Contents

issue 3
summer 2007

Features
4 Chief 6 One Voice, 12 Dodgeball, 24 U-S-A! U-S-A!
Seminole One Message Texas Style U-S-A!
Bobby Bowden usa Football’s todd Dodge, one team usa to play for
turned a childhood experiences with of the nation’s World championship
dream into one of youth football most talked of american Football
the most successful coaches and about coaches, By Danny Hotochin &
coaching careers in volunteers across understands the Cynthia Hobgood
football history the country importance youth
helped to develop football plays in a
three valuable young person’s life
membership By Tim Polzer
packages
By Brian Feener

coaching center oFFiciating center DePartments

8 coaching education 16 officiating education 2 Kickoff

By Danny Hotochin By Danny Hotochin
3 audibles
10 coaching schools 18 goal Line mechanics
By Danny Hotochin By Bill Lemonnier 22 Future star

19 officials Profile 26 usa Football

By A.D. McPhilomy calendar &
League enhancement center resources

14 League administrator Profile 28 usa Football

By Ed Passino
heaLth & saFety center Pigskin
Portraits
20 safety F.a.Q.
By Dr. David Joyner 30 gear up

21 Background screening 32 coaches in the

By Cynthia Hobgood crowd

Front Cover
AP Photo/Steve CAnnon

1
 Dear Readers,
As we head into an exciting summer at USA Football, I would like to thank all of you for
your efforts in the sport of football. I have great respect for the vital role you play at all levels of
the sport, especially youth and high school. USAFootball.com
We are proud to announce that we recently
launched several innovative education products as Chairman
Jack Kemp
part of our new membership program. These tools
were developed specifically for coaches, league Executive Director
Scott Hallenbeck
administrators, officials and parents volunteering their
time to youth football.
On usafootball.com, you will now find coaching
Usa football
and officiating education courses and products
including a new drills library, interactive playbook,
editorial staff
and officiating rules interpretations with video and
Managing Editor
animations among other exciting new features.
Cynthia Hobgood
In addition, we have created tools for use by those
managing leagues and clubs including a state-of-the Contributors:
NATHAN BOUDREAUX, BONNIE
art Web Network that is highlighted by free access to DOWNING, Brian Feener, Valerie
build league, club and team web sites. You will be able Golden, Danny Hotochin, ED
to manage your rosters, schedules, upload photos, and PASSINO, DAMON PHILLIPS
communicate with parents and other coaches. I urge you to take advantage of this unique To contact USA Football: 
opportunity. (703) 918-0007
Please take some time to read through this magazine to learn more about the membership
program, as well as gain some insight into why these products are important to keep this great
sport fun, safe and accessible.
Also this summer, USA Football is thrilled to be sending the first U.S. National Team to traction media staff
the World Championship of American Football in Kawasaki, Japan. You can learn more about
Team USA, made up of players from colleges across the country, in this magazine. Publisher
Rudy J. Klancnik
Finally, we have begun our third annual Play Football campaign in partnership with the
Editorial Director
NFL and NFL Players Association to celebrate the sport and support those involved. Through
Tim Polzer
the summer we will be offering resources including registration kits, equipment grants, safety
Designer
awareness including an extensive background checks program, and celebration kits for you to
william Bridgeforth
use as you begin your fall season. You can learn more about Play Football in this issue of the
magazine, as well as future issues and as always, on usafootball.com. Traction Media
Enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing you back on the field this fall! Editorial Offices
7115 Tartan Trl.
Garland, TX 75044
Tractionmedia@aol.com
Sincerely,
Editorial Department Phone
(972) 896-8006
Custom Publishing
(972) 898-8585

USA Football Magazine is published by Traction

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

2 USA Football Magazine


I am a youth football coach,
the offensive coordinator
for ages 9 thru 11. Can you
recommend a way in which
I can call audibles into my
offense without the other
sideline picking them up?
– Coach Rob
Like most everything in
football, if you practice it and
give it enough repetitions you
can come up with an audible
system that will work for you
and your team.
The easiest way to implement
an audible system from the
sideline is to come up with four
to five audible plays that you
incorporate into your practice
schedule for the week and make
them part of your game plan.
You can assign a number to each
audible play 1-5 and then have a
live color to trigger the call.
For example, if the bomb
pass to the uncovered wideout
is audible number 3 and the
live color for the half is Red,
you can call out from the
sideline “RED 783” and your
players will know that
when they hear RED an
audible is being called
and they are listening
for the last number to
know which play
is being called.
The key to keep
your opponent
on its toes is to
call out colors
and numbers
on other
plays that
don’t mean
anything, like
“BLUE 561.”
You can change
E-mail address:
tractionmedia@aol.com
photo: cynthia hobgood
audibles
the color at halftime or with
each series.
The key to this working is
to incorporate this into your
practice and make sure the
players understand what the
live color is at all times.
– Larry Canard,
USA Football Youth
Coaching Task Force
As a dad and assistant
coach in a large youth program,
who is also a physician, I
am asked what pre-practice
warm-up and stretching should
be done. Would you advise
me where I can find the best
information to be printed and
distributed among the teams?
– Ralph Tremaglio
This is a great question
and one that I am asked by
coaches on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, I do not have
a specific resource I can
recommend, so I’ll give you
the same advice I give our
coaches. Generally speaking,
the warm-up should
include an activity
designed to
elevate the heart
rate followed
by a period of
stretching.
Many
coaches will ask
Mailing USA Football, attn: USA Football Magazine,
address: 8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 625, Vienna, VA 22182
their players to run a lap or two
around the field to elevate their
heart rate. While this can work
well, you may want to consider
having the members of your
team play a game like tag. Not
only will this elevate their heart
rate and warm their muscles,
but it’s also fun. You can keep
everyone together by using
cones to designate boundaries.
Start with a relatively large
area, gradually moving the
cones closer together to create
a more confined space. As
the size of the area decreases,
your players will need to rely
on their quickness and agility
to avoid being caught. Plan
to spend 5-10 minutes of each
practice on this type of activity.
You can consider several
types of stretching, some
more complex than others.
Generally speaking, your
stretching routine should
be designed to target the
major muscle groups of
the body such as: calves,
hamstrings, quadriceps, hip
flexors, low back, chest, and
shoulders. Static stretching
is usually the safest. Its basic
principle is simple: place
the muscle in a stretched
position and hold for 10 to
30 seconds. Make sure the
players understand to stretch
only until they feel slight
resistance; if they feel pain,
they’ve stretched too far. Just
remember to
encourage
your
team to
hold the
stretch
rather than
“bounce.” The bouncing
motion is called ballistic
stretching and it is not
recommended.
– John Reynolds,
USA Football Health &
Safety Consultant
Do I need a license to become
a football coach from youth to the
college level? What experience
do I need to become a head
coach in youth football?
– Christopher Mendez
Thank you for your
question and your interest
in becoming a youth football
coach. The youth game
is always in need of more
quality coaches who can
provide a positive experience
for youth players. To become
a youth football coach there
is no standardized license or
certification but more and
more leagues are requiring that
their coaches are educated and
attend a clinic or online course.
USA Football is working to
provide educational products
designed for youth-league
coaches. Our new membership
program includes our online
course level 1 and 2 along
with a number of additional
tools including our Practice
Planner, Drills Library and
Coaching Software program.
Most college programs
require you to have served as
a graduate assistant for two
years prior to becoming a full-
time coach.
Thank you for considering
becoming a youth coach.
– Ed Passino,
USA Football Regional
Manager, East Region
3

