USA Football Magazine: "Golden Moment"

contents issue 11 • fall 2009

features

4 team usa paves road to gold in Canton

football’s first Junior World Championship set standard for excellence

By Micah Simon

10 usa football accepts leadership role

the Nfl, its 32 teams and Nfl Players association name usa football their official youth football development partner

By Micah Simon

11 family affair Nfl players’ moms look back on their

sons’ transition to high school football By Nicole Lukosius

29 Chairman Chat Get to know Carl Peterson, usa

football’s new chairman By Nicole Lukosius

16 Keeping players cool: Proper Hydration By Rose DiPaula

17 When in doubt, sit them out: Concussion awareness By Nicole Lukosius

18 equipment from Head to toe

19 What football taught My son: raul lora By Micah Simon

20 technology lifts youth football: usa football’s CCeP By Micah Simon

21 usa football regional Managers

22 fundraising to meet financial goals By Steve Alic

23 Meet a usa football Member: lou Bonnanzio By Micah Simon

24 usa football Officiating Member serves sport in Japan By Micah Simon

25 Quick-Hitter Grid: Officiating Members

26 usa football tackles questions for officiating members By Rose DiPaula

27 High school, college and Nfl minds team to create football’s No. 1 Officiating training DVD

By Dave McMahon

COMMissiONers

OffiCiatiNG

HealtH & fitNess

COaCHiNG

12 art of the short-yardage run By Steve Alic

13 equipment shed for coach’s head By Alex Fink

14 takeaway-Giveaway with larry & David Do i need to use the conventional safety position in youth

football?

15 usa football & Nfl Players association to name Nfl “all-fundamentals team”

9 Meet a usa football staff Member: anthony edwards, marketing coordinator

26 athletic training innovations and the andrews institute join usa football

By Rose DiPaula

28 Meet a usa football Board Member: Carl francis

By Rose DiPaula

30 usa football Playbooks ready for action

By Micah Simon

32 What football taught Me: Bob Goodrich, emmy award-winning

television producer By Tim Polzer

iNsiDe slaNts

Front CoverPHOtOs By sHaWN HuBBarD

usa football Junior National team Captains rB David Wilson (#22), lB storm Klein (#32), QB Bryce Petty

(#10), and s Jordan lynch (#5) led team usa to a gold medal in Canton’s fawcett stadium (pg. 4).

Photo by Shawn hubbard

Kickoff

usafootball.com

Executive DirectorScott Hallenbeck

Usa footballeditorial staff

Managing Editor

Steve alic

Contributors:larry canard, roSe diPaula, alex fink, nicole lukoSiuS,

david Marco, dave McMaHon, tiM Polzer, MicaH SiMon

To contact USA Football: (703) 918-0007

traction media staff

Publisherrudy J. klancnik

Editorial DirectortiM Polzer

DesignerwilliaM bridgefortH

Traction MediaEditorial Offices7115 Tartan Trl.

Garland, TX [email protected]

Editorial Department Phone (972) 896-8006

Custom Publishing (972) 898-8585

USA Football Magazine is published by Traction Media, LLC©. All rights reserved. Traction Media does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. No part of this magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the editor.

dear readers,

The 2009 football season is underway and uSa football shares in your excitement for autumn as our country’s favorite sport returns to unite us in lawn chairs, bleachers and stadiums.

you – the people who fuel this great sport – prepared yourself for the season through uSa football’s 44 coaching schools, three dozen state leadership forums, 14 officiating clinics and seminars and 12 player academies for youngsters aged 7-14. tens of thousands of coaches successfully completed uSa football’s certified coaching education Program (cceP) at

usafootball.com this year and thousands of league volunteers earned a green light through uSa football’s background check subsidy program that protects our children. uSa football remains the only national governing body of a sport that subsidizes background checks to the tune of $500,000 to safeguard the well-being of america’s children.

amateur football lifted the sport to an exciting new level this summer as eight countries representing four continents competed in canton, ohio, for the international federation of american football (ifaf) Junior world championship – the first junior world championship in football’s history. uSa football’s Junior national team, led by legendary head coach chuck kyle of cleveland St. ignatius High School, won the gold medal with class. beyond the scoreboard, 360 high school-aged athletes

and 80 coaches from all corners of the globe became friends through their passion for the sport, superseding their diversity in culture and language. it was a celebration of the world’s greatest game that already has made a significant impact in football’s burgeoning global popularity.

uSa football is proud to award $1 million in equipment grants to youth leagues and high school programs this fall based on merit and need. The grant application is open at usafootball.com through oct. 15. The $1 million represents a uSa football record-figure in helping deliver a positive football experience for players and players’ families.

within the next 30 pages, check out other exciting news, including insight from uSa football members and experts, mothers of nfl players, a Q&a with new uSa football chairman carl Peterson, and more. in addition, uSa football was recently named the official youth football development partner of the nfl, its 32 teams and the nfl Players association (pg. 10) – this is a responsibility and designation never given before in the league’s 89-year history.

uSa football is driven to serve you, led by our experienced regional managers and office staff. refer to your uSa football regional map on pg. 21 and ask your regional manager how he can help you gain an edge or strengthen your league. in addition, you’re only a toll-free call (1-877-5-football) or a couple of mouse clicks away (usafootball.com) from our non-profit office.

uSa football continues to work for you as your schedule rolls through october, culminating in memorable end-of-season banquets and important equipment inventory. we salute you – the men and women who power america’s favorite sport and instill its fundamentals and values in our youngsters.

best wishes throughout the rest of the season!

Sincerely,

Scott HallenbeckuSa football executive director

We want to hear your thoughts about USA Football Magazine. Write to us at [email protected] today.

2 USA Football Magazine

Football’s first Junior World Championship set standard for excellenceBy Micah SiMon

photoS By Shawn huBBard

Football’s roots grew wider and moved deeper on four continents this summer when Canton, Ohio, hosted the International

Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship.

High school-aged national teams from eight countries competed for the first junior world championship in the sport’s proud history. USA Football’s Junior National Team (3-0) was honored with the gold medal, but each of the eight participating nations in the world’s ultimate team sport were winners with immense support from the host city.

Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden and the United States competed in the birthplace of the NFL to have gold draped over their jerseys.

“From our perspective,” IFAF President Tommy Wiking said, “Canton was perfect.” A total of 40,043 fans filled Canton’s Fawcett Stadium across four game days from June 27-July 5. This set a tournament attendance record for IFAF, which was established in 1998.

The journey started on June 14 when Team USA arrived at Walsh University in North Canton for what would begin four weeks of football and friendships. Walsh University housed all eight national teams, serving as the event’s “Athletes’ Village.”

“I can’t even put into words what this experience was like,” said USA Football Junior National Team

Mexico, OhioMarta Gonzalez and Alejandro Rodriguez traveled from Toluca, Mexico, to see their son play

in the IFAF Junior World Championship and quickly became smitten with Northeast Ohio.“This was a very important trip for us,” said Rodriguez, whose son, Cesar Alejandro

Rodriguez, played tight end for Team Mexico. “This stadium is the history of American football. It’s beautiful here. We’ve met many people here, and they are all very nice people.”

Alejandro Rodriguez played three years of football when he was younger and watched his son play for 11 years, culminating in his participation in football’s first junior world championship.

The family toured Cleveland Browns Stadium with the Mexican team on June 30, and though the Dallas Cowboys are big where he is from, he has picked up a new group to follow.

“We are now Browns fans,” he said.

Team USA Paves

in Canton, Ohio

Continued on page 6

BeLoW: the Cleveland Browns hosted team Mexico and all eight iFaF Junior World Championship teams with a stadium tour on June 30.

road to gold

RigHt: Canton Mayor William Healy, team uSa captains, iFaF president tommy Wiking and uSa Football executive director Scott Hallenbeck acknowledge the Fawcett Stadium crowd during closing ceremonies.

4 uSa Football Magazine

Seven new nations join football familyA record number of 35 countries were represented at the 12th annual International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Congress held in Canton, Ohio, in

conjunction with the IFAF Junior World Championship.Seven countries – Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Venezuela – were granted full IFAF membership.“We are delighted to welcome these new and

emerging federations of American football from Pan America and Europe into the IFAF family,” said IFAF President Tommy Wiking. “The sport continues to push its borders internationally and by becoming IFAF members, these countries can benefit from a wealth of resources available through IFAF and also by communicating with fellow federations.”

In addition to its newest member countries, IFAF announced the following during its multi-national football forum in Canton:

Stockholm, Sweden, will host the 2010 IFAF •Women’s World ChampionshipOttawa, Canada, will host the 2010 IFAF Flag •Football Senior World ChampionshipAustria will host the 2011 IFAF Senior World •Championship; three Austrian cities will host games, the Gold Medal Game will be held in the nation’s capital of Vienna.Sydney, Australia, will host the 2010 IFAF •Congress in April.

The previous high of participating nations at an IFAF Congress was 28, set in 2008 in Barcelona, Spain. USA Football is the United States’ exclusive IFAF delegate.

“We are all Cantonians”

Prior to Team Germany’s 14-0 victory against Team Sweden on July 4 to earn fifth place in the IFAF Junior World Championship, the Germans charged out of their locker room carrying both their country’s flag and the official flag of Canton, Ohio.

Team Germany head coach Peter Springwald said it was the least his team could do for all the people they had met over the course of their nine-day stay.

“It was a thanks for all the hosts and local community,” Springwald said. “Everywhere we went, we had a great, great time.”

Representatives from an iFaF-record 35 nations spanning five continents took part in the 2009 iFaF Congress in Canton.

