This document outlines the coaching philosophy and team rules for the University High School golf team. The coaching staff emphasizes athlete development over winning, and focuses on improving technical skills, mental skills, character, and physical fitness. The team rules establish expectations for punctual attendance, academic eligibility, prohibitions on substance use, good sportsmanship, and respecting the golf course. Consequences are outlined for rule violations. The coach's role is to communicate schedules, monitor academics, and promote a substance-free environment.

1. University High School
Department of Athletics, Morgantown, WV
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
The overriding theme in sports today is winning. This is especially true in professional
sports, but has trickled down to collegiate, scholastic, and youth sports. We all like winning and
would rather be a part of a winning, storied program, rather than a losing, no-name program.
Fans of professional sports seem to gravitate towards the winning teams and casual fans jump on
the hot team’s “bandwagon.”
Scholastic sports, however, are different. The wining at all costs theory has no place in
high school sports. The scholastic athlete needs to develop his skills. The scholastic athlete is
still in the developmental sport category. The technical skills are still being learned. The tactical
skills are still being learned. The athlete is still not fully physically developed. While some
coaches and players think winning is the only thing that matters in high school sports, it is not.
High school coaches have the unique opportunity to not only make the athlete better at the sport,
but also better as a person.
Focusing on athlete development is paramount in the scholastic athletic world. High
school athletes are not done developing yet, so it is the role of the coach to help foster and
continue this development. High school student-athletes are not done developing physically,
emotionally, and personally.
High school student-athletes are students first. As students first, they must complete all
schoolwork, earn good grades, and follow all the rules and regulations of the school. Competing
and representing the school as a member of an athletic team is a privilege, not a right, and
athletes should receive no preferential treatment.
The student-athlete has an opportunity few high school students have: the opportunity to
learn time management. When the athlete’s sport is in-season, the demands of balancing
practice, games, work outs, and school is a challenge. Coaches should make practices a
reasonable length and provide study sessions for their student-athletes to ensure that the
homework is getting done.
Practice provides an opportunity for more than technical and tactical skill development.
There are many other types of skills that could be, and should be, focused on at practice:

2. communication skills, physical skills, mental skills, and character. All of these things should be
included in a practice.
Practices should not be repetitive and boring, but rather unique and engaging. The only
way athletes can get better is through practice that has a purpose. Mindless, tedious drills are not
the most effective way to practice. Rather, scrimmaging and conducting drills that resemble
game-like situations work better. Athletes are occupied and when a similar situation arises in a
game or match, the athlete will have been prepared to handle it and know which technical and
tactical skills to apply.
Winning is important in any sport. Athletes are attracted to sport because of the
competitive nature and the drive to win. However, in high school, many athletes are not ready to
win, either physically or mentally.
The high school coach’s job is to develop athletes to become winners. If winning is the
only focus of the program and no effort is made to develop the athletes, the program will not
succeed. However, by developing the athletes’ skills and making the athletes better, the wins
will come. Winning is the only thing casual fans look at when judging a coach’s skill and
abilities. However, anyone who truly understands scholastic athletics understands that a coach is
much more than his win-loss record. Sometimes the coach is not given the best, most talented
athletes, so his win-loss record might suffer. However, changing the lives of young men and
women and being a positive influence on athletes is much more important than any win-loss
record.
Most high school athletes will not compete at the college or professional level. No matter
what athlete’s parents think, the odds of getting a scholarship are slim. The purpose of high
school athletics is not necessarily to prepare the athlete for the next level, but rather to provide a
safe environment with qualified coaches teaching skills and making the athletes better players.
Athletics is a great way for students to stay in shape, especially in today’s world with obesity
concerns.
A high school coach does not coach for the money. A high school coach does not coach
for the wins. A high school coach realizes there are more important things than that, especially
in the scholastic sports world. A high school coach’s job is to develop athletes, to have athletes
realize and meet their potential, and to be a positive role model for student-athletes. When a

3. high school coach develops athletes properly, the end result is a successful program, both on and
off the field.

4. University High School
Department of Athletics, Morgantown, WV
July 3, 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians of Prospective Golf Team Members,
Welcome to the 2009 golf season at University High School. I would like to take this
opportunity to explain my coaching philosophy, the way this program will be organized and
conducted, the procedures for playing time, ways you can support the team, and some concerns I
have entering this season.
Winning is important in any sport, and all athletes have the competitive drive to win. In a lower-
profile sport, such as golf, the pressures of the media, school community, and fans of the school
are lessened with regards to winning. However, winning is not the only measurement of success.
If athletes train properly, learn the technical and tactical skills, apply the technical and tactical
skills after supervised practice, and show dedication to their own improvement, the wins will
come. Focusing on athlete development, rather than only winning, creates an environment with
less stress.
Golf is becoming a very competitive sport, internationally, nationally, and scholastically. Many
of the scores that high school players post today were unthinkable ten or even five years ago.
Because of this, qualifying for the golf team has become increasingly difficult. Even once
athletes are on the team, they feel the competitive nature to gain increased playing time. I would
like to keep all athletes who try out for the team; however, due to budget constraints, I
unfortunately cannot.
This program prides itself on honesty, integrity, dedication, and discipline. Any athlete who
does find these characteristics within himself should not try out. While scores posted in
qualifying rounds and practices are important for determining who plays in matches and