Chief Seminole
Bobby Bowden turned a childhood dream into one of the most successful
coaching careers in football history
Bobby Bowden’s first
experience with football was
as a young, curious boy in
Birmingham, Ala. peaking
through his back fence, watching
his neighborhood high school
team practice. He eventually
grew old enough to practice on
those same fields as a teenager,
and turned his childhood dreams
into one of the most successful
coaching careers in the history of
college football.
Bowden became an
outstanding quarterback at
Woodlawn High School and went
on to Alabama, fulfilling a lifelong
dream to play for the Crimson
Tide. He lasted one semester in
Tuscaloosa before high school
sweetheart Ann Estock lured
him back to Birmingham where
Bowden transferred to Howard
College. Though Bowden’s playing
days were limited, he could not
leave the game and decided to
become a coach. In 1976, he
accepted the job as head coach at
Florida State University…and he’s
never left.
While at FSU, Bowden
became the all-time winningest
coach in major college history in
2003 and will enter next season
with 366 wins. He has coached
two national championship
teams (1993 and 1999) and is the
only coach to lead his team to 14
straight seasons that ended with
a top-5 Associated Press ranking.
He was elected to the College
4 USA Football Magazine
Bobby Bowden
Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Bowden’s success is even more
impressive considering he took
Bobby Bowden
Career: 366-113-4 (.762) 41 Years
FSU: 293-81-4 (.780) • 31 Years
Florida State W L T Pct
1976 5 6 0 .455
1977 (Tangerine) 10 2 0 .833
1978 8 3 0 .727
1979 (Orange) 11 1 0 .917
1980 (Orange) 10 2 0 .833
1981 6 5 0 .545
1982 (Gator) 9 3 0 .750
1983 (Peach) 8 4 0 .667
1984 (Citrus) 7 3 2 .667
1985 (Gator) 9 3 0 .727
1986 (All-Amer.) 7 4 1 .625
1987 (Fiesta) 11 1 0 .917
1988 (Sugar) 11 1 0 .917
1989 (Fiesta) 10 2 0 .833
1990 (Blockbuster) 10 2 0 .833
1991 (Cotton) 11 2 0 .846
1992 (Orange) 11 1 0 .917
1993 (Orange) 12 1 0 .923
1994 (Sugar) 10 1 1 .864
1995 (Orange) 10 2 0 .833
1996 (Sugar) 11 1 0 .923
1997 (Sugar) 11 1 0 .923
1998 (Fiesta) 11 2 0 .846
1999 (Sugar) 12 0 0 1.000
2000 (Orange) 11 2 0 .846
2001 (Gator) 8 4 0 .667
2002 (Sugar) 9 5 0 .643
2003 (Orange) 10 3 0 .769
2004 (Gator) 8 3 0 .727
2005 (Orange) 8 5 0 .615
2006 (Emerald) 7 6 0 .538
Total (31st year) 293 81 4 .780
over an FSU program in 1976 that
had won just four games during
the previous three seasons.
The 76-year-old plans to
keep coaching “as long as I feel
good and FSU still wants me”
and the Seminoles still do. As
Coach Bowden prepared for his
32nd season at Florida State,
USA Football Magazine took the
opportunity to ask him about
the issues and experiences he’s
faced along the way.
Why do you coach?
I want to help the players I
coach with their lives, physically,
academically and spiritually.
Players need a male figure in
their life, and I am happy to be
that role model.
What made you want to be a
football coach?
Environment played a big
role. The first five years of my
life, I lived adjacent to high
school football field. The next 13
years I lived a half-block from
college football field. Plus, I
loved playing football.
What do you enjoy most
about coaching?
I enjoy molding a winning
team and watching players
develop.
What was your first
coaching job?
Assistant football coach and
head coach
Florida State
head track coach at Howard
College, 1953-54.
Do you recall a game or
instance in your career that
made believe you could be a
good football coach?
No. I always thought I would
be a good coach.
What is the greatest
challenge any football coach
faces?
Not hurting your players
physically or emotionally. You
must see that they succeed in life.
What values and
experiences does football
offer to young men?
One of the greatest virtues
of life is personal sacrifice for
others. To be a winner, you must
be willing to sacrifice for the
good of the team.
After players leave your
program, how do you want
them to remember you?
I want them to remember me
as a coach that was fair to them
and loved them.
Do you remember a coach
who impacted your youth?
Kenny Morgan, my coach at
Woodlawn High School, greatly
impacted my life. We still meet
each June for a banquet in his
honor. He’s been coaching for
60 years.
photo: Tom Dipace
5
One Voice, One Mes s
F
rom California to Massachusetts, USA
Football has visited and talked to youth
football volunteers to find out exactly what
their organizations need to enhance the experience for
young players.
“All coaches and commissioners are volunteers
and they need to be educated constantly,” said
Mark Meana, Chairman, Fairfax County (Va.)
Youth Football League. “USA Football provides
those resources and it’s easily accessible on their
web site.”
Something For Everyone
The Web Network is a series of free league, club,
and team web sites. They are interactive web sites
where you can post your schedule, store your rosters,
keep contact information, and communicate to your
players and their parents. The sites are customizable
and league administrators can allow their coaches to
edit their own teams’ sites.
Coaches can learn more about communication and
X’s and O’s with the Coaching Course. Starting from
the basics and moving into advanced youth football
strategy, the Coaching Course will help a good coach
become a great coach.
The Rules Interpretation & Video Library lets
officials decide for themselves how they see a play.
After each video is complete, there is audio and
video commentary on proper mechanics. With
hundreds of plays to learn from, there is something
for every situation.

