Football
The Storm Coaching Philosophy
PART 1:
The ELM TREE (Effort, Learning & Mistakes)
At the start of the season, we let our players know that:
E for Effort
We will always be proud of them as long as they give 100% effort (regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard).
L for Learning
We want each one of them to constantly strive to learn and improve. This involves comparing of their own performance, not the performance of another child. We don’t want younger developing players comparing themselves to older more mature players. We want them to focus on their individual performance. This allows us to offer more positive feedback.
M for Mistakes
Mistakes are an inevitable part of the game. If they are giving 100% and trying new things (as they strive to improve), mistakes are bound to occur, and our job as a coach and mentor is to help them bounce back from those mistakes. Always learning from your mistakes.
“You will never be able to make a tackle if you are always thinking about how many ways you are going to miss the tackle. Think positive!”
Teams that focus on giving their full effort, constantly learning and improving, and bouncing back from mistakes, actually win more than teams who consistently focus on the scoreboard. We want a team that focuses on the ELM Tree of Mastery (Effort, Learning and Mistakes) because players who do this well are less anxious on the field and have a greater sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities.
www.positivecoach.org
PART 2:
The child’s experience is most important. A safe positive rewarding environment is our goal.
The football fundamentals. We want them to build confidence in their abilities by focusing on strong fundamentals. We will teach the tools to improve resulting in them gaining confidence.
Having fun (We are working with children. We can’t forget that. We are going to have fun.)
Coaching is a privilege. Our head coaches are dedicated, experienced volunteers who are not just out there because they have children on the team (most do not). They coach because they are truly interested in giving back to the community. They see themselves as teachers, mentors and coaches. Our coaching philosophy (PART 1 & 2) is our road map. Our vehicle is football & our destination is children who will grow into responsible, positive, productive young adults.
Please feel free to contact me if you feel your coach is not adhearing to the above principals or wish to discuss any coaching behavior.
Joey Mizer – West San Jose Storm Athletic Director, joey@wsjstorm.com
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
When does the season begin?
Training Camp begins on Saturday July 24, 2010 (however we suggest all players participate in the Blitz Camp, see camp page)
8:00 – 9:00am Late paperwork hand-in, Spirit Pack hand out for players.
9:00 – 9:30am Player & Parent orientation
10:00am – 1:00pm Practice
Wear appropriate clothing to work out & bring lots of water
Football players should wear cleats (black Nike or Under Armor), athletic supporter & mouth piece.
Locations: (also see directions page)
All practices are at Del Mar High School (near Bascom & Stokes in San Jose)
Home games are at the Campbell Community Center Football Stadium (corner of Winchester & Campbell, Campbell Ca)
**Late fall practices (mid-October) will be moved to a field with lights as we lose sunlight early in those months.**
At least one responsible parent or guardian must be present at orientation or the child cannot practice.
All paperwork & fees must be turned in prior to the first day of practice
When will I be contacted by my childs coach? You will be sent an email by your coach at least one month prior to the start of training camp. You may also contact them by email (see contact page for football or cheer).
Age and Weight Standards
To participate, players must meet the following age and weight criteria.
Everyone Participates
In accordance with PAL Football League regulations, we carry a maximum of 40 players per team. PAL also assures each team participant will play in each game through a Mandatory Play Requirement (”MPR”) rule. Each player on the team is assured a minimum of six (6) plays per game if the team has 29 or more players, eight (8) plays per game if the team has 24 or more players or ten (10) plays per game if the team has 23 or less players.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE AND TIME COMMITMENT
The Training Camp begins on Saturday July 24, 2010 9:00am – 1:00pm. On the first part of this day we will hand out practice equipment, conduct the mandatory parent/player orientation and then practice and evaluate the players. One parent must attend the player/parent orientation or the child cannot practice. There are no exceptions to this rule. The players should wear work out gear, cleats, & their athletic supporter.
Football Players will receive their gear immediately following practice on this day.
Immediately following Saturday July 24th on Monday July 26th our regular training camp schedule begins:
Training Camp (5 days a week, 2 hrs a day)
Monday – Friday 5:30 – 7:30pm up to Labor Day Weekend.
Season Practice Schedule (after Labor Day Weekend)
When Game is on a Saturday – Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5:30 – 7:30pm
When Game is on a Sunday – Tuesday – Wednesday 5:30 – 7:30pm & Saturday 9:00 – 11am
The regular season runs through the end of October. The post-season (playoffs) can continue through the 3rd week of November if a team wins each playoff game.
From July 26th – Friday September 3rd, practices are held 5 days a week, M-F, 2 hours, 5:30 – 7:30pm.
Starting September 7th through the end of October, the practice schedule is reduced to 3 days per week, 2 hours each practice.
3 day a week schedule for Saturday Games – Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5:30 – 7:30pm
3 day a week schedule for Sunday Games – Tuesday, Wednesday 5:30 – 7:30pm & Saturday (at 9am).
