issue 5 Contents spring 2008 8 USA Football Leads Features Coast to Coast Youth commissioners attend 4 Continuing state leadership Forums Football’s Legacy By Ed Passino Former players honor football’s legacy of 11 World Sharing teaching as youth and America’s passion high school coaches By Mike Preston By Tim Polzer 6 Helping Youth Leagues, High Schools Score usa Football earmarks equipment grants By Jenny Hofler

DepartMents

2 Kickoff with 29 What Football has Scott Hallenbeck taught My sons

3 Football Facts, 30 usa Football stats & Figures regional Managers

10 Meet a usa Football 32 What Football taught Me staffer: Bonnie with Jack Kemp Downing

coaching center league enhanceMent oFFiciating center

12 spread offense: spread it on thick 18 gold-standard Background check 26 officiating trends: By Bucky Brooks program strengthens Youth as the umpire turns Football By Steve Alic 14 4-4 stack: Double-trouble for By Dave McMahon offenses 27 Me? a Football official? By Larry Canard 23 Value added to equipment By Dave McMahon 16 Meet a usa Football Board health & saFetY center Member: Jason Belser 24 putting the “Wow” in registration By Dave McMahon 18 usa Football runs 40 coaching 24 preventing infectious Disease schools in 2008 25 Fun with Fundraising By John Reynolds By Ed Passino By Nathan Boudreaux

Front Cover

John Elway: Sporting nEwS/icon SMi, John Elway coaching: aSSociatEd prESS, tyronE whEatlEy: aSSociatEd prESS, tyronE whEatlEy coaching: Sarah wEllivEr/dEtroit frEE prESS 1 Meet a USa Football StaFF MeMber:

Bonnie Downing position: usa Football marketing director Football passion: youth Flag team assistant team: redskins division: mighty mites (6-8 year olds) League: northern Virginia Flag

Why did you decide to become a team assistant? Downing: Our Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck and Assistant Executive Director Damon Phillips encouraged me to become involved with youth football in some way to develop my knowledge of the sport at the youth level. and the other coaches and parents were warm and welcoming. The kids were What Were your primary duties? just so funny and rambunctious. I Downing: I attended practices and games. During practice, I would assist our head remember during one of our first coach in running drills and help keep the team organized. During games I kept our practices when one of our players was stats: scoring, pulls, first downs … I also bought post-game snacks, which made me a hit explaining to me that he had ‘anger with my players! management’ issues – this from a seven-year-old! I watched these kids learn and grow right before my eyes. Jamie was such a great head coach and taught not only football, but life lessons. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience.

What does FootbaLL mean to you? Downing: I’m a football fanatic. I was brought up a Baltimore Colts fan and now my team is the Baltimore Ravens! Football is what brought my family together Courtesy of Jamie Casamento on Sunday afternoons and still consumes me on Sundays when my What did you enjoy about your season? Ravens are playing. My college social Downing: I enjoyed practically everything about our season. The list just seems scene was dictated by University of endless. Because I was new to Northern Virginia and hadn’t met many people outside Maryland Terrapin football games and of the office, volunteering gave me the opportunity to meet new people who share parties! I’m still learning and growing my passion for football. The players’ families were so wonderful to me. I was a little as a student of the game and have really frightened when I first showed up for practice. I didn’t have kids of my own on the come to learn so much about football at team and I wasn’t exactly dressed for practice. Our head coach, Jamie Casamento, the youth level.

10 usa Football magazine World Sharing america’S PaSSion By Mike Preston

or 12 teenagers who grew up New Hampshire, North Carolina and Ding and immediately recognized his thousands of miles from the home of Pennsylvania this past fall. The program potential. Originally positioned as a kicker, the gridiron, “fantasy football” was is funded by USA Football, but students the 6-1, 220-pound Qingdao native was Ftheir dream of playing football soon excelling on both the offensive and in America. But international defensive lines despite having to adapt to a student-athletes from three foreign language. continents are realizing their “He’s a really good athlete, he can run goal of playing their favorite and he is tough,” said New Hampton head sport at U.S. prep schools. coach David Perfield. “If he doesn’t know a Through the USA Football call at the line of scrimmage, his teammates International Student Program give him simple words of help.” (ISP), which selects students The ISP contingent certainly made aged 16 to 19 an impact on the field this season. Five each spring for a student athletes won a New England Prep unique three-year or a post-graduate program, the overseas athletes have savored the chance to play the game they love. “At home in Germany, people always told me I would Long Ding never be able to play football in America, but now I can tell them they were wrong,” said Timm may also qualify for merit Kaminski from Kiel, Germany, a second- scholarships from their year ISP student in 2007 at Kimball Union host school. Academy in New Hampshire. He now hopes “The passion for to earn a college scholarship. “I love this American football extends far past domestic School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) game and I am the happiest I have ever been borders,” said USA Football Executive championship with Kimball Union Academy, in my life. Football is my passion and I want Director Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re proud of as they notched a perfect 9-0 season. to play for as many these youngsters in how they Sophomore defensive end Bjoern Werner years as I can.” are excelling in the classroom (Berlin, Germany) was dominant for the Timm Kaminski The ISP, which as well as embracing this life Salisbury (Conn.) School with 59 tackles and accepts applications experience and new friends 12 sacks for a loss of 105 yards and is already online and helps despite being so far from attracting interest from major colleges. students find home. The International Junior Mexican kicker Danny Agee was schools that suit Student Program is another named All-State and All-Conference at the their academic and example of how this great Christ School in North Carolina, while center athletic abilities, sport further develops Paul Mehling (Berlin, Germany) captained also welcomed people.” the Kent School (Conn.), in his senior year. players from Mexico The New Hampton Applications for the 2008 USA and China, who (N.H.) School welcomed Football International Student Program enrolled at schools the ISP’s first Chinese are being accepted online now at in Connecticut, student-athlete in Long USAFootball.com.

11 offiCiating Center league enhanCement Center health & safety Center CoaChingCoaChing CenterCenter 12 By BuckyBrooks Spread Offensemakesitswayintothehighschoolgame Spread ItOnthIck T field to run the ball. Both versions take advantage of space created by spreading the spreading by created space of advantage take versions Both ball. the run to field the spread to is Clemson, and by Virginia West illustrated best philosophy, The other level. collegiate on the programs winning build successfully to philosophy this used Purdue have and years For pass. Texas Hawaii Tech, effectively to field the spread to space. in mismatches create to horizontally adefense spread formations base its because “spread” the It named is receivers. multiple and backs one or two with formation shotgun the compete. to schools help small can spread how the illustrates September last State by Appalachian of Michigan upset surprising the For instance, field. playing the it level helps as spread the implementing from benefit programs lower collegiate level addition, In offense. this using contenders title national There are two philosophies behind the implementation of the spread. The first is first The spread. the of implementation the behind two philosophies are There utilizes spread” “the the 1940s, of offense wing single version of the A modern annual are Texas West Oregon, and Virginia Florida, as such programs College USA Football Magazine principles into their programs. their into principles its incorporate and investigate to coaches school high many led has decade past the in level collegiate the on offense spread of the success he overwhelming RB RB QB WR WR WR T T G G C DT DT DE DE CB OLB OLB LB LB CB FS Bucky Brooks strong-armed quarterback. quarterback. strong-armed haveto a the need minimizes it offense, of this staples being slants quick and routes smash bubble screens, With space. in playmakers to ball the get to throws short employs high-percentage spread The plan. game his in spread the using for reason of the part as shotgun” the from “throw to able of being speaks also Rooney offense. the for opportunities play big creates which football, assignment play to defenses forces spread the from series option the run to quarterback the of Rooney.ability The said game,” running of the apart being quarterback athleticism. of his advantage take to spread the in used game running quarterback the of some incorporate to wanted and time –at the Green –USC’s Garrett prospect quarterback ablue chip had Rooney at Utah. Smith of Alex talents the around attack offensive explosive an craft Meyer Urban watching after 2005 in offense spread went the to Rooney’s squad Calif. Oaks, Sherman in School High Dame of Notre Rooney Kevin is spread of the philosophies differing the blending success having coach One offense. spread their balance to philosophies both from elements combining successfully are teams most ways. different in but do it receivers, multiple with field “We liked the possibility of the of the possibility the “We liked football, school high to it relates As mismatches in space. in mismatches create to horizontally a defense spread formations base its because spread the named is It receivers. multiple and backs two or one with formation shotgun the utilizes spread” “the 1940s, the of offense wing single the of version A modern David Green of Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, N.C., experimented with Takeaway-Giveaway the offense as an assistant coach 10 years ago and has used it to post consecutive 10-win seasons without a big-time college prospect on the roster. Green said, “The with Tom & Larry spread is a great equalizer because it allows us to be productive despite having a small Tom Bass and Larry Canard have coached for more than 50 years combined, their offensive line and slower skill players.” experience spanning youth football to the NFL. As successful coaches with different Green, influenced by the spread used viewpoints who each serve as USA Football staff members, Tom & Larry prove that by Rich Rodriguez at Clemson, West that there’s more than one way to win a football game. Here are their thoughts on the Virginia, and now Michigan, believes the Spread Offense. combination of the option component and shotgun formation gives his undersized offensive line a chance to compete against Tom Bass bigger defenses. He also believes the spread offense: TaKEaWaY spread “limits the amount of pressure a • Allows smaller players to have success. defense can send” which allows the offense to stay aggressive. • Minimum number of plays to learn and execute. What does it take to implement • Forces a defense to spread out and defend the the spread? All coaches point to the entire field. quarterback. • Offense is fun for players and can score quickly. Having a quarterback with a combination of throwing skills and athleticism is ideal, but not necessary, to be functional in the spread. Rooney explained that the “system LarrY Canard can be tweaked to fit the strengths of the spread offense: GIVEaWaY quarterback” which gives coaches flexibility • It’s high-risk/high-reward, requiring a great to continue to run the offense for years deal of timing and reading defenses on the despite having athletes of differing skill levels at the position. Green points out run. Necessitates more practice time that could be that the offense can be productive without used on other aspects of the game. outstanding athletes at the skill positions, • Places pressure on a young QB to make pre-snap but you must “cater the system to the adjustments based on what the defense is showing. personnel” for it to be effective. Both coaches • This offense will not eat clock if you’re aiming to hold a lead in the would love to have big offensive linemen, but placed a premium on intelligence and 4th quarter. athleticism over size. The spread requires an • Weather and field conditions can have a huge impact on your offensive line to be able to read on the move success. Good playing conditions are paramount to this offense’s due to double teams and 2-on-1 concepts, so effectiveness. quick thinking is essential for the scheme to be effective. The spread has exploded on the collegiate offense, expect it to gain popularity on the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers, level with nearly every team incorporating high school level. respectively. Brooks also is a contributing some of its concepts into their offensive Bucky Brooks, a USA Football regional football writer to Sports Illustrated’s game plan. And with the past two National manager, is a former NFL defensive back website (SI.com). Champions using the spread as their base (1994-99) and has served as a scout for the