League administrator
• 2007 Introductory Price: Free!

• Web Network – An unlimited number of custom web sites for

your entire organization. The web sites enable you to manage your
roster, practice & game schedules, post photos, and more.

• Background Check Discount – USA Football has partnered

with the National Center for Safety Initiatives to offer a discount.

• Registration Month kits – Free signs, posters, CD with

sample registration forms, and more.

• USA Football Magazine - Subscription to youth football’s

premiere magazine.

6 USA Football Magazine


s sage USA Football’s experiences with youth football coaches and
volunteers across the country helped to develop three valuable
membership packages By Brian Feener
coaching
• 2007 Introductory Price: $14.99
• Coaching Course Level 1 & 2 – Learn
how to establish good communication
and teach some of the basic fundamentals.
Complete with 3-D animation, audio
instruction, and end-of-chapter quizzes.
• Practice Planner – Use USA Football
templates or create your own practices from scratch.
officiating
• 2007 Introductory Price: $19.99
• Online Officiating Course –
Increase your knowledge with an
innovative
course
created
by NFL
umpire
Tony
Michalek
and Big
Ten referee Bill LeMonnier. Covers 2- to
5-man crews.
• Rules Interpretation & Video
Library – Video examples of high
school and college plays with audio
discussing proper calls and mechanics.
MEMBERSHIP
• Interactive Playbook – Create your own
plays or use pre-loaded plays from USA Football.
Afterwards, e-mail the plays to your coaches.
• Drills Library – Hundreds of drills to keep
your practices interesting and fun for your kids.
• USA Football Magazine - Subscription to
youth football’s premiere magazine.
• Ask the Expert – Ask USA Football
anything you need to know about coaching.
• Pro Football Hall of Fame pass – One
free admission to the Pro Football Hall of
Fame in Canton, Ohio.
• Membership Card
• Weekly Officiating
Quizzes – Designed to
keep your skills sharp.
• Ask the Expert
– Ask USA Football
anything you need to
know about officiating.
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Pass
– One free admission to the Pro Football
Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
• $10 Honig's Whistle Stop*
• $10 Gift Card • USA Football bullet pencil
• 10% Discount
*Honig’s discounts must be used separately. • USA Football lapel pin
• 10 USA Football game cards • USA Football Membership Card
7
 [ ]

School’s Never Out

For Coaches
CENTER
COACHING CENTER
COACHING

Youth football coaches and their teams can benefit from continuing education
BY DANNY HOTOCHIN

Like any other profession, coaching breeds a continual need for education. MEGA Clinics in 1996, aimed mainly at
HEALTH & SAFETY CENTER

First-rate coaches, especially those who operate in the youth ranks, are continually high school coaches.
learning how to improve the quality of play and experience for their players. In order to In order to ensure youth-league parents
develop their players, coaches are constantly acquiring knowledge that will improve their that credible coaches will be coaching their
ability to mentor, teach and, of course, coach. children, leagues are making participation
“The first step in becoming a successful football coach starts with developing a solid, in coaching education mandatory.
fundamental coaching philosophy that is centered on creating a positive environment “We are seeing a trend where more youth
to develop your players,” said Nick Inzerello, director of football development for USA football leagues are looking to integrate a
Football. “Football coaches are always looking to improve and our goal is to provide the mandatory youth football coaching education
best tools and resources to help them on the field. program,” Inzerello said. “Both independent
Like shepherds, coaches have the power to gather players in by the herd if they are leagues and Pop Warner are looking to
successful and smart with their approach. However, some coaches can, and have had, standardize and improve the level of coaching
deterred many players from wanting to play the game ever again because of their lack of within their programs as they are requiring
coaching skills and education. attendance at a USA Football coaching school
LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT CENTER

“Educated or taking the online course.”

coaches should be
confident in the Technology’s Role
X’s and O’s and In the Age of Technology we live
the fundamentals, in, computers and online media have
as well as the become integral to the way we learn
motivation and — no matter what the subject is.
leadership. It’s Inzerello, others at USA Football
critical,” said and clinicians around the country are
Chris Coughlin, combining different media platforms
longtime youth to take advantage of what online
coach in Colorado. media has to offer in order to further
“If you talk to any the coaching education process. By
athlete they’ll tell doing so, it enables coaches to learn
OFFICIATING CENTER

you the positive more efficiently and conveniently.

or dramatic effects “Our Coaching Schools are
that they had on designed for youth coaches,
their lives. You can find other ones who’ve turned tons of kids away from the game because providing them the opportunity to learn
they were never able to capture the values of the game.” in the both the classroom and on the
Even when coaches aren’t attending clinics or gluing their eyes to game film or online field,” said Inzerello, who has been with
articles, they learn a great deal by just doing their job as a coach. USA Football since 2003. “We realize not
“It happens on the field, as you’re being out-coached, as you’re struggling with parents everybody is going to be able to attend a
and it happens in the offseason depending on your motivation,” said Coughlin, who started clinic and that’s why we created our online

8 USA Football Magazine

courses that deliver a high-quality education
that can be accessible at anytime.”
Beginning this month, USA Football will
launch extensive online courses designed to
promote the continuing education of coaches.

