“Respect the Game”

1. “Respect the Game” Bob Gaddis – Head Football Coach – Columbus East HS – Indiana Executive Director – Indiana Football Coaches Association gaddisb@bcsc.k12.in.us 812-343-4225 Twitter@bkgaddis

2. Football has more participantsthan any HS Sport in America!Coaches have the opportunityto influence many!

3. Some positives for our Sport and your school • How many students are in your school? • How many are athletes? • How many are Football Players? • Have you discussed with your players that they can make a huge impact on the school? Positive or Negative? • Take it a step further and look at GPA, graduation rates and institutions for higher learning

4. We all know that our game is under attacknationally.It is our responsibility to build on the positivesthat our game provides.

5. What can we do? • Locally – Be the “Face” of Football in your community • State – Be an Active member of your association • Nationally – NHSACA – You are here • Nationally – Newly Formed “National HS FB Coaches Alliance”

6. My message today will be someideas that I believe can help youcreate a program where young people want to be and parentstrust you with their most valued possession.(or you may be that parent)

7. “One Coach will influence morepeople in one year, than the averageperson will do in a lifetime.”-Billy Graham

8. The Coaching Profession is a great one!Many people want to tell you how to do your job!Many want to be you!

9. We need to keep good people in the game! • National Problem; too many non-teachers that are coaching • Some is OK – but the Head Coach must continue making a case that having an coach in the building is a positive • Current Head Coaches and veteran coordinators – if you have good assistant coaches – keep them in the game! Respect their family time! • I see too many quality coaches get out too early because of the demands of the job. • Head Coaches – publicly praise your staff – How? Newspapers, radio, social media

10. We (Football Coaches) need toevaluate how we coach.What is really important?

11. Considerations • We may be the only consistent man in his life – all of us, not just the head coach • We may be his only consistent connection for 4 years of High School • Make sure that each coach knows his players; what is their family situation? Does he work? Who are his teachers? What kind of student is he? • Why does he play Football

12. Teach them how to be young men • Use manners • How to talk to their parents • Respect women and elders • Shake hands, look people in the eye

13. It starts with the coaches.The Head Coach and Staffmust be on the same page,and understand the Program philosophy.

14. Do you have“Coaching Expectations”andDiscuss them?

15. “If you want Respect,Give Respect”

16. “Respect is earned.”(can’t demand it)

17. High School Athletes • Need and want discipline and structure • We may be the only place they get it • Treating all players the same creates a respectful culture • Players know if you treat them all the same, or if it is just lip service. • Be consistent (or they won’t trust you)

18. Football is a tough sport, for tough people.“Be demanding, not demeaning!”

19. HS Football has a lot of players • Why do they play? • They all can’t start….some never play • They play to be part of something bigger then themselves….. “Team”

20. Every player wants to be part of theTEAM!Every Player wants to have apositive experience!

21. Players don’t want • To be picked on, bullied, harassed, initiated? • Called names or cussed at • Put through drills and/or practices that are demeaning and useless • To be alienated and/or blamed

22. Players Do • Want to be a valued member of the Team • Like to hear positive words • Want to be coached (all of them!) • Want to play for their teammate • Want to work hard to make the Team Better

23. CoachesIt starts with the Head Coachcreating a “Culture of Decency”for players and staff.Program Expectations should beclearly outlined and discussed.

24. “If you want Respect, give Respect” • Clear and concise Coaching expectations • Never disagree and or yell at each other on the field (In front of players) • Delegate responsibility and let coaches coach • The Head Coach should always take blame for defeat, and give credit in victory

25. Coaches • This should be the best part of the day for you and the players • It is not OK to have a bad day and/or a bad practice – you set the tone • Demanding, not demeaning • Coach them up and coach them hard (Engage players) • The essence of coaching is teaching • They want to hear when they do it right too • Always, always find a player after practice that you coached hard

26. How do members of your Team Treat Others? • Teachers (do you address what you expect?) • Other students – Players are not entitled • Support staff – Football and the whole school • Community members • New for us – Write a note to someone that helps our program “A few kind words goes a long way!”

27. Players“Don’t bring attention to yourselfby pounding your chest, pointing,etc.“Celebrate with your Team!”(Respect their contributions)

28. CoachesTreat Officials with Respect!(If you rant, rave, and cuss…what will your players do?)Treat your opponent with Respect!This is High School Football.

29. We coach the greatest game in the world!Respect the game, soothers will get the same opportunity we have.