Football Parent Meeting Monday

By John Earp

Last Monday in the Panther Gym, parents and athletes attended a meeting called by the Head Coach of the Jal High School Football Team, Tom Harvey. Coach Harvey went over expectations for players as well as the mandatory practice schedule, noting that there will be no afternoon practices, with all practices being held early in the morning to avoid excessive heat in the afternoon. He mentioned that every summer, high school football players suffer from heat stroke and even in some cases, death due to exerting themselves in the high temperatures of late summer. Both athletes and their parents were told again during the meeting that all athletes were required to complete all necessary clearance forms before they would be allowed to participate in the sport. These forms included the NFHS Concussion Fact Sheet, release of medical information, parent consent, eligibility requirements, drug policy, consent to treat, code of conduct, quitting policy, insurance information, drug testing, and injury risk. Football players had to complete concussion training, which included instruction on proper tackling form to avoid head and neck injuries. Coach Harvey also introduced his assistant coaches. Coaches Ross, Narrell and Epperson are over the offensive and defensive linemen. Coaches Mendez and Peacock are over the skills/backs. Robert Sedillo returns as Athletic Trainer for the Jal Panthers.