13 offiCiating Center league enhanCement Center health & safety Center CoaChing Center 14 trouble foroffenSeS 4-4 Stack: Double- “D Defensive shellgamebringspressureandenergy the line of scrimmage and four linebackers stacked behind them. The traditional traditional The them. behind stacked linebackers four and of scrimmage line the unit. his against count shouldn’t and touchdowns team special or given up defensive were scores the some of that out points he often And back. Gordon looked never offenses, on opposing had defense the effect the seeing began he Once time. same the at field on the all them get to wanted and one year linebackers of great anumber he had because defense 4-4 the to He went years. 25 for nearly area D.C. metropolitan Washington, the in teams football 1990. in stack 4-4 the The basic 4-4 stack defense looks just like it sounds. Four linemen up front onup linemen Four sounds. it like just looks defense stack 4-4 basic The game. per points three of fewer than average an have allowed teams his 1990, Since youth successful most for of some the coordinator adefensive been has Gordon USA Football Magazine RB explains why after seven years of running a 5-3 defense he switched to he switched a 5-3 defense of running years seven why after explains he when Gordon Ray coach football youth by veteran used words are alot of energy” play with and pressure, bring offense, the to ictate WR WR QB TE TE T T G G C DT DT DE DE CB OLB OLB LB LB CB FS easier to defend. to easier game passing the makes quarterback the on pressure the and zone, cover-three a in play usually will safety free and corners The gap. every for account and blitzes run on them of number any bring to you allows Stacking linebackers behind the front four four front the behind linebackers Stacking By LarryCanard style style of offensesthey face.can They go from more open the to adjust to years over the offense. an against havoc create and ability athletic their use to players allowing bring, can 4-4 the that pressure likes also coach The said. Newell personnel,” changing without adjust to us allows defense 4-4 the down, on third packages jumbo double tight and down on first spreads seeing and dimensional of play. levels both it on uses and defense’s versatility 4-4 the loves (Va.) varsity, School High Chantilly for the linebackers coaches and Vikings (Va.) Youth Chantilly for the coach a head isn’t much.” do, usually can they “What asmile, with said Gordon as do, and can offense the what dictates which backfield, the into penetration deep to leads often and block to who know to lineman for offensive difficult it make rules blocking Traditional defend. to easier game passing the makes quarterback on the pressure the and zone, acover-three play in usually will safety free and corners gap. The every for account and blitzes on run of them number any you bring to allows four ends. tight head-up on the lined ends defensive two and guards head-up on the lined tackles defensive two has alignment Both coaches have tweaked the defense defense the have tweaked coaches Both more multi- becoming offenses “With as double duty does who Newell, Brian front the behind linebackers Stacking Takeaway-Giveaway “With offenses becoming more multi-dimensional and seeing spreads on first with Tom & Larry Tom Bass and Larry Canard have coached for more than 50 years combined, their down and double tight experience spanning youth football to the NFL. As successful coaches with different jumbo packages on third viewpoints who each serve as USA Football staff members, Tom & Larry prove that that there’s more than one way to win a football game. Here are their thoughts on the down, the 4-4 defense 4-4 Defense. allows us to adjust without changing personnel.” Larry Canard – Brian Newell, head coach, 4-4 defense: TaKEaWay Chantilly (Va.) High School • Allows you to play an attacking defense, sending up to eight players from various spots to confuse an offensive line. a 4-4 stack to a 3-5-3 by shifting just a couple • You can play more athletes up in a two-point of players, however both agree that the key is stance. If an offense breaks the huddle in a two-TE, to not play it safe. Said Gordon, “It’s a low- risk and high-reward defense if you teach and “jumbo” style formation, you can match-up with eight in the box and enforce tackling fundamentals and enforce account for every gap. its team concept.” Gordon uses the term • Can take away both A and B gaps from the offense, making them “married up” with each lineman-linebacker more predictable. pairing. “They work together,” he says, • Good base defense for expanding to a 3-3-5 against spread option “and always check their assignments with each other before the snap. This minimizes teams, switching to a 6-2 defense against a short-yardage offense, mistakes and having two players attack the or a more traditional 4-3 against more versatile offenses. same gap.” Football is like a game of chess or checkers. The strategy is not how you line Tom BAss players up, but rather how they move once the ball is snapped. The 4-4 stack defense 4-4 Defense: GIVEAWAY keeps offenses from being able to predict • An eight-man front makes adjustments difficult, how that stack “un-stacks” once the ball especially if opponent employs the spread, two-TE, is snapped. This makes it difficult for an motion, or three-WR offenses. offensive coordinator to call plays and • Three-DB alignment prevents use of many coverage develop any consistency of success. Larry Canard, a member of USA and blitz packages. Football’s Youth Coaching Task Force, • Does not allow run force from secondary versus option or wide possesses more than 20 years of youth running plays. football coaching experience. For more • may be difficult to find enough adequate starters and backups at LB coaching insight behind the Xs and and DL positions. Os, visit USAFootball.com and click “Coaching.”

15 offiCiating Center league enhanCement Center health & safety Center CoaChingCoaChing Center Center responsiblesports.com. responsiblesports.com. more at www. learn can You Colorado. from coach featured our is Cardenas Jose Award. Coaching Responsible ofwere the recipients country the around from coaches football charities. multiple with involved is and classroom the in success players’ his to commitment great demonstrates he field the 2007.up in Off runners Ten Big 9-3into squad two-win a from Illini Fighting 2006 the turned Zook Coach of Illinois, helm at the year third his –In of Illinois Coaching Responsible The field the (www.coachoftheyear.com). off on and both traits mentioned above the display who III Division Ito Division from coaches collegiate the of Coach honors four The Year Award Awards. Coaching Mutual’s Liberty to comes it when consideration into come that of factors ahandful just are commitment and dedication, 16 ron Z Responsibility Coaching in More than 45 youth youth 45 More than (Division I-A),(Division University discipline, integrity, leadership, Responsibility, For a complete list of Responsible Coaching Award winners by state, visit www.responsiblesports.com or www.usafootball.com. or www.usafootball.com. www.responsiblesports.com visit by state, Award winners Coaching of Responsible list For acomplete USA Football Magazine oo excellence andresponsibility, onandoffthefield K Liberty Mutualhonorsfootballcoachesfor A Celebration of true definition of what it means to be a ‘Responsible Coach.’ be a ‘Responsible to what it means of definition true the member, embodies aUSA Football also is who Cardenas, Coach role model, leader, and Acoach, classroom. the into and field playing the developmentto beyond dedication his through displayed is athletes youth inner-city of at-risk, lives the to commitment 2007. in His season undefeated an celebrated Cardenas Denver –Coach J ose Johnson Boys and Girls Club of Metro of Metro Club Girls and Boys Johnson community. Ill. Carbondale, the in leaders creates and average conference Gateway the above well average point agrade maintains team His field. the off work is impressive most Kill’s Coach berth, playoff consecutive fifth- team’s the and season a 12-2 – With University Illinois Jerry C (Division I-AA), Southern I-AA), Southern (Division ar D K enas ill

service, helping those in need. in those helping service, community in involved also He is seasons. few past the in produced he has All-Americans Academic two by the displayed Eagles, the for mantra academics-first his is on-fieldsuccess his with Coinciding nation. the in fifth as high as a ranking and record a12-1 with O’Boyle for Coach season perfect anearly- was year –Last College B ill The 2007 Coach of the winners: of Coach Year Award 2007 The (Division II), Chadron State State II),Chadron (Division character, sportsmanship, and integrity. and sportsmanship, character, o Award celebrates outstanding youth coaches for their for their coaches youth outstanding Award celebrates ’B honor their work to develop their players as people of people as players their work develop to honor their oyle commitment to improving youngsters’ lives in their their in lives youngsters’ improving to commitment coaches’ successes both on and off the field and field the off on and both successes coaches’ (www.responsiblesports.com). community The Liberty Mutual Coaching Awards celebrate celebrate Awards Coaching Mutual Liberty The

parents to insure they stay on track.” on stay they insure to parents their with involved stays and homework their with them assists he week Each him. to up look they so and lives their in figures male positive don’t other have players Jose’s of Many circumstances. everyday their in battles greater face players his doesn’t neglect the fact that many of play, he their enhance to necessary - Shay Williams, nominator Williams, - Shay skills on them drills he “While Academic All-American honors. honors. All-American Academic earned of which four classroom, the in high-performers are players his of majority The well. as players his from excellence He demands Gagliardi. Coach doesn’t it for cut just history football college in coach winningest the and of Fame Hall Football College the into inducted being record, – A12-2 University John gagliar (Division III), Saint John’s Saint III), (Division Di Meet a USa Football board MeMber: Jason Belser Helping steer USA Football’s mission as the sport’s national governing body on the grassroots level is an 18-member Board of Directors. The board is composed of leaders from all levels of football who have a deep appreciation for America’s favorite sport. This issue of USA Football Magazine introduces you USA Football Board Member Jason Belser.

position: regional director, nFl players association background: Football dad & youth coach nFl player, 1992-2002 (safety) indianapolis colts, 1992-2000 kansas city chiefs, 2001-02

What do you enjoy most about being a usa Football board life lessons that I’ve learned from them. member? There’s more to (coaching) than the Xs and Belser: I enjoy knowing that I am part of something that’s used to strengthen and Os, it’s really the development of a young galvanize youth football worldwide. I don’t think there has ever been an initiative like person to a teenager and then to a man. this and to be a part of it and see all the hard work that the board members and USA Football staff have put into this to make it a success is really important to me. What is your ultimate vision For What usa Football Will hoW has your experience been as a youth Football coach? become? Belser: I coach my son’s team in the Ashburn (Va.) Youth Football League and it’s Belser: The overall vision for everyone been rewarding in so many ways. I get to spend quality time with my son and it makes involved is to have USA Football go me remember what it was like being that age. I’ve also been able to develop a connection beyond being the governing body of with his friends and the other players on the team. And their parents can feel confident football in the ’States and to make an that their child is being taught the proper techniques and the proper mindset to foster a impact on the game worldwide. When quality environment for youth football. people think of USA Football, they should think of everything related to hoW did your youth and high school Football coaches impact the grassroots game’s development and your personal development? the further strengthening of its coaches Belser: Every one of my coaches at each level of football impacted my life. There’s not a and game officials through first-rate day or a week that goes by that I don’t use a phrase that one of them said. There are so many education programs.