5. tournaments, I also take into consideration these personality traits displayed on the course.
Therefore, playing time is not solely dependent on scores and match and tournament
performance. Keeping a good attitude is just as important as posting low scores.
Parents are always asking how they can support the team. The most important thing parents can
do is to encourage their son to perform his best. All golfers have bad days at practice, bad days
on the course, and do not always post the score they envision. Supporting your son in tough
times is extremely important, because the team might need him to perform well the next day.
Also, parents can help by letting my assistant and I coach. Many recreational golfers think they
know the best quick fixes for a poor swing and are more than willing to share their tips. My
assistant and I have played competitive golf and are qualified to give instruction. Too many and
differing swing tips and theories can conflict and will only confuse the golfer. If your son is
seeing a professional instructor, I will not instruct him as much, not to conflict with his
teachings. I expect the same from parents, who trust me to coach their son.
All golfers, even professional golfers, are always looking to better their game. Having a
consistent, reliable swing; having a sound mental game; shooting lower scores; and breaking
personal bests are all goals each golfer has. My goal for your son this season is for him to
improve his game. I do not set goals such as winning the conference championship for
individual golfers. By having a goal of improving, there is less focus on results and more focus
on getting better. With getting better will come better individual and team performances and
wins.
Golf has changed drastically in the past ten years. The previous image of golfers as athletes was
not always complimentary. However, in today’s game, golfers are athletes. To compete their
best, golfers need to be in top physical shape. I recommend that your son, if he does not already,
starts visiting the school weight room and meeting with our strength and conditioning coach.
Many days after practice, especially in the preseason, we will go to the weight room as a team.
The stresses put on the body during the golf swing require strong muscles and joints. By

6. following an exercise regimen, golfers will perform better, be able to perform longer, and
prevent injury.
In order to ensure a successful season, I would like to invite you and your son to our preseason
parent orientation meeting. At this meeting, I will discuss my coaching philosophy, demonstrate
some skills I will be teaching this season, identify potential risks, discuss team rules and policies,
and have a question and answer session. Attendance is highly recommended. The orientation
meeting will be held on July 9 at 7:30pm at the University High School cafeteria.
I look forward to seeing you at the orientation meeting, and having a great season.
Regards,
Coach Brian VanDongen

7. University High School
Department of Athletics, Morgantown, WV
PARENT-COACH CONTRACT
Purpose
The purpose of this contract is to ensure positive relations between parents and coaches, and to
make sure a positive environment is created where athletes can technically, tactically, and
socially develop. This contract clearly defines roles, expectations, and behaviors of the coach
and roles of the parent for athletes on the University High School golf team.
The Parent’s Role
• I will ensure my son attends all practice sessions. If he cannot attend due to illness or
family emergency, I will make sure he contacts the coach prior to practice.
• I will encourage my son to exhibit positive behavior both on and off the golf course.
• I will make sure my student-athlete attends school regularly, completes assignments on
time, and maintains the minimum required GPA for participation in interscholastic sports.
• I will be generally supportive of my son’s training and practice program.
• I will respectfully alert the coach if I have concerns with the program.
• If I attend matches, I will follow the rules for spectators as set forth by the West Virginia
Secondary Schools Activities Commission.
• I will not promote unhealthy behaviors that could negatively impact performance in the
classroom and on the golf course, including smoking and excessively drinking.
• I will support, encourage, and take interest in my son’s participation and achievement on
the team.
• I will not interfere with the instruction of the coaching staff. I will the let coaches coach.
• I will demonstrate and exhibit positive character traits I want my son to possess both on
and off the golf course.
The Coach’s Role
• I will hold regular practice sessions. I will notify athletes if practice needs to be
cancelled due to inclement weather or unforeseen emergency.

