The Syllabus That Serves: More Than Paperwork
#59 - Strength & Speed Coaching - Pursuing Your Best ⚡️
We’ve already talked about two pillars of starting the year strong:
But even with presence and standards in place, there’s one tool that often gets overlooked: the syllabus.
Too many coaches treat it as paperwork. A requirement. A document students skim once and stuff into a folder.
In reality, your syllabus is a culture anchor. Done right, it:
Frames your why before it lists any rules.
Provides clarity to athletes and parents about what matters.
Shows administrators that your program is intentional and professional.
Becomes a document you can point back to when questions or conflicts arise.
Why the Syllabus Matters
The syllabus is one of the few things that touches all three groups: athletes, parents, and administrators. That makes it a chance to:
Communicate values. Lead with purpose: this program isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s about building stronger people.
Clarify expectations. Put non-negotiables in writing so they’re visible beyond the weight room.
Build alignment. Athletes know what’s expected, parents know how to support, and administrators see professionalism.
Protect your culture. When things get messy (attendance, effort, accountability), the syllabus provides clarity.
What a Culture-Driven Syllabus Looks Like
A good syllabus balances clarity and brevity. Here’s the framework we use at Mustang Strength & Speed:
Vision & Purpose (Why We’re Here)
A short statement of your program’s mission.
Example: https://sites.google.com/mvcsd.org/strength
Core Standards & Values (How We Operate)
List your 3–5 non-negotiables (Safety, Respect, Effort, Accountability, etc.).
Keep them short and actionable.
Daily Structure (What Students Can Expect)
A snapshot of how a typical session runs.
Example: Warm-up → Training → Recovery/Reflection.
Attendance & Effort Expectations
The link between consistency and progress. Clear language: “Attendance and effort drive progress. Every session missed is an opportunity lost.”
Outline make-up opportunities if you allow them.
Grading / Evaluation
Tie grading to participation, effort, and improvement—not just outcomes.
Reinforce that effort and consistency are within every student’s control.
Communication with Parents & Athletes
Explain how parents and athletes will get updates and feedback. (dashboards, newsletters, reports, etc.).
Set boundaries: best ways/times to contact you.
Commitment Statement (Belonging & Ownership)
End with a line like: This program is for every student. Regardless of where you’re starting, you belong here—and we’ll pursue growth together.
Notice what’s first: the why and the standards. Not the rules, not the grading scale. Purpose and clarity come before policy.
How to Roll It Out
Even the best syllabus fails if it’s handed out like a formality. Instead:
Read the first section out loud. Students need to hear your vision, not just read it.
Highlight one section each day in Week One (effort, attendance, accountability).
Send it home. Email a copy with a short note. Invite questions and show alignment from the start.
Revisit mid-year. Mid-semester, ask: “How are we living the syllabus? Where do we need to tighten up?”
Why This Matters for the Whole Year
The syllabus isn’t about rules—it’s about clarity and alignment.
When athletes know what you value, parents know what to support, and administrators see professionalism, your program runs smoother and has more buy-in.
It’s one of the simplest ways to show: This isn’t just lifting weights—it’s an intentional, culture-driven program.
What’s Next in the Series
Part 4 (#60): The First Four Weeks – How to build momentum without burning kids out. Paid subscribers will also get our full Mustang Strength & Speed Syllabus as the featured resource.
If this helped, share it with another coach who’s prepping for the year. Stronger alignment on the front end means stronger programs all year long.
Keep pursuing excellence,
Preston ⚡️
Note for subscribers: The actual resource pack for the syllabus (including our Mustang Strength & Speed syllabus as a model) will drop in next week’s edition (#60).