USa Football’S board oF directorS ray anderson tom cove scott hallenbeck Frank sanchez exec. v.p., Football operations president & ceo executive director vice president national Football league sgma international usa Football boys & girls clubs of america jason belser carl Francis jack kemp grant teaff regional director director of communications chairman, usa Football executive director nFl players association nFl players association Former u.s. congressman american Football joe browne alexia gallagher mark meana coaches association exec. v.p., communications director, nFl youth Football Fund commissioner gene upshaw & public affairs national Football league Fairfax county (va.) executive director national Football league bob gardner youth Football league nFl players association jon butler chief operating officer art monk deborah yow executive director national Federation of state Former all-pro nFl Wide receiver athletic director pop Warner little scholars, inc. high school associations president, alliant merchant services university of maryland roger goodell keith rucker commissioner head Football coach national Football league cincinnati mt. healthy h.s. 17 officiating center league enhancement center Health & safety center Coaching center and universities throughout the country – all of which care deeply about their their about deeply care of which –all country the throughout universities and colleges, clubs, NFL to part large in way, thanks exciting We’re an in that doing mentors. and instructors quality become to resources with coaches provide to is level the youth at America’ssport favorite wayshape to best “The Hallenbeck. Scott Director Executive USA Football said 2008,” in stronger even program 19). page Schools, Coaching USA Football (see 2008 Nebraska-Omaha Boise State University, (Ore.) University, State Portland and the University of including country, the throughout schools high and at colleges place take will others The or stadium. facility team’s training NFL an at either schools coaching of its most coaches. 10,000 approximately draw will which schools, coaching single-day 40 more than conduct to plans it as for 2008 scheduled ideas bigger has USA Football youngsters. 100,000 approximately impact positively to coaches football youth 4,000 than more benefited 2007, in which conducted USA Football clinics one of 19 coaching Denverwas in school area. Billings the in coach football school high and youth a Johnson, Eric elder the said experience,” it afamily make and school acoaching attend to alot of be fun it would thought and whose son, named also Eric, helped at perform the on-fielddrills stations. a family,” said Eric Johnson, whose wife and daughter helped event with registration as clinic the in participate and city the visit to us it allowed so fans, Denver Broncos fans. Broncos with filled car for a fitting otherwise. wouldn’t think Johnsons “football-crazy” self-described the school. coaching football 18 L strengthens thegame America’s grassrootsfootballleadergivescoachesanedge, Coaching Schoolsin2008 USA Footb “We look forward to growing our coaching school schedule and making our our making and schedule school coaching our growing to “We forward look hold to plans USA Football teams, NFL dozen two more than with partnership In coaching The really and past the in events USA Football other in “We’ve participated we’re plus, school, big coaching the for me attend to opportunity agreat “It was was School, Coaching Broncos the USA Football-Denver destination, Their on vacation, while school acoaching attending wouldn’t fathom families Some USA Football Magazine vacation that involved relaxation, sight seeing, shopping and a youth ayouth and shopping seeing, sight relaxation, involved that vacation Mont., Denverfor to afamily Billings, from southeast headed and sedan family the in children teenage two and wife his piled Johnson Eric June ast By EdPassino a ll to ho best fits your needs: your fits best that one choose you help to tips seven are here year, this School Coaching Football aUSA attend can’t you If game. the teach to ability their improve to hoping clinics coaching attend coaches youth of thousands year Each 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Tips for S for Tips What is being taught and is the the is and taught being is What Who is speaking and can I can and speaking is Who Is there a “new” scheme or or scheme a“new” there Is Ask yourself, “What is in it for for init is “What yourself, Ask What do you get and how much much how and get you do What Are there opportunities to to opportunities there Are Does the coaching school lend lend school coaching the Does What is the reputation of the the of reputation the is What oaching C a Coaching I am coaching? I am level appropriate the at content players’ age group? age players’ my to relate teaching is he schemes the and say to has he what does yet, coach, college a be may he example, For situation? coach’s that to relate that is being taught? being is that in interested Iam that technique me?” does it cost? it does interact with the clinicians? the with interact coach after I’ve left the clinic? the left I’ve after coach a as learn and grow to continue Ican so networking, to itself coaching school? school? coaching the conducting organization s t 40 elec linic t ing ing communities and the future of this 2008 USA Football should be your top priority at the youth great game.” Coaching School Schedule level,” Johnson adds. “With the on-field Further strengthening the sport’s drill stations, USA Football Coaching grassroots in 2008, all Pop Warner head USA Football will conduct 40 Coaching Schools emphasize the importance of the coaches will be required to attend one Schools from Feb. to Aug. 2008. A number of overall development of the kid. Those of USA Football’s Coaching Schools school dates are undetermined at USA Football fundamental skill development drills are or complete Course Level 1 of USA Magazine press time. Visit USAFootball.com something you can take away and apply to Football’s online coaching curriculum or reach your USA Football Regional Manager your practices. As a coach, you can’t just at USAFootball.com to be eligible to (see page 30) for the latest schedule. teach skill development in a scrimmage coach in 2008. DATE CITY HOST format, you need to set aside time in The move is parallel to what Feb. 9 Honolulu, HI McKinley H.S. (Honolulu) practice for position fundamentals.” some independent organizations are Mar. 1 Washington, D.C. Washington Redskins The distinctiveness of a USA Football conducting throughout the country. Mar. 8 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Falcons Coaching School is that its curriculum is Mar. 15 Charlotte, NC Carolina Panthers Last July, Boise Noon Optimist Youth Mar. 26 Oklahoma City, OK Star Spencer H.S. designed specifically for the youth coach Football mandated that more than Apr. 5 Sacramento, CA Granite Bay H.S. teaching the game to players between the 200 of the program’s head coaches Apr.12 Annapolis, MD Baltimore Ravens ages of 7-14. Therefore, it is important Apr. 12 Green Bay, WI Green Bay Packers attend USA Football’s Coaching School Apr. 19 Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis Colts to have clinicians that understand this in Boise. Additionally, this summer May 3 Foxboro, MA New England Patriots core concept. Clinicians for each school May 3 Omaha, NE University of Nebraska-Omaha the Mecklenburg County Parks and May 10 Richmond, VA Regency Sports Park Complex are comprised from veteran area youth Recreation Association will require May 17 Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Steelers football coaches and successful high nearly 750 youth coaches to participate May 17 San Francisco, CA San Francisco 49ers school coaches that understand the youth May 31 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Jaguars in a USA Football Coaching School June 7 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach’s needs. The open-forum scheme or complete Course Level 1 of USA June 7 Portland, OR Portland State University development and coaching philosophy June 28 Seattle, WA Seattle Seahawks Football’s online coaching curriculum. July 19 Metairie, LA New Orleans Saints sessions allow clinicians to participate “The primary reason for coaching Aug. 2 Boise, ID Boise Optimist Youth Sports Complex and learn from attendees. education is that nearly 75 percent of * Albuquerque, NM University of New Mexico “It was a great experience,” said Josh * Chicago, IL Chicago Bears coaches are dads – some of them played, * Cleveland, OH Cleveland Browns Jones, a 12-year youth coaching veteran, some of them didn’t – plus, most of them * Denver, CO Denver Broncos who coaches in the Knoxville (Tenn.) * East Rutherford, NJ New York Giants haven’t been actively involved since they * Glendale, AZ Arizona Cardinals Metro Youth Football League and was a played high school and there is a world of * Hartford, CT New York Jets clinician at the USA Football-Tennessee difference between teaching something * Hempstead, NY New York Jets Titans Coaching School last June. “Even * Jackson, MS * and playing something,” said Jerron * Kansas City, MO Kansas City Chiefs as an instructor I learned from the Moore, executive director of Boise Noon * Los Angeles, CA * attendees, especially in the classroom Optimist Youth Football. * Minneapolis, MN Minnesota Vikings sessions. The coaching school allows * Mobile, AL * “Our coaches really enjoyed [the USA * Nashville, TN Tennessee Titans for a lot of information sharing among Football Coaching School]; they liked * New Brunswick, NJ Rutgers University coaches – it’s one of the reasons why * Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia Eagles the topics, the on-field stations – we * St. Louis, MO St. Louis Rams this is a great clinic. Whether you’re worked real hard with USA Football * Salt Lake City, UT Utah University a beginner coach or a veteran, you’re to have a good blend of high school * San Diego, CA San Diego Chargers going to take something away from * Waco, TX Baylor University coaches that understood youth football these coaching schools, because we start and experienced youth coaches as *To be determined, check USAFootball.com for the latest schedule at the basics and build upon that – the instructors,” said Moore, who helped USA information sharing lends itself to a Football identify top Boise-area coaches to best training and resources to create a better great learning environment.” serve as coaching school clinicians. environment for their players,” Inzerello said. Ed Passino is a USA Football regional The growth of USA Football Coaching The one-day school teaches coaches manager and played college football at Schools can be attributed to a core numerous “best practices” including Brockport State University, near Rochester, N.Y. fundamental philosophy. communication, coaching philosophy, “Our coaching schools are designed practice planning, scheme development and To find a USA Football Coaching to prepare youth coaches with the ability health and safety. The on-field fundamentals School in your area or to learn more to teach the game of football and create a and drills position stations are often a about USA Football’s coaching-related positive experience for their players,” said Nick coaching school’s highlight. programs, visit USAFootball.com Inzerello, USA Football’s director of football “The on-field skill development stations and click the “Coaching” button. development, himself a youth football coach. are a great concept for a coaching school,” said Registration for USA Football “We’re proud to support the efforts of Johnson, who played college football at Carson- Coaching Schools is done exclusively youth coaches throughout the country. It Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. online at USAFootball.com. is our intention to provide them with the “Fundamentals and skill development

