TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FOOTBALL PARENTS

1. Be positive with your son. Let him know it is a great

accomplishment to simply be a part of Jefferson Football.

2. Do not offer excuses for why he is not playing. There is usually a

reason for it. Encourage him to work hard and do his best.

3. Do not criticize his coaches. The coach represents: the Boss,

Authority, the Parent, and the Teacher. If you constantly criticize

your son’s coaches, you cannot expect him to play for them. He is

being taught to be a complainer, not a doer. Discuss problems with

your son. If needed, have your son talk to his position coach. If

you are still not satisfied, meet with Coach Leverenz. Problems do

not get solved unless your son communicates with his coaches.

4. Encourage your son to follow team and school rules. If we are

going to truly be successful, your son must follow the MSHSL rules,

Jefferson High School rules, and Jefferson Football rules.

5. Insist on your son working to his ability academically. Check the

number of hours your son spends on homework. It is the duty of

the parent to see that their son is working in the classroom. No

matter how good a player he may be, if he doesn't have good

grades he doesn't get in to college – times have changed.

6. Do not develop envy toward other players. Do not live your life

vicariously through your son. Football is a game – let them play it.

Do not show animosity or jealousy for any of your son’s teammates

because they carry the ball more, score more touchdowns, or get

more publicity. Who cares who scores or gets the publicity. The

important thing is that every player on the team does his best!

7. Do not be a know-it-all. The coaching staff at Jefferson works

with your son and his teammates every day. They know what each

player can do and what each player cannot do. As a fan, you are

encouraged to be “into the game,” but please be positive toward

our players and coaches.

8. Insist on your son’s respect for the game of football, the officials,

and our opponent’s players and coaches. Instill in him the

importance of sportsmanship. Make sure he understands how

important it is to have “class.” It takes years to develop a “class”

program, but it can take seconds to destroy it.

9. Foster in your son a positive self-image. Do not compare and

contrast your son with former family members who played. Help

him in any way possible to feel good about himself and his role in

Jefferson Football.

10. Encourage your son to play the game of football for the “love of the

game.” Winning will take care of itself. Post-season awards will

take care of themselves. College scholarships will take care of

themselves. Usually, good things happen to teams and individuals

who happen to be unselfish, hard working, and committed.