5

quarterback Bryce Petty (Midlothian, Texas), who is continuing his football career at Baylor University. “I am extremely blessed.”

Team USA’s roster featured high school seniors who are now enrolled in football programs at 33 universities throughout the United States. Chuck Kyle, head coach of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School, led the coaching staff along with nine other high school head coaches from around the country.

“It was 10 head coaches coaching together,” Kyle said of his staff in Canton. “We had a lot of fun together and I learned some new things I will be doing this season.” Kyle’s St. Ignatius Wildcats are presently defending their 10th Ohio large-school state championship.

A prepared and talented Team USA won its three games to set a lofty standard for the sport’s international junior level. The Americans defeated France (78-0), Mexico (55-0) and Canada (41-3), respectively. Team USA employed a standard, no-frills offense once a game was in hand, but the team was still able to break open holes to daylight.

USA Football running back David Wilson (Virginia Tech) earned tournament MVP honors and continually put the Fawcett Stadium crowd on its feet with 425 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 33 carries (12.9-yard average). Wilson is presently sharing time in the backfield for head coach Frank Beamer’s nationally ranked Hokies.

Wilson, one of the country’s top triple-jumpers in track, qualified to attend a national meet that was going to occur during the IFAF Junior World Championship. However, once he received a call from Coach Kyle, he gave up the triple-jump for a ticket to Canton.

“This was much bigger,” Wilson said. “Instead of competing inside your country, you get to compete for your country. I couldn’t let this opportunity pass.”

From USA Football to College Football Saturdays

Eleven players from USA Football’s gold medal-winning junior national team in Canton, Ohio, were named to opening day depth charts for their respective colleges.

“We’re proud of all of our players and wish the best to those on the field this season as true college freshmen,” said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “The fact that nearly one-quarter of our roster is already contributing to college programs – some of which are nationally-ranked – is a testament to the important head-start that those players received from head coach Chuck Kyle and his staff in Canton.

“This also speaks volumes for the strength of our national team program.”Players from the 2009 USA Football Junior National Team on college football opening day depth

charts are true freshmen:

Oday Aboushi, T, VirginiaRobert Bell, LB/LS, ToledoPat Hinkel, S, Miami (Ohio)

Erik Lora, WR, Eastern IllinoisJack Mewhort, C, Ohio State

Chris Norman, LB, Michigan State

Brandon Sharpe, DE, SyracusePhillip Thomas, S, Syracuse

Shamarko Thomas, S, SyracuseDavid Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Brian Winters, T, Kent State

Members of team Japan met Cleveland Browns rookies when all eight iFaF Junior World Championship teams toured Cleveland Browns Stadium on June 30.

LB Chris norman

Continued on page 8


Throughout the 12 games played during the International Federation of American Football Junior World

Championship in Canton, Ohio, this summer, players from six countries spanning three continents were named to all-tournament teams. Players were selected by the eight national team head coaches. Coaches were prohibited from voting for their own players.

Team Japan head coach Takao Yamazaki was named the All-Tournament Team head coach by guiding the Japanese a bronze medal and a 2-1 record. Japan defeated Germany (10-7) and

Mexico (42-27) and dropped a 38-35 decision to Canada in the game’s final minutes.

USA Football Junior National Team running back David Wilson (Virginia Tech), who rushed for 425 yards and eight touchdowns in America’s three victories, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Team USA led the way with 14 first team all-tournament selections, followed by Germany with five, Canada with three and Japan with two, including quarterback Yuichiro Arakai, who threw for 686 yards and nine touchdowns and only one interception in three games.

IFAF JUnIor World ChAmpIonShIp All-ToUrnAmenT TeAmS SpAn

Three ConTInenTSBy Steve alic

FIRST-TEAM IFAF JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

QB Yuichiro araki, Japan RB david Wilson, uSa RB Steven Lumbala, Canada te John plasencia, uSa WR Jumpei Yoshimoto, Japan WR Julian Bailey, Canada oL oday abushi, uSa oL Jack Mewhort, uSa oL evan Swindall, uSa oL aaron price, uSa oL Kirby Fabien, Canada dL Lukas Muller, germany dL pestin Brown, uSa dL Chris Henderson, uSa dL Björn Werner, germany

LB Storm Klein, uSa LB Chris norman, uSa LB alexander Borgs, germany dB Shamarko thomas, uSa dB Mark nzecho, germany dB Corey Lillard, uSa dB Jordan poyer, uSa K/p Mike Loftus, uSa pR/KR niko Lester, germany

SECOND-TEAMIFAF JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

QB Bryce petty, uSa RB Randall payne, germany RB Hampus Hellemark, Sweden te Loan temming, germany

WR Juan Carlos Maya, Mexico WR Shoma endo, Japan oL Carson Rockhill, Canada oL danny groulx, Canada oL Brian Winters, uSa oL alexander oderberger, germany oL Hiroshi ito, Japan dL Jake thomas, Canada dL tyler dippel, uSa dL Yoshiaki Fujii, Japan dL Martin Sohlberg, Sweden LB Mehdi abdesmad, Canada LB tariq edwards, uSa LB Byron perez-archambault, Canada dB doctor Cassama, Sweden dB Yudai Marumara, Japan dB Chris payne, uSa dB Jean-philippe Bolduc, Canada K/p Lirim Hajrullahu, Canada pR/KR erik Lora, uSa

takao Yamazaki Head Coach, Japan

Byron Perez-ArchambaultLB, Canada

Lukas MullerDL, Germany

Yuichiro ArakiQB, Japan

Juan Carlos MayaWR, Mexico

Hampus HellemarkRB, Sweden

David WilsonRB, United States

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“Awesome,” Mexico head coach Ernesto Alfaro del Villar said of Wilson. “I remember a couple of touchdowns where half our team touched him. He’s a very talented player – a great player.”

Throughout Team USA’s training camp at Walsh University, players were pushed through strong competition from their teammates.

“We were going against some of the best players in the nation – everyday,” said John Plasencia, Team USA’s tight end from Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit High School now enrolled at Northwestern University. “That makes you a better player. In high school you can get away with going through the motions sometimes and relying on God-given talent, but here if you did that, you were going to get embarrassed.”

“Medals and trophies, where do you put them?” said Storm Klein, Team USA linebacker now attending Ohio State. “They put them in a trophy case and you hang a medal up somewhere, right? What stays are the memories and the friendships.”

As Klein stated, USA Football’s Junior National Team departed from Canton with much more than a championship. Northwestern-bound Team USA offensive lineman Brian Smith reinforced that message.

“This wasn’t just fun,” Smith said.

“It was so much more than that. It’s like winning the Super Bowl to me. I made friends from around the country, and I played for great coaches.”

Go to jwcfootball.com for more IFAF Junior World Championship coverage and visit usafootball.com to read more about USA Football’s Junior National Team.

Florida welcomes “World” on Jan. 30The world’s football passion takes center-stage again in January.USA Football is assembling its 2010 Junior National Team to face a “World” team composed of top high school-

aged players from at least six countries on three continents on Saturday, Jan. 30, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The “Team USA vs. The World” game is recognized as an official Pro Bowl Week event by the NFL. The NFL’s Pro Bowl will be played in South Florida the following day.

Both teams will feature 45 players. High school seniors tall on talent and character will fill Team USA’s roster. USA Football has selected Chris Merritt of Miami Christopher Columbus High School to be its head coach. Merritt, who began his coaching career in European American football leagues in the 1990s, served as Team USA’s defensive backs coach this past summer in Canton. During his eight seasons at Columbus H.S., more than 30 of Merritt’s players have earned college football scholarships.

Jan Jenmert, head coach of Team Sweden at the 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship, will lead the World team. Jenmert’s staff includes nationally-renown coaches from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Mexico.

Stay tuned to usafootball.com as top high school players from across the United States are named to America’s Team later this winter.

team new Zealand members led a spirited multi-national demonstration of the country’s famous “Haka” dance during iFaF Junior World Championship closing ceremonies. a new Zealand icon, the Haka is performed by its national teams prior to a game or match. team new Zealand performed the Haka in Fawcett Stadium prior to each of its three games.

Chris Merritt, Head Coach2010 uSa Football Junior national team


Meet a USA Football staffer

When did you join USA Football and what are your responsibilities?

I’ve been with USA Football for about a year. I assist in the marketing of most of USA Football’s assets. This includes our resources for coaches, commissioners and game officials as well as our more than 100 annual events.

What is your favorite aspect of the job?

Everything USA Football has in place helps grow and strengthen the sport. It’s more than rewarding to serve kids and I’ve always had a passion for football. Working to support both is very exciting. The fact that the things I work on impact the youth football community makes my job very enjoyable.

What does football mean to you?After playing football through college

(Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove,

Pa.), I’ve realized how much it has taught me. I am grateful for this game. You can easily take what you learn from playing football and apply it to real life, which is my favorite part about the sport. The skills you learn through playing football help you deal with so many different aspects of life and help you to be a successful and strong person.

What is the most rewarding part of the job?

My work is directly connected with supporting a cause I truly believe in. The goals USA Football strives to accomplish are also important to me. Being able to say that I work for an organization that is helping the sport to grow the right way is extremely rewarding. I help others have a great football experience – that makes me feel good about what I do.

What do you like to do in your free time away from the office?

After playing football, I’ve tried to stay as active as possible. I spend a lot of my time out of the office at the gym and working with others on their fitness. I’m also coaching youth football this season – it’s a good excuse for me to be around football just a little more.

