A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: "Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time". When asked which dog wins he reflected for a moment and replied, "The one I feed the most." Translated into our lives, this means: Focus your thoughts and behaviors on those items which give you positive results. "Feed the Good Dog".

Chemically Free Presentation from March 15 (Power Point)

Commitment Form (Word)

New Lettering Policy (Word)

Thoughts From Lighting Alumni Playing Division I Football on Chemical Use and Educational Material on Marijuana and Alchohol (Word)

We Believe:

Using chemicals is illegal both at the police level and according to the Minnesota State High School League.           

Student-athletes that use chemicals will not reach their full potential either as an athlete or a student.

Chemical use can be divisive (create division) amongst players on a team.

Chemical use represents a “bad decision” that usually leads to other bad decisions by the student-athlete.

Chemicals are often addictive and use can lead to an addiction that will affect a person’s life.

Chemical use leads to physical and mental impairment – this can be a dangerous situation in athletics.

Goal:
Recognize students that are doing things the correct way, and empower them as leaders on the team.

Create a meaningful commitment to quality decision making.

Involve parents that are committed to helping students be chemical free.

Create an environment in which choosing to not use a chemical is the preferred way.

Empower student athletes to impact other team members that are making poor decisions.

Foster open and honest communication about issues associated with chemical use.

Hold others accountable when they decide to make a commitment.

Our purpose is to bring people to the group – not to engage in a “witch hunt”.

Develop activities that will draw people to the group.

Challenges:

Misinformation.

Finger Pointing.

Coaches don’t know everything.

This is about the present and the future – not the past. 

What about players that don’t commit?

What about players that break the commitment.  How do we hold each other
accountable?

Future Plans:

Create List of Off-Season Activities (Fun and community service)
Are these open to everyone?
Cost and Transportation?
Wii Tourney
Bowling
Paint ball
Water Park
Brunswick Zone
Valley Fair
Feed my Starving Children
Children’s Hospital
Grand Slam

How Frequently do we engage in planned-structured activities?

Leadership Fridays – 4-5 times
Those that are part of the Leadership League
Each Member may invite a friend
Determine structure of Leadership Council
How do we deal with issues
Elect a council
Education
Goal Setting, etc…

Football Excursion (Varsity)