A player with a D or F or bad conduct grades finds himself sidelined for the next game. And our sidelines would probably be packed. Assistant coach Williams said he knows that happens. At some point, the responsibility has to go to the students, just like a coach can't go out and make a tackle for you. In an attempt to motivate the players, coaches require Melrose players to take weekly progress forms to their teachers.
Teachers fill in grades, conduct scores and unexcused absences.
Just as a father would do, coaches review each player's report cards every six weeks. Five for an F. Three for a D. Three for bad marks in conduct. The coaches don't apologize. We are making young men. Memphis City Schools allows corporal punishment, and Melrose is careful to adhere to the guidelines, coaches said.