36

USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Citation preview

Page 1: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Cv1.indd 7 2/18/09 10:39:38 AM

Page 2: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Cv2.indd 7 2/18/09 10:39:59 AM

Page 3: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

contents issue 9 • spring 2009

2 Kickoff with scott Hallenbeck

7 “i played”

27 Meet a usA Football staffer: nate Boudreaux

29 Meet a usA Football Board Member: Bob gardner

30 Football Facts, stats & Figures

32 What Football Taught Me Father Kevin Fimian,

St. Timothy Parish, Chantilly, Va.

Front CoverpHoTos: state Forums by Matt Williams, Coaching schools by scott LeVeque, player Academies by shawn Hubbard

4 player Academies: Learn, Develop & excel

By Stefen Lovelace

6 Youth & high school football “feeding” each other

By Stefen Lovelace

8 Chuck Kyle demands more than just talent from Team usA

Character, patriotism high on prospective player profile

By Dave McMahon

28 Texas prep coach attends super Bowl XLiii as usA Football & nFL guest

By Chris Shepard

18 What football has taught my son: Melanie Duncan By Nicole Lukosius

20 state Leadership Forums unite football leaders By Steve Alic

21 usA Football regional Managers

22 Mississippi league nets $14,000 in fundraiser By Nicole Lukosius

23 usA Football’s Certified Coaching education program

By Steve Alic

24 usA Football expands officiating training events By Tim Polzer

25 Meet a usA Football Member: pete Dardis By Chris Shepard

26 Certified officiating education program making a difference in Tampa, Fla.

By Tim Polzer

LeAgue enHAnCeMenT

oFFiCiATing

HeALTH & FiTness

CoACHing

12 usA Football Coaching schools open By Steve Alic

13 Quick-Hitter grid Thoughts from USA Football Coaching Members

14 Takeaway-giveaway with Tom & Larry By Tom Bass & Larry Canard

15 “What if?”: in-game Coaching scenarios

16 Liberty Mutual responsible sports grants By Rashad Mulla

17 Art of the Catch: Help a good receiver get better By Dave McMahon

Westfield High school’s Tom Verbanic (above), one of Virginia’s most successful prep head coaches, instructs 2008 usA Football player Academy campers (pg. 4)Photo by Shawn hubbard

insiDe sLAnTs FeATures

01 Contents.indd 1 2/18/09 10:42:06 AM

Page 4: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Kickoff

usafootball.com

Chairman Jack kemp

Executive DirectorScott Hallenbeck

Usa footballeditorial staff

Managing Editor

Steve alic

Contributors:tom baSS, larry canard,

nicole lukoSiuS, Stefen lovelace, raSHad mulla, tim polzer,

cHriS SHepard

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,

remember when you played youth football? maybe you were like me and rode your bike to practice with your helmet’s facemask

hooked to the handlebars. The excitement you felt when reaching the field and seeing your friends and coaches filled your chest with stirring anticipation.

Those same feelings fuel the game today – we see it in you, our members in all 50 states and washington, d.c. – and uSa football’s non-profit office shares that passion.

we’re in a three-point stance, ready to launch the most ambitious and exciting schedule in uSa football’s seven-year history with more than 100 training events, the assembly of america’s first national team in football composed of our nation’s top high school-aged players, the awarding of up to $1 million in equipment grants to football programs based on merit and need, and more.

There’s never been a better time to be part of the youth and high school football community. whether you’re a coach, game official or youth league commissioner, uSa football’s resources and initiatives

help you excel in america’s favorite sport and foster positive football experiences for your players. after all, teaching and sharing football’s character-building traits of teamwork, perseverance and leadership with them is why you give of yourself to power this game.

in the next 30 pages you’ll review dueling points about unconventional offenses in youth football, find out how youth leagues and high school programs can benefit each other, read insight on the art of catching a football, check out the latest on uSa football’s Junior national team and the ifaf Junior world championship, learn what the mother of a texas tech starting linebacker says football taught her son, and more.

and just as it’s been since we opened our doors in 2002, uSa football’s regional managers and office staff is ready to serve you. refer to your uSa football regional map on page 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 home office.

we hope to see you at a uSa football event in the months ahead to prepare you for the 2009 season and help you teach the game and its inherent values to our next generation of leaders. They’ll remember it – and treasure it – forever.

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

02 Letter.indd 2 2/18/09 10:42:31 AM

Page 5: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

UA_3.indd 7 2/18/09 10:41:21 AM

Page 6: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Football is a sport that continually evolves. In that same spirit, USA Football’s 2009 event schedule

includes 12 Player Academies to propel a young player’s skill development.

USA Football Player Academies, designed for youth players aged 9 to 14, encompass three days of instruction covering the fundamentals of offense, defense and special teams.

“I learned how to take a toss and a handoff from the quarterback when playing

fullback,” said Jacob Estes of Annandale, Va., who took part in one of USA Football’s two “pilot” player academies in 2008. “I also learned how to carry the ball better when running.

“On defense, I learned how to read the quarterback better and also how to open my hips

when pursuing when I’m playing linebacker. This was a great camp!”

Players are split into three age brackets – 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 – allowing for age-appropriate pace and sophistication. The camps’ controlled and limited contact incorporates game-like situations.

“I’ve been coaching youth football for four years now and this was by far the best camp that I’ve experienced,” said Matt Estes, Jacob’s father. “The things that Jacob learned put him at least a year ahead of other kids in his league. The coach-to-player ratio was excellent for his age group. He’ll definitely return to this camp this summer.”

USA Football Player Academy enrollment is capped at 200 for

an effective 10-to-1 player-to-clinician ratio. Clinicians are recognizable and accomplished high school and youth coaches from a camp’s surrounding area. With an on-field and classroom football curriculum, Academy players also learn from keynote speakers lending insight and inspiration to excel as both athletes and people. Age-appropriate classroom sessions focus on rules, Xs and Os, film study and more.

In addition to an exciting football experience, campers receive a jersey, shorts, and a high-performance T-shirt from Under Armour, USA Football’s official apparel outfitter.

To register today, visit usafootball.com and click “Player Academies” under the gold “Players” tab.

By chris shepard

ph

oto

s: s

ha

wn

hu

bb

ar

d

I learned how to read the quarterback

better and also how to open my hips when

pursuing when I’m playing linebacker. This

was a great camp!– Jacob Estes, Annandale, Va.

4 USA Football Magazine

04 Player Academies.indd 4 2/18/09 10:43:06 AM

Page 7: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

USA Football Player Academy ScheduleDate Location Venue

June 8-11 Chicago, Ill. Benedictine University

June 15-18 Poinciana, Fla. Poinciana High School

June 15-18 Dallas, Texas Rockwall High School

June 22-25 Canton, Ohio Walsh University

June 29-July 2 Chicago, Ill. Lincoln Way Central H.S.

July 6-9 San Diego, Calif. Helix High School

July 6-9 Alexandria, Va. Episcopal High School

July 13-16 Raleigh, N.C. Pinecrest South Pines H.S.

July 20-23 Atlanta, Ga. Lassiter High School

July 20-23 Annapolis, Md. Christian High School

July 27-30 Philadelphia, Pa. United Sports Training Center

July 27-30 Haines City, Fla. Haines City Parks and Recreation

Other Event Schedules: Coachespage 12

Officialspage 24

To register, go to usafootball.com/academy

2009 EVENTS

5

04 Player Academies.indd 5 2/18/09 10:43:24 AM

Page 8: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Two years ago, youth football changed in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

At that time, Chuck Leonard had just become president of South Tahoe Pop Warner, while Chris Morgan became head football coach at South Tahoe High School. The two men decided to form a relationship that would benefit both football programs.

“We started working very closely with the high school varsity coach and his staff,” said Leonard, a USA Football coaching member. “We take their offense and scale it down to something that’s similar for our kids so when they get to the high school level, they are already familiar with the system.”

The relationship that Leonard and Morgan have formed is becoming more common around the country. Many youth leagues work hand-in-hand with local high schools to form a cohesive “feeder system” relationship to prepare young players for the prep level.

“We want the young guys to come to our games and say ‘Look at [No.] 44,’” Morgan said. “‘I want to be like 44 when I get to high school.’”

Morgan said that the relationship is already proving to be beneficial. South Lake’s freshmen team increased to 35 players this year after having just 15 a year ago. Working together with South Tahoe Pop Warner has made his program more competitive.

In West Des Moines, Iowa, the Little Pro Youth Tackle Football League and West Des Moines Valley High School have worked

together since 2003, the year that the youth league was created. Valley’s current junior class came up through Little Pro Youth and the varsity coaching staff has already seen a difference.

“The dramatic difference is the fact that they understand a little bit about the game and have some experience blocking and tackling,” said Valley High School head coach Gary Swenson. Swenson serves on Little Pro Youth’s board of directors and is the offensive coordinator for USA Football’s 2009 Junior National Team.

“There are some outstanding coaches in these youth leagues with phenomenal

backgrounds,” Swenson said. “It has been a real asset to us in several ways.”

Little Pro Youth, serving 2,000 players, was established when Valley H.S. built a new home stadium. The high school plays its games on Fridays, allowing the youth league to use the field on Saturdays and Sundays; a situation that presented itself partly due to the programs’ close relationship.

Along with strengthening one another, partnerships between youth leagues and high schools promote a greater sense of community.

“Cultivating a good relationship with high school programs is key in my opinion,” said Little Pro Youth

Commissioner Dave Murillo, who has held his position since the league’s inception and also serves as a USA Football event organizer with Central Regional Manager Joe Owens. “I think it enhances the game of football in all areas.”

Join the 1.1 million visitors who logged on to usafootball.com in 2008 for more coaching and league commissioner insight.

Youth & high school football “feeding” each other By Stefen LoveLace

ChuCk Leonard Chris morgan

6 USA Football Magazine

06 Feeder.indd 6 2/18/09 10:43:44 AM

Page 9: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

USA FootbAll’S “I PlAyed” cAmPAIgn hAS reAched more thAn 100 mIllIon AmerIcAnS through television coverage on cbS, eSPn, FoX, nbc and nFl network as well as Westwood one radio’s national airwaves. Since “I Played” kicked off last August, thousands of usafootball.com visitors have read or submitted an “I Played” story. to share your football story or to read those of others, visit usafootball.com. below are excerpts of recent “I Played” story submissions.

