Contents

issue 5
spring 2008

Features 8 USA Football Leads

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

F
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
their 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
 Spread It On thIck
Spread Offense makes its way into the high school game
By Bucky Brooks

field with multiple receivers, but do it in

Center
CoaChing Center

different ways.
WR CB As it relates to high school football,
most teams are successfully combining
CoaChing

elements from both philosophies to

balance their spread offense. One coach
DE
having success blending the differing
philosophies of the spread is Kevin
T OLB

RB
DT A modern version of the single wing
G
LB offense of the 1940s, “the spread”
health & safety Center

utilizes the shotgun formation with

QB C one or two backs and multiple
LB receivers. It is named the spread
G DT because its base formations spread
RB a defense horizontally to create
OLB Bucky Brooks mismatches in space.
T

DE
Rooney of Notre Dame High School in
Sherman Oaks, Calif. Rooney’s squad
WR
went to the spread offense in 2005
FS
after watching Urban Meyer craft an
explosive offensive attack around the
league enhanCement Center

talents of Alex Smith at Utah. Rooney

had a blue chip quarterback prospect
WR CB
–USC’s Garrett Green – at the time
and wanted to incorporate some of
the quarterback running game used

T
in the spread to take advantage of his
he overwhelming success of the spread offense on the collegiate level in the athleticism.
past decade has led many high school coaches to investigate and incorporate its “We liked the possibility of the
principles into their programs. quarterback being a part of the running
College programs such as Florida, Oregon, Texas and West Virginia are annual game,” said Rooney. The ability of the
national title contenders using this offense. In addition, lower level collegiate quarterback to run the option series
programs benefit from implementing the spread as it helps level the playing field. from the spread forces defenses to play
For instance, the surprising upset of Michigan by Appalachian State last September assignment football, which creates big
illustrates how the spread can help small schools to compete. play opportunities for the offense. Rooney
offiCiating Center

A modern version of the single wing offense of the 1940s, “the spread” utilizes also speaks of being able to “throw from
the shotgun formation with one or two backs and multiple receivers. It is named the shotgun” as part of the reason for
the “spread” because its base formations spread a defense horizontally to create using the spread in his game plan. The
mismatches in space. spread employs high-percentage short
There are two philosophies behind the implementation of the spread. The first is throws to get the ball to playmakers in
to spread the field to effectively pass. For years Texas Tech, Hawaii and Purdue have space. With bubble screens, smash routes
used this philosophy to successfully build winning programs on the collegiate level. and quick slants being staples of this
The other philosophy, best illustrated by West Virginia and Clemson, is to spread the offense, it minimizes the need to have a
field to run the ball. Both versions take advantage of space created by spreading the strong-armed quarterback.

12 USA Football Magazine

 David Green of Leesville Road High
School in Raleigh, N.C., experimented with Takeaway-Giveaway
with Tom & Larry
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
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
defense can send” which allows the offense
• Allows smaller players to have success.
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
despite having athletes of differing skill
deal of timing and reading defenses on the
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
would love to have big offensive linemen,
• This offense will not eat clock if you’re aiming to hold a lead in the
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
 4-4 Stack: Double-
trouble for offenSeS
Defensive shell game brings pressure and energy By Larry Canard
CoaChing Center

alignment has two defensive tackles lined

head-up on the guards and two defensive
ends lined head-up on the tight ends.
WR CB Stacking linebackers behind the front
four allows you to bring any number

TE
DE OLB Stacking linebackers behind the front four
allows you to bring any number of them on
T
run blitzes and account for every gap. The
health & safety Center

corners and free safety will usually play

G DT LB
in a cover-three zone, and the pressure on
the quarterback makes the passing game
RB QB C easier to defend.

DT LB
G of them on run blitzes and account for
every gap. The corners and free safety
T will usually play in a cover-three zone,
DE FS and the pressure on the quarterback
OLB
makes the passing game easier to defend.
TE
Traditional blocking rules make it
difficult for offensive lineman to know
league enhanCement Center

who to block and often leads to deep

WR penetration into the backfield, which
dictates what the offense can do, and as
CB
Gordon said with a smile, “What they
can do, usually isn’t much.”
Brian Newell, who does double duty as
a head coach for the Chantilly (Va.) Youth
Vikings and coaches linebackers for the

“D
Chantilly (Va.) High School varsity, loves
ictate to the offense, bring pressure, and play with a lot of energy” the 4-4 defense’s versatility and uses it on
are words used by veteran youth football coach Ray Gordon when he both levels of play.
explains why after seven years of running a 5-3 defense he switched to “With offenses becoming more multi-
the 4-4 stack in 1990. dimensional and seeing spreads on first
Gordon has been a defensive coordinator for some of the most successful youth down and double tight jumbo packages
offiCiating Center

football teams in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for nearly 25 years. He went on third down, the 4-4 defense allows us
to the 4-4 defense because he had a number of great linebackers one year and wanted to adjust without changing personnel,”
to get them all on the field at the same time. Once he began seeing the effect the Newell said. The coach also likes pressure
defense had on opposing offenses, Gordon never looked back. that the 4-4 can bring, allowing players to
Since 1990, his teams have allowed an average of fewer than three points per game. use their athletic ability and create havoc
And he often points out that some of the scores given up were defensive or special team against an offense.
touchdowns and shouldn’t count against his unit. Both coaches have tweaked the defense
The basic 4-4 stack defense looks just like it sounds. Four linemen up front on over the years to adjust to the more open
the line of scrimmage and four linebackers stacked behind them. The traditional style of offenses they face. They can go from

14 USA Football Magazine

 Takeaway-Giveaway
with Tom & Larry
“With offenses becoming
more multi-dimensional
and seeing spreads on first
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
to not play it safe. Said Gordon, “It’s a low-
stance. If an offense breaks the huddle in a two-TE,
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,
“and always check their assignments with
• Good base defense for expanding to a 3-3-5 against spread option
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
players up, but rather how they move once
Tom BAss
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
develop any consistency of success.
• Three-DB alignment prevents use of many coverage
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
Os, visit USAFootball.com and click
and DL positions.
“Coaching.”