19 Dear Readers,

One of football’s greatest attributes is the fact that no matter how long you’ve been drawn to this game, something incredible occurs each season that leads you to say, “I’ve never seen USAFootball.com that before!” Yes, somehow America’s favorite sport gets better Chairman and more exciting every year. Jack Kemp And the people making it go are you – the players, Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck parents, coaches, league commissioners, game officials, and volunteers. Thanks to you and to the passion you have for this game which I share with you, youth and Usa football high school football fields are 100 yards of excitement editorial staff surrounded by palpable energy and the pride of an entire town. That is what makes this America’s Game. Managing Editor Helping you propel this great sport even further, Steve Alic USA Football embarks on its most ambitious year to Contributors: date and the next 30 pages outline much of what is in Tom Bass, Nathan Boudreaux, store for us in 2008. Bucky Brooks, Larry Canard, As football’s national governing body on the Bonnie Downing, Jenny Hofler, grassroots level, our staff will serve you through 40 Bill LeMonnier, Tony Michalek, USA Football Coaching Schools, more than three dozen State Leadership Forums, nearly Ed Passino, John Reynolds 30 officiating presentations, up to $500,000 in equipment grants, youth league volunteer To contact USA Football: background check subsidies, free team and league websites through USAFootball.com, (703) 918-0007 innovative youth football research unearthed nowhere else, fundraising guidance, and much more. The following pages take you inside USA Football’s resources. This issue of USA Football traction media staff Magazine reveals candid insight from veteran coaches, illustrates how former players on the game’s highest level continue the sport’s legacy of teaching, and includes words from a mom of two college Publisher players who expresses how the values woven into football have helped her sons become young men. Rudy J. Klancnik From the youngest fan to a proud grandfather in USA Football Chairman Jack Kemp (see Editorial Director page 32), this game captures our imagination like no other sport. Tim Polzer You’re only one email or phone call away from USA Football by reaching your regional Designer manager (see page 30) or our office outside of Washington, D.C., at 1-877-5-FOOTBALL. And william Bridgeforth you’re always invited to see us at USAFootball.com. Let’s catch the ball together in 2008 and carry it further – and better – than it’s ever been Traction Media done before. Editorial Offices 7115 Tartan Trl. Garland, TX 75044 Have a terrific year! [email protected]

Sincerely, 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 Scott Hallenbeck does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited USA Football Executive Director manuscripts or art. No part of this magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the editor.

2 USA Football Magazine officiating centerleague league enhanenhanccementement ccenterenter Health & safety center Coaching center 20 T US to Special McMahon, Dave By USA Football’s gold-standardbackgroundcheckprogramprotectsyourplayers ‘ screenings for youth football leagues. football for youth screenings background criminal gold-standard sidize sub to 2008 through $500,000 dedicated has 2007. in USA Football membership football-playing youth of its safety forer the atorchbear became level, grassroots on the governing body of America’s favorite sport passed. long has time That players. football our footsteps.” our around here who are looking to follow in organizations alot of other from I’ve heard and It’s valuable, very program. Football’s USA we implemented went up because bers num player registration “Our Pa. Swissvale, Pop Warner Youth Football Conference in Mon River president of the league liams, commitment? cial How important is USA Football’s finan- USA Football’s is How important That’s why USAthe Football, national “It was a godsend,” said Clifford Wil Clifford said agodsend,” “It was I against child predators. child against fight the in nationwide leagues football youth to offer Football’s USA about saying they’re what Here’s Words Own Their In USA Football Magazine cross the mind of parents of youth of youth of parents mind the cross didn’t background criminal a coach’s of thought the when atime here was t was aG - - - - ganization providing a discounted program program adiscounted providing ganization went along way.” really donation Football USA of $15 the spend have only to because but on to money it, the spend to were going They good. feel them makes that nization, orga- football local the outside someone from appreciation feel they when So kids. on these it is as money own of their plenty spend they and volunteers, all are folks These USA Football. from donation the about excited were honestly coaches The performed. checks background 120 about we had “League-wide, said. liams check,”Wil- background up for the sign coaches cheerleading and volunteers other check. background of the cost the $10 help to defray donates applicant per our children.”our and help effort protect this to in join us organizations sports weand encourage all who’s kids these coaching price. Wea subsidized care atgold-standard screening provide and to access stance aproactive to take Football led USA has that reality notIt’sare immune. that youth is but sports fact the one,predators asocietal is USA Football Executive Director Executive Football USA USA Football is the only youth sports or sports youth only the is USA Football members, board our had “We also subsidy, of its USA Football part As A Foot Scott Hallenbeck, Hallenbeck, – Scott issue “The child of b all odsend’ - value cannot be overstated.” be cannot value that and children their coaching is help parents about feel secure who we can innovativeprogram this have sports to offer.that Through enjoy helpwe children our can all organizations, other youth sports the of efforts and, hopefully, efforts USA With Football’s victimized. must endure is when achild horror the afamily that imagine to Ican’tprotect children. begin what doing USA is to Football quarterbacks Matt and Tim Hasselbeck and Matt quarterbacks coaches are provided with NCSI online online NCSI with provided are coaches (it’s at USAFootball.com), Football free administrator becomes a member of USA a league After of 10 or less. days turnaround children.” of their safety the as far have as we concern the parents our to reinforced It really checks. background criminal cal lo- our with previously we weren’t getting well “It real works said. Williams needed,” initiative. USA Football the to thanks checks Committee. Olympic States United the official checkscreening company the of Initiatives, for Safety Center National by the are provided checks background The tors. in the this fightlike preda-sexual against Betsey Hasselbeck, mother of NFL NFL of mother Hasselbeck, – Betsey about“As thrilled amother Iam NCSI is able to provide the service with a a with service the to able provide is NCSI it’s and much- “It’s program, agreat of thousands performed already has NCSI needed to see that that see to needed we that on people lot of information we got a check, this With for us. registration information. The form takes about five minutes to complete. NCSI performs searches in two nation- al criminal databases as well as all state The Importance of sex offender registries. The search also includes county records. Each applicant has a report, and the Background Checks report is then compared to the set of guide- lines provided by the football organization. Some organizations want lifetime records Statistics show background checks are very important to parents to be considered, and others choose to set a who are considering a football league for their child to join. time frame for when crimes may have taken place. Types of crime to be considered also must be chosen by the organization. For ex- ample, a league could request that NCSI only Background Checks Registration Likelihood consider crimes that happened in the past five years. A youth league can set its own of parents say of parents said crime and time parameters with NCSI. 83% background 69% that they were more After the report is complete, each appli- checks on youth sports head likely to enroll their kids into a cant is tagged with a green flag (OK) or red coaches are important league that conducts background flag (not OK). For red flag applicants, NCSI checks on its volunteers contacts the applicant to allow the indi- vidual to explain or dispute the record. After said they are that discussion, NCSI notifies the league of 10%not important of parents the green flag and red flag applicants. No 18% said that confidential information about the applicant they were not more likely is passed between NCSI and the local league administrators. said they Thus far, about four percent of the checks 7% were unsure were conducted with USA Football’s help result in if they were important 13% not sure individuals being red-flagged, or eliminated from the coaching pool. Source: 2007 USA Football-commissioned research by The Bonham Group For USA Football, NCSI checks for felo-

“I applaud USA Football for leading this effort and I strongly encourage youth football leagues everywhere to contact USA Football and take advantage of this wonderful program. Coaches and league volunteers spend significant time with our kids. Sports can teach our children so much and we need to do whatever it takes to ensure healthy and safe environments for our kids.” – Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Texas)

21 officiating centerleague league enhanenhanccementement ccenterenter Health & safety center Coaching center 22 that.” above one is no And of my child.’ safety out for the ing ‘Hey, look they’re realized, they about, all it was what them to we explained but once were upset, go. parents Some coach the let to we had where couple of circumstances We a had hands. our in are kids of these lives The we overlook. can’t things some are there that agreed board But our tion. direc adifferent go to in us wanted and ahistory had “Some said. done,” Williams check have to the werewho reluctant “We have coaches some did program. the won’t team’s with coach back be their ize real they after account into take parents adulthood. It’s those kind of numbers that boys will be sexually victimized before NCSI, one in four girls and one in six to According 13 were percent not sure. were and not more likely, they that said 18 of parents percent Additionally, teers. volun on its checks background conducts likely to enroll their kids into a league that were more they said of69 parents percent Further, were important. they if unsure were they said percent seven and portant, Ten it wasn’t im said percent important. checks on youth sports head coaches are background say of 83 parents percent that showed – Football USA by hired company Group top –a research Bonham by The checks. ground back- the to approach forward-thinking for USA level, Football’s national and animals. to cruelty involving raphy-related); crimes and (i.e. pornog- crimes sex lone individual –including crimes lesser and crimes ofsex force; threat the with force and with committed crimes lesser and nies Words Own Their In A study from April to May of this year year May to of this April from A study on a local is apparent, support The USA Football Magazine emulated by organizations everywhere in the fight to the children.”protect in our everywhere emulated by organizations environment asafer one and should to step that be ensuring agroundbreaking is program support of in acomprehensive funding providing so share, screening background we all is one children to Theissue partner. our of harm them we proud and is are toheart call their money commendable. where their are today’sThey putting in truly is exist that society Trish McGonnell, Executive Director of National Center for Safety Initiatives Safety for Center National of Director Executive – Trish McGonnell, “USA serious risks very from the Football’s proactive commitment kids our to protecting - - - - - W By DaveMcMahon USA Football&NCSIhelpsyouthfootballprogram Work Louisiana in BackgroundChecks to workto with.” tremendous been have NCSI folks The flexibility. that Ilike and recommendation, NCSI the after call overall the make Ican at green.’ him let’s so keep on there, thing it’s only the don’tany coaches money, and touch and our ago, incident 15 years theft apetty was this say and ‘Hey,coach flag a red take to flexibility me the It gives happened. what is this says and me calls usually coach the NCSI, with crimes any discuss they After program. check otherwise. been have it might than sell easier an football playing made just said, Hollins check, background kids.” the around people have to reputable we want that understand But coaches off. them scare you don’t and “You to volunteers want the said. want donehave for ever Hollins them,” organization. the in volunteers the That’s 225 of about 315total coaches. assistant and coaches done on head have checks you haven’t if already.” with on board jump to you need that It’s program agreat things. two those with my headaches away all took They also. tackle that made and USA Football cost, the was hurdle The next outstanding. just is in type to it over else me to or someone of handing instead online information their put to able in be to For of coaches it. administration the and cost –the hurdles biggest two for the “And accounted said. they Hollins for coaches,” checks for NCSI background with up teamed they’ve that announcing USA Football from email there’s an and my email check NCSI. he discovered coaches, JPD the on checks background secure to Needing about NCSI. learned he first when NFL’s the Player with Development program Junior working was Rouge, Baton in program “The parents are really, really excited about it,” Hollins said. “I love the background background the “I love said. about it,” excited Hollins really are really, parents “The city. The inner the from come Youth Football Louisiana in kids of 95 the percent About we could thing greatest the like is provide checks these security the parents, “For our to opted Alliance, Youth Coaches Louisiana of the director as serves also who Hollins, I sudden of all and it for of doing my league, thinking was I them, about “After I learned reading the mind of Leroy Hollins II. Hollins of Leroy mind the reading was USA Football checks, background subsidized offering to ithen came Hollins, who oversees the highly innovative Louisiana Youth Football Youth Football Louisiana innovative highly the oversees who Hollins, Value Added to Equipment Schutt equipment reconditioning a cost-effective way to provide like-new equipment