Anthony Edwards Marketing coordinator

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sites selected for 2010 coaching schools

Sign-ups open at usafootball.com in November By nicole lukosius

Anthony Edwards

USA Football Coaching Schools hosted nearly 6,000 youth

coaches in 2009 spanning from Hawaii to Massachusetts. In the past three years, USA Football Coaching Schools have impacted roughly 371,300 young athletes.

Following is a list of 2010 USA Football Coaching School locations with partnering NFL teams in parentheses.

Go to usafootball.com in November to claim a seat at the coaching school nearest you.

Great Lakes RegionAnn Arbor, Mich.Chicago (Bears)Cleveland (Browns)Columbus, OhioGreen Bay (Packers)Indianapolis (Colts)

Mid-Atlantic RegionBaltimore (Ravens)Nashville (Tennessee Titans)Washington, D.C. (Redskins)

Central RegionEden Prairie, Minn. (Vikings)Kansas City, Mo. (Chiefs)Omaha, Neb.

St. Louis (Rams)West Des Moines, Iowa

Northeast RegionEast Rutherford, N.J. (N.Y. Giants)Florham Park, N.J. (N.Y. Jets)Foxboro, Mass. (Patriots)Hempstead, N.Y.Philadelphia (Eagles)Pittsburgh (Steelers)

Northwest RegionGranite Bay, Calif.San Francisco (49ers)Seattle (Seahawks)Oakland (Raiders)

South RegionDallas (Cowboys)Houston (Texans)New Orleans (Saints)

Southeast RegionAtlanta (Falcons)Charlotte (Carolina Panthers)Orlando, Fla.Raleigh, N.C.Tampa (Buccaneers)

West RegionDenver (Broncos)Los AngelesPhoenix (Arizona Cardinals)San Diego (2 Schools)

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The NFL was created in downtown Canton, Ohio, in 1920.Eighty-nine years later, the league named its first youth

football development partner. And USA Football is proud to carry that mantle for the sport’s betterment.

As the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association, USA Football will continue to lead the game’s development through state-of-the-art resources and events for coaches, commissioners, players and game officials in all 50 states.

To highlight the historic partnership, the NFL, NFLPA and all NFL teams recognized August as “USA Football Month,” which held exciting elements that will last long into the 2009 NFL season, including:

Twenty (20) weekly USA Football-produced instructional •video clips for NFL team sites illustrating football tips and fundamentals. Free NFL team-branded USA Football “Captain’s Packs,” •which reward youth players for exemplary character and teamwork. Each pack includes 25 “C” Captain jersey patches, 200 helmet recognition decals, and 25 “Captain’s Pledges” which a player signs as a commitment to good sportsmanship.USA Football public service announcements throughout •network telecasts of NFL games promoting youth football and its dedicated volunteers.

Throughout August, NFL teams and USA Football also invited more than 100,000 youth football players to NFL games across the country.

Tony Neumann is the commissioner of the Mid-State (Wis.) Youth Football & Cheerleading Conference. He and his league attended the Bills-Packers game in Lambeau Field on Aug. 22.

Neumann’s conference consists of more than 1,000 kids ages 8-12.

“For some it was the first time they’d ever been to Lambeau Field,” Neumann said. “And a lot of them have only experienced Packer Family Night, which is a scrimmage, so that was fantastic.”

Neumann has also been to Packer Family Night, but never a preseason or regular season game. He said he and the kids had a memorable experience, and were treated well from beginning to end.

“I thought everything was fantastic,” Neumann said. “From the moment we got there to the moment we left it was a blast. The whole experience was great.”

“USA Football Month encourages young people to be active and provides them with the necessary structure to enjoy our sport through thousands of youth leagues,” said NFL Executive Vice President and USA Football Board Member Joe Browne. “We in the NFL strongly support USA Football.”

“The NFLPA and its 1,800 players are proud to join USA Football and the NFL in showing a unified commitment to youth football,” said NFLPA Senior Regional Director and USA Football Board Member Jason Belser, an 11-year NFL safety (1992-2002) with 134 career starts. “USA Football stands for teaching the game the right way and we salute the young people and selfless volunteers who power youth football.”

The NFL, its 32 teams and NFL Players Association name USA Football official youth football development partner

By Micah SiMon

USa Football accepts leadership role

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As youngsters grow to become high school students, they’ll gain independence at home, but

motherly bonds remain as strong as ever.Making the jump from youth to high

school football is a big step for any athlete, but with support from mom and the rest of the family, the transition can be made much smoother.

“Research has shown that students who juggle academics and arts and sports in school tend to do better academically and have fewer behavioral problems than their counterparts,” said Alicia McCareins, mother of free agent receiver Justin McCareins. Alicia is one of nearly 100 mothers of NFL players who form the Professional Football Players Mothers’ Association (PFPMA), chaired by Wilma McNabb (Donovan’s mother).

Justin McCareins participated in several youth sports besides football growing up in Illinois. His mother notes that playing multiple

sports during his school years strengthened Justin’s time management and helped him to handle ups (wins) and downs (losses) with grace.

“The anxiety he felt (in moving on to high school) was healthy because it revolved around his desire and drive to excel,” Alicia said.

Also playing multiple sports was starting Buffalo Bills safety Donte’ Whitner. His mother, Deborah Whitner, never worried about her

son’s busy schedule as a boy in Cleveland.“When he transitioned from elementary

school to high school, he knew that to play football that he had to make it in the classroom, and this is something I stressed in all my kids,” Deborah said of her son, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft after suiting up for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Deborah was so thankful to have her five sons involved with sports because it gave them an opportunity to realize that good things can come from hard work and determination.

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris always wanted to make sure that two people in particular were in attendance for his games at Ellison High School in Killeen, Texas – his parents.

“He used to call and make sure his dad and I were on our way to the games,” said mother Janie Harris.

A first round draft pick by the Bears in 2004, Tommie grew up in a military family and spent his childhood living on an Army base in Killeen.

“You have to be focused on what you’re doing,” Janie said, reflecting on her son’s determination to outwork his opposition and tackle challenges. “You have to try hard to achieve what you’re trying to do.”

USA Football is proud to partner with the Professional Football Players Mothers’ Association (PFPMA) to highlight football values. Learn more about these extraordinary “Football Moms” at PFPMA.org.

Family Affair

“Research has shown that students who juggle academics and arts and sports in school tend to do better academically and have fewer behavioral problems than their counterparts.”

– Alicia McCareins

“He knew that to play football he had to make it in the classroom, and this is something I stressed in all my kids.”– Deborah Whitner

JustinMcCareins

NFL players’ moms look back on their sons’ transition to high school footballBy Nicole lukosius

Donte’Whitner

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Art of the short-yardage runHow to gain inches on the ground when they matter mostBy Steve Alic

Real estate on a football field is no different than anywhere else. It’s all about location.

And the closer you are to a first-down marker or goal line, the more it’s like acquiring ocean-front property.

It increases in value and is tough to obtain.

This makes it essential for ball carriers to know the fundamentals of how to run the ball in short-yardage situations.

Indianapolis Colts running back and NFL all-star Joseph Addai is among the

NFL’s best short-yardage rushers. Entering this season, since 2007, Addai owns the highest 3rd down conversion percentage on rushing attempts with two or fewer yards to go (26 of 33, 78.8 pct.).

“It’s essential to keep your pad level down,” said Addai. “You need to make one cut and go forward.

“And you have to understand how the blocking is designed so you know the blocking schemes. It makes things a lot easier in those tight situations. I look at the tackles and guards to see how the blocks are forming.”

USA Football coaching member Mark Aho is now in his 26th year of coaching youth football in the

Minneapolis area. In addition to coaching, Aho is the president of the Titan’s Youth Football League and the St. Francis Youth Football League in suburban Minneapolis.

“We have a mantra that says, ‘Low man wins,’” said Aho. “And ball protection is huge, so we emphasize that along with keeping the feet moving.”

Tom Bainter, head coach at Bothell (Wash.) High School near Seattle and the running backs coach of USA Football’s gold medal-winning junior national team this summer, adds further insight.

“A low pad level helps you to fall forward,” said Bainter, who has led his Bothell H.S. Cougars to a 97-35 (.735) record in his 12 seasons as head coach. “Keep your shoulders square to get positive yards.

“In these situations, you’ll also see eight or nine in the box, so protect the football, create contact

with your shoulder pads so they can’t hit your ribs or legs and find the crease.”

All three men acknowledge that the action happens fast. Aho especially keeps this in mind as he instructs youth players.

“Keep it simple,” said Aho. “Keep counts simple – I rarely try to draw a team offside. Go on the first sound or on ‘One.’ I stay away from weird counts or motion, too.”

USA Football Coaching Members: help your running backs move the chains and go to the Drills Library at usafootball.com. Eighteen of the more 100 computer-animated drills found here are dedicated to ball carriers.

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“It’s essential to keep your pad level down. You need to make one cut and go forward.”

– Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts

“Protect the football, create contact with your shoulder pads so they can’t hit your ribs or legs and find the crease.”

– Tom Bainter, Bothell (Wash.) H.S. head coach

Team USA running backs coach Tom Bainter of Bothell (Wash.) H.S. runs a drill with Brian Fields of Western Michigan University.


Coaching center

equipment shed for coach’s headBy Alex Fink

Coaches constantly search for an extra edge to gain an advantage over opponents.

USA Football’s coaching membership offers just that.

Innovative resources from top football minds provide guidance and instruction on how to reach your coaching potential. USA Football helps coaches improve practice efficiency, player fundamentals, organizational skills, teaching methods and communication with players and parents.

A coaching membership earns you access to certified coaching courses, a practice planner, a drills library, a digital playbook to create and computer-animate your plays, and a virtual film room that allows you to watch hours of training video streamed at usafootball.com.