Scott MossManufacturingGreenwood, Ind.

I’ve coached in the Greenwood (Ind.) Bantam Football League for three years now. It’s a great joy for me to teach football and the life skills that the game holds.

I played football for a small school in East Texas (Mt. Vernon H.S.). Our coaches set the tone for our success (Coaches Rotten, Randolph, Fowler, Parks and Stoker). These men have been my inspiration for coaching, as they all had their own methods, but were all instrumental toward making our team successful.

I grew up with only my mom and I was not exactly a model citizen as a child. I had repeated issues with discipline and school work.

Mom knew how much I loved football, so she spoke with Coach Stoker about me joining the team. Soon after, Coach Stoker became a father figure to me. This man helped me turn my grades around and helped develop me into a more disciplined child. I still feel his influence today.

Frederick PrivetteChef (pictured left)Raleigh, N.C.

I started playing football when I was 9 years old and I retired from minor league football at 28. Football taught me how hard work can pay off and a little extra work doesn’t hurt.

In my senior year in high school, we didn’t win a single football game and I wanted to quit so bad because I didn’t want to be labeled a loser. I toughed it out and at the end of the season I won our team’s “Coach’s Award” and had a chance to play college football.

Life threw me a curveball and I had to give up football, but like the saying goes, “If you love something, let it go and if it was meant to be, it will come back.” I found a local semi-pro team was holding tryouts and to make a long story short, I made the team. It turned into nine winning seasons and a lot of fun.

I made a lot of friends, became a student of the game and now I volunteer my services to high school football players to help them become better football players and men. So in the end, I was a winner after all.

Alan OwensCombat PhotographerFort Meade, Md.

My grandfather taught me about football and life. I played football from the first grade through college. Once I joined the military, I played flag football on every post where I was stationed.

Football taught me teamwork. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. Teamwork is something that we use everyday in the military.

My fondest memories of playing football would have to be going to the state championship two years in a row in high school and walking on at the University of Arkansas. I learned from every coach I had growing up. It wasn’t about winning and losing, but making sure I had the skills to make it to the next level and in life.

Now, I enjoy coaching my son and his friends. I started coaching three years ago with a local Pop Warner flag football team. For the past two years, I’ve been coaching tackle football for the youth sports program on Fort Meade.

how America’s favorite sport helps us reach our potential BY DANNY HOTOCHIN & MICHAEL COPPINGER

“My daughter is a big part of my football career and I like showing her, by example, that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

– Jamie Azone, Business Owner & Independent Women’s Football League Player (Tennessee Valley Tigers), Huntsville, Ala.

7

07 I Played.indd 7 2/18/09 10:43:58 AM

Page 10: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

When USA Football’s Junior National Team, comprised of this summer’s graduating high

school seniors, competes in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio, ballyhooed players will gain the honor of wearing the USA’s colors.

In addition to being much-hyped, these athletes will work with a “Who’s Who” of high school coaches, led by 10-time state champion-winning USA Football Junior National Team head coach Chuck Kyle of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School.

You’re a highly successful football player in your hometown, you’re graduating this spring and you have dreams of representing your country in an eight-country field. Do you have what it takes to play for Team USA?

“As we start making our plans here, we’re looking for talent that would fit into what we’re doing offensively and defensively,” Kyle said in January while meeting with the Team USA coaching staff at the American Football Coaches Association convention in Nashville, Tenn. “An important part of this thing is character – patriotism, to be very honest with you.

“For a very unique moment in this young

man’s life, he is going to be representing the United States of America and playing with ‘U-S-A’ on the front of his jersey. Our fight song is the national anthem. You’re thinking of way more than yourself. That, added on with talent, is what we’re looking for.”

Competing against the best players from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Sweden, USA Football’s Junior National Team will be a competitor, host and ambassador.

“Patriotism should be a motivation in this situation,” Kyle said. “When these teams get off the bus, we should be the guys greeting them. We should be the guys shaking their hands and saying hello. We want to show them that we’re the friendly Americans. This is going to be a celebration of the sport.

“When we’re playing the game, we’re going to hit and play it as hard as we can, but we want it to be a friendly situation out there. You extend your hand to help the guy up. And when the other kid makes a great

play, don’t be afraid to tell him, ‘Nice play.’ There’s no big deal about that.”

The visiting teams will use Team USA as a measuring stick of sorts to determine how far the sport has come in each country.

“They’re going to be thinking, ‘We’re going to go against the United States of America, and hopefully the

United States of America is going to show up with some very, very good talent, because why come over here to play against guys that really aren’t that good?’”

On the other hand, football fans that have never seen the game played outside of the homeland may be in for a surprise.

“There are some players in these other countries, talented kids,” Kyle said. “A kid could come over here and show a lot of colleges that he’s pretty good.”

At the same time, America’s finest high school seniors will do the same.

Click “U.S. National Team” atop the usafootball.com homepage for more about Team USA and visit jwcfootball.com, the official online home of the IFAF Junior World Championship.

Chuck Kyle demands more than just talent from Team USACharacter, patriotism high on prospective player profileBy Dave McMahon

chuck kyle, head coach USA FootbAll JUnior nAtionAl teAm

IFaF Junior World championshipJune 27 - July 5, Canton, Ohio

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship kicks off on June 27 and concludes with its gold-medal game on July 5 in Canton, Ohio. USA Football’s Junior National Team will represent the United States in the eight-nation tournament. For tickets and travel packages, visit www.usafootball.com/jwc/tickets.

canada

mexico

germany

sweden

france

new zealand

japan

united states

8 USA Football Magazine

08 JWC.indd 8 2/18/09 10:44:15 AM

Page 11: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

The USA Football Junior National Team coaching staff met for four days of meetings and discussed Team USA with more than 6,000 college football coaches during the American Football Coaches

Association (AFCA) annual national convention in Nashville from Jan. 11-14.

USA Football built its 10-member coaching staff among the country’s top prep head coaches spanning nine states. Led by Cleveland St. Ignatius head coach Chuck Kyle, America’s first high school-aged national team in football will represent the United States in the 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio’s Fawcett Stadium from June 27-July 5. Kyle and Team USA offensive coordinator Gary Swenson of West Des Moines (Iowa) Valley High School each led their programs to state championships this past season, the 10th and fifth of their decorated careers, respectively.

During the AFCA convention, Kyle presented his vision and goals for Team USA at the following sessions: the AFCA High School Forum, the Big 10 Conference Head Coaches Meeting, the AFCA High School Coaches Clinic and the Football Bowl Subdivision Head Coaches Meeting.

Throughout its four days of meetings, the USA Football staff discussed Team USA’s roster composition, preliminary player selection, playbook assembly and an itinerary for training camp to be held at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, starting in mid-June (see page 10).

For more about Team USA, the IFAF Junior World Championship and tournament travel packages to Canton, Ohio, visit usafootball.com.

COACH POSITION HIGH SCHOOL

Chuck Kyle Head Coach Cleveland St. Ignatius

Steve Specht Defensive Coordinator Cincinnati St. Xavier

Gary Swenson Offensive Coordinator West Des Moines (Iowa) Valley

Tom Bainter Running Backs Bothell (Wash.)

Marcus Boyles Wide Receivers Wayne County (Miss.)

Ed Croson Offensive Line West Hills (Calif.) Chaminade

Jeremy Gold Defensive Line Ann Arbor (Mich.) Pioneer

Frank Lenti Offensive Line Chicago Mount Carmel

Chris Merritt Defensive Backs Miami Christopher Columbus

Allen Wilson Linebackers Dallas Carter

USa Football Junior national Team

coaches Gatherin Music cityChuck Kyle Ed Croson

Steve Specht Jeremy Gold

Gary Swenson Frank Lenti

Tom Bainter Chris Merritt

Marcus Boyles Allen Wilson

9

08 JWC.indd 9 2/18/09 10:44:17 AM

Page 12: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Walsh University selected as “International Village” for IFAF Junior World ChampionshipBy chrIS SheparD

Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, will serve as the residence and practice site for the national teams hailing from eight countries competing in the 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton from June 27-July 5.

“We are honored to welcome all attendees of the first IFAF Junior World Championship to Walsh University,” said Walsh University President Richard Jusseaume. “While we are excited to have the opportunity to show off our beautiful campus, the most significant result of this event will be the fostering of friendly relationships among the eight international teams. The entire Walsh community is proud to play a part in bringing this historic event to our area.”

Just five miles north of Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium, the host site for all 12 IFAF Junior World Championship Games, Walsh University will serve as an “international village,” housing the tournament’s 360 players in five residence halls.

“This summer’s tournament stands as one of the most significant international football events the game has ever seen,” said Bob Belden, IFAF Junior World Championship host committee chairman and president of the Canton-based Belden Brick Company. “In addition to the athletes’ and coaches’ friendships that will be forged here, they’ll also remember the first-rate facilities and hospitality that will be shown them at Walsh University.”

Visit www.jwcfootball.com for ticket information and more about this summer’s historic IFAF Junior World Championship.

What is the most overrated aspect of football?“Measurables – height, weight and 40-time.”– Ed Croson, Team USA Offensive Line; West Hills (Calif.) Chaminade H.S.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?“Keep it simple.”– Jeremy Gold, Team USA Defensive Line; Ann Arbor (Mich.) Pioneer H.S.

“My college coach, Bill Mallory (Indiana University), told me when I first became a head coach, ‘All you need is a whistle and a watch; and don’t go out there trying to please everybody.’”– Chris Merritt, Team USA Defensive Backs; Miami Christopher Columbus H.S.

What is the hardest job in football?“Explaining to parents why their son is not playing.”– Gary Swenson, Team USA Offensive Coordinator; West Des Moines (Iowa) Valley H.S.

One thing that should never change about football is …“Having a place for smart, tough, undersized players.”