By Dave McMahon, Special to USA Football

our football team’s equipment has another season of wear under its belt, between the Yearpads, and under the arms of the shoulder pads. And the next time that you apply a screwdriver to a pair of shoulder pads will put you over the century mark. Instead of running into headaches with your current equipment and being limited by the budgetary constraints of new gear, an equipment reconditioning plan might be the perfect option for your team or league. Schutt Sports, an official supplier for USA Football, provides an easy, economical means of reconditioning your equipment and returning it in like-new condition. “It’s a tremendous benefit for the teams and associations,” said D.J. MacLean, football product and brand manager for Schutt Sports. “It extends the life of their The process is simple. Basic forms will equipment, and it’s more valuable and cost-effective for them.” be completed so that you can ensure the Schutt’s staff brings more than a decade of reconditioning experience. That’s why job that gets done is the job you want done. thousands of players have had their equipment reconditioned by Schutt. Many teams find the After verifying the job, Schutt will send benefits of the program important enough to include it in their annual team budget. you bags in which to ship the equipment. The Eagan (Minn.) Athletic Association has found the cost and safety aspects of the Each bag fits about a dozen helmets. After reconditioning program to be valuable. you send the equipment, it’s received at “From a cost standpoint, the benefits of a reconditioned helmet versus a new one is about the reconditioning center. Paperwork and a quarter of the cost,” said Marty Johnson, director of football for EAA in the Twin Cities deadlines are verified, and the process suburbs. “Some will have to be replaced because the shell’s cracked, but for the ones that just begins in earnest. need reconditioning, it’s a financial help. Plus, we get them checked every winter from a safety The equipment undergoes rigorous concern. We want to sanitizing, cleaning and inspection. make sure our kids There are a number of inspection points have equipment that throughout the process to ensure that is safe for them to be the equipment is properly reconditioned using.” by a staff with decades of reconditioning In addition to experience. the popular helmets Finally, upon completion, the gear is and shoulder shipped back to you within the deadline pads program, specified. reconditioning is “It’s considerably less than the cost also available for of going out and buying new pieces of uniforms, jerseys, equipment,” MacLean said. practice pants, hip To get your team or league connected pads, knee pads and with the Schutt reconditioning program, call side pads. 1-800-248-0019 or go to www.schuttsports. com.

23 officiating centerleague league enhanenhanccementement ccenterenter Health & safety center Coaching center 24 W Mc Dave By How to attract more players by making your registration a can’t-miss event into your Registration Putting the“Wow” we do keep parents off the field so that it’s all about the kids.” the about all it’sthat so field the off parents we dokeep But some autographs. to get time that’s a good think away,” “They parents Moore laughed. etc. blocking, receiving, passing, running, include that at stations instruction and clinics provide then players State Boise The at Bronco Stadium. blue turf onto the allowed are players youth p.m. 4:30 to day, 3:00 of the from part As April. in game football spring State Boise the to Moore said. kids,” home the to sending be will they that of newsletter kind any and announcements morning their put to it in school each ask “We also school. the at distributed are fliers and posters and area their in school the to enough. basic is process that database, league’s the Taken from season. school,” Moore said. in still are kids the have doit to while “You late. too is summer until Waiting year. school the done during be should registration with does league your dates: registration out of most their the get League Optimist Boise the Moore and well. as work just would that program school high or even college small accommodating have an might But you ascend. to continues popularity time. registration at players for its experience can’t-miss absolutely an creates league football youth Boise the team, football University State Boise white-hot the up with teaming By years. few it memorable. make all, At around 5:00 p.m., when the BSU players head inside to prepare for their 7:30 p.m. scrimmage the keep to is players State Boise the with field out on the are kids the while job “Our prior drive to hold a registration League Optimist the allows Experience The Bronco “Wow!” the factor. execute Optimists the Moore and Finally, assigned are Parents community. the into parents football their send Optimists the Next, previous the registered player who each to letter individual an Moore’s mail troops everything First, Here’s how Jerron whose team football Icollege aDivision and blue turf cool the has Not everyone past the done over has League Football Youth Optimist Boise the what That’sexactly of most And, attend. will players that prospective sports the other from it different Make USA Football Magazine process? registration league’s football youth your to attention draw to way best hat’s the Make it a happening. it ahappening. Make Mahon everyone. everyone. for awin It’s involved. clearly them get college, local mentor at the tenured long- or the team varsity school high of them.” all reach wayto the only That’s school. in still are kids the while registration dothe to is thing main The anotch. registrations up the kicked really has players youth the with working out players their their but get to game, spring the around ups “We’ve done sign- Moore said. always years,” three past for the Experience the Bronco haveand done five years, partnership. Moore said. schedule,” their into us get to opportunity July. heldin is signup A late complex. field football Optimist of the field house heldat the are Registrations month. the throughout weeks various Tuesday, on Thursday and Wednesday on a and Saturdays three on hand are personnel Optimist month. registration primary the as May serves year.” last game the at kids We up 600 signed registration. our start wayandto it’sgreat a field, on the step to get ever they’ll time It’s it. only about the excited get kids 2007. in players “The football youth 4,100 hosted group whose Moore, alot of publicity,” it gets said and football. for fall signups early football personnel go into action with in front of 10,000 fans, Optimist youth Whether it’s the new coach on the on the coach it’s new the Whether for State Boise “We’ve with been State Boise the tops But nothing of plenty parents “We the give State, eventBoise at the April After event registration “It’s biggest our Fun with Fundraising BRAX Spirit Cups Offer Exciting Fundraising Solutions By Nathan Boudreaux

ost youth sports programs are the Bennetts Creek (Suffolk, Va.) Football not-for-profit run by volunteering Association, reports that his league annually parents. Needless to say, money to clears nearly $10,000 in profit. “Our Msupport these programs does not grow on trees organization has been around for more than and nearly all organizations use some form of 60 years and the Spirit Cups are our No. 1 fundraising to help raise money for everything fundraiser, hands down. It’s what we use to from field maintenance to uniforms. build up funds to run our operation for the “Fundraising is the lifeblood of any whole year. We’ve been with BRAX for the last three years and we’ll continue to stay with them as long as they Once BRAX managing partners Pete Hexter keep making cups. and John Alexander developed the idea for “We’re an all volunteer force Spirit Cups and obtained licenses from leagues and it is a lot of work (to do a like the NFL, they knew their product was fundraiser right) but the reward unique to the fundraising community. is our cheerleaders all got new “We recognized that there are extensive uniforms and our football players needs for youth programs across the U.S.,” are in new gear and get new Hexter said. “We found out from research jerseys every year.” that our product offering needed to be simple One of the unique aspects to implement and there should be no upfront of the Spirit Cup program is money required from the organizations.” that groups get the opportunity The Spirit Cup fundraising blueprint has to use sample cups in the worked and there have been hundreds of fundraising process. success stories from across the country. “People love to see what they For David Ivey, president of Pop Warner’s are actually purchasing before North Brevard (Fla.) Hawks, the Spirit Cup they buy it,” Tonya Rivera of fundraiser is a “must have.” successful youth league,” said USA Football the Northeast Bandits (St. Petersburg, Fla.) “I’ve been around youth football for almost Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “As the Youth Football Association said. “The cups 13 years and they didn’t have fundraising like national governing body for grassroots football, are unique, durable, and so easy to clean. Even this back when I started,” Ivey said. “I have two we work to help folks running leagues by sharing after we distributed all the cups we had parents kids and I know how a parent can feel about best practices for fundraising and we believe asking us if they could get more.” this stuff – selling candy and all that. But, the we’ve found the best fundraiser out there.” Typically a sample cup is given to each Spirit Cups are far and away the best fundraiser BRAX Spirit Cups™ – the official child in the program and they go around the we’ve ever done. The cups are easy to sell and fundraising partner of USA Football – stands neighborhood showcasing the product. they sell themselves. I’d recommend the Spirit among the most successful programs. “Parents have given us wonderful feedback Cups to any youth organization.” The 18-ounce cups with 3-D graphics feature and they were very excited about the Spirit Words like that bring a smile to Hexter’s face NFL, NCAA, and MLB teams, and are sold in Cups,” Becky James of Michiana Pop Warner knowing his company has been able to make a four-packs. NFL team cups are far and away (South Bend, Ind.) said after her group raised difference in communities across the country. the most popular sellers. Key positives of the nearly $6,000 last season. “One of the things we “The results have been unbelievable,” program are that the league controls all proceeds did to boost our sales was we bought the pre- Hexter said. from the sales and no upfront money is required. sale cups for each of our players and I think the Nathan Boudreaux is USA Football’s A set of four cups sells for $10 with $3 from hands-on experience of being able to see and business development and marketing manager each set sold going back to the organization. feel the cup boosted our sales a lot. The volume and is a certified youth and high school football Over the years, USA Football has learned that we were able to sell was just tremendous.” official in Northern Virginia. that successful fundraising campaigns depend In addition to their relationship with USA on the product being sold and BRAX Spirit Football, BRAX has partnerships with many For more fundraising information, Cups™ have delivered results. youth sports organizations, including Pop go to USAFootball.com and click the The proof is in the numbers. Warner, Boys & Girls Club of America, Dixie “League” button. Jim Hibbs, fundraising coordinator of Youth Baseball, and many others.