15
 A Celebration of
Responsibility in Coaching
Liberty Mutual honors football coaches for
Center
CoaChingCenter

excellence and responsibility, on and off the field

CoaChing

Responsibility, leadership, integrity, discipline,
dedication, and commitment are just a handful
of factors that come into consideration when it
comes to Liberty Mutual’s Coaching Awards.
The Coach of the Year Award honors four
collegiate coaches from Division I to Division III
who display the above mentioned traits both on and off
health & safety Center
Award celebrates outstanding youth coaches for their
commitment to improving youngsters’ lives in their
community (www.responsiblesports.com).
The Liberty Mutual Coaching Awards celebrate
coaches’ successes both on and off the field and
honor their work to develop their players as people of
character, sportsmanship, and integrity.

the field (www.coachoftheyear.com). The Responsible Coaching The 2007 Coach of the Year Award winners:

ron ZooK Jerry Kill Bill o’Boyle John gagliarDi

(Division I-A), University (Division I-AA), Southern (Division II), Chadron State (Division III), Saint John’s
of Illinois – In his third Illinois College – Last year was a nearly- University
year at the helm of Illinois, University perfect – A 12-2
Coach Zook turned the 2006 – With season record,
Fighting a 12-2 for Coach being
Illini season O’Boyle inducted
from a and the with a 12-1 into the
two-win team’s record and College
squad fifth- a ranking Football
league enhanCement Center

into 9-3
Big Ten
runners
up in 2007. Off the field
he demonstrates great
commitment to his players’
success in the classroom and
is involved with multiple
charities.
consecutive playoff berth,
Coach Kill’s most impressive
work is off the field. His team
maintains a grade point
average well above the Gateway
conference average and creates
leaders in the Carbondale, Ill.
community.
as high as
fifth in the nation. Coinciding
with his on-field success is his
academics-first mantra for the
Eagles, displayed by the two
Academic All-Americans he has
produced in the past few seasons.
He is also involved in community
service, helping those in need.
Hall of Fame and the winningest
coach in college football
history just doesn’t cut it for
Coach Gagliardi. He demands
excellence from his players as
well. The majority of his players
are high-performers in the
classroom, four of which earned
Academic All-American honors.

“While he drills them on skills

More than 45 youth Jose CarDenas necessary to enhance their play, he
football coaches from Johnson Boys and Girls Club of Metro doesn’t neglect the fact that many of
around the country Denver – Coach Cardenas celebrated an his players face greater battles in their
offiCiating Center

were recipients of the undefeated season in 2007. His commitment everyday circumstances. Many of Jose’s
Responsible Coaching to the lives of at-risk, inner-city youth players don’t have other positive male
Award. Jose Cardenas athletes is displayed through his dedication figures in their lives and so they look up to
is our featured coach to development beyond the playing field and him. Each week he assists them with their
from Colorado. You into the classroom. A coach, leader, and role model, Coach homework and stays involved with their
can learn more at www. Cardenas, who is also a USA Football member, embodies the parents to insure they stay on track.”
responsiblesports.com. true definition of what it means to be a ‘Responsible Coach.’ - Shay Williams, nominator

For a complete list of Responsible Coaching Award winners by state, visit www.responsiblesports.com or www.usafootball.com.

16 USA Football Magazine

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
exec. v.p., Football operations
national Football league
jason belser
regional director
nFl players association
joe browne
exec. v.p., communications
& public affairs
national Football league
jon butler
executive director
pop Warner little scholars, inc.
tom cove
president & ceo
sgma international
carl Francis
director of communications
nFl players association
alexia gallagher
director, nFl youth Football Fund
national Football league
bob gardner
chief operating officer
national Federation of state
high school associations
roger goodell
commissioner
national Football league
scott hallenbeck Frank sanchez
executive director vice president
usa Football boys & girls clubs of america
jack kemp grant teaff
chairman, usa Football executive director
Former u.s. congressman american Football
mark meana coaches association
commissioner gene upshaw
Fairfax county (va.) executive director
youth Football league nFl players association
art monk deborah yow
Former all-pro nFl Wide receiver athletic director
president, alliant merchant services university of maryland
keith rucker
head Football coach
cincinnati mt. healthy h.s.

17
 USA Football to host 40
Coaching Schools in 2008
America’s grassroots football leader gives coaches an edge,
Coaching center

strengthens the game By Ed Passino

L
ast June Eric Johnson piled his wife and two teenage children in the family
sedan and headed southeast from Billings, Mont., to Denver for a family Tips for Selecting
vacation that involved relaxation, sight seeing, shopping and a youth
football coaching school. a Coaching Clinic
Some families wouldn’t fathom attending a coaching school while on vacation,
Each year thousands of youth coaches
the self-described “football-crazy” Johnsons wouldn’t think otherwise.
attend coaching clinics hoping to
Health & safety center

Their destination, the USA Football-Denver Broncos Coaching School, was

improve their ability to teach the game.
fitting for a car filled with Broncos fans.
If you can’t attend a USA Football
“It was a great opportunity for me to attend the coaching school, plus, we’re big
Coaching School this year, here are
Denver Broncos fans, so it allowed us to visit the city and participate in the clinic as
seven tips to help you choose one that
a family,” said Eric Johnson, whose wife and daughter helped with event registration
best fits your needs:
and whose son, also named Eric, helped perform drills at the on-field stations.
“We’ve participated in other USA Football events in the past and really
thought it would be a lot of fun to attend a coaching school and make it a family 1. What is being taught and is the
experience,” said the content at the appropriate level
elder Eric Johnson, a I am coaching?
youth and high school 2. Who is speaking and can I
football coach in the relate to that coach’s situation?
Billings area. For example, he may be a
league enhancement center

The coaching college coach, yet, does what

school in Denver was he has to say and the schemes
one of 19 coaching he is teaching relate to my
clinics USA Football
players’ age group?
conducted in 2007, which
3. Is there a “new” scheme or
benefited more than
technique that I am interested in
4,000 youth football
coaches to positively that is being taught?
impact approximately 4. Ask yourself, “What is in it for
100,000 youngsters. USA Football has bigger ideas scheduled for 2008 as it me?”
plans to conduct more than 40 single-day coaching schools, which will draw 5. What do you get and how much
approximately 10,000 coaches. does it cost?
In partnership with more than two dozen NFL teams, USA Football plans to hold 6. Are there opportunities to
most of its coaching schools at either an NFL team’s training facility or stadium. The interact with the clinicians?
officiating center

others will take place at colleges and high schools throughout the country, including 7. Does the coaching school lend
Boise State University, Portland (Ore.) State University, and the University of itself to networking, so I can
Nebraska-Omaha (see 2008 USA Football Coaching Schools, page 19).
continue to grow and learn as a
“We look forward to growing our coaching school schedule and making our
coach after I’ve left the clinic?
program even stronger in 2008,” said USA Football Executive Director Scott
8. What is the reputation of the
Hallenbeck. “The best way to shape America’s favorite sport at the youth level is
to provide coaches with resources to become quality instructors and mentors. organization conducting the
We’re doing that in an exciting way, thanks in large part to NFL clubs, colleges, coaching school?
and universities throughout the country – all of which care deeply about their