Clinics Offer Valuable

Learning Opportunities
While the Internet is becoming a useful
and easily-accessible tool for many, a
multitude of coaches still attend coaching
clinics, which provide in-depth lectures
that delve into a variety of topics in the
classroom and on the field.
“I think it starts with fundamentals,”
said Inzerello, who helps run and organize
youth coaching clinics for USA Football. “We
want to make sure that all of our education
programs start with fundamentals, being able
to teach the proper fundamentals for each
position, teaching the proper drills in terms
of how you execute a drill.”
But it doesn’t end there. Organization is
a challenge for many youth coaches, who are
also juggling full-time jobs, family and other
responsibilities. “Coaches who are organized
are going to be successful on the field, so we
spend a lot of time with how you set up your
practice plan so that you run an efficient
practice,” Inzerello said.
Another area coaches look for help in their
development is effective communication with
players, fellow coaches and parents.
“Today, parents are playing a bigger
role than they ever have in youth sports so
it’s important that coaches have a positive
relationship with parents,” said Inzerello.
“It’s important that coaches interact with
the parents as much as they can. Parents can Despite having success with the teams losing season and still be great with the kids.
really make or break a season.” that he’s coached, Inzerello believes the real “That’s a lot better than technically-smart
Finally, youth coaches of all experience rewards of coaching come in other forms coaches who are terrible with the kids,” said
levels are constantly looking for offense, besides wins and championship victories. Coughlin, who has experience as a basketball
defense and special teams schemes on offense. “The most important thing for me is that all and soccer youth coach.
“We want to provide a base set of schemes of the kids that I’ve coached have come back the “I think if coaches focus their philosophies
to understand what is a good offensive or next season to play, so that means they enjoyed on that their kids have a great time playing the
defensive scheme,” Inzerello said. their experience,” said Inzerello, who has five game and they’re able to teach the fundamentals
years of experience coaching youth football. and the skills needed to play the game, then
Real Rewards of Coaching Coughlin said he has been an assistant they’ll be farther ahead than coaches who just
In addition to his position at USA Football, coach for head coaches who are tyrants focus on wins and losses,” Inzerello said.
Inzerello moonlights as a youth football coach and has seen the negative effect that has on With all that is available out there for coaches
of the Vienna Cardinals, coaching seven- and young players. But he also points out that he to improve their game, who is to say that they
eight-year olds in Vienna, Va. has worked with coaches who may have a can’t have as much fun as the players?

9
 [ ]

By Danny Hotochin
Coaching Schools
center
Coaching center

“How would you go double with the Wing?” asked one curious youth football coach. “Youth football is very important. You
Questions like that were asked and answered with intuitive advice during the USA Football have a lot more influence on your players
Coaching

Coaching School at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va. This spring, youth football than what you think you may have,” said
coaches from surrounding areas in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. gathered to soak Brown. “While on the field, give them
in effective tactics on how to teach proper stances, how to develop a practice, how to execute some lessons in life. Never miss a moment
position drills and other imperative knowledge from the experienced coaches at the clinic.  to develop these kids into more than
football players.”
Wrapping up the morning session,
a communication seminar was held to
Health & safety center

enlighten the attendees on some of the

problems that might arise between coaches
and their players and parents, and how to
constructively resolve them.
Veteran Vienna Youth Football Coach
Larry Canard, who also taught techniques
such as gap penetration, shedding blocks,
and keeping leverage during the defensive
linemen drills, preached the importance
of not only maintaining a positive coach-
player and coach-parent relationships, but
also how to preserve positive relationships
with fellow coaches as well.
league enhancement center

“Communicate in a positive manner.

Believe me, it works,” Canard said. “Be
upbeat. Never embarrass any player. Teach a
player what to do instead of what not to do.”
Besides receiving a complementary gift bag at the end of the full-day clinic, the 150 Canard also explained to coaches that
coaches and commissioners who attended also departed with a better education in they need to have an understanding of
football, as the attendees were shown how to teach proper on-field techniques, effectively what their players know. In many cases,
communicate with players, parents and fellow coaches, and devise proficient offensive and coaches should assume young players
defensive schemes in both classroom and on-the-field sessions. know nothing.
“It’s always helpful to get together and see some techniques,” said Randy Barwley, who “I thought this session was good.  I
coaches 75-pounders in Vienna, Va. “There’s some things that I learned during the one- want to email him to get information for
hour sessions that if I knew a year ago I could have tweaked my team.” our organizations because there are a lot of
things that he touched on that we should
Morning Kickoff be doing,” Walter Florence, an 85-pound-
officiating center

Attendees first took part in a large group session aimed at building effective practice weight-class coach and athletic director for
plans. Mark Gowin, who serves as Episcopal’s athletic director and head coach of their the Southern Maryland Youth Association,
football program gave an informative and animated presentation on implementing said of the communication session.
meaningful blocking and tackling drills.
Keynote speaker, J.B. Brown, former Miami Dolphins defensive back, praised attendees Back to School
for their service to youth. Brown, who is about to become a high school football coach for In order to establish strong foundations
the first time, is a graduate of DeMatha high school and the University of Maryland. After a for youth football players that they can build
8-year NFL career, he will join the coaching ranks, hoping to make a positive impact on his on and eventually carry to their next level of
young players, as his coaches did for him. competition, the clinic’s classroom sessions