– Frank Lenti, Team USA Offensive Line; Chicago Mount Carmel H.S.

“Friday nights should always be reserved for high school football.”– Allen Wilson, Team USA Linebackers; Dallas Carter H.S.

What person influenced you the most?“Celia Gold, my mother.” – Jeremy Gold, Team USA Defensive Line; Ann Arbor (Mich.) Pioneer H.S.

“My first coach – my father.”– Chris Merritt, Team USA Defensive Backs; Miami Christopher Columbus H.S.

What is the most underrated aspect of football?“Long snapping.”– Steve Specht, Team USA Defensive Coordinator; Cincinnati St. Xavier H.S.

america’s coaches on america’s GameSeveral USA Football Junior National Team assistant coaches recently shared their views about coaching and football with USA Football

Magazine. With 155 successful seasons of head coaching experience between them, here’s a two-minute drill inside their thoughts:

For more on this historic coaching staff leading America’s first national football team of teen-aged players, visit usafootball.com.

10 USA Football Magazine

08 JWC.indd 10 2/18/09 10:44:21 AM

Page 13: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Coaches’ and commissioners’ virtual shopping carts have been filling up with Coach’s Gift Packs at USA Football Shop (shop.usafootball.com) since the packages’ November release.

“I bought a Coach’s Pack to get more information, I am always looking for insight in any area possible,” said Keith Wyman, head coach of Attleboro (Mass.) Pop Warner’s ‘A Team.’ “The whole process of USA Football is great, being part of that helped me this past season as a head coach.”

Since opening its doors in October, USA Football Shop has already delivered goods to customers’ doorsteps in 46 states. The shop is open 24 hours a day, stocked with USA Football-branded Under Armour apparel, instructional DVDs featuring our own Larry Canard (see page 14), the USA Football Coaches Handbook, coaching memberships and more.

Included in the four-item Head Coach’s Pack ($85) is a USA Football men’s polo by Under Armour, the coaches handbook, an instructional USA Football DVD of your choice and a coaching membership. An Assistant Coach’s Pack ($40) is comprised of a high-performance USA Football men’s t-shirt by Under Armour, an

instructional USA Football DVD of your choice and a coaching membership.

“I think that the (coaches) handbook is something that every head coach should have to

help set up practices and such,” said Wyman. “The handbook breaks it all down, it helps you immensely.”

“I run a league, and I had a lot of people who wanted to help, but needed

some encouragement or guidance,” said Barry Gehab, President of the Perryton

(Texas) Activity Center Football League. “The handbook and the rest of the coach’s pack made them feel more comfortable with the kids.”

Click inside shop.usafootball.com and see what’s in store for you.

Gear Up for ’09 at USA Football Shop

USA Football Shop is open 24/7 at shop.usafootball.com.

CH

RIS

KE

AN

E /

ICo

N S

MI

“I remember the coaches that I had at an early age; they were volunteers and made a huge impact on my life, encouraging me to follow my dreams. I didn’t feel the pressure of having to perform, but they continually encouraged me. It is a tremendous opportunity to impact kids’ lives. Teach them in a positive way and encourage them to accomplish great things.”

Kurt WarnerArizona Cardinals QB

USA Football recently reached Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner for recollections on his youth football coaches and what message he would have for youth coaches today:

11

11 Web Store.indd 11 2/18/09 10:44:35 AM

Page 14: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

School’s InMore than 10,000 to attend all-time high 48 USA Football Coaching Schools in ’09 By Steve Alic

What happens 48 times a year, provides lunch for more than 10,000 football coaches and helps

a youngster enjoy America’s favorite sport?No, it’s not a weekly tailgate party, but it’s

nearly just as fun.The answer: USA Football Coaching

Schools. And 2009 offers the strongest schedule in the football non-profit’s seven-year history with 48 full-day clinics in 35 states from March through August. More than two dozen NFL teams are USA Football Coaching School partners to further advance the youth game in their cities.

“These schools are vital to start coaches off on the right track,” said Denver Broncos Vice President of Community Development Cindy Galloway. “Here in Denver, it’s the only formalized way of educating youth coaches.”

Designed exclusively for youth coaches, the USA Football-run events feature expert

clinicians instructing how to teach every position’s fundamentals, plan efficient practices and run more effective schemes.

Between chalk talks and on-field sessions, coaches are treated to a keynote speaker and lunch. USA Football’s ’09 keynote roster includes Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver and former Oakland Raiders receivers coach Fred Biletnikoff (Sacramento; April 18), Atlanta Falcons head coach and 2008 NFL Coach of the Year Mike Smith (Atlanta; April 18), and four-time NFL All-Star linebacker Chris Spielman (Columbus, Ohio; May 9).

“Meeting with coaches is important to me,” said Spielman, who coached youth football near Columbus, Ohio, for four years. “We need to teach kids the right way to play and make it fun for them.” Spielman’s late father, Sonny, coached high school football in the Canton, Ohio, area for decades.

“I want to pass along what I’ve learned from my dad, Ohio State and the NFL,” said Spielman. “Especially if you’ve never coached football before, you’ve got to get to one of these clinics.”

Coaching school attendees also receive a high-performance USA Football Under Armour Tee (a $24.99 value). The USA Football Coaches Handbook, regularly priced at $20, may be purchased for $10 at usafootball.com when registering for a school online.

USA Football Coaching School registration is found at usafootball.com. Roll to the blue “Coaches” tab and click “Coaching Schools.”

Date location March 14 Charlotte, N.C. (Carolina Panthers)March 21 Alexandria, Va. (Washington Redskins)April 4 Raleigh, N.C. (Carolina Panthers)April 18 Indianapolis (Indianapolis Colts)April 18 Atlanta (Atlanta Falcons)April 18 Baltimore (Baltimore Ravens)April 18 Sacramento, Calif. (Granite Bay H.S.)April 18 Des Moines, Iowa (Valley Southwoods Fr. H.S.)April 25 Hampton, Va. (Bethel H.S.)April 25 Miami (Miami Dolphins)May 2 Ann Arbor, Mich. (Pioneer H.S.)May 2 Orlando, Fla. (St. Cloud H.S.)May 9 Middletown, Del. (Middletown H.S.)May 9 Foxboro, Mass. (New England Patriots)May 9 Columbus, Ohio (Upper Arlington H.S.)May 9 Los Angeles (Notre Dame H.S.)May 9 Omaha, Neb. (Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha)May 16 Greenville, S.C. (Carolina Panthers)

May 16 San Francisco (San Francisco 49ers)May 16 Chicago (Chicago Bears)May 16 Minneapolis (Minnesota Vikings)May 16 Nashville (Tennessee Titans)May 30 Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Steelers)May 30 St. Louis (St. Louis Rams)June 6 Philadelphia, Pa. (Philadelphia Eagles)June 6 Tampa, Fla. (University of South Florida)June 7 Green Bay, Wis. (Green Bay Packers)June 13 Harrisburg, Pa. (Cumberland Valley H.S.)June 13 Oklahoma City, Okla. (Westmoore H.S.)

June 20 Seattle (Seattle Seahawks)June 20 Canton, Ohio (Walsh University)June 27 Syracuse, N.Y. (Cortland State University)June 27 Denver (Denver Broncos)June 27 Honolulu, Hawaii (McKinley H.S.)July 11 New Orleans (New Orleans Saints)July 12 East Rutherford, N.J. (N.Y. Giants)July 18 Houston (Houston Baptist University)July 18 Kansas City (Kansas City Chiefs)July 18 San Diego (Chaparral H.S.)July 18 Alameda, Calif. (Oakland Raiders)July 25 Phoenix (Arizona Cardinals)June TBD San Diego (San Diego Chargers)TBD Anaheim, Calif.TBD Waco, Texas (Baylor University)TBD Cleveland (Cleveland Browns)TBD Jacksonville (Jacksonville Jaguars)TBD Florham Park, N.J. (N.Y. Jets)Aug. 1 Boise, Idaho (Optimist Youth Sports Complex)

20

09 EVENTS

Schedule updatesat usafootball.com

2009 EVENTS

USA FootbAll CoAChing SChool SChedUle*

USA FootbAll CoAChing SChoolS

*For the most up-to-date schedule, visit usafootball.com, roll to the blue “Coaches” tab, and click “Coaching Schools.”12 USA Football Magazine

Coaching center

12 COACHING.indd 12 2/18/09 10:45:09 AM

Page 15: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

quick-hitter gridWith members in all 50 states and the district of Columbia, USA Football recently caught up with four coaching members from coast to coast. below are their straight-ahead thoughts on topics from football to dinner guests.

Coach:experience:team:location:

dAve brUMField5 yeArS

Mt. lebAnon JetS PittSbUrgh, PA.

toM SAPPington20 yeArS

JoneS Middle SChool UPPer Arlington, ohio

MArk PeterSen10 yeArS

CloverdAle ChArgerS CloverdAle, CAliF.

ArChie robertS17 yeArS

SCorPionS / AgeS 12-14FrederiCkSbUrg, vA.

Favorite football coach – college or pros:

best football rivalry:

Skill or value most needed to coach:

best thing about coaching:

how do you end your pre-game pep-talk?

Favorite athlete as a child:

Favorite vacation spot:

three people you’d like to have over for dinner:

tony dungy

Army-navy

Patience

the kids always surprise me. they’re able to handle a lot more than you think.

“have fun!”

emmitt Smith

disneyland

President obama, Joe Paterno, robin Williams

Jim tressel

ohio State-Michigan

Patience

the relationships with the kids – i’ve seen kids grow up and go to college.

“let’s go out and have fun!”

John brockington

lauderdale by the Sea, Fla.

Winston Churchill, Jim tressel,

b.b. king

tom landry

Cal-Stanford

Patience

When everything clicks for players who struggle and they just light up.

“do your best”

larry Csonka

red Woods of California

roger Craig, Jerry rice, bill Walsh

dan reeves

redskins-Cowboys

Patience

to give something back and see the look on the kids’ faces when they learn something.

