Generally, there are 22 players on the football field – 11 on each side – and it’s vital that they pay close attention to what’s going on in front of them.

But keeping an eye on the game isn't just limited to the 22 players on the field. It’s also important for those on the sideline to stay attentive and “in the game” because they could be going in at any minute. The last thing a coach wants to see is one of their players focusing on something other than the task at hand.

I’ve written in the past about a child’s passion for the game, a player’s football acumen and just how much fun it is to play the game of football. In the 7 years that my son Bradley has played youth football, I’ve seen plenty of examples of kids that love the game and have the passion to succeed, but I’ve also seen kids who are just going through the motions and they are the ones who generally aren’t paying attention.

A coach should try to give every kid on a team the opportunity to get in the game. But a player has to show up for practice and work hard for a coach to have the confidence to put a player on the field. 

A parent can complain about playing time all he or she wants, but if a coach doesn’t feel that a child is prepared to be on the field, he shouldn’t put that child in the game. 

If a coach looks on the sideline and sees a kid picking grass, looking at the sky, or chatting it up with other teammates, they’re most likely not going to put the kid in the game. 

Personally, I’ve seen kids wander off and go talk to their parents in the stands. If a coach sees that a player is “out to lunch” or “on another planet,” how could he put that kid in a game?

A player needs to have his head in the game at all times. I’m proud that my son Bradley pays attention to detail when he’s in the game which is why he’s the starting center. During defense, he takes a knee on the sideline, but is always paying attention in case he gets subbed in.

If you have read my blogs in the past, you know how I feel about the way a player practices and how working hard during the week can earn that playing time.  Any child can get bored doing something, but when it comes to football if he or she is not in the game and not paying attention, then something is wrong.

A coach should only have to remind a player once about paying attention. If the kid doesn’t listen there probably should be a meeting with the parents. I’ve seen situations where kids on the sidelines don’t even know what the score of the game is and that’s not acceptable. Not only is it hurting that child, but he or she is also doing the other players on the team a big disservice.

Football is the ultimate team game where everyone has to do their jobs, and that means paying attention at all times. That goes for the coaches, the players in the game—and on the sideline.

Peter is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network and WCBS 880 Radio in New York.  His son Bradley plays youth football for the Levittown Red Devils in the Nassau-Suffolk Football League on Long Island while his younger son Jared will begin playing flag football this coming fall.  Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not at a youth football field.