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required at all practice sessions and games. Because of the conditioning required to play football safely, candidates should not miss practice. Players missing practice for legitimate reasons (sickness or injury) should contact the head coach. Coaches reserve the right to limit the game playing time of participants not attending practice sessions and/or scheduled games. Families should attempt to plan vacations before practice/season begins. However we do realize conflicts will exist. Please contact your head coach to find out if your vacation will be at a critical time.
If you are interested in coaching please contact Joey Mizer, joey@wsjstorm.com
Our Coaches:
Our head coaches are required to attend to a minimum of at least 2 football clinics before every season. The curriculum for these clinics focus on organization, child psychology, fundamentals, and of course X’s & O’s. Football is a great medium to teach valuable life lessons. Our focus is on the child’s experience. Did the child have a good experience that can assist in their growth as individuals? Athletes first, winning second!
Mighty Mites (ages 6-8)
Junior Pee Wees (ages 8-10 & light 11’s)
The Junior Pee Wee team is for players ages 8 to 10 years old, who weigh a minimum of 50 lbs. and a maximum of 105 lbs., and for 11 year olds from 50 to 75 lbs. Training at the Junior Pee Wee level is focused on teaching the fundamentals and basics of football, and emphasizing good work habits that will benefit the player as he or she continues playing.
Pee Wees (ages 9-11 & lights 12’s) Head Coach Ross Jenkins-Wolpinsky, ross@wsjstorm.com
The Pee Wee team is for players ages 9 to 11, weighing a minimum of 70 lbs., and a maximum of 125 lbs., and 12 year olds from 70 to 100 lbs. At the Pee Wee level, basics and fundamentals are still emphasized and reinforced along with proper technique and work ethic, and a more advanced system is gradually introduced to the players. The Head Coach of the West San Jose Storm Pee Wees is Ross Jenkins-Wolpinsky. Ross is entering his 9th year of coaching and 6th year as head coach. He is a dedicated and experienced coach who possesses the perfect temperament and personality for working with our players. For more information regarding the Pee Wee team, please contact Coach Ross at ross@wsjstorm.com
Junior Midgets (ages 10-12 & light 13’s) Head Coach Ben Aguliar, ben@wsjstorm.com
The Junior Midget team is for players ages 10 – 12 weighing 85 lbs – 140 lbs & some 13 year olds (Older Lighters) who weigh between 85 lbs – 120 lbs. This is the next step in the evolution of the youth player. They will be exposed to more advanced schemes and terminology. Ben is entering his 4th year of coaching and 2nd year as head coach. He has amazing patience, child friendly temperament, positive coaching philosophy and strong knowledge of football fundamentals. For more information regarding Junior Midgets, please contact Coach Ben at ben@wsjstorm.com
Midgets (ages 11-13 & light 14’s) Head Coach Chris Bergeron, chris@wsjstorm.com
PREPARE FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL. PLAY AT LEAST ONE YEAR AT THE MIDGET LEVEL.
The Midget team is for players ages 11 to 13 years old, weighing 100 to 160 lbs., and 14 year olds from 100 to 155 lbs. In addition, the Midget squad can have 5 players (called “X Men”) who are 11 to 13, and can weigh between 160 and 190 lbs. Older, and usually more experienced at this level, players on the Midget team are able to execute more complex assignments due to a better understanding of, and familiarity with the game. Midget players are expected to provide an example of positive attitude, teamwork, and sportsmanship for the younger players in the program. In addition, the Midget coaching staff is dedicated to providing the guidance and training necessary to prepare these players for the next step in their football experience, which for most Midget players is High School football. We are honored to have Coach Chris Bergeron coaching for the Storm. Chris has over 3 years of coaching experience. He has a passion for football and offers a great opportunity for the players who are preparing to go to High School the following season. For more information regarding the Midget team and the Storm football program, please contact Coach Chris at chris@wsjstorm.com.
TIPS FOR NEW PLAYERS AND PARENTS:
Welcome to the West San Jose Storm Youth Football program!
We hope you’re looking forward to your first season of football, and we thought it might be helpful to pass on a few things that you might not be aware of as “rookies”:
• Hydration – make sure you drink lots of water before and after practice/games. Cut down on soda and sugary drinks.
• Eat healthy – try to cut back on the sweets. Eat more fruits and veggies.
• Get plenty of rest. Don’t stay up all night playing video games!
• Ice those bumps and bruises, and let your coaches know if you’re hurt or not feeling well. Remember, there’s a difference between “hurt” and “injured.” You can play when you’re hurt, you can’t play when you’re injured.
• If you’d like, get extra protective equipment. Gloves, forearm pads, rib protectors, and neck rolls can all be purchased at your local sporting goods store, and are worth the expense if it increases your self-confidence.
• Develop good work and study habits. Do your best in everything you do, especially in the classroom, and it will translate to success on the field.
• Parents: Get to know the other parents…make some friends! Help each other be good fans; support the team and each other.
• Ask questions! If you don’t know something – learn it. And if you do know something – share it. Be involved. We’re all in this together, and we can all use as much help as we can get! Most of this is just common sense, but its always good to say anyway.