18 USA Football Magazine

communities and the future of this
great game.”
Further strengthening the sport’s
grassroots in 2008, all Pop Warner head
coaches will be required to attend one
of USA Football’s Coaching Schools
or complete Course Level 1 of USA
Football’s online coaching curriculum
at USAFootball.com to be eligible to
coach in 2008.
The move is parallel to what
some independent organizations are
conducting throughout the country.
Last July, Boise Noon Optimist Youth
Football mandated that more than
200 of the program’s head coaches
attend USA Football’s Coaching School
in Boise. Additionally, this summer
the Mecklenburg County Parks and
Recreation Association will require
nearly 750 youth coaches to participate
in a USA Football Coaching School
or complete Course Level 1 of USA
Football’s online coaching curriculum.
“The primary reason for coaching
education is that nearly 75 percent of
coaches are dads – some of them played,
some of them didn’t – plus, most of them
haven’t been actively involved since they
played high school and there is a world of
difference between teaching something
and playing something,” said Jerron
Moore, executive director of Boise Noon
Optimist Youth Football.
“Our coaches really enjoyed [the USA
Football Coaching School]; they liked
the topics, the on-field stations – we
worked real hard with USA Football
to have a good blend of high school
coaches that understood youth football
and experienced youth coaches as
instructors,” said Moore, who helped USA
Football identify top Boise-area coaches to
serve as coaching school clinicians.
The growth of USA Football Coaching
Schools can be attributed to a core
fundamental philosophy.
“Our coaching schools are designed
to prepare youth coaches with the ability
to teach the game of football and create a
positive experience for their players,” said Nick
Inzerello, USA Football’s director of football
development, himself a youth football coach.
“We’re proud to support the efforts of
youth coaches throughout the country. It
is our intention to provide them with the
2008 USA Football
Coaching School Schedule
USA Football will conduct 40 Coaching
Schools from Feb. to Aug. 2008. A number of
school dates are undetermined at USA Football
Magazine press time. Visit USAFootball.com
or reach your USA Football Regional Manager
(see page 30) for the latest schedule.
DATE CITY HOST
Feb. 9 Honolulu, HI McKinley H.S. (Honolulu)
Mar. 1 Washington, D.C. Washington Redskins
Mar. 8 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Falcons
Mar. 15 Charlotte, NC Carolina Panthers
Mar. 26 Oklahoma City, OK Star Spencer H.S.
Apr. 5 Sacramento, CA Granite Bay H.S.
Apr.12 Annapolis, MD Baltimore Ravens
Apr. 12 Green Bay, WI Green Bay Packers
Apr. 19 Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis Colts
May 3 Foxboro, MA New England Patriots
May 3 Omaha, NE University of Nebraska-Omaha
May 10 Richmond, VA Regency Sports Park Complex
May 17 Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Steelers
May 17 San Francisco, CA San Francisco 49ers
May 31 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Jaguars
June 7 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Buccaneers
June 7 Portland, OR Portland State University
June 28 Seattle, WA Seattle Seahawks
July 19 Metairie, LA New Orleans Saints
Aug. 2 Boise, ID Boise Optimist Youth Sports Complex
* Albuquerque, NM University of New Mexico
* Chicago, IL Chicago Bears
* Cleveland, OH Cleveland Browns
* Denver, CO Denver Broncos
* East Rutherford, NJ New York Giants
* Glendale, AZ Arizona Cardinals
* Hartford, CT New York Jets
* Hempstead, NY New York Jets
* Jackson, MS *
* Kansas City, MO Kansas City Chiefs
* Los Angeles, CA *
* Minneapolis, MN Minnesota Vikings
* Mobile, AL *
* Nashville, TN Tennessee Titans
* New Brunswick, NJ Rutgers University
* Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia Eagles
* St. Louis, MO St. Louis Rams
* Salt Lake City, UT Utah University
* San Diego, CA San Diego Chargers going to take something away from
* Waco, TX Baylor University
*To be determined, check USAFootball.com for the latest schedule
best training and resources to create a better
environment for their players,” Inzerello said.
The one-day school teaches coaches
numerous “best practices” including
communication, coaching philosophy,
practice planning, scheme development and
health and safety. The on-field fundamentals
and drills position stations are often a
coaching school’s highlight.
“The on-field skill development stations
are a great concept for a coaching school,” said
Johnson, who played college football at Carson-
Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn.
“Fundamentals and skill development
should be your top priority at the youth
level,” Johnson adds. “With the on-field
drill stations, USA Football Coaching
Schools emphasize the importance of the
overall development of the kid. Those
fundamental skill development drills are
something you can take away and apply to
your practices. As a coach, you can’t just
teach skill development in a scrimmage
format, you need to set aside time in
practice for position fundamentals.”
The distinctiveness of a USA Football
Coaching School is that its curriculum is
designed specifically for the youth coach
teaching the game to players between the
ages of 7-14. Therefore, it is important
to have clinicians that understand this
core concept. Clinicians for each school
are comprised from veteran area youth
football coaches and successful high
school coaches that understand the youth
coach’s needs. The open-forum scheme
development and coaching philosophy
sessions allow clinicians to participate
and learn from attendees.
“It was a great experience,” said Josh
Jones, a 12-year youth coaching veteran,
who coaches in the Knoxville (Tenn.)
Metro Youth Football League and was a
clinician at the USA Football-Tennessee
Titans Coaching School last June. “Even
as an instructor I learned from the
attendees, especially in the classroom
sessions. The coaching school allows
for a lot of information sharing among
coaches – it’s one of the reasons why
this is a great clinic. Whether you’re
a beginner coach or a veteran, you’re
these coaching schools, because we start
at the basics and build upon that – the
information sharing lends itself to a
great learning environment.”
Ed Passino is a USA Football regional
manager and played college football at
Brockport State University, near Rochester, N.Y.
To find a USA Football Coaching
School in your area or to learn more
about USA Football’s coaching-related
programs, visit USAFootball.com
and click the “Coaching” button.
Registration for USA Football
Coaching Schools is done exclusively
online at USAFootball.com.
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
Jack Kemp
and more exciting every year.
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
surrounded by palpable energy and the pride of an
editorial staff
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
date and the next 30 pages outline much of what is in Contributors:
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: 
(703) 918-0007
background check subsidies, free team and league websites through USAFootball.com,
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
Magazine reveals candid insight from veteran coaches, illustrates how former players on the game’s
traction media staff
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!
Tractionmedia@aol.com