“Play like you practice”

roger Staubach & tony dorsett

orlando, Fla.

earl Campbell, bo Jackson, President obama

USA Football offers resource-packed memberships to give coaches, officials and youth league commissioners an edge. Learn more at www.usafootball.com/register. 13

12 COACHING.indd 13 2/18/09 10:45:27 AM

Page 16: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

Should you run a non-conventional offense in youth football?

Coaching center

Conventional football is best for youth gameBy tom BASS

Youth coaches are given the unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for youngsters to learn and enjoy the football

experience.Coaches at this stage have the

opportunity to establish and nurture a love of the game in their players. This may be their most important responsibility.

To create this atmosphere, coaches not only need to prepare players in a positive, enjoyable way, but they must also give

them tools to succeed as they progress in playing football.This can best be done by employing conventional,

proven and established offensive, defensive and special team schemes that require teaching basic skills and techniques common to all schemes.

By focusing on these basics, the coach provides all players with tools they will need at the next level of competition.

It does not make much sense to me to have a young offensive lineman devote a majority of time learning pass protection skills and neglecting the development of drive- and double-team blocking.

Unconventional schemes carry too much specialization with great emphasis on a few players. This doesn’t help the majority of youth players to fully develop.

The time and difficulty in mastering particular skills needed to play unconventional schemes may discourage youngsters from wanting to continue to play the game.

Employing unconventional schemes may bring a few more wins, but they’ll come at the expense of teaching basic techniques that well-rounded players will need as they progress in the sport.

tAkeAWAy-giveAWAy With toM & lArry

new-age offense is okBy lArry cAnArd

A big part of being a successful football coach is understanding two basic things: your strengths and your weaknesses.

This applies to almost every decision you make about your team, including how you assemble your staff and what positions you put your players in. The advent of the “Wildcat” formation and the revival of the historic single-wing provide coaches an opportunity to maximize their players’ skills and spread the football around. You do not need a quarterback with a tremendous arm or a running back with great speed or power.

It is important that coaches always teach the game’s fundamentals. If players do not understand the

importance of a great stance and explosive start, executing blocks and maintaining possession with ball-security

techniques, then no offensive scheme or approach will f lourish.

These new schemes allow players of various skills to be involved in the offense. Smaller,

quicker players can be put in situations that encourage success by either spreading

the field or creating misdirection. If you have a player with strong quarterback skills, but doesn’t have a tremendous passing arm, the Wildcat pressures the defense to defend the run and therefore

creates easier passing chances. In the single-wing, all players must learn

to block. The backs must also understand how to carry out fakes, which makes it an excellent offense for teaching fundamental skills. Finally, defenses that face these offenses must spend a great deal of practice time preparing for all of the options that the schemes create.

Tom Bass and Larry Canard combine for more than 50 seasons of coaching on the youth, college and NFL 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 today and click the “Membership” button in the upper right of your screen to join the USA Football family and gain more from Tom & Larry.

14 USA Football Magazine

12 COACHING.indd 14 2/18/09 10:45:37 AM

Page 17: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

What If?USA Football Coaching Members share in-game decision-making By rAShAd mullA And chriS ShepArd

end run a drag. I would show the ability to send everyone out and max-protect. Then I would pray to God that the other team has no awareness where the first down marker is.

easley: I’m going to max-protect, but I’m going to send my 6-2 receiver out and let him, as he would say, “Moss him.” He can out-jump anybody.

I’m going to put my quarterback in the shotgun and bring all three of my backs around, usually to the right side. I love the Power-T because I always have a lead blocker. Our quarterback has a great arm and I’m going to have him try to get the ball to our tall receiver.

Schrader: I would send everybody out, I don’t like to max-protect too often. I would say I’m more of a gambler. You can win big that way.

I would run something fairly short across the middle, a square-in or something like that. It depends on how the game is going, sometimes I might fake the “in” and go for the fly. But if they blitz, the middle should be open.

Join the USA Football family with members in all 50 states to help you reach your coaching potential. Visit usafootball.com today.

Football coaches encounter situations that call for quick-thinking. Whether you run the Wishbone or split your

receivers four-wide, part of football’s allure is that there is more than one way to win a game. Three USA football coaching members recently shared their ideas on how they’d tackle various in-game scenarios.

What If … you’re trailing 10-7 in the fourth quarter with 2:00 remaining without a time out. You have the ball on the opponent’s 5-yard line and it’s fourth and one. Do you kick a field goal or go for a touchdown?

Aho: I coach third-grade and eighth-grade teams. For the eighth-grade team, I usually would kick the field goal – we have a very good kicker and points are points. In this scenario, it appears that the opposing defense has been able to stop us. However, with our holder and kicker, we have been able to use an over-the-shoulder-flip trick play similar to what LSU ran a few years ago, that also may be an option.

We don’t kick field goals on the third-grade level, so I would probably run the Wishbone with a few extra backs, try to get

the power in and move the pile.

easley: Well, luckily we don’t get in this situation very much, we haven’t lost a regular season game in two years. It depends on the team I’m playing or personnel I’m using. I have a tall, 6-2 receiver who I’m likely going to throw a fade route to and go for the win.

Schrader: Go for the touchdown or a first down. You have to go for it all, it’s only one yard. You show confidence in your team.

What If … you’re losing, 28-21, and are in an obvious passing situation. When the defense shows blitz, are you more likely to max-protect or send everyone out on routes? Which play do you find the most successful when you choose one of these formations?

Aho: I would probably blend it a little bit and bring in two tight ends, but still make sure I have my receivers going out. I would run a tight end drag; bring the far right guy across to the left, have the left guy go to the right on a slant and have the tight

mark Aho

City, StAte: blaine, Minn.yoUth leAgUe: twin Cities north Suburban youth Football leagueCoAChing exPerienCe: 25 yearsbASe oFFenSe: Wing-tbASe deFenSe: 4-4USA FootbAll MeMberShiP: Coach

david easley

City, StAte: Arlington, texasyoUth leAgUe: north texas Pop Warner Football; Ft. Worth ColtsCoAChing exPerienCe: 7 yearsbASe oFFenSe: Power-tbASe deFenSe: 3-4USA FootbAll MeMberShiP: Coach

mike Schrader

City, StAte: berlin, Wis.yoUth leAgUe: Mid-State Football and CheerleadingCoAChing exPerienCe: 8 yearsbASe oFFenSe: Power-ibASe deFenSe: 5-3USA FootbAll MeMberShiP: Coach & Commissioner

15

12 COACHING.indd 15 2/18/09 10:45:49 AM

Page 18: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

Coaching center

For three coaches, “responsibility” is the name of the gameUSA Football Coaching Members honored by liberty Mutual responsible SportsBy rAShAd mullA

While coaching youth football for 29 seasons, John Solomon of Brooklyn Park, Minn.,

continues to teach his players the importance of dedication, hard work and responsibility. Now he is one of three USA Football coaching members being honored for these values.

Solomon, Marcelo Weese of Falcon, Colo., and Todd Reeves of Topeka, Kan., all earned Liberty Mutual Responsible Coaching awards in 2008 for their commitment to responsibility in youth athletics, both on and off the field. A total of 44 youth sports coaches earned the national honor.

“This means an awful lot to me,” said Solomon, head coach of the Brooklyn Park (Minn.) Titans, a team of eighth-graders.

The coaches were selected by an independent judging panel that reviewed thousands of nominations, references and coaching resume submissions. All three coaches were humbled by their selections. Parents and league volunteers nominated them for award consideration.

“It makes me feel good that I was able to do something that kids and parents appreciated,” said Weese, assistant coach of the Falcon Youth Football Club’s third and fourth grade Hawks and a 16-year military veteran. “For me, it’s not really about the

award. It’s about what I’m doing out there with the kids.”

Reeves just finished his fifth year as head coach of the Northeast Kansas Football League’s Topeka Wolverines, a

fourth-grade team.“Life doesn’t

stop at fourth-grade football,” said Reeves, a USA Football coaching member for nearly a year. “We need to put building blocks in place for those kids who want to keep playing high school football and beyond.”

Preparing the groundwork to help young players succeed later in life is why Reeves takes his job on the field so seriously.

“The primary goal of any youth coach should be to teach the essential fundamentals of the game, to teach good sportsmanship and to have fun,” he said.

“Coaching is a huge responsibility.”“Youth sport coaches are an integral

part of the fabric of our communities,” said Lisa Paige, director of the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports Program. “Every day they translate lessons learned on the field, court or rink to important life lessons that stay with athletes throughout their lives. At Liberty Mutual, we seek to recognize and celebrate these Responsible Coaches who are oftentimes the unsung heroes in their communities and in the lives of their athletes.”

earn $2,500 for your youth Football league from liberty Mutual! the responsible Sports Community grants are back! youth football organizations across the country will have an opportunity to earn a $2,500 Community grant through the liberty Mutual responsible Sports program. Parents, coaches, commissioners and community supporters can come together to support their favorite league or club to try to earn a $2,500 responsible Sports Community grant. it’s easy to get started. go to responsibleSports.com/football to learn more – the grant period closes on May 31.

todd reeveS

john Solomon

16 USA Football Magazine

12 COACHING.indd 16 2/18/09 10:45:59 AM

Page 19: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

BRIAN MITCHELL

Art of the Catch: Help a good receiver get betterBy dAve mcmAhon

Matt Coultas of Winchester, Ill., a USA Football coaching member and head coach in the Western Illinois Valley Conference Junior Football League, also uses the “goal post” drill in practice. Coultas is a firm believer in teaching basic receiving techniques.

“First off, we teach the players to make a diamond with their hands, with their index fingers and thumb tips with palms out, above the waist,” said Coultas. “For below the waist catches, put your

pinky finger tips together with your palms up, and fingers slightly down. When you catch the ball you want to receive it, keep arms extended and bring them in as the ball gets to you.”

While Boyles and Coultas use common drills to teach the art of catching a football, some may employ less conventional methods.

“I remember Jerry Rice talking about how his dad would toss bricks to him; his dad was a mason and laid bricks,” said Brian Mitchell, a USA Football board member and possessor of 255 career NFL receptions (1990-2003). “Guys need to have confidence in the strength of their hands. Too many guys want to catch with the body.”

