Meet the Coach: Jack Ferraro

1. Motivated players make a strong team. To motivate the individual player there needs to be a reward for their efforts. I want to make all activities as rewarding as possible. Every drill, practice, game, etc. should have its reward.
2. Maximize the training benefits of each practice and game. The best teams have good training habits, and improve game after game. Use training time efficiently an make the most of our practice and game opportunities. I want to develop a competitive team.
3. Educate all players on the technical and tactical aspects of the game. Basic technical skills are vital. Playing as a team is vital. I want all my players to achieve a high level of technical skill and understanding of the game. Players will know how to play the ball when they possess it, or get possession of it. They will know what to do on the field whether their team has possession of the ball or not. I want the smartest team on the field for every game.
4. The game of soccer is the truest of teachers. It is a player's game. You will learn tactics from the games you play. You will know which strategies that work. The ball will be the best coach you will interact with as you play the game. It will give you the best evaluation of your technical skill. It eventually communicates the touch you need to have to be the best you can be. I want my players to be learners. The lessons of the game will tell you more about yourself and your team than you can imagine.
5. Team success is measured by the goals we achieve together. Every individual has a part in the team’s success. Enjoying the game is linked with the success of the team. I believe that everyone has their role on a successful team. Everyone can take pride in that role when we, as a team, experience success. Individual honors or recognition will be given to the members of a championship team. They go together!
6. Be a team. Stick together in good times and bad. Support your teammates and your coaches. Whether we win or lose, it will always be as a team. No one person has ever been solely responsible for a team’s success or failure. If all of our players and coaches fulfill the team expectations, we will enjoy the season.

Team Expectations

7. Attend all practice sessions. Expect to work at practice. Expect to be challenged. Expect to be out of your comfort zone at times. Expect to learn, and to teach. We can all make the effort to learn from one another. Communicate directly with your coach when you will miss a practice or game. My email is jferraro@d230.org. Do it face to face whenever possible. Communicate over the phone if it is necessary. In this age of great advances in communication, you need to exchange information with your coach. Missing 3 unexcused practices may result in your removal from the team. Missing 1 game as unexcused may result in your removal from the team. Attend all games.
8. Players will take the team bus to and from games. Rides with friends, siblings, or persons other than your parent (legal guardian) is prohibited. The school is liable for your safety in regards to transportation. As you know some important team bonds occur on bus rides. You learn about your teammates in the interactions that take place on the bus.
9. All injuries that affect your well being must be communicated to the coach and school trainer. Minor injuries that may not keep you from playing, but restrict your ability to play must be reported. No one should play with severe pain, or endanger their health. If a coach sends you to the trainer, you must go to the trainer. This is not negotiable. Respect the trainers and student-trainers at all times. Listen to their instructions and advice.
10. Sportsmanship is a priority. Never act in such a way as to embarrass yourself, your parents, the coaching staff and fellow players. Inappropriate behavior at games and other functions will not be tolerated. Expect to be reprimanded by your coach for unsportsmanlike conduct. Severe acts of unsportsmanlike conduct may even result in your removal from the team. Hazing teammates is prohibited, and will result in your removal from the team.
11. Follow all District 230 Rules for athletes as outlined in the code of conduct. All consent forms, physicals and other documents must be properly filled out. They must be authentic and complete.
12. Take care of school equipment that is issued to you. Return it at the end of the season. Take care of the school facilities we use as a team.
13. Communication is vital. Expect the coaches to ask you to do certain tasks. We might have to clean up a mess we made. We might have to fund raise. Expect the captains of your team to be leaders too. They will ask you to do certain tasks during the course of the season. Captains are responsible to communicate to the coaches on team matters. If there is an issue of concern you have about this season, communicate directly with the coach. Direct communication is the most desired. If you feel you want to tell a captain the issue instead of the coach, the captains will then communicate to the coaches. There are many times a player may want to remain anonymous about an issue, but let the coaches know the issue through the voice of the captains.
14. When to communicate an issue to the coach is important. Before or after a training session is usually best. It can be addressed right away.
15. Expect to be a ball runner for a game or games during the season.
16. We will have no cliques on this team. Expect to treat all teammates as equals.

Coaching Decisions

17. The coaches will decide starting line ups, and playing time for players. This is not negotiated. It is a coach's decision. Some players will get more time on the field than others. Expect this to occur.
18. The coaches will decide the position a player will have in a game. The coach will decide tactics for games. This is not negotiated.
19. The coaches will design all training and practice sessions. Practice should make us mentally and physically prepared for games.
20. Coaching decisions are based on what best helps the team achieve their goals. All players are expected to fulfill their role on the team. The coach's decisions help define that role.
21. Coaches will not play a student who is academically ineligible. This will not be negotiated. When our school officials declare the player ineligible, they will not suit up for a game.
22. Coaching decisions are not always agreeable with a player. The player and his parents are encouraged to discuss issues that are relevant. All discussions will be constructive and respectful. Playing time, tactics and training are not issues that will be discussed. The player's welfare and a player evaluation can be discussed. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the coaching staff about concerns they have about their son.