EXPECTATIONS

The John Jay Soccer Program sets ambitious objectives, aiming for League 1-A, Section I, Regional, and NYSPHSAA State Championship titles while nurturing players to secure college sports placements and scholarships based on their athletic and academic merits. However, achieving these goals necessitates more than victories; it demands a foundation of character, self-assurance, and sportsmanship in every high school athlete. Attainment of these commendable aspirations is contingent upon the mature conduct and exemplary behavior of coaches, parents, and, notably, the players within the John Jay Soccer program.

Outlined in the Expectations of Players Guide below is an initiative aimed at acquainting all players with the values and expectations integral to the John Jay Soccer Program's culture. Embracing these principles is not about imposing rigid rules; rather, it's about adopting guidelines to become the finest player, teammate, and student-athlete possible. These standards form a cornerstone in the development of high school soccer players, ensuring the enduring success of the John Jay Soccer Program.

Be Respectful at All Times

Respect stands as a fundamental pillar in our conduct. It encompasses honoring teammates, coaches, teachers, school staff, parents, spectators, opponents, and referees. John Jay Soccer players are expected to uphold this value consistently, whether during practice, games, or in the classroom. Displaying such respect and sportsmanship is mandatory at all times.

As representatives of the school within the Soccer Program, players must embody this standard of behavior. Furthermore, players are expected to show respect for all facilities utilized by the soccer program, which includes, but is not limited to, fields, bathrooms, and storage areas.

Strive for Excellence

Players should consistently aim for excellence. John Jay Soccer players are encouraged to pursue sporting greatness, showcasing commitment both on and off the field. Every player within the John Jay Soccer Program should aspire to excel in their personal player development, contribute to team enhancement, and foster individual growth.

Strive to perform at your peak level during every training session and match. Maintain a positive attitude and resilience, refusing to give up. Demonstrate unwavering sportsmanship in all situations. Balancing an ardent hunger for victory with a systematic and progressive approach to developing soccer skills holds utmost significance.

Compete at All Times

Players should consistently strive to push themselves to their utmost limits every day, showcasing their dedication, commitment, and capabilities. Game participation is a reflection of hard work and skill. The management of game tactics, formations, and player rotations lies within the coach's discretion.

While players are welcome to discuss aspects such as playing time and positions with the coaches, it's strongly advised against for parents to engage in these discussions. Factors like commitment, practice attendance, performance, and physical preparedness significantly influence a player's time on the field. Players not in optimal physical condition will participate based on their determined limits as directed by the coach.

Earning playing time is a continuous competitive process. At the Varsity level, there are three primary groups: the Starting XI, the rotational substitutes, and those not utilized in a game. It's incumbent upon each player to strive to progress into the next tier. The selection of teammates is not a matter of fault but a result of individual effort. Every player holds a crucial role within the team. Whether on the field or not, players contribute by giving their best to aid the team's success. This involves wholeheartedly supporting teammates, contributing positively, and constantly endeavoring to enhance personal and team capabilities.

Set a Good Example

Consistently, the older players—upperclassmen and returning team members—should recognize their role as examples for younger players and take responsibility for their conduct. It's a constant expectation for all players to exhibit a positive attitude and maintain high levels of energy. Encouragement and support toward teammates should be the focus, avoiding any negativity.

Commitment to the Program

Our players serve as key ambassadors for the John Jay Soccer Program. By choosing to be part of John Jay's soccer team, players commit themselves to represent not only their own values but also those of their teammates, coaches, parents, and the school itself. This responsibility encompasses maintaining a positive representation of both the program and John Jay High School at all times.

Punctuality is a fundamental expectation for both practices and games. Players are required to arrive 15 minutes before practices, fully prepared for training. For games, players should aim to arrive at least an hour in advance, unless otherwise specified by the coach. In the event of unavoidable absence due to illness or other reasons, players are accountable for promptly notifying their coach. Direct communication with the coach by the player is preferable over relaying messages through another player or parent. Should a player anticipate lateness for practice, they should inform the coach well in advance and, upon arrival, respectfully communicate their delayed arrival.

Regular and dedicated practice is crucial for mastering soccer skills and tactics. Players must understand that skill refinement and conditioning should extend beyond designated practice sessions, necessitating individual effort and practice at home. These honed skills not only contribute to the team's competitiveness but also foster the player's personal development.

Playing time is a product of hard work, commitment, skill, positive attitude, and responsible conduct exhibited during training sessions and games. The discretion of playing time and positions rests with the coach, acting as a reward for dedicated effort and positive contributions on and off the field.

Healthy Lifestyle

Players are entrusted with the responsibility to maintain a lifestyle conducive to maximizing their performance on the field. This encompasses following a balanced diet, refraining from alcohol and drugs, and prioritizing sufficient sleep for optimal recovery. Ensuring adequate rest and sleep before games is imperative for peak performance. Additionally, players who possess a driver’s license must uphold safety standards and observe the 5 m.p.h. speed limit within the John Jay Senior High School campus.

Beyond physical well-being, players should also focus on mental preparation for both practices and matches. Arriving at all events mentally primed and prepared demonstrates commitment and readiness to perform at their best. Mental readiness, combined with physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, contributes to a player's ability to excel on the field.

Be Prepared at All Times

Players are urged to approach both practice sessions and games with utmost preparation and dedication. Beyond the rigorous demands of the Fall soccer season, players are encouraged to engage in additional training at home and with their respective club teams, even during the off-season. Given the high level of talent and competitiveness within our soccer program, it is incumbent upon each player to commit to the necessary training regimen to meet the standards set by the team and the program.

Moreover, players should conscientiously review any assigned supplementary tasks provided by the coach, whether it involves video analysis, readings, or studying game footage. This expectation applies uniformly to all players, regardless of their current roles within the team or the soccer program, as roles within the team dynamics can change significantly at any given time.

Social Media

Players are allowed to use various social media platforms, but it's crucial to maintain awareness that journalists and the wider public often closely monitor Twitter, Facebook, and similar accounts. Tweets, posts, and images shared on these platforms can potentially be reported on and widely distributed across different media outlets. As such, players should exercise discretion and refrain from posting content that might reflect unfavorably on the school district, John Jay High School, the John Jay Soccer Program, or themselves. It's advisable to avoid sharing photographs or content of a sensitive nature, things that one wouldn't wish to see published in a newspaper.