USA Football coaching members may visit the Drills Library at usafootball.com to view more than 100 computer-animated practice drills on demand, complete with voice narration. More than a dozen drills are dedicated to receivers.

The foundation for a fundamental as basic as catching the football settles in far in advance of a ball

being thrown, or even snapped.The first thing a player must do

in order to make a reception is get comfortable at the line of scrimmage.

“It starts with the stance,” said Marcus Boyles, head coach at Wayne County (Miss.) High School and the wide receivers coach for the 2009 USA Football Junior National Team that will compete in the Junior World Championship this summer in Canton, Ohio. “You have to get the kid in a comfortable position, and that position varies from kid to kid. You cannot be standing straight up, or you’ll get a defensive back walking up right into your face. You want some bend in the stance, especially in the torso.”

Boyles, who has 16 years of high school coaching experience and five state championships to his credit, also requires his receivers to use every fraction of a second to their advantage.

“We preach no false steps,”

Boyles said. “Stance and start are so important. Another thing we teach is that when you’re running your routes, keep your eyes up. You see so many kids looking at the ground instead of looking up when they’re running their routes. We want to look through the defensive back.”

One drill that Boyles implements finds the receiver

standing behind the goal post with his arms

around it. The coach then throws him the

ball with the goal post playing the role of defender.

“It forces them to get those arms out and

reach out for the ball,” he said. “The more balls they can catch

in practice, even if it’s from a coach, the better off

they’re going to be. I really believe that you can never catch

too many balls in practice.”

MARCus BoyLEs

MATT CouLTAs

“i remember Jerry rice talking about how his dad would toss bricks to him; his dad was a mason and laid bricks. guys need to have confidence in

the strength of their hands.”– brian Mitchell, USA Football board member

17

12 COACHING.indd 17 2/18/09 10:46:09 AM

Page 20: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

Sports have been a staple for Texas Tech linebacker Brian Duncan, but football has

always claimed the top spot. His mother and father, Melanie and Mitchell, have seen him grow up playing America’s favorite sport with an undeniable passion that he still possesses today.

As a redshirt sophomore for the Red Raiders, who went 11-2 in 2008, Duncan led the team with 89 tackles. Duncan’s exceptional play was recognized in his being named All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention.

The 6-1, 238-pound general business major made the Academic All-Big 12 First Team as a redshirt freshman and regularly volunteers to help his community.

Along with incredible support from his family, Duncan is influenced by the life lessons playing football provides. USA Football Magazine recently spoke with Melanie Duncan to learn more about what football has taught her son.

When did Brian start playing football?He started out in a local rec team here in Baton Rouge, La. He

was 6 years old, and he’s been playing ever since. My husband and I believed in giving our children every opportunity to make something of themselves, and an opportunity presented itself to put them into not just football but several different sports. We allowed them to pick out what sports they wanted to go into once they got out of the beginning stages, and football was Brian’s area. When he made it to high school, he had the size and the experience to start on the varsity team as a freshman. He started out as a lineman, and as he grew in that position, he was able to move over to middle linebacker and that became his natural position.

How did you stay involved in your son’s youth football experience?We went to every game and participated in the games. My

husband was the assistant coach for awhile, and I was the coach of the cheerleading team. We just made it a family thing. We just let our children know that we were very proud of them. Any child wants the

approval of their parents, and as long as we encouraged them and motivated them, that’s what it took.

What has football taught your son?It has taught him togetherness, sportsmanship,

compassion for others and humility. And that’s the one thing that I always remind him – the key to Brian’s success is his humility and compassion for others. He’s dedicated, and we taught him to not give

up. He knows that it takes the whole team to make a difference.

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

Who he is, the lessons that he’s learned in life and the encouragement that he’s gotten from his family have made him do well. He likes to satisfy, and that helps him perform well on the football team, and it makes him perform well in academics. Football

is an outlet, but I think more than that, Brian takes it serious. Some people do things because they need to burn off some energy and some steam, but he’s a very dedicated person, so it’s not just that.

Why is it important to him to be a role model for others?He’s been in church all of his life, so he’s got good biblical

principles about loving and giving. He puts his all into that. On a job, the best employee is a person who loves their job. It’s the same thing with this; he loves the people, he loves the community. It doesn’t tire him out because he’s happy.

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

I am highly proud of him and how it makes me feel is overwhelming sometimes because you know this is meant to be, but actually seeing it come to pass can take an emotional toll on you. It’s in a good way though, and I can’t say enough about how proud I am of him, as well as all my children. He’s a true leader. I just watch him, and knowing what his character is, it allows me to feed inspiration back to him.

What football has taught my son: Melanie Duncan By Nicole lukosius

PH

OTO

S C

OU

RTE

SY

OF

THE

DU

NC

AN

FA

MIL

Y A

ND

TE

XA

S T

EC

H U

NIV

ER

SIT

Y

Brian and Melanie Duncan

Brian Duncan

18 USA Football Magazine

Health & fitness

18 HEALTHSAFETY.indd 18 2/18/09 10:46:35 AM

Page 21: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Strength and conditioning are two of the most important items for any football player to develop. Al Miller, former Atlanta Falcons

strength and conditioning coach, recently discussed this topic with USA Football Magazine.

Miller expresses that strength and conditioning for youth football players should be treated as though they are moving through grade school.

“You wouldn’t expect a first grader to do algebra,” said Miller, who recently contributed nearly an hour of insight for usafootball.com’s upcoming “Film Room” feature for coaching members. “You start a young player out with a less-strenuous work load and you work him up to the tougher stuff when he’s ready. Never rush a kid along too quickly – you will be asking for an injury.”

Miller suggests that young players start an off-season strength and conditioning program consisting of Monday, Wednesday and Friday workouts. While he feels there is no “cure all” exercise for everyone, he strongly recommends that all players begin every workout with a warm-up routine and end with cool-down exercises, again to prevent injury.

“Everything that transpires in sports initiates with ground movement,” Miller said. “If I’m coming out of

my stance, I push into the ground with my feet. The next thing is how rapidly I can develop that force.”

Miller feels all players should focus on six components: 1) anaerobic capacity, 2) body composition, 3) joint mobility, 4) core strength, 5) aerobic capacity and 6) strength endurance. He also recommends that young athletes always work out with an adult present.

Strength & Conditioning: What’s best? By chris shepard

Al miller

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 our 2008 member survey. We learned what’s most important to you and how we can best continue to provide resources and services to help you advance this game’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 affiliated with a nationally recognized association. Not only does USA Football provide me with additional learning opportunities, but it also reassures the parents of my players that i am certified and qualified to coach their children.”– Robert Vujaklija, Chardon (Ohio) Lions Football, Painesville, Ohio

“…that it’s for coaches who are serious about helping develop young football players.”– Chad Ovitt, Canyon Hills (Calif.) Pop Warner, Anaheim, Calif.

“…the excellent information. As a first year football coach, it really helped to give me the information i needed to help my team become more successful.”– Matt Pauliks, Brockton (Mass.) Junior Boxers, Brockton, Mass.

“…the wealth of information that is literally at your fingertips.”– Robert Gibson, Greenwood Bantam Football League, Greenwood, Ind.

“…helping our youth develop into young adults through the ultimate team sport.”

– Larry Leveranz, South Dakota Junior Football, Sioux Falls, S.D.

“…working with the member services department; they always get back to me.”

– Greg Ballay, Pine Richland Youth Football, Gibsonia, Pa.

“…having a central point for all aspects of coaching. My dealings with USA Football staffers have been fabulous and i plan to get other local coaches using USA Football resources.”– Boone Norris, Fort Morgan Youth Football, Fort Morgan, Colo.

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

19

18 HEALTHSAFETY.indd 19 2/18/09 10:46:45 AM

Page 22: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

State Leadership Forums unite youth football leadersBy Steve Alic

Well-run youth leagues are critical for youngsters’ football development.

USA Football is committed to assisting leagues with idea sharing, coaching education resources, a youth football-specific rulebook, fundraising guidance, equipment grants, financial assistance for league volunteer background checks and more.

These topics and others are central to USA Football’s State Leadership Forums, full-day meetings for league commissioners throughout a state or region. In partnership with NFL clubs, college football programs and high schools, USA Football regional managers personally invite more than 800 youth football commissioners to these events annually. Every state forum is run by one of USA Football’s seven regional managers, each of whom is experienced as a current or former coach, player or football administrator.

Independent non-profit USA Football

will conduct a record-number 38 state forums this year. The forum schedule runs through April 4.

“It was a real pleasure meeting and talking with other leagues,” said Alice Langton-Sloan, commissioner of the Vintage Empire Junior Football League, which spans four Northern California counties. Langton-Sloan was among the 25 youth football leaders who participated in USA Football’s Northern California State Forum at the San Francisco 49ers practice facility in February. “This was our second year participating in the forum and we loved seeing how what we discussed last year has morphed into what was developed this year. I can hardly wait to see what transforms for next year.”

“People who power youth football continually aim to make their players’ experiences better and we work together to

accomplish that goal,” said USA Football West

Regional Manager Bucky Brooks. “Football leagues are like families. Few do things the exact same way, but we all work to get to the same place where players have fun, gain team-first values and want to continue playing the world’s greatest sport.”

If your league has not participated in a state forum, but would like to, contact your USA Football regional manager (pg. 21).

Visit usafootball.com and roll to the green “Commissioners” tab for more youth league-strengthening resources. USA Football’s Commissioner membership is free!

State Forum DelegateS Canton-BounDMoses Webb may not have intercepted 71 passes in the NFL

like 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Rod Woodson, but the duo does hold something in common – they’re both bound for Canton, Ohio, this summer.

For the second-consecutive year, one youth league commissioner from every USA Football State Leadership Forum is randomly selected to participate in the NFL Youth Summit from July 29-30.

“I’m excited about this – it’s a great opportunity,” said Webb, the deputy director of football operations for the Northern Virginia Youth Athletic Association, situated 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.

The NFL Youth Summit assembles approximately 200 youth and high school coaches from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Youth league commissioners and former NFL players now coaching at the high school level also take part.