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

 ‘It was a Godsend’
USA Football’s gold-standard background check program protects your players
By Dave McMahon, Special to USA Football
T
Coaching center
here was a time when the thought of
a coach’s criminal background didn’t
cross the mind of parents of youth
football players. That time has long passed.
That’s why USA Football, the national
governing body of America’s favorite sport
on the grassroots level, became a torchbear-
er for the safety of its youth football-playing
membership in 2007. USA Football has
dedicated $500,000 through 2008 to sub-
Health & safety center
sidize gold-standard criminal background
screenings for youth football leagues.
How important is USA Football’s finan-
cial commitment?
“It was a godsend,” said Clifford Wil-
liams, league president of the Mon River
Pop Warner Youth Football Conference in
Swissvale, Pa. “Our player registration num-
bers went up because we implemented USA
Football’s program. It’s very valuable, and
I’ve heard from a lot of other organizations
around here who are looking to follow in
our footsteps.”
center
enhancement center
In
league enhancement
Their
league
Own
Words
officiating center
Here’s what they’re saying
about USA Football’s offer
to youth football leagues
nationwide in the fight
against child predators.
20 USA Football Magazine
As part of its subsidy, USA Football
donates $10 per applicant to help defray the
cost of the background check.
“We also had our board members,
other volunteers and cheerleading coaches
sign up for the background check,” Wil-
liams said. “League-wide, we had about
120 background checks performed. The
coaches were honestly excited about the
donation from
USA Football.
These folks are
all volunteers,
and they spend
plenty of their own money as it is on these
kids. So when they feel appreciation from
someone outside the local football orga-
nization, that makes them feel good. They
were going to spend the money on it, but to
have to only spend $15 because of the USA
Football donation really went a long way.”
USA Football is the only youth sports or-
ganization providing a discounted program
“The issue of child
predators is a societal one,
but the fact is youth sports
are not immune. It’s that
reality that has led USA
Football to take a proactive
stance and provide access to
gold-standard screening at
a subsidized price. We care
who’s coaching these kids
and we encourage all sports
organizations to join us in
this effort and help protect
our children.”
– Scott Hallenbeck,
USA Football Executive Director
like this in the fight against sexual preda-
tors. The background checks are provided
by the National Center for Safety Initiatives,
the official check screening company of the
United States Olympic Committee.
NCSI has already performed thousands of
checks thanks to the USA Football initiative.
“It’s a great program, and it’s much-
needed,” Williams said. “It works real well
for us. With this
check, we got a
lot of information
on people that we
needed to see that
we weren’t getting previously with our lo-
cal criminal background checks. It really
reinforced to our parents the concern we
have as far as the safety of their children.”
NCSI is able to provide the service with a
turnaround of 10 days or less. After a league
administrator becomes a member of USA
Football (it’s free at USAFootball.com),
coaches are provided with NCSI online
“As a mother I am thrilled about
what USA Football is doing to
protect children. I can’t begin to
imagine the horror that a family
must endure when a child is
victimized. With USA Football’s
efforts and, hopefully, the efforts of
other youth sports organizations,
we can help our children enjoy all
that sports have to offer. Through
this innovative program we can
help parents feel secure about who
is coaching their children and that
value cannot be overstated.”
– Betsey Hasselbeck, mother of NFL
quarterbacks Matt and Tim Hasselbeck
registration information. The form takes

The Importance of
about five minutes to complete.
NCSI performs searches in two nation-
al criminal databases as well as all state

Background Checks
sex offender registries. The search also
includes county records.
Each applicant has a report, and the
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

83% 69%
five years. A youth league can set its own of parents say of parents said
crime and time parameters with NCSI. background 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
that discussion, NCSI notifies the league of
the green flag and red flag applicants. No
10% said they are
not important
18% of parents
said that
confidential information about the applicant they were not more likely
is passed between NCSI and the local league

7%
administrators. said they

13%
Thus far, about four percent of the checks were unsure were
conducted with USA Football’s help result in if they were important not sure
individuals being red-flagged, or eliminated
from the coaching pool.
For USA Football, NCSI checks for felo- Source: 2007 USA Football-commissioned research by The Bonham Group

“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
 Background Checks
nies and lesser crimes committed with
force and with the threat of force; sex
crimes and lesser crimes – including

Work in Louisiana
lone individual sex crimes (i.e. pornog-
raphy-related); and crimes involving
cruelty to animals.
The support is apparent, on a local
and national level, for USA Football’s USA Football & NCSI helps youth football program
forward-thinking approach to the back-
By Dave McMahon
Coaching center

ground checks.

A study from April to May of this year
by The Bonham Group – a top research
company hired by USA Football – showed
that 83 percent of parents say background
checks on youth sports head coaches are
important. Ten percent said it wasn’t im-
portant, and seven percent said they were
unsure if they were important. Further,
69 percent of parents said they were more
Health & safety center
W
hen it came to offering subsidized background checks, USA Football was
reading the mind of Leroy Hollins II.
Hollins, who oversees the highly innovative Louisiana Youth Football
program in Baton Rouge, was working with the NFL’s Junior Player Development program
when he first learned about NCSI. Needing to secure background checks on the JPD
coaches, he discovered NCSI.
“After I learned about them, I was thinking of doing it for my league, and all of sudden I
check my email and there’s an email from USA Football announcing that they’ve teamed up

likely to enroll their kids into a league that
conducts background checks on its volun-
teers. Additionally, 18 percent of parents
said that they were not more likely, and
13 percent were not sure. According to
NCSI, one in four girls and one in six
boys will be sexually victimized before
adulthood. It’s those kind of numbers that
parents take into account after they real-
ize their team’s coach won’t be back with
the program. “We did have some coaches
who were reluctant to have the check
done,” Williams said. “Some had a history
center
enhancement center
with NCSI for background checks for coaches,” Hollins said. “And they accounted for the
two biggest hurdles – the cost and the administration of it. For coaches to be able to put in
their information online instead of handing it over to me or someone else to type in is just
outstanding. The next hurdle was the cost, and USA Football made that tackle also. They
took away all my headaches with those two things. It’s a great program that you need to
jump on board with if you haven’t already.”
Hollins, who also serves as director of the Louisiana Youth Coaches Alliance, opted to
have checks done on head coaches and assistant coaches. That’s about 225 of the 315 total
volunteers in the organization.
“For our parents, the security these checks provide is like the greatest thing we could
have ever done for them,” Hollins said. “You want the volunteers and you don’t want to
scare them off. But coaches understand that we want to have reputable people around
the kids.”

