Parents Information

The following are topics that should be of interest to every football parent. For additional information, please contact Coach Smolin at 887-2066 X31 (school).

CSHMHS's Athletic eligibility criteria:

In most schools, students must meet certain academic requirements to be eligible to play sports. At CSHM a student must maintain a "C" average with no more than one "F".

The importance of weight training:

Football players should follow a conditioning program that combines weight training and aerobic exercise (like running) during the off-season. Conditioning is important not only for performance enhancement, but also for injury prevention. Your son should work with his coach and trainer in order to develop a program that's appropriate for him.

Proper nutrition guidelines:

Football is a strenuous, physically demanding sport. It is therefore important for football players to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, meat, and foods high in complex carbohydrates (pasta, potatoes, etc.). The meal the night before a game is especially important: it should be a nutritious meal high in carbohydrates.

It is also extremely important for your son to drink enough fluids, particularly when practicing in the August heat. Before and during practices and games, players should only drink water. (Be sure your son as his own water with his name on it.) After practice he can drink juices or sport drinks.

First aid for minor injuries:

Injuries are a part of every sport. Football players are most likely to get minor cuts, sprains, bumps, and bruises. Make sure that minor cuts are cleaned well with soap and water, and then apply an antiseptic ointment and a band- aid. For minor bumps, bruises, and sprains, elevate the area and put an ice pack on it as soon as possible. Apply the ice pack for 15-20 minutes, wait 45 minutes, and apply ice again. For all other injuries, contact : Coaches Office 887-2066 X31

Of course, preventing injuries should be of utmost importance to everyone. Athletes can avoid injury by: 1.) Being in good condition when the season starts, 2.) Having the right equipment, 3.) Stretching properly before all practices and games, 4.) Drinking enough water, 5.) Getting the proper rest and nutrition, and 6.) working closely with the trainer.

Equipment:

A player will be provided with pants, jersey, helmet, and shoulder, thigh, hip, and knee pads. Re will need to buy socks, cleats, and a spirit-pack. A flak jacket (a vest that provides additional protection to the ribs) is an example of an optional piece of equipment.

The dangers of steroids:

In recent years, a number of athletes have chosen to use steroids to build muscle and thin strength. Steroids, however, are dangerous and can cause liver damage, heart damage, and sterility. Make sure that your son is aware of the dangers of steroids. If your son wants to put on weight and muscle, talk to the coach about dietary supplements.

Playing football in college:

Playing college football at any level requires talent and a great deal of dedication. For players who wish to continue playing after high school, however, there are several options.

The NCAA oversees college athletics. There are approximately 230 Division I colleges, 150 Division II colleges, and 215 Division III colleges in the U.S.. Division I and Division II schools can offer athletic scholarships. Division III schools cannot offer athletic scholarships; however, they often offer other kinds of financial aid. If you son is interested in playing football at a Division I or Division II college, see the information on NCAA requirements . NAIA colleges are smaller schools that are not associated with the NCAA. Hundreds of junior colleges (2 year colleges) also have football programs.

How to best help your athlete.

The best way to help your athlete is to provide encouragement and to be positive, both at home and in the stands. If there's a problem at any time during the season, have your son talk with his coach. If the problem is not resolved or if it is of a serious nature, then call the coach yourself. Know that you are the most important person in your son's life and that your son wants you to be proud of him. Be in the stands, rain or shine, and cheer.

DEVELOPING STUDENT ATHLETES

TIPS FOR PARENTS

The football coach's job is to develop his players and to win football games. As a parent, it is your job to monitor your son's academic progress and to help him be successful in the classroom. Hopefully these tips will help you do that.

Be interested. Make certain that your son knows his academic progress is important to you. Attend all open houses and parent conferences. Know when each grading period ends, and make sure that you see all progress reports and report cards as soon as they come out. Do not assume that someone will call you if there's a problem. If you do not see a progress report or report card, call the school and request a copy immediately.

Make sure your son's courses are appropriate for him. Help your son choose his courses carefully. If any of his courses are too difficult, too easy, or inappropriate, talk to his school counselor. If your son hopes to play football at a Division I or Division II college, ask his counselor or the athletic office for information on the NCAA guidelines and make sure he is taking the courses he needs to be eligible.

Discuss classes and set goals. Sit down with your son at the beginning of each grading period and help him set realistic academic goals for that term. Setting goals gives your son something to work for, and it also makes him aware of exactly what your expectations are.

Talk to your son about time management. Because football takes up so much time, football players need to develop good time management skills in order to get everything done. Encourage your son to use all of the time he's given in school to study or to work on homework. Help your son create a personal study plan (e.g. lying down on the couch to watch TV before his homework is done.).

Offer to help. Offer to help with homework, but don't give more help than is wanted. Your son may not ask again. Keep in mind that it is your son's responsibility to get homework done and to prepare for tests.

Make your son accountable. It's human nature to be tempted to "slack off" when we're not held accountable. Your son needs to know that someone cares, and is checking on how he is doing. He needs to know that successes will be recognized and that poor performances will be noticed. See every progress report and report card and contact the teacher if your son has a low grade in a class.

Work with the school. Know that teachers, counselors, coaches, and principals are there to help your son get the best education possible. A divorce, a health problem, or a death in the family can affect your child's attitude and performance. If such a circumstance should arise, call the school (and your son's coach) and tell them what's going on. If you have a question or concern that relates to a specific teacher or class, call the teacher. For other questions and concerns, call your son's counselor.

PLEASE SEE PLAYER MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL PARENTAL INFORMATION

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