25 offiCiating Center league enhanCement Center health & safety Center CoaChing Center 26 A By SteveAlic NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira discusses an officiating evolution As theUmpiretUrns OfficiAting trends: Eight-to-ten • may They • of aplay: start at the themselves may position they on where season past this choice a umpires NFL offered MikePereira of Officiating President Vice NFL department, his strengthen further to ways sport. favorite America’s throughout found is innovation Similar inventions. existing his to made improvements were of which many life, his during patents (two), and Cotton. (two), hishis 11th 11th game game bowl bowl in in 14 14 seasons, seasons, including including Orange Orange (three), (three), the the Fiesta Fiesta gradedgraded well, well, out out our our mechanics mechanics and and game game tempo tempo good.” good.” were were sharp sharp“Overall“Overall play play Our Our penalties penalties with with few few calls calls was was (nine). (nine). pretty pretty sidessides the the from from player player introductions introductions to to the the last last play,” play,” LeMonnier. LeMonnier. says says 24-21. big bigof of plays, plays, Kansas Kansas (12-1) (12-1) nipped nipped Virginia Virginia Tech Tech (11-3), (11-3), televisedtelevised nationally nationally in in primetime primetime Agame Agame on on Fox. Fox. full full 8Kansas 8KansasNo. No. in in the the 74th 74th Orange Orange on on Jan. Jan. Bowl Bowl 3, 3, 3Virginia 3Virginia then-No. then-No. thethe action action Tech Tech between between and and TenTen and and called called Football Football Arena Arena League League referee, referee, logo. stripes the game was white red, and blue, as Football’s in USA and stars USA Football’s LeMonnierRefs OrangeBowl they have done for the past 40 years; or years; 40 past have done for the they as linebackers, the amid ball of the front seeking Continually adding more depth to their view. their to more depth adding GradedGraded as as the the Big Big Ten’s Ten’s in in 2007, 2007, 1referee 1referee No. No. worked worked LeMonnier LeMonnier game game competitive competitive“The “The with with emotions emotions was was extremely extremely high high on on both both Football FootballConsultantConsultantUSA USA Officiating Officiating BillBillLeMonnier,LeMonnier, aveteran aveteran BigBig was orange, line calling 50-yard The but the artwork referee USA Football Magazine secured 1,093 secured Edison Thomas innovator merican stand yards five-to-seven in front of the yards ball, NFL V.P. ofOfficiating in

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presentations. LeMonnier and LeMonnier presentations. Michalek travel the presentations. LeMonnier and LeMonnier presentations. Michalek travel the people to act onpeople totheirbecoming act of interest an official. level andsport’s grassroots encourage football-savvy officiating on the Football USA to fortify for country people to act onpeople totheirbecoming act of interest an official. level andsport’s grassroots encourage football-savvy officiating on the Football USA to fortify for country within grassroots and professional levels. professional and grassroots within administrator afootball as years nine past the worked has and communications being considered forbeing a move. are positions officiating No other owners. team to umpire’s position on the a proposal make may then who members Committee Competition involving Meeting, Annual NFL’s at the March in discussed be will guys.” our protects and better game the makes We’re it week. if every change to open this on We eyes our kept performed. moved back who guys how the “We’vePereira. analyzed l lem of director Football’s USA is Alic Steve The league’s 2007 umpire experiment experiment umpire 2007 The league’s factor,” said “We injury the monitored e gray “Officiating” button. “Officiating” gray the click and USAFootball.com visit officiating, football about (story on page 27) will make more more make will 27) page on (story (story on page 27) will make more more make will 27) page on (story m than 20 20 than than 20 usa 20 than presentations in 2008. 2008. 2008. in in presentations presentations onnier (left) and t and and (left) (left) onnier onnier when Bill or t or or Bill Bill when when For more information information more For the gray “ “ gray gray the the visitvisit usaf usaf usa ootball.com on click and ootball.com on click and f f o o t ootball officiating officiating ootball ootball officiating officiating ootball fficiating” button. fficiating” ony will be near you, will ony ony m ony t o learn o learn ichalek Me? A footbAll officiAl? Ten reasons To consider becoming one Football. We play it, watch it and love it. Some of us even coach it. Few 4. You can influence young people. of us officiate it – opportunities to wear a whistle The official is a role model enforcing the concepts of fair play are all around you. and good sportsmanship. More than three million youngsters play in youth tackle football leagues 5. Fuel the competitor in you. and 1.13 million boys and girls play The successful official is a fierce competitor who enjoys the high school football (more than 400 opportunity to work with teammates toward a common goal of high schools have girls-specific football calling a good game. programs). And more than 62,000 play America’s favorite sport in college. 6. Build and strengthen life skills. Ensuring fair play for these millions of players are 55,000 It requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve certified officials, meaning more are needed. conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure. It demands good You have the passion and knowledge. Maybe you’ve never communications skills. Do you have what it takes? considered being a football official, but here are 10 reasons why you should: 7. Make life-long friends. A tremendous bond is developed between officials as they 1. You love the game. work together for the sport’s betterment. This can only be fully If you love football, officiating is an exciting way to be involved explained after you’ve experienced it. in it. One great aspect of being an official is that you’re on the field and not in the bleachers. 8. Earn extra money. Unlike other hobbies, by officiating football, you’ll earn 2. Give back to the game & community. income. For all of us who grew up playing football and had some great parents who coached and volunteered for the sake of every kid in 9. You have the best seat in the house. pads, this is an opportunity to continue football’s legacy – a game There are many ways to stay close to the game, including that captures our imagination like no other. coaching and volunteering. However, officials are a special breed and are closer to the action than anyone but the players. 3. It’s a great way to stay in shape. As we get older, it’s increasingly difficult to find the time to 10. It’s a terrific ice-breaker. exercise. Officiating gives an opportunity to get out of the house There is a great bond among officials based on common two or three times a week and participate in an enjoyable and experiences, joys and frustrations. Officiating is an avocation that rewarding physical activity. others respect and find interesting.

What to look for in an officiating clinic By Tony Michalek

Quality officiating clinics offer training feedback about your work. 4. is There Time For Fun?: Most from experienced officials who can answer your 2. neTWorking opporTuniTies: clinics have a social or banquet, but many questions about rules applications, mechanics, Will supervisors or assignment secretaries also offer opportunities to attend a city’s philosophy and career development. Items to attend as speakers? Clinics are where sporting events or tourist attractions. You consider when selecting a clinic: supervisors can put your face to your name should leave every clinic with increased 1. on-Field Training: More and and evaluate your fundamentals while officiating knowledge and memories of a more clinics offer on-field work with working scrimmages. good time. feedback from experienced officials. Seek 3. inFormaTion sharing: Tony Michalek is USA Football’s live scrimmages with in-depth critiques On- and off-field issues are the same officiating director. An NFL umpire since and film review. The best training you can for all of us. Does the clinic you’re 2002 with playoff experience, Michalek also receive is reviewing your scrimmage video considering offer the chance to share officiated in the Big Ten for five years, earning with an experienced official and getting experiences and ideas? Fiesta and Cotton Bowl assignments.

27 officiating center league enhancement center HHealthealth & & safety safety c centerenter Coaching center 28 Disease Preventing Infectious athletes from contracting this infection. infection. this contracting from athletes their to protect steps significant taken have programs athletic school high and collegiate professional, Many thrive. to for MRSA place aperfect is arena athletic the players, and for coaches Unfortunately rise. to started has setting hospital the of outside occurring infections MRSA of incidence the that years recent in only It is for time. some MRSA with dealing have been facilities similar and homes nursing Hospitals, community. medical have lasting can infections MRSA • common many to resistant is MRSA • physical through spreads MRSA • reasons: of specific for anumber concern for cause are However, infections MRSA MRSA. are bacteria staph of these percentage asmall only bodies; our within on and reside naturally and environment the in found commonly are bacteria Staph bacteria. of staph strain resistant antibiotic (MRSA), an Aureus Staphylococcus by Methicillin-Resistant were caused football. in particularly coaches, youth felt by be to concerns –for these already won’t probably it hasn’t long happened –if be the spread of communicable infection. It scrutiny regarding their efforts to prevent increased faced level, college and school high disease. of infectious forms other and infections skin towards directed awareness nation experienced a heightened level of dominated the news and portions of the A So what youthcan coaches do to help the to not new are infections MRSA untreated. left if consequences MRSA. against effective are antibiotics other although infections, staph treat to used antibiotics present. are bacteria the where or people surfaces with contact infections those of majority The Athletic programs, especially those at the USA Football Magazine skin infection. Staph infections infections Staph infection. skin communicable on focused been has n unprecedented level of attention sha halftime or post-game snack. post-game or halftime lotions available to clean hands before the be a good idea to have wipes or sanitizing It may also activity. following immediately to person. Players should shower soap with sorts of “bugs” nasty to move from person players in football, it is relatively easy for all Given the close physical contact between the importance of good personal hygiene. regarding parents and players to reminders ahead to next season, consider the following: the consider season, next to ahead you look As strategy. prevention MRSA your The off-season is the perfecttime to develop teams? their infecting from prevent MRSA pe cove eve wounds evaluated by a physician. by aphysician. evaluated wounds have to suspicious parents Encourage infection. preventing including of reasons, variety for a essential is kit aid first stocked awell- Keeping participation. before covered and cleaned be should scrapes not share or trade practice or game jerseys. or game practice or trade not share should players addition, In prevent MRSA. to way good another is again worn are they Washing practice clothes and jerseys before contact. skin to skin as well as clothing becan spread from person to person via By JohnReynolds What coachesshouldknowaboutstaphinfections consult the following resources: following the consult F http://www.nata.org/statements/official/MRSA_Statement.pdf http://www.nata.org/statements/official/Communicable_Diseases.pdf F www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_MRSA_AthletesFAQ.html#9 www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html r 1. Review the necessity of good good of necessity the 1. Review 4. E 4. 3. E 2. Requi rom the C the rom rom the N the rom r sonal hygiene. sonal r y p For more information on MRSA and preventing communicable skin infection, infection, skin communicable preventing and on MRSA For more information r ing any pe ing any ed befo ed nsu ncou r actice and game. and actice r r enters for D for enters ational A ational e all wounds a wounds e all r e clean clothes fo clothes e clean age playe age r e activity. e activity. r sonal items, items, sonal thletic T thletic Offerfrequent isease C isease r s to avoids to rainers’ A rainers’ MRSA MRSA Cuts and and Cuts r ontrol ( ontrol e r