8. • I will encourage athletes to demonstrate positive behavior both on and off the golf course.
• I will hold study sessions as necessary to ensure all student-athletes complete their
schoolwork punctually and successfully.
• I will prepare practice plans to improve athlete’s technical, tactical, and character
development skills. I will defer fitness training to the strength and conditioning coach on
campus.
• I will respectfully notify parents if they are becoming a distraction to the program or are
not adhering to this contract.
• I will encourage parents to positively support their son during matches and tournaments,
provided parent attendance is permitted under North Central Athletic Conference and
West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission rules.
• I will support, encourage, and take interest in all athletes’ development, participation, and
achievement on the team.
• I will comply with all rules regarding participation, eligibility, and practices as set forth
by the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission.
• I will adhere to the rules my coaching staff and I have created for this team. I will not
give any athlete preferential treatment regarding rules and consequences.
• I will demonstrate and exhibit positive character traits I want my athletes to possess both
on and off the golf course.
By signing below, I agree to uphold my role as a parent/coach of a student-athlete on the
University High School golf team.
______________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature Date
______________________________________________________________________________
Coach Signature Date

9. University High School
Department of Athletics, Morgantown, WV
TEAM RULES
The purpose of these team rules is to provide a clear explanation of athletes’ expected behavior
while a member of the University High School golf team. These rules fall in line with our team
culture and what our program prides itself on: honesty, integrity, respect, hard work, and
dedication. All athletes will be treated equally under these rules, and no athlete is above these
rules. This is the foundation of our program. After each rule is an explanation of why the
coaching staff feels the rule is necessary, the accumulating consequences, and the role the coach
will play in order to make abiding by these rules easier.
Rule 1: Punctual attendance at each practice is mandatory. While at practice or in the weight
room, athletes must show regular and consistent work ethic.
Explanation: The only way to get better is to practice with qualified coaches. Many drills,
practice games, and rounds of golf will be completed at practice sessions. Not attending practice
shows the coaches that the athlete is not a dedicated member of this team. Absences due to
illness or family emergency can be excused with proper notification and documentation.
Consequence 1: One match suspension
Consequence 2: Two match suspension and conference with player and parent
Consequence 3: Three match suspension and conference with player and parent
Coach’s Role: I will distribute practice and match schedules, including dates and times, prior to
the start of the season. Should changes to the schedule be required, I will athletes will be
notified by postings on the bulletin board in the locker and/or verbal announcements during the
afternoon announcements.
Rule 2: Regularly attend school as per University High School regulations, and meet all
academic eligibility requirements set by UHS and WVSSAC.
Explanation: A student-athlete’s first priority should be, and is, academics. Without regular
school and class attendance, student’s grades will suffer. With poor grades, students will be
academically ineligible for participation in athletics.
Consequence: As per University High School and West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities
Commission regulations.
Coach’s Role: Student-athletes’ teachers will provide me with biweekly progress reports, as per
my request. These progress reports will note absences, participation levels/citizenship, and
grades. I may hold mandatory study sessions if I notice one or more student-athlete’s grades
suffering.

10. Rule 3: Do not drink alcohol, use tobacco products or illegal drugs, or take prescription
medicine not prescribed to you.
Explanation: Alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal drugs are toxins to our body. Athletes should be
in top physical shape, especially in-season. Use of these toxins will negate the hard work put in
on the practice range, golf course, and weight room.
Consequence 1: Two match suspension
Consequence 2: Five match suspension and conference with player, parent, and student
assistance counselor
Consequence 3: Suspended for the season, mandatory drug abuse counseling with student
assistance counselor
Coach’s Role: I will promote a clean, substance free atmosphere. The student resource officer
will present about the ever increasing use of tobacco and alcohol and the consequences of their
use (legal and otherwise) during our first team meeting.
Rule 4: Be a good citizen by showing politeness; courtesy; respect towards match
officials/marshals, opponents, other team members, and coaches. Be a good representative of
our school at away matches and special events.
Explanation: Golf is a sport of good etiquette and sportsmanship. While most competitive
golfers show emotion on the course, there is no place for overt actions, such as throwing clubs.
This program prides itself on integrity and discipline.
Consequence 1: Mandatory 2 hour community service project at UHS approved by the principal
and athletic director.
Consequence 2: Mandatory 5 hour community service project at UHS approved by the principal
and athletic director, and one match suspension.
Consequence 3: Mandatory 5 hour community service project at UHS approved by the principal
and athletic director, and three match suspension.
Coach’s Role: At the preseason orientation meeting and at our first team meeting, I will remind
all golfers of proper etiquette and what it means to be a Hawk. I will also try my best to exhibit
the behaviors I want my golfers to exhibit both on and off the golf course.
Rule 5: Show respect to the course and its features, whether natural or artificial.
Explanation: A golf course is viewed by some as a natural sanctuary. The golf course allows our
team to play there at a fraction of the cost of full greens fees and we should respect our home
site. Also, there are many houses on the course with property lines near the course. We need to
respect our neighbors so we are still welcome at the course.
Consequence 1: One match suspension
Consequence 2: Two match suspension and 60-minute golf course conservation project
Consequence 3: Three match suspension and two-hour golf course conservation project

11. Coach’s Role: I will always replace my divots, repair ball marks, and rake sand traps. I will
always encourage my golfers to do the same. We will also complete a golf course conservation
project as a team throughout the season.