10 USA Football Magazine photo: cynthia hobgood

allowed the attendees to establish a better
comprehension and learn multiple ways to
implement a three-step passing game, Wing-T
offense, and defensive alignments such as the
4-4 and 5-3 in their own scheme. In a smaller
group setting, attendees were able to interact
with speakers, often asking questions and
sharing their experiences during the sessions.
“It was great because we were able to pick
up some schemes that we could use during
the regular season; the information that we
were able to get was good,” said Mark Brown,
who serves as an assistant coach on a 65-
pound team that’s run by the South Bowie
Boys and Girls Club in Maryland.
By covering all of these schemes during the
classroom sessions, the participating coaches
were able to accumulate unique knowledge
that would allow them to effectively teach their
players how to play and comprehend any of the
four aforementioned systems.
Hitting the Fields
Tutelage took place on the field as well,
as attendees gathered outside to collectively
watch the same high school-level coaches
who taught during the classroom sessions
demonstrate how to instruct players during
practice, and how to run live-action drills for
quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers,
offensive linemen, defensive linemen,
defensive backs, and linebackers.
“I think it’s a great idea that USA Football
has put this clinic on for youth level coaches,”
said Kenny Lucas, who is currently transitioning
himself from Gonzaga High School to coach at
Annapolis Area Christian School.
“I think the more we learn, the better
off we’re going to be, and ultimately, the
better the kids are going to be. It’s a good
opportunity to share football stories and
learn a little bit more about the game and
just share anything because we’re all just still
learning – whether you’re a high school level
coach or a youth coach – we’re all learning,”
said Lucas, who participated as an orator
for the clinic’s 5-3 classroom session and the
offensive linemen and defensive back drills.
The attendees soaked in the on-field
information, notebooks and clipboards in hand,
completed clinics:
USA Football Coaching School
presented by the new orleans saints
Date: July 14, 2007
Location: Metairie, LA
USA Football Coaching School
(boise area)
Date: July 21, 2007
Location: Eagle, ID
USA Football Coaching School
presented by the new york Giants
Date: July 28, 2007
Location: East Rutherford, NJ
USA Football Coaching Schools have been completed in the following areas:
Alexandria, Va.; Buffalo, N.Y. (Bills); Indianapolis (Colts); Minnesota (Vikings);
Omaha, Neb. (University of Nebraska-Omaha); Foxboro, Mass. (New England Patriots);
St. Louis, Mo. (Rams); Pittsburgh (Steelers); San Francisco (49ers); Nashville, Tenn.
(Tennesee Titans); Charlotte, N.C. (Carolina Panthers); Chicago (Bears), San Diego,
Calif. (Chargers); Denver, Colo. (Broncos); and Seattle, Wash. (Seahawks).
often participating in drill demonstrations by from it as much as the attendees.
throwing and catching passes. “It’s a great opportunity to get the high
“You hope, as a presenter, that a couple school coaches to speak to the youth coaches
people get something out of it. When I go myself and gives us a chance to teach what we do at the
as an observer, I like to get one thing from each next level and have them understand that, and
coach that I can go back and actually use and can relay that to the boys club level and the Pop
make my team better,” said Gowin. Gowin, Warner level. It’s something that needs to be
who has 32 years of coaching experience at done throughout the country. I wish we could do
both Episcopal and Gonzaga, also served as more of it,” said Bishop McNamara High School
a presenter for the three-step drop classroom coach Bryce Bevill, who assisted with the clinic
session and the on-field quarterback drills. as a presenter for the 4-4 classroom session and
“[Clinics] are a wonderful way to get back the running back and defensive drills.
to the young coaches and allow their athletes “These guys are giving their time; they
to know some of the latest techniques and don’t get paid like I do for doing this. They’re
ideas,” Gowin said. oftentimes volunteers and you have to
love them for the time they put in,” said
Presenters Benefit, Too Gowin of the coaches who attended the
Although the clinic was catered to benefit clinic. “Anything we can do to help them and
the coaches who attended the program, the to make their jobs a little easier, I couldn’t
clinic’s presenters enjoyed and benefited spend enough time doing it; I love it.”
11
 Todd Dodge, one of the
nation’s most talked about
coaches, understands the
importance youth football
plays in a young person’s life
BY TIM POLZER

12 USA Football Magazine

TEXAS STYLE
In Southlake, Texas, every youth football player wants
to be a Dragon some day. That’s the mascot for Southlake
Carroll High School’s football team, one of the most
successful programs in the nation. Every kid in Southlake
also knows Coach Dodge. That’s Todd Dodge, who, for five
years, spent many hours working with football players of all
ages with the Dragons.
After a record of 79-1 as coach of the Dragons, Coach
Dodge was picked to be the head coach for the University of
North Texas. He is one of the nation’s most respected coaches,
but he still remembers what it’s like to play youth football.
WHO: Coach Todd Dodge
2006 TEAM: Southlake Carroll Dragons High School
Football Team
WHERE: Southlake, Texas (near Dallas-Fort Worth)
2006 USA TODAY NATIONAL RANKING: #1
2006 RECORD: 16-0
WINNING STREAK: 48 games in a row
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Four Texas State
Championships; Under Armour Undeniable High
School football program; #1 national ranking in
USA Today (2004, 2006); #1 national ranking in
PrepNation.com (2005)
ABOUT PLAYING YOUTH FOOTBALL: It was third grade
in Houston. I remember the first day of school. There was
a flier about youth football and I played for the Edgewood
Panthers. I can’t remember the name of my third grade
AP PHOTO/TONY GUTIERREZ
teacher, but I can remember my first football coach – Clyde
Knight – and I’ll never forget him.
ON COACHING HIS SON, RILEY, WHO QUARTERBACKED
THE DRAGONS TO THE STATE TITLE AS A JUNIOR LAST
YEAR: Riley started playing youth football, probably about
third grade, and landed in the Dragon youth football
program in fifth and sixth grade. It was fun to sit back
during his youth days and just be a dad, and then a thrill to
be able to coach him in high school.
ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS:
My advice to parents is to research the youth football
program. Make sure they are teaching tackling the right
way. I think everything else falls into place. As a parent, I
would want to know if the program is in it for the kids or in
it for the ego of the parents.
ADVICE FOR YOUTH COACHES: One thing our coaches
at Carroll tried to do was encourage the youth coaches to
keep it fun for the kids. Our youth program at Southlake did
a great job of preparing our kids for when they would start
playing high school ball and join our program.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH DODGE:
“The thing about Southlake is that they are not known for
producing a great number of Division I college athletes.
There’s something special about Coach Dodge and the
program. We really like what they’re about.”
– Shannon Ferbrache, Under Armour Director of Sports
Marketing.
13
 [ ]