Webb was chosen to attend the NFL Youth Summit trip during USA Football’s Virginia State Forum on Jan. 31. He is entering his fourth season of service with the league of 400 players. “I plan

to bring back ideas for the betterment of our organization,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll gain from other folks who have been involved in youth football much longer than I have.”

Included in the two-day NFL Youth Summit agenda is a USA Football National Forum comprised of one delegate from all 38 USA Football State Forums.

NFL Youth Summit discussion topics include character development, the NFL’s ATLAS and ATHENA Anti-Steroid Education Program, player hydration and fitness and role-playing demonstrations regarding coach-player-parent relationships.

Stay tuned to usafootball.com in late July for NFL Youth Summit news from Canton.

Ph

oto

: Jo

e o

we

ns

Ph

oto

Co

ur

tes

y o

f P

ro

fo

otb

all

ha

ll o

f fa

me

20 uSa Football magazine

LEAgue Center

20 LEAGUE.indd 20 2/18/09 10:47:10 AM

Page 23: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

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 kickoff 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.

21

20 LEAGUE.indd 21 2/18/09 10:47:23 AM

Page 24: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

Executing a profitable fundraiser requires detailed preparation. Investing time before launching a campaign will increase your chance for success.

LeGrand said the BRAX fundraiser has helped his organization rebuild from Hurricane Katrina. After some damage to the equipment room, the St. Martin Youth Football Association was in need of new gear last season.

“I had to purchase helmets because every few years you have to refurbish them, so our fundraising was concentrated on equipment,” LeGrand said. “We also had a few upgrades to do on facilities that we helped contribute to.”

Total commitment by the organization will be the driving force in seeing results. For LeGrand’s organization, these results have translated into better equipment, improved facilities and more opportunities.

“The more money I can get in the account means we can charge less for the registration fee,” LeGrand said. “It helps the parents, and it makes it a lot easier right now with the economy. We can lower the fee so we can have more kids playing.”

Visit spiritcups.com and see how BRAX Spirit Cups can raise cash for your league this season.

Making ends meet as a youth football organization can be a challenge at times, so what is the best way to stretch financial resources?

According to Dwayne LeGrand of Biloxi, Miss., a well-run fundraiser is the way to go. As president of the St. Martin Youth Football Association, LeGrand gave the BRAX Spirit Cups fundraiser a try last season. The campaign was an overwhelming success and will be repeated in 2009.

“A lot of things haven’t worked – like cookie dough – and it was something totally new,” said LeGrand, a USA Football Administrators Advisory Committee member. “People were really excited about it.”

The cups are sold in quantities of four and feature designs for NFL and collegiate teams. LeGrand said the likeability of the product is one reason why the fundraiser will continue – another is because the organization raised more than $14,000 last season. BRAX Spirit Cups is the official fundraising partner of USA Football.

“The product is amazing, and everyone can relate to it,” LeGrand said. “Dealing with sports, it was very easy to sell, especially when people find out it’s for the kids.”

Mississippi league nets $14,000 in fundraiserBy nicole lukoSiuS

keys for a successful fundraiser:Pick a fundraiser that is easy to understand and simple to implement. •appoint a volunteer who has leadership and organizational skills. •assemble a support committee to assist with the leader’s workload. •Set realistic organizational goals that can be broken down into individual goals.•Define exactly where the money will be spent.•appoint one individual to be responsible for accounting elements.•Have a second individual to audit your numbers.•Communicate success to all involved with the campaign.•

thank you, uSa Football!USA Football, with help from partners

Riddell and Under Armour, will award more than $500,000 in equipment grants to hundreds of youth, middle school and high school football programs during the 2009-10 school year. Equipment grant recipients from this past season continue to send “thank you” letters to our non-profit office. An excerpt of one such note is printed here:

Dear USA Football,Thank you so much for your generous donation of 22 football helmets to

Norman Wildcats Football. As you know, needy families and individuals in our community are continuing to recover from the hurricanes of 2005. While all of us are susceptible to hard times, children are most at risk. With the generous support of USA Football, we will be able to help many of these children look toward a brighter future with our football program, which stresses education, good sportsmanship, fundamentals and respect for others.

Sincerely,Mark V. JosephHead Coach, Norman Wildcats Football, New Orleans, La.

22 uSa Football magazine

LEAgue Center

Dwayne LeGranD

20 LEAGUE.indd 22 2/18/09 10:47:35 AM

Page 25: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

e-reminder for e-quipmentSince 2006, uSa Football has awarded more than $1 million in new football equipment to

approximately 600 youth and school-operated football programs spanning 45 states. Based on merit and need, uSa Football’s grants Program in 2009 – with help from partners riddell and under armour – will award $500,000 worth of new shoulder pads, helmets and more to leagues and school teams.

Sign up at usafootball.com now to receive an automated e-mail – or “e-reminder” – informing you of when the 2009 uSa Football grants application form is ready. request an e-reminder by clicking on the “equipment grants” link under the green “Commissioners” tab at usafootball.com.

the application will be up and running by late april and all equipment will be shipped in time for the 2009 season.

From leather helmets to laptopsuSa Football’s Coaching education goes Coast to CoastBy Steve Alic

Leroy Hollins, Dave Skiljan and Ed Sofo may never be mistaken for George Halas, Woody Hayes or

Knute Rockne, but they’ve found a coaching innovation that the three legends would’ve loved – USA Football’s Certified Coaching Education Program (CCEP).

USA Football members Hollins, Skiljan and Sofo are among a growing number of youth league commissioners establishing standards and sharpening their volunteer coaches’ skills with USA Football’s exciting 3-D, computer-animated online course.

“One of the biggest concerns we faced with our previous coaching certification was a timing issue – it could only be conducted in a classroom,” said Hollins, director of the Louisiana Youth Football League, comprised of more than 2,000 Baton Rouge-area youngsters and 352 coaches. “Because our coaches have regular jobs, being able to take the course online gives them the freedom to complete it at their pace wherever it’s convenient.”

The two-hour animated course instructs how to teach football fundamentals and incorporates coaching philosophy, practice planning and communicating with youth players and parents. At the cost of only $10

per coach, USA Football’s CCEP enables league commissioners to track their coaches’ coursework progress, including scores on 11 quizzes with automatic grading. USA Football has also built a re-certification test for CCEP graduates to stay sharp the following season.

Since September of 2008, independent and Pop Warner leagues alike spanning

California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas and Virginia now require volunteer coaches to complete USA Football’s CCEP. Many also require USA Football coaching membership, which includes coaching insurance, a 3-D computer-animated library of 150 drills with a new printer-friendly function, an online practice planner, USA Football’s “Click ’n Create” online playbook with e-mail capability, a year-long USA Football

Magazine subscription and more. The all-inclusive coaching membership is $25 per coach, but is offered for $20 per coach if a league registers 15 or more.

“Most coaches in our league are volunteer dads,” said Skiljan, president of the Great Lakes Youth Football League which spans nearly a dozen Cleveland suburbs. “Some have

coached or played football before and some haven’t. Ultimately, our players are the real winners because they’ll have better prepared coaches.”

Roughly 480 miles of highway east of Skiljan’s front door, Sofo, Watchung Hills (N.J.) Junior Warrior Football co-director, has enlisted his coaches to take

CCEP Course Levels I and II, offering greater sophistication and 26 additional comprehension quizzes.

“As a volunteer organization, it is difficult to find and train qualified coaches,” Sofo said. “The CCEP guarantees a minimum level of competence for all of our coaches. It teaches them the fundamentals of football, practice planning and most importantly, how to treat kids fairly.”

For more about USA Football’s CCEP and additional coaching resources, contact your USA Football regional manager (see page 21).

eD sofoLeroy HoLLins Dave skiLjan

23

20 LEAGUE.indd 23 2/18/09 10:47:48 AM

Page 26: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

USA Football expands officiating training eventsSchools and seminars include reviews of 2008’s unique playsBy Tim Polzer

USA Football is expanding its role as the country’s leading resource for youth and high school football officiating by dramatically expanding its schedule of officiating schools and seminars in 2009.

“We had three events in 2008, and we’re expanding to 19 in 2009,” USA Football Director of Officiating Tony Michalek said. “When we traveled the country attending officiating clinics and events, many organizations asked us to expand our schedule. We were asked to fill the void.”

Michalek, whose officiating experience ranges from youth leagues to the NFL, will join Big Ten referee and USA Football Officiating Consultant Bill LeMonnier in offering expert instruction to thousands of

youth football officials across the country.“USA Football really is the ticket now.

There’s nothing like it now, and the future is huge for what USA Football is doing for officials,” said David Grant, an officiating member from Goleta, Calif. “There are so many guys new to officiating that want to go to camps, and they’re either not designed for beginners or they’re not financially feasible.”

USA Football Officiating School registrants will work scrimmages in five- and seven-official crews, participate in film review of those scrimmages and receive valuable feedback from NFL and Division I college officials.

Participants also will review unique plays from the 2008 high school and

college football season, discuss their mechanics, philosophy and rules applications for all levels of officials.

USA Football Officiating Seminar attendees will take part in a full-day classroom clinic that includes breakout sessions by position and topic. The seminars also review mechanics, philosophy and applications involved with some of the more unique plays from 2008.

Michalek is excited to offer more officials the opportunity to learn fundamentals and techniques and the chance to hone their skills.

“We’ve received such a positive response from our past events, we’re very happy to be able to reach more officials and areas of the country,” Michalek said.