ssociation CDC ) including wateincluding equipment. o cleaning for disease to spread. to for disease way easy an is item or similar bottle water a with contact mouth to mouth as bottle water or own her have his also should Everyone items. or similar deodorant soap, not share should participants older players, for younger of may not concern be this High School in Falls Church, Va. Church, Falls in School High Marshall C. George at trainer athletic head the as serves He also Trainers’ Association. Athletic Virginia the of president and your team MRSA free. free. MRSA team your keeping to way go along can reminders periodic much, these like it may not seem While season. the during regularly parents their and players your with discussed be here should presented recommendations The MRSA. avoiding to essential is MRSA. kills product the sure make to check just surfaces; these for cleaning available products of commercial variety are a There instructions. manufacturer’s the to according regularly cleaned be should equipment worn other any and 5. E Reynolds is a USA Football consultant consultant Football aUSA is Reynolds As you may have guessed, prevention prevention you may have guessed, As “Health and Safety.” and “Health click and USAFootball.com visit topics, health-related For more information about about For more information ncou all spo r all Helmets, shoulder pads pads shoulder Helmets, r age the r the age bottles. r bottles. r ts ts outine outine While While What Football Has Taught My Sons: Beth Evans

eth Evans is the proud mother of 22-year-old quadruplets Has football helped your sons in the classroom? – boys Andrew and Daniel and girls Katherine and Quinn. Evans: Very much so. The game helps you understand Andrew and Daniel play football for the North Carolina State respecting authority. I’ve seen the “stick-to-it-tiveness” and Wolfpack.B Andrew, a wide receiver, and Daniel, a quarterback, both tenacity they have on the field applied to their academics. Also, graduated with business management degrees in December and will on a team, you have all types of personalities – just like you do in take graduate courses in their final year of eligibility. a classroom. In football, you’re working together, bound by a love The boys follow their father’s N.C. State legacy. Johnny Evans for the game and you respect was a Wolfpack quarterback and All-America punter from teammates of different races, 1974-77 before his three-year NFL career with the Cleveland religions, and backgrounds. Browns. The family resides in Raleigh, N.C. I’m thankful for that. It’s A proud mother – and fan – of her children, Beth Evans helped make them want to be recently spoke with USA Football to share how the sport helps friends with people who aren’t develop young players’ character. just like them.

What has football Did you know much about taught your sons? football before meeting your Evans: We talk husband? about the discipline it Evans: No, not much at all, but brings. The discipline I’ve learned and perseverance. the game over Football also teaches the years. you to be unselfish, Football has to think about been invaluable other people – your for my boys. teammates – and to be Now that happy for someone else’s they’re playing success. You learn to on the college respect authority and for level, especially us, being Christians, it’s Daniel being about trusting the Lord a quarterback, and watching his plan, even when you’re even in a football game. in high school, There are ups and downs you’re living in a in sports that teach you bit of a fishbowl. to persevere when things Football is aren’t going your way. Daniel a wonderful character- Did you ever have reservations about your boys playing football? Andrew builder and Evans: Because in football, you have so much equipment I’ve especially to protect you and because it’s organized, I had more fear seen that with Daniel as he’s had ups and downs playing a watching one of my daughters play soccer – that’s a physical high-visibility position. How he responds with self-control, game and they don’t wear equipment. I’ve had more fear about trusting God through it all, and being a good teammate despite a 16-year-old being behind the wheel of a car. A lot of things personal disappointment is a wonderful way to see him forge give me more fear (than my sons playing football). I actually his character. You can still encourage your teammates and stay feel good when they’re at practice – it’s a supervised, controlled ready to play any role you’re given. There are wonderful life environment. lessons in this game. left: RichaRd c. lewis/icon sMi, Right: couRtesy of n.c. state univeRsity 29 Football Facts, Stats & Figures In the spring of 2007, USA Football and The Bonham Group spoke with nearly 400 youth league administrators, more than 650 youth coaches, almost 100 game officials, and more than 400 youth players’ parents to learn how America’s favorite sport can be even better. This issue of USA Football Magazine shares what we’ve learned.

Youth Football Administrators Youth league commissioners and USA Football spoke with nearly 400 youth football administrators across the country and asked, administrators were asked: “What have you found to be the best measures to control fan behavior?” “Where have you found to be the best places to promote your Educating coaches about modeling appropriate behavior 87% sign-ups and find new players?”

Creating a small buffer zone between fans and the playing field 85%

Hold pre-season meetings to address this issue with parents 83% 96% Schools 64% Other youth sports Zero-tolerance policies for poor behavior 83% organizations

Educating parents better about youth football rules 75% 28% Youth football

Source: USA Football 2007 Research clinics 13% Wal-Mart/Target/ Harris Poll: Football continues its big box department 42-year run as most popular sport stores Illustrating football’s ability to capture our imaginations is the 2007 Harris Poll, which 12% Sporting goods shows that NFL football is the favorite sport of almost as many people (29 percent) as the next stores three pro sports combined. According to the Harris Poll, Americans have claimed the NFL to Source: USA Football 2007 Research be their No. 1 sport every year since 1965. The country’s No. 3 favorite? College football. The five most popular sports in America: Youth Players’ Parents 29% More than 400 youth players’ parents Yes were asked the following questions. 78% “Are you more likely to enroll your youngster in a league that requires 14% 13% coaching training, like Not Sure 9% what USA Football offers?” 12% No 7% 10%

“Should All Assistant coaches Coaches Coaches go through Yes 92% 86% a training course before No 4% 8%

Professional Baseball College Auto racing Men’s pro the season?” Not sure 5% 6% football football basketball Source: USA Football 2007 Research Source: 2007 Harris Poll

3 USA Football Regional Managers merica’s favorite sport is powered by you – dedicated youth league commissioners, coaches, game Aofficials, 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 administrator membership or ask about coaching certification, the nearest USA Football Coaching School, State Leadership Forum, or officiating presentation. Stay in touch with your regional manager, whether it’s to share news about your league or team or to ask about membership benefits. 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.

Northwest Region Northeast Region Bassel Faltas central Region eD passiNo scott leVeque (831) 600-7848 (703) 992-8246 (317) 663-4294 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

West Region Bucky BRooks (818) 921-7616 [email protected] south Region southeast Region DeNo campBell Rick peacock (703) 992-8653 (703) 992-8107 [email protected] [email protected] 30 usa Football magazine

What Football Taught Me USA Football Chairman Jack Kemp

As Told To sTeve Alic Every sport, especially football, incorporates proper techniques that require practice and repetition to advance one’s performance. But beyond learning textbook form, what makes this game America’s favorite sport? Why are the 10 most-watched programs in the history of television all Super Bowls? Why do sports magazines with football-themed covers sell the best? And why does football unite us as fans and communities in bleachers or our homes like no other communal experience outside of our religions? The answer is found in football’s values; it’s a demanding game, but it gives back more than anything we’ve ever played. No game – no sport – weaves teamwork, discipline, sacrifice and responsibility into its nature like football. Former U.S. Congressman and NFL quarterback Jack Kemp, 72, is USA Football’s chairman. In the first installment of USA Football Magazine’s “What Football Taught Me,” Kemp’s answer comes as easy as a snap from center.

ootball gives you a sense responsibility in a transparent environment. You take on responsibilities and gain credibility for your actions and decisions. Football brings out leadership, helping people achieve a common goal, and brings the best out of people. There are many positives from football that translate into being successful in politics and business in general. “FI didn’t think about public life until my last few years in Buffalo (while playing for the Bills, 1962- 69). I grew up in Los Angeles. I loved to go to games at the L.A. Coliseum to watch the Rams play as a fan of Bob Waterfield, Norm Van Brocklin, Kenny Washington, and George Taliaferro. I recall back in 1945, I’d go and see the Los Angeles Dons in the old All-America Football Conference. I’ve always loved football. My older brother played quarterback in high school. The only thing I ever wanted to do was play pro football. My son Jeff played 11 years in the NFL for the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and Eagles, and my son Jimmy played eight years in the Canadian Football League. They weren’t pushed into it, but they took to the game naturally. They have the same love for football that I do. People call baseball America’s pastime, but football is America’s Passion. Today I have 17 grandchildren and now I’m watching them play football. And they’re better for it. It’s a great game. It teaches so much about life through discipline and putting aside differences for the good of a team.” – Jack Kemp

Each issue of USA Football Magazine reveals what football has taught individuals in varying walks of life. H 32 USA Football Magazine H H Continuing the Game’s Legacy

Former players give their time and themselves to coach

America’s Game By Tim Polzer

ootball draws coaches from all walks of the playoffs – for the first time in 13 years – in life. Most have made the commitment his first season. to give back to the game they once Robichaud athletic director Larry Brooks Fplayed in their youth. With that in mind, many believes a combination of Wheatley’s NFL former NFL players are proud to call themselves background and his ability to relate his football coaches. experiences as a former local teen won over the Two former NFL players who coached high Bulldogs players. school teams in 2007 helped spotlight the “He told the players, ‘I grew up around experiences and lessons other coaches can here. There’s nothing you can say that I haven’t offer their teams. already heard. There’s nothing you can do that I Former standout running back Tyrone haven’t already done,’” Brooks said. “He quickly Wheatley has returned to his high school alma got their attention on the field and off.” mater’s program. Wheatley faced a formidable Like Wheatley, Pro Football Hall of Fame ABOVE: Former Denver challenge in taking over a Dearborn Heights quarterback John Elway couldn’t stay away Broncos receiver Ricky (Mich.) Robichaud team that finished 0-9 in from the game. This fall, Elway volunteered Nattiel recorded more 2006. Wheatley brought his reputation as an to tutor his son, Jack, as well as other than 100 receptions NFL player and a former Michigan Wolverines quarterbacks at Cherry Creek High School in his six-year NFL All-America star to his first day on the job near Denver. career (1987-92), as well as the memories of a better time for Elway told Cherry Creek head coach Greg helping Denver reach Robichaud. Back in 1990, Wheatley played on a Critchett he had the time and knowledge to Super Bowls XXII and Robichaud team that earned a berth in the state offer the players – but that he wanted to remain XXIV. Today, as the championship game. in the background. head football coach Sixteen years later, many fans that “I’m just trying to get all of these players at Trinity Catholic remembered Wheatley’s accomplishments as a in the best position to be successful. I just High School in Ocala, player wondered why he was willing to accept felt it would be a shame if I didn’t do it,” Fla., his players are such a challenging task. Elway told the Denver Post. “That’s our job “catching” on to what “I always wanted to coach and I always as coaches.” he’s teaching. wanted to get my feet wet,” Wheatley told Having a Pro Football Hall of Fame NFLPLAYERS.com. “There are a lot of great quarterback as your mentor has helped elevate athletes coming out of the area. They just need Jack Elway’s game. He will play college football the discipline and people willing to work with at Arizona State University under head coach them and give them a reason to trust.” Dennis Erickson. Wheatley quickly earned the Robichaud More former NFL players have become team’s trust on the field, leading the Bulldogs to football coaches across the United States: Erica Brough/Ocala StarBanner