and wanted us to go in a different direc- About 95 percent of the kids in Louisiana Youth Football come from the inner city. The
tion. But our board agreed that there are background check, Hollins said, just made playing football an easier sell than it might have
some things we can’t overlook. The lives been otherwise.
league enhancement

of these kids are in our hands. We had a
couple of circumstances where we had to
let the coach go. Some parents were upset,
but once we explained to them what it was
all about, they realized, ‘Hey, they’re look-
league
“The parents are really, really excited about it,” Hollins said. “I love the background
check program. After they discuss any crimes with NCSI, the coach usually calls me and
says this is what happened. It gives me the flexibility to take a red flag coach and say ‘Hey,
this was a petty theft incident 15 years ago, and our coaches don’t touch any money, and
it’s the only thing on there, so let’s keep him at green.’ I can make the overall call after the

ing out for the safety of my child.’ And no NCSI recommendation, and I like that flexibility. The NCSI folks have been tremendous
one is above that.” to work with.”

“USA Football’s proactive commitment to protecting our kids from the very serious risks
In
officiating center

that exist in today’s society is truly commendable. They are putting their money where their
Their heart is and we are proud to call them our partner. The issue of harm to children is one
Own we all share, so providing funding in support of a comprehensive background screening
Words program is a groundbreaking step to ensuring a safer environment and one that should be
emulated by organizations everywhere in the fight to protect our children.”
– Trish McGonnell, Executive Director of National Center for Safety Initiatives

22 USA Football Magazine

Value Added to Equipment
Schutt equipment reconditioning a cost-effective way to provide like-new equipment
By Dave McMahon, Special to USA Football

Y
our football team’s equipment
has another season of wear
under its belt, between the
earpads, 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
 Putting the “Wow”
into your Registration
How to attract more players by making your registration a can’t-miss event
Coaching center

By Dave McMahon

W
hat’s the best way to draw attention to your youth football league’s registration in front of 10,000 fans, Optimist youth
process? football personnel go into action with
Make it a happening. early signups for fall football.
Make it different from the other sports that prospective players will attend. And, most of “It’s our biggest registration event
all, make it memorable. and it gets a lot of publicity,” said
That’s exactly what the Boise Optimist Youth Football League has done over the past Moore, whose group hosted 4,100
Health & safety center

few years. By teaming up with the white-hot Boise State University football team, the youth football players in 2007. “The
Boise youth football league creates an absolutely can’t-miss experience for its players at kids get excited about it. It’s the only
registration time. time they’ll ever get to step on the
Not everyone has the cool blue turf and a Division I college football team whose field, and it’s a great way to start our
popularity continues registration. We signed up 600 kids at
to ascend. But you the game last year.”
might have an After the April event at Boise State,
accommodating small May serves as the primary registration
college or even high month. Optimist personnel are
school program that on hand three Saturdays and on a
would work just as well. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on
Here’s how Jerron various weeks throughout the month.
Moore and the Boise Registrations are held at the field house
center
enhancement center

Optimist League get of the Optimist football field complex.

the most out of their A late signup is held in July.
registration dates: “We give the parents plenty of
league enhancement

First, everything opportunity to get us into their

your league does with schedule,” Moore said.
registration should be done during the school year. Waiting until summer is too late. “You But nothing tops the Boise State
have to do it while the kids are still in school,” Moore said. partnership.
Moore’s troops mail an individual letter to each player who registered the previous “We’ve been with Boise State for
league

season. Taken from the league’s database, that process is basic enough. five years, and have done the Bronco
Next, the Optimists send their football parents into the community. Parents are assigned Experience for the past three years,”
to the school in their area and posters and fliers are distributed at the school. “We also ask Moore said. “We’ve always done sign-
each school to put it in their morning announcements and any kind of newsletter that they ups around the spring game, but to get
will be sending home to the kids,” Moore said. their players out their working with the
Finally, Moore and the Optimists execute the “Wow!” factor. youth players has really kicked up the
officiating center

The Bronco Experience allows the Optimist League to hold a registration drive prior registrations a notch. The main thing is
to the Boise State spring football game in April. As part of the day, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. to do the registration while the kids are
youth players are allowed onto the blue turf at Bronco Stadium. The Boise State players still in school. That’s the only way to
then provide clinics and instruction at stations that include running, passing, receiving, reach all of them.”
blocking, etc. Whether it’s the new coach on the
“Our job while the kids are out on the field with the Boise State players is to keep the high school varsity team or the long-
parents away,” Moore laughed. “They think that’s a good time to get some autographs. But tenured mentor at the local college,
we do keep parents off the field so that it’s all about the kids.” get them involved. It’s clearly a win for
At around 5:00 p.m., when the BSU players head inside to prepare for their 7:30 p.m. scrimmage everyone.