As the great Vince Lombardi once said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” Become a USA Football Coaching Member today at usafootball.com.

Coaching Membership Resources:

Certified Coaching Education Course (CCEP)

11 chapter quizzes to help retain •informationFlexibility to take course at your own •pace3-D and 2-D computer-animation and •audio

Practice PlannerDevelop daily practice schedules•Print and e-mail to coaches and parents•Save plans from year to year•Improve practice efficiency•

Drills Library150 drills to teach fundamentals•3-D & 2-D animations for visual •comprehensionWarm-up, speed, tackling, offense, •defense, and special teams

Click ’N Create PlaybookCreate your team’s playbook•Includes animated and print play •functionality (Watch your plays!)Great organizational resource for •coaching staffs

Film RoomInstructional video covering offense, •defense, speed and strengthInstruction provided by NFL High •School Coaches of the YearHours of insight with three camera •angles give your players an advantage

USA Football’s Click ’N Create Playbook allows members to build their playbook online. Craft and animate plays, print out your playbook and email it to players and assistant coaches. See the video at usafootball.com/playbook.

“Being able to have access to vital information for teaching football fundamentals to our youth.”– Phillip Banque; Lihue, Hawaii

“It has taught me how to be a better coach.”– George Dresch, Jr.; Belleview, Fla.

“The best part of being a USA Football member is …”

USA FooTBALL MeMBer MAILBAGUSA Football’s non-profit office reached more than 1,000 of you – our valued members who power America’s favorite sport

– during a recent survey. We learned what’s most important to you and how we can best continue to provide resources and services to help you advance football’s bright future.

We offered an open-ended question about being a part of the USA Football family and here’s what you told us:

“Being a part of an organization that is passionate about building a positive experience for everyone, while helping young athletes and coaches alike, to learn and grow with this great sport we call ‘football.’”– eaton Gums; Boise, Idaho

“Being a part of something that has a positive effect on children while learning important information to allow me to be a better coach.”– Lee Mullican; Sayerville, N.J.

“It is a great idea to create a unified body for youth football. Keep up the hard work!”– Jack Gregory; Allen, Texas

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Do I need to use the conventional safety position in youth football?

Coaching center

Deep defender is an advantageBy coAch lArry cAnArd

There are a few key reasons I believe it is best to employ a free safety in a youth football defensive scheme.

A safety can act as the quarterback for the defense. By alignment, the safety has the best vantage point to see what the offense is doing with formations and motions that may require

adjustments to the defensive formation and assignments. Finding a player that is smart with leadership skills to play safety can provide an extension of the coaching staff in the huddle and on the field.

The width of a football field in relationship to the size of the players

in youth football makes defending the field from sideline to sideling a challenge. Using a safety that may be 8-10 yards away from the ball at the snap helps shrink the field and he will have favorable pursuit angles for tackling the football. Good speed and solid tackling skills are important for all defensive players and the safety is clearly no exception.

Finally with the advent of new offenses that attempt to spread the field with receivers, maintaining a safety in the middle of the field who can see pass routes develop or the point of attack on running plays will provide an advantage. The safety position is very important to any defensive scheme and finding the right player to fill those shoes is just as important as finding your quarterback on offense.

TAKeAWAy-GIveAWAy WITH LArry & DAvID

Traditional safety isn’t necessaryBy coAch dAvid MArco

A traditional free safety is the last line of defense and protects against the deep pass. NFL quarterbacks can throw the ball 40 yards with velocity and accuracy. However, until age 12, most youth quarterbacks cannot consistently drive the ball downfield on their throws.

This is why the youth game is all about stopping the run. I only use one safety, but he is far from a traditional safety in my 5-3 Flex (flexible) defense. My free safety acts as the quarterback for the defense. He aligns 8-yards deep so he can see the offense’s formation and call out adjustments. He could line up in different places depending

on the formation, but against a classic “strong left” alignment he would line up over the tight end and key him. If the tight end run-blocks, he aggressively attacks the run.

The only time I align my free safety deep and have him play a “Zone 1” is when it is fourth and long or only seconds remain in the half or a game. I want teams to pass against our defense. I would rather have one less deep defender and have an extra defender on the line pressuring

the quarterback. This same pressure also makes it very difficult to run the ball. I would much rather have a strong pass rush and powerful run defense than an additional deep defender.

Larry Canard and David Marco combine for more than 40 seasons of coaching on the youth levels and illustrate that there’s more than one way to teach America’s favorite sport. Both contribute to the innovative benefits included in USA Football’s Coaching Membership. Go to usafootball.com and click the “Membership” button in the upper right of your screen to join the USA Football Family.


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USA Football & NFL Players Association partner for “All-Fundamentals Team” By Alex Fink

Ask a coach what the most important attribute to building a successful team is and you’ll likely get a three-

word answer: “Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals.”

USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL Players Association, is partnering with the NFLPA to recognize NFL players who show textbook technique and character through the 2009 USA Football-NFLPA “All-Fundamentals Team.”

The 26-man roster, to be determined near the end of the NFL’s regular season, will salute the league’s most fundamentally-sound players exhibiting football values of teamwork and responsibility. Representing 11 offensive positions, 11 defensive positions and four special teams positions (long-snapper, kicker, punter, and kick returner), the “All-Fundamentals Team” will be selected by a six-person committee with representatives from both USA Football and the NFLPA. All six have either played or coached in the NFL:

Jason Belser• , USA Football board member and NFLPA senior regional directorTom Carter• , NFLPA regional directorHerman Edwards• , former NFL head coach and playerScottie Graham• , NFLPA regional directorLarry Kennan• , NFL Coaches Association executive directorCarl Peterson• , USA Football chairman

The “All-Fundamentals Team” matches USA Football’s passion to best teach Xs and Os while instilling timeless lessons and values gained through America’s favorite sport.

Each player selected will receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice. USA Football also will present selected players with a custom-made helmet trophy produced by Riddell, USA Football’s official helmet and equipment partner.

Check out usafootball.com near the season’s end to learn if your favorite NFL players make the team.

Tom Carter, an NFLPA regional Director, was a standout NFL cornerback (1993-2001), recording 27 career interceptions following a successful college career at Notre Dame.

Herman edwards

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Kimberly White, Ph.D., a principal scientist at the Gatorade Sport and Science Institute, gave some

advice on hydration issues at the 2009 NFL-USA Football Youth Football Summit in Canton, Ohio, which hosted more than 100 youth football league commissioners and high school coaches from all 50 states from July 28-31. White gave her audience advice toward ensuring player safety.

“First, one of the biggest things is that players really need to acclimate to the heat,” White said. “They need to get used to exercising in the heat, so it’s really important for them to give their players time to do that in the first five days of their practices.

“It’s a good time for coaches to make sure they are giving their teams plenty of water breaks, and it’s also important to practice those first few days without

much equipment as players get used to a grueling

summer practice schedule.”

Jeromy Fritz of Arnold, Mo., is the vice president of the Jefferson County Youth Association (JCYA) that serves more than 500 St. Louis-area youngsters. He attended the Summit and gained helpful tips from White’s presentation. He said White suggested implementing a “buddy system” for players to help keep an eye on each other, especially when a coach is responsible for multiple players.

White advises coaches to monitor their players’ weight

before and after practice. If a player is properly hydrated, he should weigh the same before practice and after practice.

“If they lose weight during practice, it means they’re not drinking enough and they’re going to be dehydrated,” White said.

“You don’t want them to over-drink. You don’t want them to gain weight, so have them

weigh-in before and after and then use that information to help

figure out how much players should be drinking during practice.”

For more on hydration and other athlete health topics, go to usafootball.com and click “Health & Safety” on any homepage tab.

Keeping players coolHydration key to optimum performanceBy Rose DiPaula

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Kimberly White, Ph.D., of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute addressed youth football leaders and high school coaches from all 50 states about hydration during the 2009 NFL-USA Football Youth Football Summit in Canton, Ohio, in late July.

HYDrAtION StrAteGIeS

Weigh in and out at •practiceDrink regularly during •exerciseBegin replacing lost •weight earlySalt your food•Don’t over-consume •caffeineDrink with meals•Drink 16-32 oz. in •the evening or before sleeping


Health & fitness

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Determination and a love for competition drive

athletes to compete. So when an injury occurs, it can be difficult to watch your teammates performing while you’re recovering on the sidelines. Returning to the field too quickly can make a situation worse.

This is especially true when an athlete has suffered a concussion. Unlike a broken finger or a sprained ankle, a concussion can be a challenge to diagnose. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the brain’s function. Signs and symptoms can be hard to detect, so making sure a youth player receives medical attention – and then a follow-up clearing the athlete to play after an evaluation – are needed to ensure that an athlete is ready to play again.

“Kids shouldn’t be returned to any strenuous physical activity or even strenuous mental activities and emotionally difficult situations until they’ve been evaluated,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert Vik Kapil, an osteopathic physician and Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP).

Some signs and symptoms to be aware of indicating that a player has suffered a possible concussion can include appearing dazed or stunned, moving clumsily, answering questions slowly, losing consciousness (even briefly) and overall confusion. An athlete can also experience headaches, nausea, balance problems and blurred vision.

“Some symptoms and after-effects may not be seen at the game,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert Marlena Wald, Master of Public Health. “When mom and dad sit down for breakfast the next morning with

their son or daughter, some of this may show up then in the quiet of the home.”