Jerron Moore
By Ed Passino
Coaching center
Health & safety center
center
enhancement center

The 25-acre Optimist Youth Sports Complex in Boise, Idaho is home to

league enhancement

nine fields, a stocked pond, a concession stand and equipment facility

built in large part because of fundraising led by Jerron Moore.
league

ootball dreams run deep through Idaho’s Treasure Valley, a stretch of land that glides Walla Walla Community College.
through the Sawtooth Mountain Range and engulfs the city of Boise. But, after three knee surgeries
For many youths living in a region dominated by rivers, mountains and wildlife, ended his college playing career, Moore
fantasies of football stardom and achievement begin in Boise Noon Optimist Youth Football. found himself back in “The Valley,” as
Since its inception in 1949, Boise Noon Optimist Youth Football has been the dream- the area is commonly referred to by
maker for more than 65,000 youth football players. Over the years, the program has had locals. It was at that time Moore, who
officiating center

its share of former players advancing to college and NFL stardom, such as former NFL was attending Boise State University,
quarterback Jake Plummer and Houston Texans tight end Jeb Putzier. decided to give back to the youth
However, the most influential alumnus just might be its current executive director, Jerron football program that had given him
Moore. a lifetime of positive memories and
Moore, a veteran youth coach of 27 years in the program, first became involved as a player experiences as a youngster.
more than four decades ago as a fourth-grader. “You get hooked, and quickly,” said
“As a youth player you never think to yourself, ‘one day I’m going to coach or be the Moore about his first year of coaching.
commissioner of the league,’” stated Moore, who played in the Optimist program from 1965- Twenty-seven years later Moore
1968 and later excelled at Meridian High School before playing junior college football at is still engaged in the sport and can

14 USA Football Magazine

be found each autumn on the sidelines. In
1994, Moore became the Optimist program’s
executive director.
As the executive director, Moore works
with a 72-member staff that oversees
nearly 200 teams, 4,000 youth players and
countless cheerleaders.
Under Moore’s leadership and the help
of a strong, supportive executive board
of volunteers,
the Optimist
program forged a
partnership in the
mid-1990s with
the City of Boise
to build a 25-acre
community park
with sports fields
to support the
growing football
program. The
agreement was
simple – if the
Optimist program
raised the funds,
developed the
land and built
the fields, the
program would receive exclusive use of it
in the fall and spring. The remainder of the
time the Optimist Youth Sports Complex
would be a city park to be used by anyone.
Ground broke in 1997 and two years later
the nine-field, 400-parking space sports
complex, which also includes a stocked
pond, a concession stand and equipment
facility, became the official home of Boise
Noon Optimist Youth Football.
The facility was built at no cost to
taxpayers. Instead, Moore and the Optimist
team of volunteers hit the streets of Boise
with a fundraising campaign that included
going door-to-door to corporations,
businesses and community members.
“The community stepped up,” says Moore.
“You walk anywhere in this Valley and talk
to people about Optimist football you’ll find
most everybody has been touched by it.
“The community has been amazing. We
went out and knocked on doors and began
raising money, a number of people have
stepped up. We’ve had close to $400,000 in
donated time, labor, and services in-kind.”
Moore is quick to point out that Plummer
continues to give the program tremendous
support and has donated $100,000 and
sponsored the development of a field. Plummer
also routinely returns to conduct the Jake
Plummer Youth Football Camp for local youth
players during the summer months.
The sport complex has had a positive effect
on the Optimist program as participation
numbers have steadily increased each year by
10 percent. Shortly after the completion of the
25-acre complex, the Optimist program worked
with the City of Boise to secure 27 additional
acres of land adjacent to the current facility.
The additional land will produce seven
more football fields and an additional 600
parking spaces. When completed later this
summer, the entire 52-acre sports complex
will house 16 fields, 1,000 parking spaces,
two stocked ponds, two tennis courts, a
concession stand and equipment shed.
“When we’re done with this project we will
have raised $3 million that has been donated
for kids of this community to play football. I’m
not sure there are many places in the country
that can say that,” says Moore, who in 2003
was honored with the Don Simplot Idaho
Award, which is given annually to an Idaho
resident who demonstrates leadership and
selfless service to sport.
Moore believes this sports complex project
can be mirrored anywhere throughout the
country where there is accessible land, and a
passion for youth football.
“Don’t underestimate the power of your
community. For me it was easy to walk
into corporate offices, homes and sell our
program,” Moore says.
“For us we had a tremendous program to
sell – our program is not about championships
or excluding kids – its about kids living in the
community, playing
together on the same
team with the same
coaches for four years.
Our program is not
about the best kids;
it’s about all kids –
that resonates with
kids, parents and
corporate America.
We are about
competition – it’s not
a bad word – but we
do it in a context that
is very healthy and
very positive. When
you have a product
like that, it’s easy to
sell. You just have to
believe in it.”
Moore is quick to deflect the recognition
for the healthy state of the Optimist
program and the sports complex.
“I get way to much credit for what has
happened here with this program and field
project, the reality is the work, the effort was
way more than just one person,” he says.
“There are so many people in the Valley
and in our football program that made this
happen, I’m just fortunate because I’m a
better person for having been with them and
worked with them.”
Editor’s note: If you would like more
information about the Optimist Youth
Sports Complex and details about Boise
Noon Optimist Youth Football agreement
with the City of Boise check out: http://
www.cityofboise.org/parks/parks_facilities/
parks/index.aspx?id=OYSC_park_facts
and http://www.boiseoptimist.com/ . You
can also send an email to Ed Passino at
leaguedevelopment@usafootball.com for
more information about the project.
15
 [ ]