Officiating Schools

Date location Venue April 3-4 Phoenix, Ariz. Moon Valley High SchoolMay 8-9 Miami, Fla. University of MiamiMay 15-16 Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay BuccaneersMay 16-17 Jacksonville, Fla. Sandalwood High School

Officiating Seminars

Date location Venue April 25 Los Angeles, Calif. Santa Monica CollegeMay 3 Green Bay, Wis. Lambeau FieldMay 16 Oakton, Va. Oakton High SchoolMay 30 San Francisco, Calif. California High SchoolJune 6 Pittsburgh, Pa. Pittsburgh Technical InstituteJune 6 Seattle, Wash. Bellevue Community CollegeJune 13 Wayne, N.J. Passaic County TechTBD St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis Rams FacilityTBD Buffalo, N.Y. St. John Fisher CollegeTBD Atlanta, Ga. TBDTBD Baltimore, Md. TBDTBD Boston, Mass. TBDTBD Charlotte, N.C. TBDTBD Denver, Colo. TBDTBD San Diego, Calif. TBD

20

09 EVENTS

Schedule updatesat usafootball.com

2009 EVENTS

For the most up-to-date USA Football Officiating Training Event schedule, visit usafootball.com and click “Officiating Schools” under the gray “Officials” tab.USA Football Officiating Director Tony Michalek

ph

oto

co

ur

tes

y o

f th

e m

iam

i do

lph

ins

24 USA Football Magazine

Officiating

24 OFFICIATING.indd 24 2/18/09 10:48:28 AM

Page 27: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

USA Football Officiating Consultant and veteran Big Ten Conference football official Bill LeMonnier refereed the AutoZone Liberty Bowl this past January. The matchup in Memphis was his 12th college bowl game in 15 years as a Big Ten referee, in which Kentucky defeated East Carolina, 25-19.

Since 1989, LeMonnier has refereed three Fiesta Bowls, two Orange Bowls, two Holiday Bowls, and has also called the Cotton, GMAC,

Independence, Liberty and Texas Bowls. LeMonnier and USA Football Officiating Director and NFL Umpire

Tony Michalek author and oversee the non-profit’s officiating education program. The tandem travels throughout the off-season to direct nearly 20 USA Football officiating training events for America’s 55,000 youth, high school and college football officials serving roughly 4.2 million players.

LeMonnier’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl appointment by the NCAA underscores that USA Football officiating members receive advice from the best in the game.

USA Football’s LeMonnier Referees 50th AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Bill leMonnier

25

Meet a USA Football Member

Being part of the USA Football family unites all of us who are connected to America’s favorite sport. USA Football Officiating Member Pete Dardis has called high school

football action in Northern California for more than 30 years. A retired Bank of America executive, Dardis recently spoke with USA Football Magazine to discuss his officiating passion.

What interested you in becoming a youth football official?

I started out trying to be a basketball official. My high school basketball coach was also a football official and he suggested trying football when I registered too late to become a basketball official. I also played football in high school, so I was familiar with the sport and it intrigued me.

What do you value most about being a football official?

The camaraderie and friendship. I’ve met a lot of nice people, many of them I call friends. The fresh air and exercise are also great, but nothing beats the friendships you gain.

How did you learn about USA Football?Through Tony Michalek. I was working a college camp in

California and the head of the camp called to ask me to let Tony run a 15-minute presentation about USA Football. I later ran across him again in Denver and we became good friends. Tony asked me to be part of his crew at a USA Football presentation at the San Francisco 49ers’ training facility and I bought

memberships for myself and 50 of my campers from my high school camp.

How have you benefited from USA Football’s officiating membership?

I benefited by encouraging the 50 people that I purchased a membership for – as well as others – to take the time to learn the mechanics and rules that USA Football teaches and put it all together.

What is your favorite football memory?I worked several section

championships in the Oakland Coliseum and I had my entire family in attendance. It was quite an experience to officiate in that stadium, and be mic’ed up over the PA and everything.

What unanticipated benefits did you gain by being a football official?

It helped keep me in good physical condition. I took very few sick days in 35 years of work. By calling games, I learned about preparation, knowing the rules and how to communicate in the heat of a

moment. All of this helped me in my career.

What would you say to someone considering becoming an official?

Officiating is a great avocation if you put it in perspective with your family, work and life. I tell those around me, “Family first, work second, football third.”

Pete Dardis By Chris shePard

NAMe: Pete DardisReSiDeS: Petaluma, Calif.USA FOOTBALL MeMBeRSHiP: OfficiatingPOSiTiON: RefereeOfficial Since: 1974LeveL: North Bay Officials Association (High School)

24 OFFICIATING.indd 25 2/18/09 10:48:47 AM

Page 28: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

CoaC

hing

offi

Ciat

ing

leag

uehe

alth

& f

itne

ss

Tampa officials signal for USA FootballCertified Officiating education Program making a difference in FloridaBy Tim Polzer

USA Football’s online Certified Officiating Education Program (COEP) is helping high school football officials in Tampa, Fla., stay sharp and perform at a high level.

The West Coast Officials Association (WCOA) has enrolled its 150 game officials into the COEP with winning results.

Ben Heugel, WCOA vice president of football, recommended the COEP for his association after viewing a demonstration of its online qualities at a USA Football officiating camp.

“We were attending a camp here in Tampa when we were introduced to the program,” Heugel said. “We were looking for a resource to help keep our officials up to date on mechanics and rules, and we particularly liked the interactive elements of the [COEP]. After watching a demonstration of the online program, we were sold.”

USA Football’s COEP is a comprehensive program covering officiating philosophy, rule interpretations, mechanics, coordination and signals. The COEP is the sport’s most advanced 3-D computer-animated online officiating training course, authored by seven-year veteran NFL umpire and USA Football Officiating Director Tony Michalek. Assisting Michalek in writing the coursework is USA Football Officiating Consultant Bill LeMonnier, a 15-year Big Ten referee with 12 bowl assignments to his credit.

The WCOA purchased USA Football’s COEP for each official

as an effective and convenient resource to integrate into the association’s 10-hour training program.

“The program is an excellent home-study tool that allows our guys to train at their own pace,” Heugel said. “It’s a detailed training program that’s very simple to use. It allows our guys to learn from demonstrations of plays and mechanics involved in

making the correct call. In most cases, our officials can answer their own questions through the program.”

Michalek developed the COEP using insight and expert analysis from more than 20 years

of officiating experience that culminated at the NFL level and time spent at hundreds of officiating clinics across the country.

“We took the mechanics and situations we’ve developed through the years and built

them into this program in order to help better train football officials at the youth and high

school level,” Michalek said. “We have received positive feedback from those associations who are using the program to train new officials and update experienced officials.”

Heugel said the WCOA is more than satisfied with the training USA Football’s COEP provides.

“We’re very happy with the results we’ve seen,” Heugel said. “I’m had nothing but positive responses from our officials and their experiences with the program.”

Visit usafootball.com for more information on the COEP and other resources built exclusively for USA Football officiating members.

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 our 2008 member survey. We learned what’s most important to you and how we can best continue to provide resources and services to help you advance this game’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:

“The best part of being a USA Football member is …”“…usafootball.com – i use it every week before i go to work my game to review

video clips and review signals.”– Laurie Jordan, Warrenville, ill.

“…having a resource like this to help prepare you during the season and keep you updated during the off-season.”

– Pat Kelley, Ontario, Calif.

“…all of the resources the Web site offers – it has made me a much better official. Plus, the video library is an invaluable resource that i use almost daily.”

– Michael grelli, gibbstown, N.J.

26 USA Football Magazine

Officiating

24 OFFICIATING.indd 26 2/18/09 10:48:56 AM

Page 29: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Meet a USA Football staffer

What are your primary duties for USA Football?

I’ve served USA Football for the past three years and spend most of my time working with our sponsors. We aim to align ourselves with companies that have a similar goal and mission as USA Football. All of our partners are dedicated to making the sport even stronger.

What is your favorite part of the job?I’ve been fortunate to have worked

in the sports world for the last 10 years, from minor league baseball to Arena Football to the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. Being around the business of sports is something I truly enjoy. Although USA Football is a non-profit organization, there is still a business component to our operations. But I especially enjoy knowing that the time and effort we put into developing our programs and resources is truly making a difference for the people who power this great game on youth and high school levels.

What does football mean to you?Growing up, I played a lot of pick-up

football games, but I really never got involved with organized football until college when I played flag. The flag game

suits my athletic ability. It’s made for quarterbacks and receivers. I started playing and officiating flag football in college and have been doing so ever since. Football is a game that really brings people together. It has a special connection with people that a lot of the other sports just don’t seem to have. It’s no coincidence the most watched television program every year is the Super Bowl.

You officiate youth and high school football as well. What interested you in becoming a game official?

I got started with flag football in college to make a few extra bucks and I became hooked. I’ve officiated flag football for more

than 10 years and have been working youth tackle and high school games for the past six seasons. It’s a great outlet for me. I enjoy being around the kids and the game and it really gets you close to the game – closer than you can ever be as a fan, for sure. I already referee college basketball and hope to get into the college football ranks next season.

What are your goals for USA Football in 2009?

To create as much awareness in the corporate world for USA Football and our junior national

team competing in the IFAF Junior World Championship next summer.

What or who instilled your love for football as a youngster?

I’ve always been a huge football fan and started as a kid in New Orleans watching the Saints in the early 1980s. Unfortunately they weren’t that good at the time, but I didn’t care. For me, Sundays were church followed by football. I was glued to the TV every Sunday at noon waiting for my Saints to take the field. I guess some things never change. Here I am some 20 years later, still perched in front of the TV (or at a sports bar) watching NFL football on Sundays.

Nate Boudreaux Senior Manager, Marketing & BuSineSS DevelopMent

Two of the best names in the game have joined USA Football’s roster.

Exciting new partnerships with Riddell and Under Armour lifts each organization’s profile within football’s passionate grassroots community while bolstering USA Football training events and programs. This marks the first time that either Riddell or Under Armour have teamed up with a sport’s national governing body.

Riddell is USA Football’s official helmet and protective equipment partner while Under Armour is the official outfitter of USA Football training events and national teams.

Both will equip USA Football’s national teams and be part of USA Football’s Grants Program (see page 23) to further strengthen youth and school-based football programs based on merit and need.

“Welcoming industry leaders like Riddell and Under

Armour into the USA Football family is a tremendous source of excitement,” said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re proud to have our newest partners be part of our 12-month calendar of national events and initiatives to help make football’s future even brighter.”

riddell & under armour Join uSa Football

Nate Boudreaux

27

27 Staffer.indd 27 2/18/09 10:49:21 AM

Page 30: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Texas prep coach attends Super Bowl XLIII as USA Football & NFL guest

Kris Hogan, a USA Football coaching member and head coach of the Grapevine

(Texas) Faith Christian Lions, drew national attention last Nov. 7 when he asked half of his team’s fans to cheer on and support the opposing Gainesville State School Tornadoes.

