Return To Previous PageOtsego Rocket Football Coaches Handbook -
You will be remembered by your player’s years from now by how you treated, respected, and believed in them, more than how many games you won!
Documentation Required by KVRF and ORF
Return To Previous Page
Each Coach is expected to:
Show respect to your players, parents, other coaches, directors and officials.
Remember you are a role model for children, parents, and the community. It’s an honor to be a Rocket Football Coach.
Abide by and teach the rules of the game of football to your players and parents.
Refrain from arguments in front of players and spectators. Being prepared and communicating expectations with players, other coaches, will help eliminate some problems.
Watch body language which is disrespectful and inappropriate.
Describe and define respectful and disrespectful behavior.
Do not throw objects in anger.
Shake hands with officials and the opposing coaches before and after the game in full view of the public and demand the same of his/her players. Failure to do so will bring disciplinary action.
Respect Officials and game judgment always, do not argue with officials. Teach your players to respect their decisions.
Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. Define appropriate behavior for your players before game day so they know what is expected.
Discuss and define good sportsmanship for your players and parents and coaches. Failure to display good sportsmanship will bring about disciplinary action.
Do no use profanity, obscene language, or improper actions.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages before or during your practices or games.
Do not use tobacco products of any kind during practices or games.
Remember that you are coaching fragile, maturing, growing, human minds and spirits. Some of whom won’t reach the peak of their athletic ability for many years.
Be patient
Treat all players with respect
Be positive at all times
When angry don not get physical with players
Teach players that discipline is part of football
Remember that our goal is to teach the GAME, increase player confidence and keep them interested in competing
Make sure no player disrespects another player
It is required that the Head Coach set up a parents meeting prior to the first game to discuss the following:
Parents involvement – Team Mom/Dad
Communications with the Coaches
Game day logistics
Discipline
Eligibility
Team clean up responsibility
Documentation, required by KVRF and ORF Directors
All Head Coaches to have KVRF rule book on game day (with you).
Maintain copies of birth certificates for your team
Maintain active attendance for the directors to review
Maintain current roster (with copies) with players number and name ordered by number This will help the announcer to find the players name quickly
The above mentioned documentation must be maintained and available upon request from Directors and Officials
All Head Coaches will receive a Field Bag with the basic items needed for their season, these will be returned at the Post Season Banquet at the end of the season
Coaches will be responsible for the collection of uniforms (jersey and pants) after the last game and at the Post Season Banquet. The uniforms will be given to the Equipment Director with a copy of your roster.
A. Have a Plan
Head Coaches need to prepare a detailed practice schedule which includes calisthenics, conditioning, drills, offense, defense, and special teams.
Meet with your assistant coach and helpers prior to the start of the practice and go over your schedule, to make sure all questions are answered.
Break up into smaller groups, with different drills/activities so that players get more repetitions and it is easier to keep their attention
Warm up/stretch
Conditioning
Basics – 3 S’s (Stance, Start, Step)
More Basics – Tackling, ball handling
Offense, defense and special teams
Be consistent with practice and players
Reward hard working team with special fun drills or games
C. Communication with players: Make sure you explain the following with your team!
Expectations of your players
Practice and eligibility requirements
Discipline
Post practice talks
Be positive about team and players
Will be carried out by Head Coach and Assistants
No players or player parents (except if the parent is a coach) will be present at the draft
A minimum of 15 players per team
Team maximums are mandated by the KVRF League
Team splits will be provided to Directors after completion
Coaches – son or daughter
NOTE: Head Coach & Assistant Only. Other Coaches will be selected after draft
Example
Blue Team Gold Team
Coach Jones – Billy Jones (1) Coach Smith – Bobby Smith
Philip Jones (2) 1st Pick
Coach Johnson – Sam Johnson (3) 2nd Pick
3rd Pick 5th Pick
4th Pick 6th Pick
Head Coaches should develop criteria for player selection e.g.:
Age, athletic ability, speed (best prospects)
If a player signs up late, the player will go to the team with the next draft selection
Roster will be completed and turned in as soon as possible by Head Coach to Directors
Make sure all players understand where the game is to be held and when you want them at the field
Make sure they do not have equipment problems
Have a Game Plan
Get your players at the field early enough to: warm up, discuss your game plan, prepare offense, defense, and special teams
Do not allow your players to run around unsupervised
Officials and Opposing Coaches
Make sure you (Head Coach) introduces yourself to the officials and coaches
Head Coach is the only coach that can approach the Game Official
Do not argue with officials their decisions are final
Do not argue with opposing coaches or Field Directors
If a player is injured, let the trainer examine them.
Do no be in a hurry to get the player to his or her feet
Take time to talk to the player and find out what is wrong with them
Summon player’s parents and Field Director to the field to make decisions on critical injuries
Better safe than sorry!
Coaches must shake hands of opposing coaches, officials and trainer at the end of each game. “Be a good sportsman”
Keep your negative comments to yourself
Post Game discussions with your team – win or loose make sure that you tell them that you believe in them
Report to Directors before or during practice on Monday about the outcome of your game – score, injuries, concerns so they can take this information to the Monday Night League Meeting (KVRF).
If there are violations of KVRF rulebook or ORF Coaches Handbook, violators will be warned and or put on probation by ORF Directors
If violation is severe or repeated the ORF Board of Directors may revoke the violator’s right to coach for ORF.
Please remember that as an Otsego Rocket Football Coach you represent our program, please do so in your practices and your games and your private life.
If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact the ORF Director’s to discuss them
Do no hesitate to contact Director’s or other experienced coaches for direction and advice
Dear Coaches
After all the Do’s and Don’ts, and Thou Shall Not’s included in the KVRF rulebook and ORF Coaches Handbook, please remember that this program would not exist without you! It is a testament to your character that you give your weekdays and Saturdays for 8+ weeks, to teach the discipline of the game we all love.
Thank You,
Have A Great Season!
Otsego Rocket Football Board of Directors
Return To Previous Page