Dr. Stan Herring, a team physician for the Seattle Seahawks

and the Co-Medical Director for the Seattle Sports Concussion Program, spent a day in Canton,

Ohio, to address youth league commissioners

and high school coaches about concussion awareness at the NFL-USA Football Youth Football Summit held from July 28-31.

“This is where the culture change must start,” Herring said of today’s youth parents and coaches following his July 29 presentation. “It’s important to understand that sometimes you can play with a cast or a splint, but that does not apply

to athletes with concussions.”And Herring’s most

important message to the group was simple:

“When in doubt, sit them out,” he said. “Let this be a medical decision.”

Under guidelines set by the American Academy of Neurology, a study found that in 100 high schools across the country nearly 41 percent of athletes who suffered a concussion returned to action too soon from 2005 to 2008. A lot of pressure is put on athletes to perform – even at youth and high school levels – and some of this has to do with the

demands kids face from their peers.“Sometimes kids feel pressure (to play) so

it’s very important that they’re-educated on the potentially very serious consequences of these types of injuries,” Kapil said. “Kids should be educated in advance so they know to watch out for these signs in their fellow teammates, and it’s important to make sure coaches, assistant coaches and trainers are also aware.”

For more information on athlete health, go to usafootball.com and click “Health & Safety” on any homepage tab.

When in doubt, sit them outMedical experts share insight on concussionsBy Nicole lukosius

source: national high school sports-related injury surveillance, 2005-07

3.7%

7.5%

11.2%

Boys Soccer Girls

VolleyballGirls

SoccerGirls

Basketball Boys Football

Percentage of high school athletes who endure concussions and miss more than three weeks of sports participation:

Dr. Stan Herring, team physician of the Seattle Seahawks, speaks at the 2009 NFL-USA Football Youth Football Summit about concussion awareness.

11.8%

8.9%7.7%

6.6%5.9%

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Equipment from Head to Toe

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As millions of youngsters in all 50 states suit up for football, it’s important to know how each piece of equipment serves to protect them

ShoesCleats or turf-soled shoes provide better traction and help to protect the foot during play.

Thigh PadsProtect the quadriceps muscles and the femur bone.

Knee PadsTucked inside the lower part of the pants, help to protect the knees.

Shoulder PadsUsed to protect the shoulders, chest and back.

Mouth PieceMandatory piece of equipment fitted to each player’s mouth to protect the teeth as well as to help eliminate concussions.

Face Mask Shields the face from contact and protects the nose.

Chin StrapStandard equipment for all helmets which works in tandem with the helmet to provide maximum protection for the chin and jaw.

HelmetAdjusts to fit snug on each player’s head to protect various parts of the head, neck and jaw.

The official athletic apparel accessory and footwear

supplier of USA Football.

The official football protective partner of

USA Football


Health & fitness

Erik Lora earned the opportunity of a lifetime to represent the United States at the IFAF Junior World

Championship (see page 4) in Canton, Ohio, this summer. Erik is the son of Raul Lora, who came to the United States from Cuba when he was just 3 years old. Raul has been supportive of Erik’s football career, coaching him from ages 6-14 before Erik developed as a wide receiver at Miami Christopher Columbus High School.

After winning the gold medal with USA Football’s Junior National Team in Canton, Erik has continued his football career at Eastern Illinois University. For Raul, it has been an exciting experience to watch his son become a man and embrace football’s values along the way.

USA Football Magazine recently spoke with Raul Lora to learn what football has taught his son.

When did erik start playing football?At age 6 for a 65-pound team.

Your family emigrated from Cuba to Miami when you were a toddler. What American values are reflected in football?

To put it into words – hard work, pride, teamwork, working with others and camaraderie.

How have you been involved in erik’s football experiences, starting back to when he first started playing?

I was always his coach up until high school. I coached him for seven or eight years until he went to (Miami) Columbus High School and that’s when I let go.

How have other aspects of erik’s life been positively affected by football?

All the camaraderie he has with his friends ... football is a fantastic game for a kid’s self-esteem. There’s a sense of achievement that no other game creates. And trust me, I’ve played other sports. I played collegiate soccer and I even

played a little pro soccer. But there’s no other sport that gives you such a sense of accomplishment. It does so much for kids.

What do you enjoy most about watching erik play?

He’s a great performer. I just enjoy watching him play and watching him have a good time and the sense of accomplishment that he has.

What has football taught erik?It’s helped teach him how to

get along with others, how to work with others and achieve something. Through hard work you can achieve something. There are a lot of things the game has taught him, for sure. One of them is how to work with others and be selfless.

How does it make you feel to see the success your son is having, both on the field and off?

It’s an incredible sense of pride, especially his play for our national team (in Canton). Again, it’s a lot of years of hard work that have paid off. It’s an unbelievable feeling. You know how a gorilla beats his chest? It’s like that to see him. He’s got the scholarship and he’s worked

hard at it and he deserves it. So I’m very, very, very proud.

USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association. Learn more about football fundamentals and values at usafootball.com.

What Football Taught My Son: Raul LoraBy Micah siMoN

erik and raul Lora

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Technology lifts youth footballUSA Football’s coaching course melds innovationwith football know-howBy Micah SiMon

USA Football’s innovative Certified Coaching Education Program (CCEP) was first kicked off in 2007 and stands as the most widely employed football-specific coach

training program in youth football today.The growth and development of the CCEP – already

implemented in all 50 states – was shaped by youth football commissioners who wanted a unified standard for measuring their coaches.

“USA Football is committed to helping youth organizations by establishing coaching education, so we asked league commissioners at our state leadership forums, ‘What are the biggest issues you face?” said Nick Inzerello, USA Football director of football development. “Coaching education kept coming back as the No. 1 issue.”

USA Football employed state-of-the-art technology with youth football’s top coaching minds to create the CCEP and teach coaches how to best communicate with athletes and instill strong football fundamentals. Bolstered with 3-D and 2-D computer animation and narration, the 11-chapter course with quizzes takes approximately two hours

to complete and is free for USA Football Coaching Members ($10 per non-member).

Dr. Jody Brylinsky, professor at Western Michigan University, and USA Football Consultant Tom Bass were among those who helped bring the CCEP to life. Dr. Brylinsky

authored the course structure while Bass and USA Football’s Coaches Committee authored the curriculum.

In the fall of 2006, Fairfax County (Va.) Youth Football League coaches were the first to try the CCEP before it was launched. After testing and final tweaks, the first edition was put into play in spring 2007. The Fairfax County league quickly adopted USA Football’s CCEP as its own official coaching education program.

“We have a lot of positive feedback from our CCEP completion surveys,” said USA Football Membership Director Gary Del Vecchio. “New coaches tell us that the course helps them get up to speed and have a better understanding of how to teach the game.”

Learn more about the most advanced coach

training program in youth football at usafootball.com/cepcoaches.

USA Football’s Certified Coaching Education Program helps youth leagues standardize their level of coaching. Coursework covers the fundamentals of blocking, tackling and techniques for coaching every position on the field using 3-D and 2-D animation.


commissioner

USA Football Regional Managers

Northwest RegionBaSSel FaltaS(571) [email protected]

West RegionBucky BrookS(818) [email protected] South & Mid-Atlantic

Deno caMpBell(703) [email protected]

Southeast Regionrick peacock(703) [email protected]

Northeast RegioneD paSSino(703) [email protected] Region

Joe owenS(571) [email protected]

Great Lakes RegionScott leVeque (571) [email protected]

America’s favorite sport is powered by you – dedicated youth league commissioners, coaches, game officials and volunteers. For each of you, there is a face and name to place in your football Rolodex:

your USA Football Regional Manager.USA Football Regional Managers are current and former coaches, players and administrators working for you. Each has the experience

needed to help you make your league or team even stronger with USA Football’s resources.Contact your USA Football Regional Manager to learn how you can kick off your free commissioner membership or to ask about coaching

certification, the nearest USA Football Coaching School, Player Academy or Officiating School. Stay in touch with your regional manager, whether it’s to share news about your league or team or to ask about member resources.

In addition, you may always contact our office, based outside of Washington, D.C., through usafootball.com or by phone at 1-877-5-FOOTBALL. Let us know how we can serve you better.

Together we’ll ensure that teamwork and leadership continue to serve as the laces binding our favorite game.

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In the “Spirit” of fundraisingLeagues continue to employ BRAX Spirit Cups to help meet financial goalsBy SteVe alic

There are some things in football that are “must-haves.”

Every player needs a helmet.Each team needs a coach.And every league needs a go-to

fundraising partner to keep it strong.USA Football understands the

importance of fundraising. In searching for the optimal fundraising partner, USA Football selected BRAX Spirit Cups for its long-standing dedication to customer service, support, and high-quality goods.

BRAX Spirit Cups have proven to be successful for helping many organizations raise critical revenue for maintenance, improvements and growth. The cups are sold in quantities of four and feature designs and logos of National Football League teams and NCAA colleges and universities.

At the 2009 NFL-USA Football Youth Football Summit in Canton, Ohio, BRAX donated 100 NFL Spirit Cups to each of the 32 USA Football State Forum delegates for fundraising purposes. BRAX also awarded a $1,000 grant to Jim Burke, president and commissioner of the Livermore Youth Football and Cheer in northern California.

BRAX’s Pete Hexter, Todd Elgart and Joel Reader met with youth league officials in Canton and discussed the aspects of successful fundraising.

“I had talked with many leagues about their experience raising money with BRAX, and they were all happy with the results,” said Geoff Meyer, co-founder and president of The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL), who attended the Youth Summit in Canton as a USA Football State Forum delegate. “We also had great success raising money selling their cups, so I’ve been raving about BRAX cups for years.