Back to Stripes School

The pressure-filled game situations officials often face call for constant
Coaching center

education By Danny Hotochin

Though few people will admit it, everybody, in some way, shape or form has room prepared and the better you’re trained you
to improve themselves – either personally or vocationally. The same can be said can give them a better quality product,”
about football officials at all levels, who improve their ability to officiate by educating said Fairfax County Football Officials
themselves and others on a continual basis. Association commissioner Don Stitt.
“No matter what level you work, you can always learn something new,” said director With more than 20 years of experience
of USA Football officiating Tony Michalek. under his belt, Northern Virginia Football
“It’s one of those avocations that there’s always a way to get better. Whether you Officials Association member Jonathan
Health & safety center

do it through film study, go to clinics or association meetings, you can learn from the Kosarin agreed.
experience of others and apply it so that you don’t make the same mistakes in your game “Understanding the rules and knowing
that others have made,” said what they say is one thing, applying them
Michalek, who currently in a game situation is a different story.”
works as an NFL umpire and
has 25 years of experience as ‘You Always Learn
an official. Something New’
Another tactic that Officiating clinics are a valuable
officials are using to educate resource for educating officials as those
themselves is the Internet, as who attend look forward to hearing
more and more online content lectures and receiving classroom
about officiating has become instructions on how to improve their
available. interactions between themselves and
league enhancement center

“More and more people game-day scenarios, the rules, coaches,

are taking a lot of time out of players and other officials.
their day to surf around, and you can always pick up on a tip to become a better official,” “Basically, it’s a great thing to sharpen
Michalek said. up on mechanics and also for a lot of
quality control that I can pass down to my
Preparation Beats Pressure people when I come back to Virginia,” said
The rigorous and pressure-filled situations officials often face during games calls for Stitt, who is entering his eighth year as the
constant education among officials. commissioner of the FCFOA.
Michalek, who worked a multitude of high-profile games during his five-year stint as Stitt, who has participated in a number
an official in the Big Ten Conference, was recently a member of the crew that officiated of clinics feels his participation has been
the 2006 AFC Championship game that saw the Indianapolis Colts earn a stunning nothing but beneficial, even though he has
come-from-behind victory over the New England Patriots. been a youth football official for 15 years.
As the pressure mounted for Colts quarterback Peyton Manning to make a comeback “I learn a lot, especially the one USA
in the second half, Michalek’s background in another career helped him perform with a Football had in Minnesota,” Stitt said. “All
officiating center

cool demeanor in a tense environment in front of a nationally-televised audience. of the times we weren’t officiating games
“For me, I never feel any pressure as far as working a ball game because of my on the field, we were in the classroom
background in trade. That kind of takes away any kind of the pressure if you’ve done going over the film and looking at things
that,” said Michalek, who has also had experience as a high school official. like position and game-type situations.”
Whether calling a game that decides who goes to the Super Bowl or the state From his experience as an official
championship, officials at all levels agree that countless hours of education helps them and a clinician, Michalek feels that the
prepare for these pressure-packed situations and enables them to perform successfully knowledge officials can pick up at a clinic
when duty calls. is endless.
“The thing you want to do is give them an honest game so that the better that you’re “What you want to do is you always

16 USA Football Magazine

USA Football officiating director Tony Michalek advises youth football officials on the field after a preseason game.
want to be the best you can be when you go
into these clinics,” said Michalek, who serves
as an instructor at clinics associated with the
NFL and USA Football. “You always learn
something, even as a presenter. I listen to
other people and you pick up other things,”
Michalek said.
Reviewing Rules
A major process in educating officials
is to familiarize rookies and veterans alike
with new rules and calls.
“Continuing education for us is absolutely
vital because the rules are constantly changing
or being tweaked. It’s necessary for us to keep
an eye on what the changes are, how they affect
different aspects of the game and to see what
the affect will be over the years,” said Kosarin,
who has worked as an official in the youth and
Photos: Cynthia Hobgood
high school ranks since 1975.
In addition to that, officials involved
with the education process also believe
it’s extremely imperative to review old
rules and game-day situations in order to
refresh their memories because of the long
offseason that lies in between the regular
season and the playoffs.
“The key to us learning this stuff every
year is to not only learn the new stuff, but
also going over the rule book cover-to-
cover every year and going over each rule
individually to see how it works--especially
after you’ve been laid off for about 7-8
months and haven’t worked in football,”
Kosarin said.
“The rules are always changing,
equipment changes and points of emphasis
change every year so I think its good – no
matter how long you’ve been out there – that
everybody takes a refresher course,” Stitt said.
Also, officials review and teach the more
discrete rules — rules that deal with game
time and equipment that coaches, players
and the audience often take for granted.
“A lot of people think what we do relates to
a lot of the play stuff like passing plays, running
plays and kicking plays which are vital, but
also rules that very few people understand like
timing rules,” Kosarin said. “Late in the game, it
makes a big difference to a coach when the clock
starts and when it doesn’t.”
With all that is available for officials to
learn from and the rate that they are being
educated, there is no reason for anyone to
think the performance of officials should go
anywhere but up in the near — and distant
— future.
17