24 USA Football Magazine

Fun with Fundraising
BRAX Spirit Cups Offer Exciting Fundraising Solutions
M
ost youth sports programs are
not-for-profit run by volunteering
parents. Needless to say, money to
support these programs does not grow on trees
and nearly all organizations use some form of
fundraising to help raise money for everything
from field maintenance to uniforms.
“Fundraising is the lifeblood of any
successful youth league,” said USA Football
Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “As the
national governing body for grassroots football,
we work to help folks running leagues by sharing
best practices for fundraising and we believe
we’ve found the best fundraiser out there.”
BRAX Spirit Cups™ – the official
fundraising partner of USA Football – stands
among the most successful programs.
The 18-ounce cups with 3-D graphics feature
NFL, NCAA, and MLB teams, and are sold in
four-packs. NFL team cups are far and away
the most popular sellers. Key positives of the
program are that the league controls all proceeds
from the sales and no upfront money is required.
A set of four cups sells for $10 with $3 from
each set sold going back to the organization.
Over the years, USA Football has learned
that successful fundraising campaigns depend
on the product being sold and BRAX Spirit
Cups™ have delivered results.
The proof is in the numbers.
Jim Hibbs, fundraising coordinator of
the Bennetts Creek (Suffolk, Va.) Football
Association, reports that his league annually
clears nearly $10,000 in profit. “Our
organization has been around for more than
60 years and the Spirit Cups are our No. 1
fundraiser, hands down. It’s what we use to
build up funds to run our operation for the
whole year. We’ve been with BRAX for the last
three years and we’ll continue
to stay with them as long as they
keep making cups.
“We’re an all volunteer force
and it is a lot of work (to do a
fundraiser right) but the reward
is our cheerleaders all got new
uniforms and our football players
are in new gear and get new
jerseys every year.”
One of the unique aspects
of the Spirit Cup program is
that groups get the opportunity
to use sample cups in the
fundraising process.
“People love to see what they
are actually purchasing before
they buy it,” Tonya Rivera of
the Northeast Bandits (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
Youth Football Association said. “The cups
are unique, durable, and so easy to clean. Even
after we distributed all the cups we had parents
asking us if they could get more.”
Typically a sample cup is given to each
child in the program and they go around the
neighborhood showcasing the product.
“Parents have given us wonderful feedback
and they were very excited about the Spirit
Cups,” Becky James of Michiana Pop Warner
(South Bend, Ind.) said after her group raised
nearly $6,000 last season. “One of the things we
did to boost our sales was we bought the pre-
sale cups for each of our players and I think the
hands-on experience of being able to see and
feel the cup boosted our sales a lot. The volume
that we were able to sell was just tremendous.”
In addition to their relationship with USA
Football, BRAX has partnerships with many
youth sports organizations, including Pop
Warner, Boys & Girls Club of America, Dixie
Youth Baseball, and many others.
By Nathan Boudreaux
Once BRAX managing partners Pete Hexter
and John Alexander developed the idea for
Spirit Cups and obtained licenses from leagues
like the NFL, they knew their product was
unique to the fundraising community.
“We recognized that there are extensive
needs for youth programs across the U.S.,”
Hexter said. “We found out from research
that our product offering needed to be simple
to implement and there should be no upfront
money required from the organizations.”
The Spirit Cup fundraising blueprint has
worked and there have been hundreds of
success stories from across the country.
For David Ivey, president of Pop Warner’s
North Brevard (Fla.) Hawks, the Spirit Cup
fundraiser is a “must have.”
“I’ve been around youth football for almost
13 years and they didn’t have fundraising like
this back when I started,” Ivey said. “I have two
kids and I know how a parent can feel about
this stuff – selling candy and all that. But, the
Spirit Cups are far and away the best fundraiser
we’ve ever done. The cups are easy to sell and
they sell themselves. I’d recommend the Spirit
Cups to any youth organization.”
Words like that bring a smile to Hexter’s face
knowing his company has been able to make a
difference in communities across the country.
“The results have been unbelievable,”
Hexter said.
Nathan Boudreaux is USA Football’s
business development and marketing manager
and is a certified youth and high school football
official in Northern Virginia.
For more fundraising information,
go to USAFootball.com and click the
“League” button.
25
 OfficiAting trends:
As the Umpire tUrns
NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira discusses an officiating evolution
By Steve Alic
CoaChing Center

A
merican innovator Said Pereira, “We offered “We monitored the injury factor,” said
Thomas Edison umpires the option to move Pereira. “We’ve analyzed how the guys who
secured 1,093 back for two reasons: from moved back performed. We kept our eyes on
patents during his life, the clubs’ perspective, it was this every week. We’re open to change if it
many of which were to get him out of the way; and makes the game better and protects our guys.”
improvements made to we (NFL) want to protect the The league’s 2007 umpire experiment
his existing inventions. umpire because he’s getting will be discussed in March at the NFL’s
Similar innovation is found run over. Annual Meeting, involving Competition
throughout America’s “Jim Daopolous, our Committee members who may then make
health & safety Center

favorite sport. department’s umpire expert, a proposal on the umpire’s position to team
Continually seeking Mike Pereira,
asked, ‘What if we moved them owners. No other officiating positions are
ways to further strengthen NFL V.P. of Officiating back to 10 yards? He would be being considered for a move.
his department, NFL Vice out of the way and could have Steve Alic is USA Football’s director of
President of Officiating Mike Pereira a better view since he’s not trying to avoid communications and has worked the past
offered NFL umpires a choice this past contact.’ Many tried it liked it. Some guys, nine years as a football administrator
season on where they may position who have been at five-to-seven yards for so within grassroots and professional levels.
themselves at the start of a play: long, don’t like being further from the action.”
• They may stand five-to-seven yards in Pereira, a former NFL, collegiate, and For more information
front of the ball amid the linebackers, as high school official himself, believes about football officiating, visit
they have done for the past 40 years; or that being too close to the action could USAFootball.com and click the
• Eight-to-ten yards in front of the ball, limit one’s view. A deeper position could gray “Officiating” button.
adding more depth to their view. potentially improve it.
league enhanCement Center

USA Football’s LeMonnier Refs Orange Bowl

The 50-yard line artwork was orange, but the referee calling
the game was red, white and blue, as in USA Football’s stars and
stripes logo.
USA Football Officiating Consultant Bill LeMonnier, a veteran Big
Ten and Arena Football League referee, called
the action between then-No. 3 Virginia Tech and
No. 8 Kansas in the 74th Orange Bowl on Jan. 3,
televised nationally in primetime on Fox. A game full
of big plays, Kansas (12-1) nipped Virginia Tech (11-3),
offiCiating Center
LeMonnier co-authors USA Football’s officiating curriculum with USA
Football Officiating Director and NFL Umpire Tony Michalek. Both men are
now cutting training video for officiating members which will air soon on
USAFootball.com as well as being shown at their clinic
presentations. LeMonnier and Michalek travel the
country for USA Football to fortify officiating on the
sport’s grassroots level and encourage football-savvy
people to act on their interest of becoming an official.

24-21. lemonnier (left) and tony michalek

“The game was extremely competitive with emotions high on both (story on page 27) will make more
sides from the player introductions to the last play,” says LeMonnier. than 20 usa football officiating
“Overall play was pretty sharp with few penalties (nine). Our calls presentations in 2008. to learn
graded out well, our mechanics and game tempo were good.” when Bill or tony
t will be near you,
Graded as the Big Ten’s No. 1 referee in 2007, LeMonnier worked visit usafootball.com and click on
his 11th bowl game in 14 seasons, including the Fiesta (three), Orange the gray “o“officiating” button.
(two), and Cotton.