“We will sell BRAX cups forever because it’s a great fundraiser. It helps us

alleviate some of our league costs and helps generate excitement in our fundraising programs.”

Spirit Cups feature fans’ favorite teams and are heavy plastic cups, 18-oz, dishwasher safe featuring a 3-D lens and made in the USA. They are recyclable and packed four cups to a set of the same team. Leagues earn a $4 profit on every sleeve of four cups sold. Among the cups featured are all 32 NFL teams, more than 70 colleges and five U.S. military designs.

how to ensure a successful fundraiser:

Hold a meeting with all parents who are participating in the fundraiser.•

Clearly explain the goals of your fundraising and expectations of each •participant.

Emphasize to parents the amount of money you will raise if each parent •reaches the team goal.

Remind parents that 80 percent of all sales come through the parents from •friends, co-workers and family.

Work environments are the perfect place to bring a sample cup and sign-up •brochure. Encourage those who buy to tell a friend.

Suggest a team of parents approach a large retailer (department stores, •grocery stores, etc.) to set up a table and small display of cups outside of these locations on a weekend to take orders. You could have some players present in uniforms to see the youngsters their benefiting.

Request a group of parents to volunteer to sell in small office buildings. They •may even leave a sample cup and order form in an office for a day or two.

Limit the length of the fundraising effort to three weeks or less. This allows •your efforts to be focused and maintain enthusiasm.

At the halfway point of the fundraiser request a midpoint meeting to see how •progress is being made.

You may want to offer a prize to the best-selling family. A $25 gift certificate •works; remember it’s more about recognition so everyone else knows of their success. This can be promoted on your team website.

“Our Fundraiser with BRAX Spirit Cups last year was our most successful fundraiser to date. We made approximately $8,000 and people are already asking if we are selling cups again this year. A great fundraising idea that everyone enjoyed!”– Helen Kilburg, Boone Grove-Winfield (Ind.) Pop Warner


commissioner

USA Football will award $1 million in equipment grants to youth and high school programs across America this fall based on merit and need.

Youth leagues are eligible for a $1,000 package that includes equipment and apparel from Riddell and Under Armour. High schools can earn similar packages valued at $1,500.

Leagues and high schools may apply for grants on usafootball.com through Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. ET. Leagues need to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit in order to be eligible.

USA Football’s grant program has assisted more than 700 youth and high school football programs throughout the country since 2006. USA Football will have distributed more than $2 million in equipment and apparel to deserving programs through 2009.

Visit usafootball.com and select “Equipment Grants” under the Commissioners toolbar to apply now.

equipment grant application open at usafootball.com

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Meet a USA Football Member

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but USA Football commissioner member Lou Bonnanzio is using his membership to ensure the size of his

league (approximately 10,000 players) doesn’t overshadow the importance of educated coaches. By requiring new and current coaches to have a USA Football coaching membership, Bonnanzio’s league receives the best possible resources to succeed. Bonnanzio recently spoke with USA Football Magazine to discuss the impact USA Football has had on his league.

What is your favorite football memory?When I was a sophomore in high school

I was told I would be the starting quarterback, and my high school won 57 games in a row which started about when I was in eighth grade.

What led you to become involved with youth football?

I just love the game and wanted to stay in it.

What inspired you to join USA Football?With all of the programs USA Football offers, it was a no-

brainer. All our coaches go through the certification course. That’s a great tool and we enjoy being associated with an

organization like USA Football. In the past, we didn’t have the capabilities of doing what USA Football has done and what you

offer to the coaches. Being probably one of the largest youth football leagues in the country, big isn’t always a good thing. We’re trying to find a way to educate the coaches so they can be the best possible coach for the kids.

How have you benefited from your USA Football commissioner membership?

All of our coaches go through their USA Football certification before the season starts. We plan on using USA Football for a lot of other things. We’re in for the long term

as far as the league is concerned. All the new coaches will go through the certification in the future as well.

What do you enjoy most about being a league commissioner?

Striving to be the best youth football league there is. Also, to keep what the Police Athletic League is all about: keeping kids

occupied, keeping them busy and getting them involved in the greatest sport on Earth.

Learn more about USA Football’s free Commissioner resources at usafootball.com/register/benefits/admin.

Lou Bonnanzio By Micah SiMon

Name: Lou BonnanzioResides: Huntington, New YorkUSA Football Membership: CommissionerPosition: ChairmanLeague: Suffolk County Police Athletic League (P.A.L.)Number of Players: More than 9,000Number of Coaches: More than 1,600

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One game, one worldUSA Football Officiating Member serves sport in JapanBy Micah SiMon

Working in the military gives servicemen and women a chance

to travel the world. Though the opportunity is not for leisure, some maximize their free time during their service.

Bill Passwaters isn’t living in America, but he’s doing the next-best thing: officiating America’s favorite sport … in Japan.

Passwaters served the Navy for 24 years, 16 of them spent overseas. During his time in the Navy, most of which was spent based in Japan, he led teams in analyzing underwater acoustic data in support of anti-submarine warfare operations. Passwaters, his wife, and their two teenaged sons continue to live in Japan today.

Passwaters, who has called about 75 football games in Japan on the collegiate and semi-pro levels, is impressed by what he sees. Japan has played football since 1934.

“The Japanese are very methodical

and take nothing lightly,” he said. “When they commit to being officials they give everything they have to be good officials. They know the history of the game and study the rules and mechanics year-round.”

A USA Football officiating member for nearly two years, Passwaters is entering his

11th season as a game official.“I love being around sports, and

there comes a time when your body just won’t let you play anymore at the level you would like to play,” he said. “Officiating gives me a way to stay close to the sport and actually have a part in the game.

“In a football game there are really three teams on the field: the home team, the visiting team and the officials’ team,” he said. “We have to trust each other to do our individual responsibilities and communicate with one another to ensure we apply the rules as they are written to let the teams determine the outcome of a game.”

USA Football’s Bill LeMonnier, a Big Ten referee, conducted a USA Football Officiating School in Japan in 2008, which is where Passwaters first learned about the independent non-profit. Passwaters values his USA Football officiating member resources.

“The membership offers outstanding articles and tips to elevate your game,” he said. “You can go through the online courses at your own pace and pick up valuable tips to help improve your knowledge. I use USA Football materials, including the officiating training DVD that Bill provided to officials here in Japan who work games on our Naval base.”

Passwaters can understand the Japanese language better than he speaks it, but this represents an easily surpassed obstacle.

“Regardless of nationality, officials have a common interest and bond,” he said. “Being an official makes you part of a fraternity or brotherhood that knows no barriers.”

Whether you live in Tokyo or Topeka, experience USA Football’s state-of-the-art officiating resources at usafootball.com/register. p

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USA Football Officiating Member Bill Passwaters (right) worked a game this past March between a team of U.S. high school players and Japan’s junior national team. Team Japan, which earned a bronze medal at the 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio, this summer, defeated the Americans, 38-21.

Bill PasswatersHaving officiated football in Japan for nearly one dozen years, USA Football Officiating Member Bill Passwaters has seen the game up-close like few other Americans. His appraisal of the sport in the world’s 10th-most populated nation (127.5 million):

“The quality of football in Japan is excellent. Of all the coaches, players, officials and fans I have met while working games in Japan, they all seem to share a love and passion for the sport. The coaches strive to learn new systems and attend coaching clinics, the players work hard at becoming the best at their positions, and the officials are always in training to stay on top of the rules and mechanics. The approach to the game is very professional from all standpoints.”


Officiating

quick-hitter gridWith members in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, USA Football recently caught up with four Officiating members from coast to coast. Below are their straight-ahead thoughts on topics covering football memories, tough calls, and dinner guests.

Official:Location:Level:Years Officiating:

PAT KeLLeYOnTArIO, CALIF.HIgH SCHOOL

6

JASOn SOISTMAngLen BUrnIe, MD.

YOUTH, H.S., COLLege, PrO15

Hardest call to make

Favorite football memory

Favorite USA Football Officiating member resource

Advice for a new official

Your pre-game meal or snack

Three people you’d like to have dinner with

What you love most about officiating football

Football official you respect the most

Holding – you have to decide how much impact it had on the play and how egregious it was

After the game with the guys – the camaraderie

Bill LeMonnier and Tony Michalek’s instruction, techniques and breakdowns

Slow down and get involved in youth football

Peanuts, pretzels … something small

rob Vernatchi (nFL Official); Jerry Markbreit (retired nFL Official); John Travolta

It’s my hobby – the exercise, being outside, atmosphere, Friday night lights … what’s better?

Al Cory (Umpire, Mountain West Conference)

Holding

I kicked a 25-yard field goal in high school to beat our rival in OT who we hadn’t beaten in 18 seasons. It was a pretty big deal!

really like where you see the signals in 3-D and the voiceover announces the call – love that resource. great visual learning.

Study the rules, ask a lot of questions for feedback and work as many games as schedule allows

Peanut butter and chocolate Clif bar

Jerry Markbreit, roger goodell, President Obama

I still get to be part of the game

Mike Carey (referee, nFL)

Most any judgment call

The end of the game during

the last game of my senior year in high school. Just the emotions that were there and the fear of the unknown.

The monthly e-newsletter

Continue to ask questions even when you think you know the answers

King-size Snickers and Mountain Dew (always have one extra at halftime, too)

Brian Bosworth, Lou Holtz, Bobby Petrino

Camaraderie with the crew, traveling to and from the game and getting to know the guys

ed Hochuli (referee, nFL); he admitted making a mistake last year

Pass interference

Working an nCAA quarterfinal playoff game

The education course (COeP). It’s great for new officials; demonstrates the basics in an easy-to-understand format

Learn the definitions of football first. Learn rule #2 in the nFHS rule book and the rest will be easier to understand.

