BULLDOG FOOTBALL
Coaching Guidelines


In the 1980s I developed what became known as Rick's Rules of Reprimand. I explain these to every coach who coaches with me. I ask them to go through five steps before they ever "get on" a player. I have seen that often times coaches are yelling at athletes for something that is not the player's fault. As coaches it is imperative that we first check out ourselves before we blame a player for something. If a coach takes the time to think about the following things and ask the following questions he will probably find that "dressing down" a player is not the answer- coaching the player is. A player misses an assignment so the coach asks....

Question 1- Has the player heard it before?

Question 2- Has he heard it enough?

Question 3- Has he done it before?

Question 4- Has he done it enough?

Question 5- Is he capable of doing what I am asking him?

Often times as coaches we realize that the exact thing we are upset about has not been covered enough. Just mentioning a situation is not teaching it. We must be careful we are not reprimanding an athlete for our own lack of coaching.

We Promise the coaching staff will keep these things in mind while coaching your sons.



Treat all players fairly. The way they’ve earned and deserved to be treated.

Do not demand too much from the lesser talented, but always demand what they are capable of doing.

After criticizing a player, say something positive to bring him back the next day.

Support the players in every situation in which they deserve to be supported.

Make all players feel important.

Team unity can be judged by the behavior of the sideline players.

Stimulate the players to be the best they can be. Strive to be the best that you can be as a coach.

Coach, Coach, Coach and Coach some more before you criticize the players.

Stay in control-do not lose your temper.

What your players learn is more important then what you know.

Enthusiasm is contagious-practice it everyday.

FUNdamentals are the most important factor that you can teach or coach.

Never get away from Every Day Drills.

Never allow a player to talk negatively about another player or coach

Don’t ever allow a player to loaf- no matter who he is. Put him on the bench.

Encourage and demand that players achieve in the classroom.

Have the team so well prepared that their decisions come automatically.

Listen to the players- don’t do all the talking

If you’re a good coach, your former players will want to come back to visit and stay in touch. They will feel very comfortable around your current players.

Honesty is the centerpiece of a coach/player relationship

If you’re a good coach, your players will play very close to how you teach them to play.