26 USA Football Magazine

 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
of us officiate it – opportunities to wear a whistle
are all around you.
More than three million youngsters
play in youth tackle football leagues
and 1.13 million boys and girls play
high school football (more than 400
high schools have girls-specific football
programs). And more than 62,000 play
America’s favorite sport in college.
Ensuring fair play for these millions of players are 55,000
certified officials, meaning more are needed.
You have the passion and knowledge. Maybe you’ve never
considered being a football official, but here are 10 reasons why
you should:
1. You love the game.
If you love football, officiating is an exciting way to be involved
in it. One great aspect of being an official is that you’re on the field
and not in the bleachers.
2. Give back to the game & community.
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
pads, this is an opportunity to continue football’s legacy – a game
that captures our imagination like no other.
3. It’s a great way to stay in shape.
As we get older, it’s increasingly difficult to find the time to
exercise. Officiating gives an opportunity to get out of the house
two or three times a week and participate in an enjoyable and
rewarding physical activity.
4. You can influence young people.
The official is a role model enforcing the concepts of fair play
and good sportsmanship.
5. Fuel the competitor in you.
The successful official is a fierce competitor who enjoys the
opportunity to work with teammates toward a common goal of
calling a good game.
6. Build and strengthen life skills.
It requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve
conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure. It demands good
communications skills. Do you have what it takes?
7. Make life-long friends.
A tremendous bond is developed between officials as they
work together for the sport’s betterment. This can only be fully
explained after you’ve experienced it.
8. Earn extra money.
Unlike other hobbies, by officiating football, you’ll earn
income.
9. You have the best seat in the house.
There are many ways to stay close to the game, including
coaching and volunteering. However, officials are a special breed
and are closer to the action than anyone but the players.
10. It’s a terrific ice-breaker.
There is a great bond among officials based on common
experiences, joys and frustrations. Officiating is an avocation that
others respect and find interesting.

What to look for in an officiating clinic By Tony Michalek

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

27
 Preventing Infectious
Disease
A
n unprecedented level of attention
Coaching center
has been focused on communicable
skin infection. Staph infections
dominated the news and portions of the
nation experienced a heightened level of
awareness directed towards skin infections
and other forms of infectious disease.
Athletic programs, especially those at the
high school and college level, faced increased
scrutiny regarding their efforts to prevent
the spread of communicable infection. It
center
probably won’t be long – if it hasn’t happened
safetycenter
already – for these concerns to be felt by
youth coaches, particularly in football.
The majority of those infections
Health&&safety
were caused by Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), an
antibiotic resistant strain of staph bacteria.
Health
Staph bacteria are commonly found in the
environment and naturally reside on and
within our bodies; only a small percentage
of these staph bacteria are MRSA.
However, MRSA infections are cause for
concern for a number of specific reasons:
league enhancement center
• MRSA spreads through physical
contact with surfaces or people where
the bacteria are present.
• MRSA is resistant to many common
antibiotics used to treat staph
infections, although other antibiotics
are effective against MRSA.
• MRSA infections can have lasting
consequences if left untreated.
MRSA infections are not new to the
medical community. Hospitals, nursing
homes and similar facilities have been
dealing with MRSA for some time. It is
only in recent years that the incidence of
officiating center
MRSA infections occurring outside of
the hospital setting has started to rise.
Unfortunately for coaches and players, the
athletic arena is a perfect place for MRSA
to thrive. Many professional, collegiate
and high school athletic programs have
taken significant steps to protect their
athletes from contracting this infection.
So what can youth coaches do to help
28 USA Football Magazine
What coaches should know about staph infections
By John Reynolds
prevent MRSA from infecting their teams?
The off-season is the perfect time to develop
your MRSA prevention strategy. As you look
ahead to next season, consider the following:
1. Review the necessity of good
personal hygiene. Offer frequent
reminders to players and parents regarding
the importance of good personal hygiene.
Given the close physical contact between
players in football, it is relatively easy for all
sorts of nasty “bugs” to move from person
to person. Players should shower with soap
immediately following activity. It may also
be a good idea to have sanitizing wipes or
lotions available to clean hands before the
halftime or post-game snack.
2. Require clean clothes for
every practice and game. MRSA
can be spread from person to person via
clothing as well as skin to skin contact.
Washing practice clothes and jerseys before
they are worn again is another good way to
prevent MRSA. In addition, players should
not share or trade practice or game jerseys.
3. Ensure all wounds are
covered before activity. Cuts and
scrapes should be cleaned and covered
before participation. Keeping a well-
stocked first aid kit is essential for a variety
of reasons, including preventing infection.
Encourage parents to have suspicious
wounds evaluated by a physician.
4. Encourage players to avoid
sharing any personal items,
For more information on MRSA and preventing communicable skin infection,
consult the following resources:
From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_MRSA_AthletesFAQ.html#9
From the National Athletic Trainers’ Association
http://www.nata.org/statements/official/Communicable_Diseases.pdf
http://www.nata.org/statements/official/MRSA_Statement.pdf
including water bottles. While
this may not be of concern for younger
players, older participants should not share
soap, deodorant or similar items. Everyone
should also have his or her own water
bottle as mouth to mouth contact with a
water bottle or similar item is an easy way
for disease to spread.
5. Encourage the routine
cleaning or all sports
equipment. Helmets, shoulder pads
and any other worn equipment should
be cleaned regularly according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. There are a
variety of commercial products available
for cleaning these surfaces; just check to
make sure the product kills MRSA.
As you may have guessed, prevention
is essential to avoiding MRSA. The
recommendations presented here should
be discussed with your players and their
parents regularly during the season. While
it may not seem like much, these periodic
reminders can go along way to keeping
your team MRSA free.
Reynolds is a USA Football consultant
and president of the Virginia Athletic
Trainers’ Association. He also serves as the
head athletic trainer at George C. Marshall
High School in Falls Church, Va.
For more information about
health-related topics, visit
USAFootball.com and click
“Health and Safety.”
What Football Has Taught
My Sons: Beth Evans
B
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. 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
were asked the following questions.
Yes
78%
“Are you more likely to
enroll your youngster in
14% 13% a league that requires
coaching training, like Not Sure
9%
7%
what USA Football offers?” 12% No
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
A merica’s favorite sport is powered by you – dedicated youth league commissioners, coaches, game
officials, and volunteers. For each of you, there is a face and name to place in your football Rolodex:
your USA Football Regional Manager.
USA Football Regional Managers are current and former coaches, players, and administrators working for you. Each has the experience
needed to help you make your league or team even stronger with USA Football’s resources.
Contact your USA Football Regional Manager to learn how you can kickoff your free 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

central Region
Bassel Faltas eD passiNo
scott leVeque (703) 992-8246
(831) 600-7848
(317) 663-4294
bfaltas@usafootball.com epassino@usafootball.com
sleveque@usafootball.com

West Region
Bucky BRooks
(818) 921-7616
bbrooks@usafootball.com south Region
southeast Region
DeNo campBell
Rick peacock
(703) 992-8653
(703) 992-8107
dcampbell@usafootball.com
rpeacock@usafootball.com

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

“F
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.
I 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.