Snickers bar

Tiger Woods, Bill gates & Jimmy Buffett

The camaraderie between fellow

officials and being able to give back to the game

Jerry Miranda (referee, nCAA)

USA Football offers resource-packed memberships to give coaches, officials and youth league commissioners an edge. Learn more at www.usafootball.com/register.

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The expert is inUSA Football tackles questions for officiating membersBy RoSe DiPaula

When you’re hungry, you call for pizza.Under the weather? Call the doctor.Have a question about a flag you didn’t throw

in Saturday’s game? Ask the expert … USA Football’s officiating “Ask the Expert” membership resource, that is.

USA Football officiating members submit questions at usafootball.com’s “Ask the Expert” page to gain insight into rule interpretations or techniques. Among those ready to address your questions is 16-year Big Ten referee Bill LeMonnier, a veteran of 12 college bowl games who has served USA Football members for four seasons.

William Bailey is a crew chief in the Amarillo, Texas, area for the Texas Association of Sport Officials. An official for eight years, he uses the feature to learn more about specific situations and enjoys USA Football’s personal response.

“It gives us an avenue and a place to go to when we need an answer to a question,” Bailey said.

Visitors to the site can easily type questions regarding information on training, specific rules and different officiating scenarios. Even officiating veterans can find “Ask the Expert”

useful as they stay atop their game. Answers are posted on usafootball.com, so members can gain insight even without submitting a question. An “Ask the Expert” feature is also included in USA Football’s coach and commissioner memberships.

And you don’t necessarily have to be an official to ask a question. Jeff Block, a coaching member from the Tampa, Fla. area decided to “Ask the Expert” for an officiating question he had been wondering about.

“Honestly, I probably like just hearing the input from others,” he said. “It’s just one more tool to help coaches do the best for their kids.”

Capitalize on all of USA Football’s officiating member resources found at usafootball.com/register.

USA Football’s partner roster has grown even stronger in recent months.

Athletic Training Innovations (ATI), which specializes in athletic training products, and the Andrews Institute, a Florida-based leader in sports medicine, have forged new partnerships with USA Football which will benefit the non-profit’s members in all 50 states.

Over the next year, ATI will provide USA Football members discounts on its products and will display them at USA Football events in 2010. Based in Louisiana, ATI’s athletic training products help athletes reach their potential.

“USA Football is a terrific fit for ATI with its large and dedicated membership attending first-class football training events nationwide,” said ATI CEO Kevin Bouza. “This partnership holds an immediate positive impact for us within football’s passionate grassroots community – a tremendously vast audience that makes football America’s favorite sport.”

A world leader in sports health, the Andrews Institute’s partnership with USA Football marks its first with a national governing body and represents its most significant foray into the grassroots sports community, composed of more than 4 million

youth and high school football players. More than 1.1 million high school boys play football, more than doubling the next most-played sport by that group, according to the National Federation of State High

School Associations.Dr. Lonnie Paulos of the Andrews Institute is a

contributing member of USA Football’s “Football & Wellness Committee,” sharing his insight with USA Football members through committee meetings, usafootball.com, and other communication vehicles.

“I am pleased to represent the Andrews Institute through our partnership with USA Football,” said Dr. Paulos, a former University of Utah football player.

“Our mission compliments the efforts of USA Football to educate coaches, parents and athletes on safety and injury prevention. I look forward to developing and implementing medical protocols and safety standards that may help further youth athletics.”

“Welcoming ATI and the Andrews Institute into the USA Football family is exciting for us and strengthens our membership offering,” said USA Football Executive

Director Scott Hallenbeck. “There’s never been a better time than right now to be part of the youth football community.”

Growing football familyAthletic Training Innovations and The Andrews Institute join USA FootballBy RoSe DiPaula


Officiating

Football minds create the sport’s No. 1 Officiating Training DVDUSA Football brings officiating instruction to new plateauBy Dave McMahon

What began as an attempt to help high school football

players secure college scholarships has turned into something much more for Jamie Nicholson.

A video editor by training, the Grand Blanc, Mich., native began filming games for the local high school football coaches as a hobby.

“I went and did the videotape, and a coach from Flint Beecher High School asked if I could help them get their players on film. They had some players who had the talent to get scholarships, but they needed to get the guys on video,” Nicholson said. “I did their games and it worked out pretty well. They started having three or four kids a year get scholarships through game film.”

In the meantime, Nicholson’s passion for America’s favorite sport became even more prevalent when he decided to become an official. His seven-year high school officiating career came to an end last November with the conclusion of the Michigan state playoffs, but his role as a college official is on the rise.

Suffice to say, his career on the video side is gaining steam, too. In addition to working as an on-field official for the Division I-AA Pioneer League, Nicholson has spent the last 11 years – since the return of instant replay to the NFL – as the head instant replay technician for the Detroit Lions.

Nicholson recently steered the production of USA Football’s Officials

Training DVD (81 minutes, $25). A meeting with Tony Michalek, an NFL umpire leading USA Football’s officiating program, didn’t take long to evolve into a relationship that would benefit thousands of officials nationwide.

“I told Tony that I had years of high school football games on my video shelves,” Nicholson said. “They took those and picked out the positive aspects of what the officials

are doing – look how well this guy squares off, or look at this great pass interference call. Tony and [USA Football Officiating Consultant] Bill LeMonnier did the voiceover, and I did the production.”

Nicholson estimates that he’s watched thousands of hours of game film. He produces training films for officials like Dick Honig, the supervisor of replay officials for the Atlantic Coast Conference,

and Carl Paganelli, who spent 10 years as the Mid-American Conference coordinator of officials before becoming the supervisor of instant replay for the MAC and Big Ten.

“The USA Football Officials Training DVD is as good

as you’re going to find,” Nicholson said. “There’s nothing better than the training DVD you’ll find at USA

Football. Tony and Bill spent countless hours looking at game film, breaking it down, and deciphering how to make it beneficial for the official who wants to become better.”

Visit store.usafootball.com to learn more about USA Football’s Officiating Training DVD and more than one dozen other DVD titles to help every game official and coach reach their potential.

Jamie nicholson, college official and instant replay technician for the nFL’s Detroit Lions, helped produce USA Football’s Officiating Training DVD.

27

Meet a USA Football board Member

Helping steer USA Football’s mission as the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels is its 18-member Board of Directors. The board is composed of leaders throughout the football community who share a deep appreciation for

America’s favorite sport. This issue of USA Football Magazine introduces you to USA Football Board Member Carl Francis, communications director for the NFL Players Association.

After playing football on youth, high school and college levels, Francis remains part of the youth football community as a volunteer coach. He also serves youngsters as the founder of the Hampton Roads (Va.) Youth Foundation. The foundation provides educational, social and economic programs for Hampton Roads children.

USA Football Magazine caught up with Francis just as the NFL preseason kicked off in August.

What impact did your football coaches have on you and how do you think you affect the players you coach today?

My youth coaches were extended fathers and uncles. They taught me life lessons through football – I learned that success comes through leadership, hard work and discipline. I coach youth football because I enjoy making young people feel good about themselves through the world’s greatest sport. The kids that I like working with the most are those who may not be the most talented, but really love to play the game.

Why is it important for the NFLPA to be committed to youth football? The NFLPA believes in the importance of supporting youth football – and especially

USA Football – because our players are products of the youth football experience. Many NFL players conduct free football clinics during the off-season, so they understand the importance of supporting an organization that helps kids learn the game and teaches them the right way. It is paramount for the NFLPA to continue to support youth football, particularly through USA Football.

Carl Francis

USA FootbAll’S boArd oF direCtorS

Director of Communications, NFL Players Association

By Rose DiPaula

Ray AndersonExec. V.P., Football Operations

National Football League

Jason BelserSenior Regional DirectorNFL Players Association

Joe BrowneExec. V.P., Communications

& Public AffairsNational Football League

Jon ButlerExecutive Director

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Tom CovePresident & CEO

SGMA International

Carl Francis Director of Communications

NFL Players Association

Alexia GallagherDirector, NFL Youth Football Dept.


Bob GardnerChief Operating Officer

National Federation of State High School Associations

Roger GoodellCommissioner


Scott HallenbeckExecutive Director

USA Football

Mark Meana Chairman

Fairfax County (Va.) Youth Football League

Brian MitchellFormer NFL All-Star

NFL Alumni

Carl PetersonChairman

USA Football

Keith RuckerFootball Coach

NFL Alumni

Frank SanchezVice President

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

DeMaurice SmithExecutive Director

NFL Players Association

Grant TeaffExecutive DirectorAmerican Football

Coaches Association

Deborah YowAthletic Director

University of Maryland

From your perspective as a youth football coach, what makes USA Football so valuable?

That’s easy – USA Football gives youth coaches tremendous resources to help them perform at their best. Coaching youth football is more than just X’s and O’s; it’s about empowering young athletes to reach their potential. Utilizing the USA Football resources helps every coach to do this. Many of our former players who coach youth football use USA Football’s tools to teach the game’s fundamentals. I speak with NFL players who are sincerely impressed with the sophistication of USA Football’s coaching resources.


Chairman Chat

America’s favorite sport has made a strong impression on USA Football’s new chairman – and vice versa.

A respected scout, coach and NFL team executive for more than 40 years, Carl Peterson has been around football for nearly his entire life. Best known for his success as president and general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs (1989-2008), Peterson accepted USA Football’s chairman position on June 16 following the death of former chairman Jack Kemp in early May.

