EASLEY — One of Chad Smith’s duties as the head coach of the Easley High School football team is to set a good example by always following the rules.

By South Carolina High School League rules, coaches are to have no official contact with players from Monday, July 26 through Thursday, July 29.

So during that time, the Easley High School players will have a break from summer conditioning.

The first official practice of the 2010 season is allowed on Friday, July 30. Smith isn’t going to waste any time as he prepares the team —that first practice will begin at 12:01 a.m.

“We’ll get together, invite the fans and make a big deal of it,” Smith said. “We’ll be the first high school in South Carolina to start our 2010 season.”

The “Midnight Madness” celebration will kickoff what Smith hopes is an exciting season, as he takes over a program that has only one victory in the past two years.

Late that day, Easley will begin its regular two-a-day practice schedule, with sessions running from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays.

That schedule will continue until March 11, when the team will begin its regular season practice schedule of 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The practice schedule was presented to the players and their parents last Thursday as Smith held a meeting to introduce the entire coaching staff.

Though official practices cannot begin until the end of July, Smith has an abundance of activities planned for the team until then.

Easley will host the “Hawg Tuff” Lineman Camp, led by Coach Mike Pope, Saturday, March 20.

That same day, the kickers and punters will travel to Byrnes High School for a special one-day camp with Carol White.

“She is probably the best kicking coach in the Southeast,” Smith said.

Smith said that White has agreed to bring her camp to Easley next season.

White will meet with parents for a special NCAA Workshop Tuesday, March 23. White will go over recruiting rules and regulations, and ways to market high school athletes to help earn scholarships.

On March 27, the players will participate in the state strength meet at Crestwood High School, near Columbia. As the teacher for the school’s weightlifting class, Smith is looking forward to the meet.

Spring practice will begin May 17 and end June 4.

“By South Carolina High School League rules, you can only have 10 practices in spring,” Smith said. “You can see we’ve got more than 10 days set aside. That’s because we have to be wise, in case of inclement weather. We will meet every day during this time. We may watch film, have team meetings in a classroom, or something like that. But we will only practice 10 days.

Players will be able to get their required physicals free May 22. Players have the option of getting their physicals through their family doctor.

“Summer Heat” workouts begin June 14. The workouts will be from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for high school students, and 6 p.m.-8 p.m. for Middle School Students on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

By S.C. High School League rules, Summer workouts cannot be required. However, Smith said it is “highly encouraged” that the players participate in at least 20 of the 25 workouts.

The team will participate in passing league competitions throughout the summer, beginning with Travelers Rest and Walhalla at Walhalla June 18.

On June 22, Walhalla and Travelers Rest will come to Easley for another passing league competition.

After a break from June 28 through July 2 for the Independence Day holiday, Summer Heat Workouts will resume July 5.

The Green Wave will participate in one more passing league competion July 14 at a site to be announced.