4 USA Football Magazine Greg Bell Kevin Dyson Bruce Matthews Tony Paige Volunteers for youth football Volunteer assistant coach at Hall of Fame offensive Assistant coach at DeMatha camps and NFL youth football Franklin (Tenn.) High School lineman coaches one son’s High School in Hyattsville, Md. programs in Los Angeles area. near Nashville. youth league team and another son’s high school Keith Rucker J.B. Brown Phil Hansen team in Houston. Head coach at Mount Healthy Assistant coach for DeMatha Runs a free youth football camp (Ohio) High School. High School in Hyattsville, Md. stressing positive experiences Clay Matthews in Detroit Lake, Minn. Bruce’s older brother is a coach Brian Sipe Marlin Briscoe at Oaks Christian High School Head coach of Santa Fe Coach at Wilson High School James Harrell in Westlake Village, Calif. Christian High School near in Long Beach, Calif. Head coach at Plant City (Fla.) San Diego. High School. Terry Metcalf Charlie Brown Head coach at Renton (Wash.) George Teague Head coach at Savannah (Ga.) Mike Haynes High School. Athletic Director and head High School. Hall of Fame cornerback and coach at Harvest Christian NFL executive coaches youth Ricky Nattiel Academy, Watauga, Texas. Randall Cunningham team in suburban New York City. Head coach at Trinity Catholic Assistant coach for his 11-year- High School in Ocala, Fla. Tom Tupa old son’s team in Las Vegas. Bruce Kozerski Recreation director and youth Head coach at Holy Cross High football volunteer in Brecksville, School in Covington, Ky. Ohio, near Cleveland.

5 Usa Football L E a d s Coast to Coast Youth commissioners attend State Leadership Forums

By Ed Passino

ineteen commissioners of youth football leagues throughout Maryland conducted forums nationwide, along with six USA an unparalleled meeting at the Baltimore Ravens Training Facility in Owings Football regional managers. Mills, Md., last February. “Youth football is very NWhile it didn’t rival the 1920 meeting in Canton, Ohio’s Hupmobile showroom that fragmented; our state forums allow established the National Football League, it was the first time all youth football programs for commissioners – the gatekeepers throughout the state met to discuss the well-being of youth football. It was the first-ever of their respective leagues – the USA Football State Leadership Forum. opportunity to discuss ideas, come The goal of USA Football’s state forums is to bring league commissioners throughout a to clear conclusions and become state or region together for an open discussion on how to make youth football in that area advocates for one another,” added even stronger. The 2007 Maryland State Forum served as a launching pad for the concept as Inzerello. “Additionally, state forums USA Football later conducted forums in the Carolinas, Florida and Pennsylvania. give USA Football an opportunity In 2008 USA Football will expand this revolutionary idea to dozens of regions to help leagues through our grant across the country. The goal is to spread best practices and bring unity to the initiatives, and officiating and coaching youth football community, which is fragmented by nature of its strong and education programs.” established independent leagues. In partnership with NFL teams, “Our experiences in 2007 showed us that youth football commissioners USA Football will organize state want the opportunity to come together to discuss forums at NFL teams’ training important topics and issues facing the game in their facilities and colleges throughout the respective state and region,” said USA Football country (for a complete schedule, see Director of Football Development Nick below). The aim is to reach 800 youth Inzerello, who will oversee the football administrators who have the development of the state opportunity to impact nearly 200,000 players and 9,000 coaches. The concept has been well received.

DATE STATE/REGION HOST 2008 USA Football Feb. 8 Hawaii McKinley H.S. (Honolulu) Feb. 9 Maryland Baltimore Ravens Feb. 16 Idaho Boise State University State Leadership Forum Schedule Feb. 16 Northern Virginia Washington Redskins Feb. 23 Georgia Atlanta Falcons USA Football will conduct more than three dozen State Leadership Forums Feb. 23 Northern California San Francisco 49ers from Feb. to Aug. 2008. A number of forum dates are undetermined at USA Mar. 1 Tri-State (NY-NJ-CT) New York Giants Football Magazine press time. Visit USAFootball.com or reach your USA Football Mar. 2 Washington Seattle Seahawks Mar. 8 Eastern Pennsylvania Philadelphia Eagles Regional Manager (see page 30) for the latest schedule. Mar. 8 Northern Illinois Chicago Bears

6 USA Football Magazine Along with discussing numerous issues like coaching education and fundraising ideas, USA Football’s Maryland State Forum, it put the Forum led to a state-wide agreement Baltimore Ravens of a Maryland state youth football in position to significantly championship, with games being played and positively impact youth at the Naval Academy and M&T Bank football throughout the Stadium, the home of the Ravens. community and state.” “It really brought the issues of youth Ed Passino is USA Football’s football in Maryland to the forefront,” said Northeast Regional Manager Craig White, Jr., president of Harford/ throughout Pennsylvania was great. Also, and played college football at Baltimore County Youth Football via email we received a lot of information about Brockport State University, near following the 2007 Maryland State Forum. USA Football programs like grants and Rochester, N.Y. “It was a great day of exchanging coaching education.” To find a USA Football best practices, new ideas, and common Additionally, USA Football State State Forum near you, concerns,” said White. “I found that the Forums allow NFL teams or universities visit USAFootball.com. same issues that my league faces were the hosting the events greater opportunities Registration is for same as everybody else’s. to get to know their local youth football youth football league “How each of us deals with these programs. administrators only and is issues, the ideas, solutions, and thoughts “One of the biggest things the state done exclusively through offered in a very free-wheeling format will forum did for the Ravens was to help us your USA Football help me do a better job for the 6,900 kids create a relationship with every Maryland regional manager (see in my league. It also gave us a chance to youth league,” said Damone Jones, youth page 30 for regional meet many of the people involved in youth marketing and promotions coordinator map). For more football that we would not otherwise for the Baltimore Ravens. “Now it has information, call get to know. I look forward to this being put us in a position where we work 1-877-5- an annual event and know that we will together with the coaches that allows us FOOTBALL. continue to benefit from it.” to develop a solid relationship with the Wally Crum, who attended the goal of providing a great youth football Philadelphia-area Regional Forum during experience for kids. the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp last “A lot of NFL teams donate jerseys or July and is the president of the Keystone helmets; very seldom does a team have (Pa.) Youth Football League, echoed an opportunity to significantly effect White, “The opportunity to discuss ideas, change,” Jones said. “With participation issues and concerns facing programs in USA Football’s Maryland State

DATE STATE/REGION HOST DATE STATE/REGION HOST DATE STATE/REGION HOST Mar. 15 New England New England Patriots July 19 Louisiana New Orleans Saints * New Mexico * Mar. 15 North Carolina Carolina Panthers * Alabama * * Ohio (Northeast) Cleveland Browns Mar. 15 Oregon Portland State University * Arizona Arizona Cardinals * Ohio (Southwest) Cincinnati Bengals Mar. 26 Oklahoma Star Spencer H.S. * Colorado Denver Broncos * San Diego San Diego Hall of Champions (Oklahoma City) * Florida Tampa Bay Buccaneers * Tennessee Tennessee Titans Mar. 29 Indiana Indianapolis Colts * Los Angeles * * Texas * Apr. 5 Western Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Steelers * Minnesota * * Utah * Apr. 5 Downstate Illinois City of Bloomington, Ill. * Mississippi * * Virginia (South) * (Richmond) May 3 Nebraska University of Nebraska- * Missouri (East) St. Louis Rams * Wisconsin Green Bay Packers Omaha * Missouri (West) Kansas City Chiefs

*To be determined, check USAFootball.com for the latest schedule 7 “By receiving your grant, the Columbia Ravens and its mission to enrich the lives of over 450 young people through Helping Youth Leagues, participation in football are validated,” said C.J. Kupec, executive director of the Columbia (Md.) Ravens, to USA Football in a letter of appreciation. “The tireless High Schools Score efforts and sacrifices of our volunteer coaches, parents and board of directors USA Football earmarks equipment grants are acknowledged. This will help our organization strengthen and grow.” By Jenny Hofler USA Football offered equipment grants eeping “America’s Passion” affordable for the millions of girls and boys playing the to high school programs for the first time in nation’s No. 1 game is USA Football’s equipment grant program. 2007 and will continue the support in 2008. Based on merit and need, more than 300 youth and high school football Said head coach Scott Devereaux of programsK spanning 45 states benefited from $500,000 in grants for new equipment. The Wenatchee (Wash.) High School, “This grant program is made possible through the NFL Youth Football Fund and has awarded nearly allows us to purchase equipment we would $1,000,000 in new equipment since 2006. never be able to buy otherwise. Our budget From last July through September, independent youth leagues and high schools seeking gets smaller every year, and this award allows grants applied at USAFootball.com. Youth leagues are eligible for $1,500 grants while high us to stretch it out into another season. Also, school programs may receive a $2,000 package. Equipment is provided by Schutt Sports and the players were extremely excited to get new, Gilman Gear. The grant application consists of questions about the organization’s football quality equipment.” program as well as short essay questions. Awardees are notified by mail. Independent youth leagues and high Even with multiple fundraisers and registration fees, some organizations struggle to school programs can keep an eye on properly equip their teams. USA Football offers needed support and helps foster a safer and USAFootball.com this spring for the 2008 better football experience for even the smallest of programs. equipment grant application. “Being a non-profit, it is organizations like USA Football that help to keep us going and Jenny Hofler is USA Football’s marketing give the kids the proper equipment to learn the game,” said grant recipient Steve Quinn, coordinator and worked within Virginia president of the Naples (Fla.) Gators Youth Football League. “We are already using the Tech University’s athletic department during practice dummies and hand shields that were on our ‘wish list’ for next year.” her time as a student there.

8 USA Football Magazine