Peterson has forged a brilliant and ongoing career in a sport that has captured his imagination for decades. In his leadership position with USA Football, he will help shape the sport’s future and share his passion with coaches, game officials and league commissioners to foster positive football experiences for the millions of youngsters playing this game.

How did you get your start as a high school football coach?I was majoring in kinesiology at UCLA, and Coach Skip Rowland

at Long Beach Woodrow Wilson High School knew I had an interest in coaching and asked if I’d work with the junior varsity and varsity teams. He’s a great, great mentor and a good friend.

So he’s the one that started me in it and I was there a year, and when I was working on my masters at UCLA, I got a full-time job coaching and teaching at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. I had two years there, so my first three years of coaching football were all at the high school level, and they were all enjoyable experiences.

What is it about football that captures your attention and led you to pursue a career in this game?

I think it’s the essence of a team sport, and I always liked that as a young athlete. I wasn’t a great athlete, but I played football, basketball and baseball in high school. I made the decision that I wanted to go into coaching and athletics, and the thing that I had learned from football on high school and intercollegiate levels was the importance of teamwork.

It was a great experience to have players and coaches all pushing for the same goal – winning a game – but you can’t do it by yourself. It takes everyone doing their share. It might be that I grew up in a family of four boys, and we had to show some teamwork. Whether it was mowing the lawn and doing the yard work on the weekends or dishes at night, we always accomplished more collectively than individually.

What kind of appreciation do you have for youth and high school football coaches?

They are doing something that truly will affect a youth’s life. The lessons that they teach and the relationships that they make

are unforgettable.I think anyone who’s ever

played high school football will never forget their high school football coach, and I’m sure it’s the same for their first youth coach. The time and the hours and the effort they put into it is certainly not for financial compensation – it’s for a real labor of love and a devotion to the game.

In your 20 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, what were some of your greatest challenges and accomplishments?

You’re never completely satisfied with what you do. When I came to this city and this franchise, they had earned one playoff berth in the previous 15 years. It was very much a beaten-down organization. It wasn’t a situation where people disliked like the Chiefs, they just didn’t care. My challenge was to try to resurrect a sincere interest in the Kansas City Chiefs and the organization and win back the fans, and that was my goal. [Editor’s note: under Peterson’s leadership, the Chiefs earned nine playoff appearances, won the AFC West four times and reached an AFC Championship Game.]

It was a great challenge, but we were able to do it because I was fortunate to hire some very good people and some fine coaches in Marty Schottenheimer, Bill Cowher, and Gunther Cunningham. We had some great success and that resulted in resurrecting the interest and a passion for the Chiefs. The players obviously were essential as well. Those challenges were there, but they were fun and exciting to attack and try to solve.

What are you most excited about your new role as chairman of USA Football?

It’s an opportunity for me to really get to know the youth coaches around this country, to give as much counsel or wisdom that I can for the good of the game and to do what we can to continue to grow it. That’s what the emphasis is for USA Football, the NFL and the NFLPA.

It’s important to grow the game because of the values that young players learn and all the aspects of teamwork, discipline, accountability, and humility.

Get to know Carl Peterson, USA Football’s new chairmanBy Nicole lukosius

9

photo: Courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs 29

Helping more coaches achieve success, USA Football

Playbooks are now available to teach scheme and illustrate plays that youth players can easily understand.

For new and seasoned coaches, the USA Football Playbook offers the best foundation for implementing the right scheme for any youth football team. Playbooks ($25) are available in three exciting youth football-relevant titles at shop.usafootball.com:

Offensive Football• – A great place to start [Split Backfield & I-Formation]

Spread Offense•4-4 Defense•

“Part of the youth football coach’s responsibility is to teach the proper fundamentals, execute quality drills, and setup practice plans – all of which can be learned through USA Football’s coaching education program,” Nick Inzerello, director of Football Development and veteran youth football coach said. “But there’s another component and that’s implementing the proper scheme.”

USA Football Playbooks make it easier for coaches to clearly share information with their young athletes.

Larry Canard, USA Football Youth Football Coordinator, helped write the Playbooks, filled with individual position assignments and easy-to follow diagrams on glossy 8.5” by 11” pages.

“Football is played differently than it was 15 to 20 years ago,” Canard said. “The game has evolved and changed and those things are reflected in our playbooks.”

USA Football Playbook diagrams are displayed in the same fashion as those in usafootball.com’s Click ’N Create Playbook which is available to all USA Football coaching members. Diagrams clearly illustrate where players should line up and where they should be when the ball is snapped.

“These new playbooks offer detailed instruction, written in a way so that if a coach has never taught the spread

USA Football Playbooks ready for actionBy Micah SiMon

USA FootbAll Shop shop.usafootball.com

open 24/7

offense, he or she will be able to do so with comfort,” Inzerello said.

Scheme isn’t the most important aspect of youth football, but USA Football Playbooks do make preparing for a game easier. Canard said if the game is simplified, kids have more desire to play.

“Cleary it’s a benefit in terms of simplifying the game enough so the kids don’t struggle with it,” he said. “It’s a benefit to coaches in that at the end of the day it benefits kids and that’s what it’s all about.”

USA Football Playbooks at shop.usafootball.com•Everyplayis

broken down with formations, position assignments and coaching points

•Diagramsforinside-& outside-running game with high-percentage pass plays

•Offensivelinerun-blockingandpass-protectionschemes•Diagramsofallformationsusedwithinascheme•Playsheetformakingdiagrams•Fullglossaryofterms•High-gloss8.5”X11’’pagesizewithspiralbinding

30 USAFootballMagazine

I always loved football when I was growing up. We started playing tackle football at Lakewood Elementary School in the sixth grade. I was excited when I got to start playing.

It’s a team sport. Everyone depends on everyone else, yet individuals can make a difference. Football is a nice combination of everything that I love about sports.

And it also started teaching me things about life. You can’t accomplish everything yourself. That may be a cliché, but it’s true. I played football for 12 years of my life and football taught me so much.

My first heroes were college football players. I remember Don Meredith playing at SMU and other Mustangs players. I made a habit of watching or following the Mustangs every chance I could. I identified with football more than anything else.

Cotton Miles was my high school coach, but he also taught me something about life. Early in my sophomore year, we suffered a tough loss and I just thought the world was about to come to an end. He came over to me on the bus and he said, “I know it was a tough loss, but you can’t worry about it now. What we have to do this week is start working harder to overcome this loss and figure out what it will take to win next week.” And we did win the next week. I have always remembered that because it taught me how to respond when things don’t go your way, rather than feel sorry for yourself for a long period of time.

I loved playing for Coach Miles and made friends at Woodrow that are still friends today.

I was recruited by 50 schools across the country, but, to me, football was all about Texas. I figured I was always going to live in Dallas, so I was interested in Texas schools. But I chose SMU because I had lived in Dallas all my life and because of Coach

Hayden Fry. I liked his attitude and his offense. He said he was going to win a Southwest Conference championship at SMU and guess what, we did. If I would have gone to Texas, I would not have won a championship, so I was lucky I made the right choice.

While preparing to graduate from SMU, I did not consider a professional football career because, as a psychiatry major, there was nothing on my mind other than going to medical school. Why did I love psychiatry? Subconsciously, because I was able to play for coaches who were part philosopher, motivator and psychiatrist. I wanted to be a psychiatrist who helped people solve their problems, and that is what coaches do.

Two months before I was to enroll in medical school, that plan changed. I found another love.

I began working for ABC Sports as a gofer, following the crews around the country at my own expense. About a year and a half later, I was hired and have never looked back. I was lucky to be with ABC Sports for so long and to have television, sports and football be a part of my life for so many years.

Now my wife and I go to teams and universities to instruct players and coaches on dealing with the

media. One of the first things we tell them is something I learned in my years of producing football games: dealing with the media is just like dealing with life. When you’re done playing football, what are you going to do? You need to take the lessons you’ve learned from football and apply them to your life away from sports.

Football taught me to give 110% to my job in television. When I produce a telecast, I have a team of people working around me. It’s a team effort, but I always want to win. I always want my broadcasts to be the best. I still want to be the best producer. I learned all of those principles from loving and playing the game of football.

What Football Taught Me

From the gridiron to the television production truck, football has been the predominant passion of Bob Goodrich’s life. The 15-time Emmy-award winning producer is best known for his landmark work with ABC’s Monday Night Football, Wide World of Sports and the network’s first Super Bowl telecast in 1985, though folks in Dallas, Texas, may beg to differ. Goodrich first became a local and national name as a sure-handed,

play-making split end at Dallas’ Woodrow Wilson High School – the alma mater of

Heisman Trophy winners Davey O’Brien and Tim Brown. A high school All-American and All-State player in football, Goodrich was elected to the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.

He went on to the collegiate level to star at Southern Methodist University as a tight end.

When Goodrich decided to pursue medical school rather than a National Football

League career, psychiatry eventually lost out to the glamour of another profession. When the telecast of his father’s Sunday sermons showed him the light, Goodrich turned his love of football and sports into a prestigious 40-year career that’s still in progress.

Today, Goodrich and his wife, Annie, provide media training to commentators as well as athletes and coaches through their company, Sportscast Stars Training (sportscaststarstraining.com). He has helped a wide range of athletes, schools and even professional leagues, such as the WNBA, make the best of their media coverage.

Bob Goodrich, Emmy Award-winning television producerAs Told To Tim polzer


Bob Goodrich

Bob Goodrich Woodrow Wilson H.S.

Dallas, Texas

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USA Football Magazine: "Golden Moment"