Q: My son is just starting his football career this year. He is 15, weighs about 130 pounds and is 5’ 7’ tall. Truly a Rudy story!  I would categorize him as solidly athletic, but not too far above average. I’ve taught him to work hard, never blame others for anything and always take responsibility for his own development. His goals are:
   1. Learn the fundamentals of the game.
   2. Be a contributing member of the team wherever he’s needed -- scout team, special teams, substitute, it doesn’t matter.
   3. Always respect his coaches and NEVER criticize another player.
   4. Except in emergencies, attend all team functions.
Any advice?

A:  I like how you think -- especially the part about making sure your son "never blames others for anything, and always takes responsibility for his own development." That's Old School Sports Parenting at its very core!

If your son is 15 and is literally "just starting" his football career, I don't have to tell you he has a long, tough road ahead of him. He'll be competing for a roster spot against many kids who've been playing organized football for five or more years. That's a lot of ground to make up. I know … I've coached many kids in the same boat.

The most important thing you can do for him right now is AVOID the size issue completely. Don't bring it up at all. And if he brings it up, remind him that he's playing the one sport where hustle and heart can overcome ANY deficiency in talent or size. If a kid shows a willingness to smash into people, the coaches will find a way to get him onto the field. At the high school level, coaches rarely have enough kids willing to truly smack people in the teeth. "You don't have to win the fight every time," I tell players. "But you'd better be ready to pick one with every kid in a different-colored uniform."

Obviously, if he's smart enough to actually learn assignments and execute them, so much the better. So, make sure he pays equal attention to the mental side of the game. Contrary to what a lot of people say, this ain't "a simple game of blocking and tackling." A tremendous amount of discipline goes into proper execution of an offense and a defense.

I'd also suggest you encourage him to set his goals higher than just scout team or special teams. Nothing wrong with those, mind you. But I don't want to coach a kid who's content to play scout team. I want to see that kid constantly pushing the players who are ahead of him on the depth chart, and actively, consciously trying to beat them out and take their spot. Not in a jealous or vindictive way, but as a competitor. That's what football players do. They fight and compete and never settle for second best.

I know you didn't say that he'd be "content" with scout team. But unless you clearly tell him to always think higher, he'll gradually come to accept a secondary role. You have to play with his head a little bit. "If the best you can do is scout team and maybe some special teams, great. But don't ever let the coaches think you're happy with that, or they'll replace you with someone who has higher goals." You get the idea.

Good luck. Keep me posted on his progress!