AF SPORTS CORNER

 

Our mission is to be completely dedicated to providing the athletes with the technical, tactical and physical training to reach their highest possible potential. We will strive to help each and every player regardless of age or ability to achieve maximum performance. For the young player we want to develop a solid base of fundamental skill as well as a passion for the sport. As players get older and progress through the program we want to provide the path to a level of excellence that allows each and every athlete to test their own limitations. Only by constantly testing our limits can we truly find our potential. This is the true measure that separates greatness from weakness and determines who will be the Champion and who will fall short. Champions are not always the winner of the final match. But their effort and commitment to themselves and their teammates is the ultimate accomplishment.

We want our athletes to understand what the term COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE really stands for. That it is not a part time endeavor to be turned on and off depending on the mood or feeling of the day. We also want them to understand what it means to be a part of a team and what the word TEAMMATE really stands for. A group of people who share a common goal together and the members of that group understand and agree to make the sacrifices necessary to make that goal become a reality. These people learn that individual needs are put aside for the good of the team or the team is destined for failure. Being a part of a team and making the sacrifices and commitments to help that team achieve success is possibly the greatest single lesson to be learned from athletics. It is truly a selfless commitment rather than a selfish one.

Expectations



​Players: When players become part of the AFHS program it is important that they understand what the expectations are for them as well as for their teammates.. First and foremost we expect each player regardless of age to come into the gym with an open mind, a willingness to learn and to be taught. We are a teaching program and are constantly asking each athlete to refine or change their techniques to allow them to become better players. There is often early frustration when an athlete is changing a technique or motor pattern. It is the old adage of two steps forward and one step back. Players must be patient and give the training time to help them. Hanging on to old habits can be very damaging to a player who thinks they do not need to make changes. Being coachable is listening to instruction and making eye contact when spoken to as well as acknowledging any instruction when the situation calls for it. It is simply good manners that at times seem to get lost. We also expect players to hustle and do their best at all practices and competitions.

While being dedicated to improving their own skills, players must also develop a parallel commitment to their team and teammates. We spend a great deal of time and energy emphasizing the importance of team goals over individual needs. Being a great TEAMMATE is what every player should strive to be. Those who are not, fall out of favor quickly with the other members of the team and come to be distrusted in crucial situations. Attitude, commitment and dedication are the cornerstones of any successful program and for the players and coaches who make up that program.



​Parent: The arena of athletics is often toughest on parents. It is hard to sit back and watch someone you love so much struggle to succeed and at times fail. More and more it appears that parents will do almost anything to prevent their children from encountering failure of any type. It seems we have forgotten that how we handle the struggles encountered during the journey are more important than reaching the destination. The one thing we must remember is that success in athletics is not a sign of self worth, but more often a sign of self effort. With parents, teachers and coaches emphasizing hard work, dedication and self sacrifice, we instill in our children qualities such as leadership, character and self reliance. We want our players to develop the ability to figure out how to get the job done and do it well in the process. As was mentioned earlier, the failure isn't in getting knocked down, but rather in refusing to get back up. From the parents we ask for cooperation on the following issues.

                Volunteering: On game days, the multitudes of responsibilities, especially for home matches, require an active                                            parent TEAM that will volunteer and fulfill these important functions (example: line judging, score keeper, away game food).  Just as you would not want your daughter to be the only player practicing and playing hard and giving 100% on the court,  the members of the parent TEAM need to be active and cooperative to ensure that all these tasks are done.

                Team Parent Representative:  Each high school team will have a Parent Representative that will have three responsibilities.  The Parent Representative will organize volunteers, help plan and organize fundraisers and be a liaison between the coach and the parent TEAM.  It is imperative that members of the parent TEAM actively volunteer and complete duties to make the life easier for the Team Parent Rep.



​Coaches: First and foremost the coach is a teacher. The coach must have the knowledge and the ability to translate that knowledge to each and every player. Coaches must take it upon themselves to study and understand all phases of the game to help each athlete reach her potential. Successful coaches seem to have a deep passion for the sport they coach and are able to instill that passion in their players. We want our coaches to be serious and task oriented. Coaches are not expected to be babysitters or best friends of the players.  Coaches need to instill in the player to do their best each and every time.

 

 

 

Playing Time

Season Playing Time: At the Varsity level, the level of competition, each player’s individual skills, and their ability to consistently contribute to the team’s success will determine playing time. At the Varsity level, NO PLAYING TIME IS GUARANTEED—IT MUST BE EARNED. Generally speaking, the higher the level of the team the more competitive it will be to have playing time. Some players who are not quite capable of sustained playing time on varsity should not get discouraged as they may develop into a regular at some point.  We as coaches have an obligation to try to develop all players with the expectations that they will fit into key roles on a team.  All players have the obligation to work diligently toward their development.  You must continue to work toward your maturity as a person and player, while maintaining a positive attitude towards the team. If you cannot commit to this going into the season, then you should reconsider going out for the team. The coaches will try to communicate with you in identifying what role you will play and the skills you need to work on.  If you have questions about your role, ask your coach.  When considering the playing time issue, all players (and parents) should remember that TEAM comes first.

Playing time at the Junior Varsity level may not be equal, but instead is determined more on performance and how one contributes on the court. At the JV level, Coaches will attempt to get all players into a match at some point during the match. 

Playing time at the C-Team level, Coaches will attempt to get all players into a match at some point during the match, but may be dependent upon position.  When considering the playing time issue, all players (and parents) should remember that TEAM comes first

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