Required Fields

I've procrastinated long enough and I'm finally going to start learning a bit of PHP. I have what I would call a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and FileMaker but have avoided PHP for the most part especially in regards to using it with FM. I'm starting by converting a very basic FileMaker file we host via IWP into a PHP hosted form. It's all of five fields long. Using the FileMaker site assistant I've created site with the "Input Form and Confirm" site option.

For my first change I would like to make one field required (once I learn how to make one I will make others required too). I have done many searches via google and on here but have yet to find a posting that seems to be what I need.

With other HTML forms I've created in the past I would just use something like this

and just name the field in the form  

However, If i use the "input  name="required" line below to require fields on the form below when the form is saved it just adds the text "Contact Information" to that field in the saved record. 

 

<?php $fieldValue = $record->getField('Contact Information', 0) ; ?>



                                                    

[b][/b]





 

So please point me down the right path to making my "Contact Information" field required and a logical way to bring that to the users attention.

As you FM/PHP pros be ready for tons more questions for me.

TIA