HH
32 USA Football Magazine
H
 Continuing the
Game’s Legacy
Former players give their time and themselves to coach
America’s Game By Tim Polzer
F
ootball draws coaches from all walks of
life. Most have made the commitment
to give back to the game they once
played in their youth. With that in mind, many
former NFL players are proud to call themselves
football coaches.
Two former NFL players who coached high
school teams in 2007 helped spotlight the
experiences and lessons other coaches can
offer their teams.
Former standout running back Tyrone
Wheatley has returned to his high school alma
mater’s program. Wheatley faced a formidable
challenge in taking over a Dearborn Heights
(Mich.) Robichaud team that finished 0-9 in
2006. Wheatley brought his reputation as an
NFL player and a former Michigan Wolverines
All-America star to his first day on the job
as well as the memories of a better time for
Robichaud. Back in 1990, Wheatley played on a
Robichaud team that earned a berth in the state
championship game.
Sixteen years later, many fans that
remembered Wheatley’s accomplishments as a
player wondered why he was willing to accept
such a challenging task.
“I always wanted to coach and I always
wanted to get my feet wet,” Wheatley told
NFLPLAYERS.com. “There are a lot of great
athletes coming out of the area. They just need
the discipline and people willing to work with
them and give them a reason to trust.”
Wheatley quickly earned the Robichaud
team’s trust on the field, leading the Bulldogs to
4 USA Football Magazine
the playoffs – for the first time in 13 years – in
his first season.
Robichaud athletic director Larry Brooks
believes a combination of Wheatley’s NFL
background and his ability to relate his
experiences as a former local teen won over the
Bulldogs players.
“He told the players, ‘I grew up around
here. There’s nothing you can say that I haven’t
already heard. There’s nothing you can do that I
haven’t already done,’” Brooks said. “He quickly
got their attention on the field and off.”
Like Wheatley, Pro Football Hall of Fame
ABOVE: Former Denver
quarterback John Elway couldn’t stay away
Broncos receiver Ricky
from the game. This fall, Elway volunteered
Nattiel recorded more
to tutor his son, Jack, as well as other
than 100 receptions
quarterbacks at Cherry Creek High School
in his six-year NFL
near Denver.
career (1987-92),
Elway told Cherry Creek head coach Greg
helping Denver reach
Critchett he had the time and knowledge to
Super Bowls XXII and
offer the players – but that he wanted to remain
XXIV. Today, as the
in the background.
head football coach
“I’m just trying to get all of these players
at Trinity Catholic
in the best position to be successful. I just
High School in Ocala,
felt it would be a shame if I didn’t do it,”
Fla., his players are
Elway told the Denver Post. “That’s our job
“catching” on to what
as coaches.”
he’s teaching.
Having a Pro Football Hall of Fame
quarterback as your mentor has helped elevate
Jack Elway’s game. He will play college football
at Arizona State University under head coach
Dennis Erickson.
More former NFL players have become
football coaches across the United States: Erica Brough/Ocala StarBanner
Greg Bell
Volunteers for youth football
camps and NFL youth football
programs in Los Angeles area.
J.B. Brown
Assistant coach for DeMatha
High School in Hyattsville, Md.
Marlin Briscoe
Coach at Wilson High School
in Long Beach, Calif.
Charlie Brown
Head coach at Savannah (Ga.)
High School.
Randall Cunningham
Assistant coach for his 11-year-
old son’s team in Las Vegas.
Kevin Dyson
Volunteer assistant coach at
Franklin (Tenn.) High School
near Nashville.
Phil Hansen
Runs a free youth football camp
stressing positive experiences
in Detroit Lake, Minn.
James Harrell
Head coach at Plant City (Fla.)
High School.
Mike Haynes
Hall of Fame cornerback and
NFL executive coaches youth
team in suburban New York City.
Bruce Kozerski
Head coach at Holy Cross High
School in Covington, Ky.
Bruce Matthews
Hall of Fame offensive
lineman coaches one son’s
youth league team and
another son’s high school
team in Houston.
Clay Matthews
Bruce’s older brother is a coach
at Oaks Christian High School
in Westlake Village, Calif.
Terry Metcalf
Head coach at Renton (Wash.)
High School.
Ricky Nattiel
Head coach at Trinity Catholic
High School in Ocala, Fla.
Tony Paige
Assistant coach at DeMatha
High School in Hyattsville, Md.
Keith Rucker
Head coach at Mount Healthy
(Ohio) High School.
Brian Sipe
Head coach of Santa Fe
Christian High School near
San Diego.
George Teague
Athletic Director and head
coach at Harvest Christian
Academy, Watauga, Texas.
Tom Tupa
Recreation director and youth
football volunteer in Brecksville,
Ohio, near Cleveland.
5
 Usa Football
LEads
Coast to Coast
Youth commissioners attend State Leadership Forums
B y E d Pa s s i n o

N
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
While 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.

2008 USA Football DATE

Feb. 8
STATE/REGION
Hawaii
HOST
McKinley H.S. (Honolulu)

State Leadership Forum Schedule

Feb. 9 Maryland Baltimore Ravens
Feb. 16 Idaho Boise State University
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
Helping Youth Leagues,
“By receiving your grant, the Columbia
Ravens and its mission to enrich the
lives of over 450 young people through
participation in football are validated,”

High Schools Score

said C.J. Kupec, executive director of the
Columbia (Md.) Ravens, to USA Football
in a letter of appreciation. “The tireless
efforts and sacrifices of our volunteer
coaches, parents and board of directors
USA Football earmarks equipment grants are acknowledged. This will help our
By Jenny Hofler organization strengthen and grow.”

K
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
programs 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