Gainesville State is a maximum-security technical high school whose players are deemed chronically delinquent or serious juvenile offenders.

Hogan was invited to attend Super Bowl XLIII as a guest of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and USA Football as a gesture of appreciation for his uncommon show of sportsmanship.

“We wanted to figure out the best way to minister to these kids and give them what they needed the most,” Hogan said. “They needed hope. The best way to do that was to cheer them on by name.

“Their behavior, their conduct at the game, their grades – those are all things that are commendable. We wanted to show that if you do the right thing, people will get behind you and you can do anything.”

After the game, the teams prayed together at the 50-yard line and as each Tornado player boarded the Gainesville bus, he received a burger, fries and soda, a Bible and a letter of encouragement from a Faith Christian player.

“Coach Hogan understands the values of what football – and sports in general – are all about,” said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re proud to call him a coaching member.”

Hogan attended the game and was interviewed to share his story of football values with national media, including NFL Network, ESPN and NFL Sirius Satellite Radio.

Grapevine (Texas) Christian High School head football coach and USA Football coaching member Kris Hogan, right, speaks with long-time Dallas sports radio show host Norm Hitzges of Sportsradio 1310 “The Ticket” along Super Bowl XLIII Radio Row in Tampa, Fla. Hitzges lauded Coach Hogan’s display of thoughtful sportsmanship as well as USA Football’s promotion of the game’s values.

By Chris shepard

Photo: Steve Alic

28 USA Football Magazine

28 Hogan.indd 28 2/18/09 10:49:32 AM

Page 31: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

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 Bob Gardner, chief operating officer for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), based in Indianapolis.

How did you gain a love for football? My father coached at Rockport (Ind.) High School from 1953-59, and I started going

to games when I was very young. I went to the high school practices when I was in grade school. I loved football from my earliest recollection.

What does football mean to the National Federation of State High School Associations? It is very important to our member state associations. It is the most popular sport for

boys with over 1.1 million high school participants. The revenue generated from state tournaments supports many programs in our states.

What does football need in order to become more popular? We need better injury surveillance in high schools. Then use that information to

develop equipment to lessen risk to the player.

Where have you seen USA Football make its greatest strides during your tenure on the board?

I am pleased with the education efforts to improve coaching. This effort is making a difference that directly impacts the young people who participate in our youth programs.

Bob Gardner

USA FootBAll’S BoArd oF directorS

Chief Operating OffiCernatiOnal federatiOn Of State high SChOOl aSSOCiatiOnS

Ray AndersonExec. V.P., Football Operations

National Football League

Jason BelserSenior Regional DirectorNFL Players Association

Richard BerthelsenInterim Executive 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.

National Football League

Bob GardnerChief Operating Officer

National Federation of State High School Associations

Roger GoodellCommissioner

National Football League

Scott HallenbeckExecutive Director

USA Football

Jack KempChairman, USA Football

Former U.S. Congressman

Mark Meana Chairman

Fairfax County (Va.) Youth Football League

Brian MitchellFormer NFL Running Back

Program Host, Washington Redskins Radio Network

Keith RuckerHead Football Coach

Cincinnati Mt. Healthy H.S.

Frank SanchezVice President

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Grant TeaffExecutive DirectorAmerican Football

Coaches Association

Deborah YowAthletic Director

University of Maryland

USA Football and the NFHS are working together to roll out a fundamentals training course for high school coaches this year. How significant is this and why?

This course will become part of the NFHS certification for high school coaches. It will provide the framework for teaching the fundamentals correctly to enhance the student experience. It is a natural partnership.

29

29 Board.indd 29 2/18/09 10:49:51 AM

Page 32: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Football facts, stats & figures

Source: 2008 uSA FootbAll member Survey

USA Football continually conducts and uncovers research to share with you, our members. We speak with league commissioners, youth coaches, game officials and parents to learn how America’s favorite sport can be even better. Every issue of USA Football Magazine shares “Facts, Stats and Figures” related to football and the youth sports community.

Gridiron GrapevineThis past December, USA Football’s member services department reached

more than 1,000 of you – our members – to learn more about you and how we can serve you better. Here is some of what you shared with us:

Football = Must-See TVFew events can rally Americans together and

bring shared experiences like football and the 2008 Nielsen television ratings back it up! The country’s four most-viewed sporting events last year were all NFL games. The only other telecast to break the top five was the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in August.

America’s top-five most-watched TV sporting events of 2008:

41.3 ratingSuper Bowl XLII (Giants-Patriots)Feb. 3

29.0NFC Championship Game (Giants-Packers)Jan. 20

25.7AFC Championship Game (Chargers-Patriots)Jan. 20

23.6NFC Divisional Playoff: Giants-Cowboys Jan. 13

18.8Opening Ceremony, Beijing Summer OlympicsAug. 8

Through my youth football league

Through a “youth football” web search

From a friend involved in youth sports

Through a link on another web site

From the newspaper, radio or TV

High SchoolYouth Tackle

Pick-UpAdult Flag

CollegeYouth FlagSemi-Pro

Professional

Tackle Football

Baseball

Basketball

Soccer

Flag Football

0 15 30 45 60

0 22.5 45.0 67.5 90.0

Chart 1

0 22.5 45.0 67.5 90.0

30%15%

45%

45%

90%

90%

45% 60%

How did you learn about USA Football?

On what levels of football have you played?

What youth sports do your children play?

30 USA Football Magazine

30 Stats.indd 30 2/18/09 10:50:20 AM

Page 33: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Brax.indd 7 2/18/09 10:41:06 AM

Page 34: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Growing up in Virginia Beach, I played football from when I was eight years old through

high school. I started as a lineman. My older brother, Keith, was a terrific athlete – he went on to be a starting running back and captain at William & Mary. Based on his success, my coaches looked at me and said, ‘Well, let’s give Fimian the ball and see if he can run.’ So, I became a running back.

After my sophomore year in high school, I transferred to Kempsville High (10 miles west of Virginia Beach), which was a much bigger school than where I had been. I continued to play football and had just won a state championship in wrestling as a sophomore. My name was mentioned in a preseason article that I’d likely be the starting running back that fall. Well, my soon-to-be classmates would now expect me to be a significant part of the team. That motivated me to train.

I really worked hard. I was a lifeguard at the beach that summer and I’d get there early to run, sprint and cut on the sand to build up my legs and balance. Kempsville’s program had been down for awhile, but that season, we reached .500. However, in our last game of the year, I hyper-extended my knee on a carry and needed surgery. I was told that I wouldn’t play again.

Despite not knowing if I’d be able to play my senior season, my teammates voted me in as a captain.

God gives us challenges. Overcoming the injury by working hard at rehab, along with an irascible desire to get back on the field, was formative in my personality. I knew that I couldn’t only put faith in myself.

Character is forged in the fire. When the team voted me a captain, I had to come back – I didn’t have a choice – I couldn’t let them down.

I made it back and played as a senior, but I had lost a step. We had a

freshman running back that year that was extremely gifted and went on to star at Penn State and the NFL – that freshman was D.J. Dozier [Editor’s Note: Dozier became the first player to lead Penn State in rushing for four consecutive seasons and helped the Nittany Lions earn the 1986 National Championship]. D.J. was the reason why I moved from running back to fullback. Aside from being a great player, he was a great guy.

It was difficult going from being “The Man” to a blocking fullback, but it was no accident – it was part of God’s will. I had to take on a different role and I embraced it. We advanced to the playoffs my senior

year, were district champs and lost to Hampton (Va.) High School, which eventually won the state championship that season (1980).

Everything I’ve been given – including what I’ve learned about life through football – has been given by God. And sometimes those gifts are brought out through trial, in suffering.

At VMI, there’s a saying, ‘You may be whatever you resolve to be.’ We have goals. The ultimate goal is eternal life attained by Christ through his suffering, death, and resurrection. And I believe in others – that they can overcome anything – because I believe in God and the power of prayer. I’ve seen what it has done in my life.

At the time, it seemed that my injury was the worst thing that could have happened to me, but who knows where I’d be if that hadn’t happened? I love where I am and being the man God called me to be. I see miracles every day. I couldn’t be happier doing what I’m doing and will always be grateful for what God has given me through the great game of football.

Each issue of USA Football Magazine reveals what America’s favorite sport has taught accomplished individuals in a variety of vocations. These football accounts illustrate how today’s players become tomorrow’s leaders.

What Football Taught Me

Responsibility and teamwork are inherent football values, woven in a game rich in excitement, strategy and desire.

Football values are not handed to you. These strong character qualities develop in those who make the commitment to be part of something larger than one’s self. This is America’s favorite sport because of what it gives us, what it teaches us and what we

become by virtue of the experience.In the past year, USA Football Magazine

has illustrated the game’s influence on a retired U.S. Congressman, a CEO, a college professor and a sergeant in the U.S. Army. This issue shares what football taught Father Kevin Fimian of St. Timothy Parish in Chantilly, Va., 15 miles west of Washington, D.C.

The son of a long-time Virginia high

school football, baseball and basketball official, Fr. Fimian was an accomplished prep athlete as a running back and a Virginia state champion wrestler, which led to a full scholarship to the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

From St. Timothy’s rectory in Northern Virginia, Fr. Fimian recently spoke with USA Football to share what football taught him.

Father Kevin Fimian, St. Timothy Parish, Chantilly, Va.As Told To sTeve Alic

32 USA Football Magazine

Fr. Kevin Fimian of St. Timothy Parish in Chantilly, Va., a former high school fullback and team captain, embodies football values in leading his parishioners to daylight seven days a week.

32 What Football Taught.indd 32 2/18/09 10:50:34 AM

Page 35: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Cv3.indd 7 2/18/09 10:40:19 AM

Page 36: USA Football Magazine Issue 9 Spring 2009

Cv4.indd 7 2/18/09 10:40:34 AM