Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils Football

Program Information

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Mission Statement: The Grosse Pointe South “Blue Devil” Football Program exists to develop its members as students, athletes, and citizens; to prepare them to take their place as contributing members of our community. It is a comprehensive football program which not only emphasizes the skills required for football, but also the development of lifelong values through hard work, dedication, discipline and team work. This is based on a foundation mutual respect among coaches, athletes, parents and officials. It serves as a positive and productive force for the school, community, and most importantly the student-athlete. Success will be achieved through preparation, execution and belief in our team and our program goals, and measured through the experiences and character of our young men.

Football Code of Conduct – (1) All athletes must adhere to the Grosse Pointe Public Schools athletic code of conduct. (2) Participation in football is a privilege, not a right. (3) We practice or meet every day but Sunday, if an unexpected situation arises, players must contact either their position coach or the head coach. (4) Athletes must at all times maintain a high academic standard. (5) Athletes must at all times act in a disciplined and respectful manor and represent the football program proudly. (6) The use of prohibited substances of any kind is forbidden. (7) Profanity of any kind at any time will not be tolerated. (8) Hazing or bullying of any kind is not allowed and will be dealt with severely. (9) Injuries must be reported immediately to the position coach and injury protocol must be followed, do not seek medical attention from anyone but certified sports medicine professionals. (10) Maintain your equipment in excellent condition and report damaged or lost equipment immediately to your position coach. (11) Dress appropriately and in team gear at all times. (12) Follow through on your commitment: “Those who stay will be Champions” Lead, don’t follow!

Prohibited Substance Policy – The South football program adheres strictly to the Grosse Pointe Schools athletic code of conduct regarding prohibited substances. We have a zero tolerance policy and any athlete who deviates from the policy will be dealt with harshly. During an athletes suspension from competition he will be required to attend and participate in every practice and undergo additional mandatory team penalties. The suspensions are as follows: First offense: suspension from 20% of competitions during the current season (2 games); Second offense: suspension from 40% of competitions during the current season (4 games); Third offense: athlete will be barred from participation in athletics in the Grosse Pointe Public School system (death penalty). 

Communication – The Grosse Pointe South football program and its coaches have an open door policy for the facilitation of communication. The football program maintains a website, email database and Facebook & Twitter accounts for ease of information dissemination. Any questions or concerns by parents should be brought to the attention of the coach in question or the head coach directly. Please be advised that per GP South Athletic Department policy playing time, game strategy and/or other athletes will not be discussed. There shall be no communication between parents and coaches until 24 hours after a contest. No persons other than team members are allowed on the field during practice or games without permission from the head coach, and no one should attempt to contact players or coaches during games for any reason except in the case of an emergency.

Varsity Letter Policy – Because football is a no cut sport, an athlete must exhibit commitment to their team and the program to earn a varsity letter. To be eligible to letter, an athlete must compete at the varsity level. Letters are awarded based on input from all the varsity coaches, but the final determination will be made by the head coach. Playing time and ability are factored, but are not the chief requirement to letter. Other factors are adherence to the athlete’s code of conduct, attendance, teamwork, and passion. If an athlete is in jeopardy of not earning his letter, he will be notified in advance and explained as to the rationale. 

Physicals – Every football player must have a complete physical examination and be cleared to participate prior to the first practice. A physical card must be on file and a gold emergency card stamped by the athletic department must be given to coach prior to participation in practice. Physicals will be offered by the athletic department at South for approximately $20.

Equipment – Protective equipment that is required for football will be provided by the program. Supplemental equipment, depending on the specific item, may require the athlete to obtain. Equipment distribution for the varsity & JV will be on the Friday before football starts. The freshman will receive their gear on the first day of practice.

Participation Fee – Each player is required to pay a participation fee of $115.00 payable to the Grosse Pointe South athletic department. This fee goes for such things as field maintenance, officials, transportation, and the athletic trainer. The participation fee is due the second Friday of the season.

Summer Camps – The football program operates three camps for the improvement of football skills and orientation to our system. The passing camp is designed to prepare the team for 7v7 competitions and gives the varsity staff the opportunity to evaluate players. The “Little Devils” Camp is intended for future Blue Devils. Athletes that participate in the “Little Devils” Camp will be exposed to all skills and positions related to football. The Blue Devil Football Camp is designed to prepare its participants for the upcoming season.

Strength & Conditioning – The football program offers an extensive S&C program. The weight room is open every week day after school. All football players not participating in another sport are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to train four times a week. Football players currently playing another sport should attempt to train at least twice a week with permission from their in season coach. Our S&C program is designed to create superior athletes, not power lifters or body builders. The focus is on injury prevention, the core, and strength, speed and agility training.

7 on 7 – The varsity football team competes in multiple 7 on 7 (passing) tournaments and scrimmages in the summer. The competitions are intended for varsity candidates only, but the entire program is encouraged to come, prepare and observe. The positions that participate in 7 on 7 are QB, RB, TE, WR, LB, & DB. The passing camp is designed to prepare the team for the competitions and give the varsity staff the opportunity to evaluate players. The varsity will be traveling to the University of Notre Dame for a passing tournament. There is an extra cost for transportation, room & board for this trip.

College Recruiting – All student athletes who aspire to play college football should make their intentions known to the football staff via the GPS football questionnaire. The coaching staff compiles a list of these athletes and sends their information to various college coaches around the country numerous times throughout the year. There is a very valuable recruiting timeline and information sheet on the GPS football website. Once coaches start to contact you, stay in contact and advise coach if any further info is needed. All DI/DII college football candidates should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center after your junior year football season.

Varsity Game Jersey’s – All prospective varsity football players are required to purchase their game jerseys. The jerseys are designed to be worn for the athlete’s entire varsity career. Once a set of jerseys is purchased the first year an athlete competes on varsity they should never have to purchase another. If an athlete decides to change his number or he loses his jersey, he is responsible to purchase a new one. Jerseys will not be ordered until a nonrefundable deposit of $65.00 (half of the total cost) is paid. Deposits are due for jersey orders on or about February 1^st.

Shoes – Football shoes should be purchased prior to any summer activity so they can be properly fitted and broken in. The only requirement of the football program is that they be BLACK with white insignia. Athletes should not focus on a specific brand because proper fit is the most important consideration.

Coupon Books - Due to the condition of economics in education, football is mainly self-funded. The GP South Gridiron Club raises a large sum of money for the operation of our program. The biggest fund raiser of the year is our coupon book sale. Each athlete in the football program is required to sell 20 coupon books at $25.00 each. The coupon books have thousands of dollars in valuable coupons from local Grosse Pointe establishments. We take one Saturday out of the season for our “Coupon Book Blitz”. This is a very important endeavor for our program and we can show our appreciation to the Gridiron Club by doing our part and selling the books.

Practice Pack – Each Athlete in the Grosse Pointe South football program is required to pay a practice pack fee ($100) which may be earned through participation in the Lift-A-Thon. The items included in the practice pack are all required to participate in football and are the athlete’s to keep. The practice pack includes the following items: Practice jersey, practice T-shirt and shorts, hex pads, two pair game socks, mouth piece, team hat and combination lock. The practice pack fee is due the second Friday of the season.

Lift-A-Thon – A Lift-A-Thon fund raiser is offered to offset some or all of that cost of the practice pack by raising donations.  The players who choose this option will ask for per pound donations based on their max bench or a flat donation. Lift-A-Thon money is due at the same time as practice pack fees.