Coaches Qualifications Framework

The Westport PAL Football Coaches’ Committee will utilize the following framework for identifying qualified coaches.  These guidelines are a framework and have been selected to compliment a candidate’s specific football and coaching experience.

The Coaches’ Committee has identified five broad categories that it will use to assess Head Coaching candidates including Communication & Composure, Organization & Process, Leadership & Respect, Commitment, Empathy & Decision Making, Football Playing & Coaching Experience.

All current returning Coaches and prospective candidates will be assessed against these 5 categories in addition to displaying the broad behaviors consistent with the program’s stated mission, goals and philosophy.

Communication & Composure

• The Coaches will ALWAYS speak to his team and coaches with respect and with the goal of providing instruction and positive examples of:
  • Sportsmanship
  • Teamwork
  • Respect
  • Responsibility & Accountability
  • Hard Work & Commitment
  • Kindness & Brotherhood
  • Community
• In game behavior exemplifies the BEST sportsmanship first and always, and complies with league and program rules and codes of conduct:
  • Kids are watching - set the right example.
  • Parents are watching, you represent the program and the town.
  • Being “right” is irrelevant - referees do not change their minds and arguing never helps.
  • Body language and tone of voice on the sidelines is closely watched.
• Coaches must be mature, level headed and articulate enough to speak with parents as a group or individually, especially in the face of adversity. 
  • Communication should occur proactively throughout the entire season.
• Coaches MUST build a strong and positive relationship with the Board assigned grade rep and team parent to help cultivate efficient lines of communication and community (team/family) participation.
• Create an “open door” atmosphere with respect to communication with parents, including a proactive and collaborative effort regarding their child’s performance, development or other interpersonal issues, which may need to be addressed.

Organization & Process

• Coaches must have good organizational skills:
  • Utilize “approved” practice plans. 
  • Teaching agreed upon and accepted program basic skills and prescribed techniques.
• The Coaches must know and commit to teaching, disseminating and using the designated terminology and playbook (NO EXCEPTIONS)
  • Practice to include progressive learning and repetitions
• Player evaluations are done fairly and at multiple times during the season
  • Practice reps should include constant personnel rotations to minimize “dead time”.
• The Coaches must have the time required to:
  • Use HUDL and other technologies in order to better evaluate players and develop appropriate game plans.
  • Hold weekly coaching staff meetings in order to discuss player development, practice goals and plans, personnel and game planning.
• The Coaches must know and adhere to the FCFL rules for his particular grade.

Leadership & Respect

• Coaches must be a strong enough leader to earn and maintain the respect of the assistant coaches, players and parents.
  • The ability to delegate and share responsibilities is a must.
  • Empowerment and accountability work well, coaching is a team sport, and involve coaching staff in decisions
• Coaches must be a culture builder:
  • Encourage and cultivate team building, unity, brotherhood and camaraderie. 
    • On-field and off-field activities and events are encouraged.
  • Build a culture of mutual respect, sportsmanship, brotherhood, hard work and support. 
  • Build a culture that is NOT focused on winning first or at all costs
• Coachs is ultimately responsible for all the practice field and equipment use and must be a strong delegator to ensure our equipment is taken care of.

Commitment, Empathy & Decision Making

• Coaches must be the leader and be completely committed to the education and safety of the players and to the success of the program
• Coaches must be the leader in terms of enforcing safety protocols:
  • Minimize live hitting in practice
  • Match players of equal size and skill during contact drills
• Coachs must display empathy and understanding around the psyche and behavior of youth football players.
  • Motivate with positive messages and intonation
  • Know how and when to recognize when kids are “down” or vulnerable and be quick to restore balance and a positive environment.
  • Communicate, connect, motivate and reward positive behaviors.  Positive reinforcement of positive behaviors yields positive results!!!
  • NEVER use punishment to teach lessons, and we must work hard to communicate, provide explanations and raise awareness.
• Seek help and advice from PAL Football President and Coaching chair when dealing with difficult situations.
• If a parent, the Coach must be able to avoid ALL related conflicts with respect to coaching own child
  • Favoritism and reverse favoritism
  • Direct one on one coaching à have other coaches communicate

Football Playing & Coaching Experience

• Coaches must have football experience as a player and/or a coach
  • Establish motivation for coaching is 100% based on wanting to help kids learn and enjoy the game, consistent with the framework as described.
• Coaches must be able to maintain the optimal balance of football knowledge, positive competitive spirit and healthy, positive leadership influence.
• Coaches must be able to teach in a manner that is consistent with our mission statement and values