Before the First Day of Practice
The following information is an example of a football check list that can keep a coach organized and or provide examples for what needs to be taken care of prior to the new season begins.
This is just a place to start. You will want to make your own additions and changes so that this document can become a tool for your use.
• Inventory current equipment.
• Make a needs and wants list for the athletic director.
• Fill out a purchase order forms.
• Video or HUDL
• Scouting of opponents schedule
• Order equipment.
• Send letters to athletes.
• Make calls to players.
• Develop a team website.
• Schedule the season.
• Make schedules and distribute them.
• Distribute goodwill gifts to administration and VIPs.
• Talk with clubs and organizations.
• Request checks for tournaments.
• Secure officials.
• Fill out travel requests.
• Get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and bus-driving certification.
• Research radio and newspaper coverage.
• Develop team standards and expectations.
• Meet with prospective team members.
• Schedule a parent meeting.
• Choose a motivational theme.
• Prepare themes for each week.
• Order team shirts.
• Make signs for businesses.
• Make an attendance board.
• Pick music for the dressing room.
• Set up a media day.
• Post goal charts.
• Check video equipment.
• Get a coach’s packet ready.
• Issue equipment.
• Organize yourself.
Inventorying Equipment
To develop a list of needs and wants, you’ll need to know what you’ve got. If you are new on the job, don’t rely on the list left by the previous
coach.
Making a Needs and Wants List
If you want some items that may be out of the ordinary, then do what you can to make a professional presentation to your athletic director.
For example, if you think you need more shoulder pads, then find three companies that make them, find the best price, and show you’ve done your homework. If your athletic director rejects the idea, then begin thinking about a fundraiser.
Among the items you should include in your needs list are the following:
• Coaching Gear– Practice T-shirts, Gameday Shirts and Coaches Shoes, etc.
• Players Game & Practice Shoes —Order new shoes for your high school squads, and give your high school and junior high athletes the option to purchase theirs at a discounted rate through the same company.
• Uniforms—Make sure you have enough Varsity and lower level uniforms to fit everyone and any torn jersey’s fixed and sewed.
• Practice uniforms—Make sure you have checked all required equipment that will suit all three levels such as Freshman, JV, and Varsity if a high school program or youth team. When everyone dresses the same, you have a sense of team.
• Knee and Thigh Pads—Kneepads do not have to be a required part of the uniform, although they are an important protective measure.
• Ankle braces—Issuing braces to everyone can be preventative medicine, or, if you prefer, you can issue them only to those with chronic problems. If an injury occurred within the last month or two, taping or requiring a brace is recommended.
• Footballs and Air Pump—make sure to have enough football for your entire program which includes practice and game day footballs.
• Travel Bags & Ball Bags—The carts and bags you order will basically depend on how much money you have to spend.
• Video equipment—You’ll need a good digital camera.
• Whistles and lanyards—Whistles for coaches they are easy to misplace.
• Athletic training supplies—Hopefully you will have a trainer on staff that can deal with serious potential problems or severe strains and pulls. Otherwise, learn how to tape an ankle. For some, ankle injuries are a chronic problem. Other optional equipment you might need:
Ordering the Equipment
When ordering equipment, write down the representative’s name, phone number, and the date and time of your order. If there is an error in the order, you will have a contact person and all the important information the rep may request. Make copies of the purchase order requests, and compare invoices of shipped items with your list. Highlight items as they arrive.
Sending letters to Athletes
This letter sent to athletes should include any important information, especially important dates, before the first day of practice.
Making Calls to Players
Get a list from your school’s administrative office with the telephone numbers of your prospective athletes, and call every one of them. Be sure to personally speak to the athlete instead of getting information from the parents.
Developing a Team Website
Communication with parents is crucial and the perfect way to
provide information about your program is through a website or app. Include the following information:
• Calendar of events
• Schedule with link to maps
• Gameday Schedule
• Practice times and days
• Newsletter
• Team Meetings
• Booster Meetings
• Individual records
• Handouts
• Team Pictures
• Remember to designate one game for parents’ night and another for an interleague youth night (preferably at games where you need extra support).
Distributing Goodwill Gifts to Administration and School Support Staff
When distributing goodwill gifts, be sure to include the school board members, the principals, the counselors, and any other VIPs. The gift could include a coach’s shirt, a hat, and/or the team shirt.
Talking With Clubs, Organizations, and Civic Groups
Find out when the clubs and organizations within your school meet, and send athletes to visit with them and invite them to the games. Also, take time to meet with your local civic groups. Take some of your athletes, and be sure to take some schedules, media guides, or anything else that would promote your program. Invite the groups to your home games, preview your goals for the upcoming season, and inform them about any fundraising you might be putting together.
Requesting Checks for 7 on 7 Tournaments If Necessary
Simply fill out a check request form (obtained from your business office or athletic office), and submit it to your athletic director as soon as possible.
Filling Out Travel Requests
Provide and organize transportation giving your Athletic Director or transportation director at your school and get as many forms as you’ll need for all of your out-of-town games, and fill them all out at once or soon as possible. Once you’ve turned them all in, confirm with the Athletic Director a few days in advance that your bus will be ready.
Getting a Commercial Driver’s license (CDl) and Bus-Driving Certification If Your Program Requires Them
This is not a requirement for everyone, but it needs mentioning. Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Public Safety will issue your commercial driver’s license (CDL). The bus-driving certification can be obtained through a local school district and is usually offered during the summer.
Researching Radio and Newspaper Coverage
Find a local or semi-local radio station and newspaper, and ask if they would cover a few of your games. It doesn’t hurt to ask, especially if they cover football games in the area.
Developing Team Standards and Expectations
The athletic director will probably have guidelines for the entire athletic program. You will certainly have to adhere to those policies, but if you are given the liberty to create your own, consider these general fundamental areas that may need clarification and address them to fit your personal situation:
• Classroom expectations|
• Alcohol and drug violations
• Stealing
• Lettering
• Travel to and from games
• Attendance
• Excused and unexcused absences
• Profanity
• Quitting the team
• Injury or illness
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Dress code
• Equipment management
• Multiple extracurricular athletes
• Use of technology (cell phones, headphones, etc.)
• Suspension from school
• Disrespect to teachers and coaches
• Dressing room behavior
• Commitment page
Commitment Page
The last page of your policies should be a summary of what you expect. Include a line for the athlete’s signature and the signature of the athlete’s parents.
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.