skill, strength, game sense, trust, commitment, effort, and knowledge of our system.  When parents call the coach, other players or even your son could perceive even a well-intentioned effort, as an attempt to gain unfair advantage for your son.
8. Insist that your sons eat healthy food and gets plenty of rest.  You shall also insist that your son drives carefully to and from practice (Wearing seat belt, not texting while driving).   
   1. This means STUDENT-athletes will not be engaged in other clubs, sports, or activities during the football season from August until the end of playoffs.  Doing these other functions not only is sub-optimal for sports performance for your STUDENT-athlete, it also puts the TEAM at risk in case of injury or overuse or overtraining
9. Refrain from second guessing game decisions or “could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve” opportunities.                               
   1. ​​​​​​​Coaches and players make thousands of decisions before and during games.  Using hindsight, some might have been made differently, but in the instant of action, hindsight is not possible.  Remember we have teenage boys playing the game in the arena, not professionals.
10. Strive to model poise and confidence.                                       
    1. ​​​​​​​The number one thing your child needs from you at the game.
    2. WE win, or WE learn
11. Remember, sports are a shared illusion.  The players, fans, and coaches get together and pretend the outcome of a game will be important.  That is fine, if, after it is over, you say it is not. 
    1. ​​​​​​​Creating opportunities for boys to become young men and achieve their fullest potential is what is important.  Learning to show love, passion, grit, commitment, trust; being selfless, humble, honorable, and giving great effort are what is important.
12. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to share your son’s joy of victory, and also his tears in defeat.                             
    1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​There is value in learning from the blessings of a skinned knee.

Download, Print, Read, Sign, and then return these three commitment forms before participation in the program.  Understand the standards and expectations that WE have for Park Football.  We strongly encourage everyone to spend a moment reviewing these with your STUDENT-athlete so you make this commitment with eyes wide open.