[ ]
Referee Position
How to accurately rule a runner’s forward progress
COACHING CENTER
HEALTH & SAFETY CENTER
LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT CENTER
When discussing goal line mechanics, a
lot of pre-game time is spent talking about
the goal line going in. Equally important is
the goal line going out. Accurately ruling on
a runner’s forward progress in the field of
play or the end zone is the difference between
maintaining possession of the ball by the
offense or awarding two points for a safety
to the defense and the subsequent change of
possession following the free kick after safety.
From the goal line to the 5-yard line,
wing officials have primary responsibility for
forward progress and the goal line. Where
things get tricky is when the ball is snapped
OFFICIATING CENTER
from the 6-yard line to the 10-yard line. This
five-yard area leaves the goal line in limbo for
the wing officials who have responsibility for
offensive and defensive pass receivers. Here’s
where the referee has to adjust his initial
position prior to the snap.
Normally the referee begins 12 to 14
yards deep and a little wider than the tight
end. When the ball is snapped between the
18 USA Football Magazine
5 and 10-yard line, the referee should do two
things: widen out and begin only 10 yards
deep. Adjusting wider and closer to the snap
will allow the referee to get a better look at
the quarterback, who drops back to pass
around the goal line and is in danger of being
sacked. Referees who stay back deeper and
tighter have no chance to rule on forward
progress. The two wing officials may read the
sack and start back to help, but they have no
true angle being up to 10 yards ahead of the
action. By adjusting closer to the goal line and
staying wider than normal, the referee can
avoid being in the way if the quarterback gets
out of the pocket and scrambles toward him.
Remember one of the key philosophies
of sound officiating…“Don’t award cheap
points!” If you can’t be sure the ball in
possession is in the end zone, don’t award
a safety. Spot the ball in the field of play
when you have doubt or are not on the
goal line. It’s one thing to rule a safety
when you have good position and there is
U
O
BY BILL LEMONNIER
no doubt. It’s another thing to guess and
award points with a change of possession.
Another goal line mechanic for
referees and wing officials to discuss is
reverse goal line mechanics when an
interception, fumble return, or punt return
are threatening the goal line. Normally
the wing officials have the goal line going
in. Now the play goes the other way and
who really is primary on the goal line? The
referee is primary. When the play is tight as
far as ruling touchdown or down short of
the goal line, wing officials must remember
to look for the referee in boxing in the
potential score. Nothing looks worse than
one official ruling the runner down short of
the goal line by inches and another official
signaling touchdown. Avoid dueling signals
by getting that eye contact on tight goal line
plays involving reverse mechanics.
Bill LeMonnier is a USA Football
Officiating Consultant, Big Ten and Arena
Football Referee.
PHOTO: CYNTHIA HOBGOOD
Usa fOOtball
Officials prOfile:
annalee Mcphilomy
“Hey look, the Ref is a girl.”
Annalee McPhilomy hears it all the time in the North
Florida Officials Association By A.D. McPhiloMy
As the crew takes the field, the pointing
and whispers begin.
“Hey look, the Ref is a girl.”
Actually, she’s a woman.
Thirteen years ago, Annalee D.
McPhilomy was the only
woman at the spring football
officials meeting for the North
Florida Officials Association in
Jacksonville, Florida. Today, she
is a crew chief, the elected vice-
president in charge of training,
and the rules interpreter.
Despite being a woman, the
association has been extremely
fair. The assigning commissioner,
Jim Tucker said, “Annalee wasn’t
the first female in NFOA. Three
others came and went, and I
thought she might, too. I treated her like
everyone else. She was given a chance just
like any other new guy.”
McPhilomy looked at these chances a little
differently. “Even now, I’m more likely to be
scrutinized for my performance than the men
I work with simply because I am a woman
officiating football,” said McPhilomy. “Every
assignment is a chance to prove that a woman
can do this, and do it well. I strive to be the
best official on the field every game I work.”
One aspect of officiating Annalee
chose to master early was a thorough
understanding of the rules. She asked the
rules interpreter hundreds of questions
her rookie year.
“Van Royal would see me coming and
just start smiling, like ‘So what don’t you
understand today...,’” McPhilomy said.
Over the years it has paid off. Now, she
is the rules interpreter and has written a
book simplifying high school rules called
“Football Rules: Simply Stated.” Annalee
is also the assigning commissioner for the
local Pop Warner association.
“I love football, especially football rules
and officiating,” McPhilomy said. “My best
friend, Ken, and I constantly talk about
rules, philosophy, plays and positioning. I
enjoy teaching the new guys and watching
them emerge into good officials.”
Playing football has helped her
officiating as well. Annalee has played
middle linebacker and defensive tackle for
the Jacksonville Dixie Blues, a women’s
tackle football team for two seasons.
“Playing has given me a new perspective
in my football officiating,” said McPhilomy.
“As a line judge, I knew I was supposed
to key on the tackle, but now knowing
that their initial movement and blocking
technique clearly defines where the play is
supposed to go is helpful when I work. I find
the point of attack much faster now. Also, I
didn’t understand what a ‘waggle’ or a stunt
meant until I started to play football.”
The experience playing
football wasn’t without
consequence. McPhilomy tore her
ACL last May and aggressively
followed the physical therapy
regimen, returning to the field in
mid-September.
“Moments after my injury, I
thought how my officiating would
be affected,” reflected McPhilomy. “I
was in a real funk until the surgery,
but once it was finished, I knew I
had to recover so I could officiate
again. I hobbled my first few games
back, but was more grateful that ever
before to be officiating football again.”
Her relationship with her crewmates
is equally important. “My best friends are
football officials. My crew and I forward
to working together every Friday night
during the season,” McPhilomy said. “We
usually meet early, ride together, pick on
each other and laugh, but then we get into
game mode. After the game we hit a local
restaurant for dinner and to watch the
football highlights, especially to see who
made it on TV. Each year we make a crew
shirt with a logo: ‘4 Dudes and a Chick.’”
A Dixie chick that is, who loves to work
football.
If you have an official profile suggestion,
email MSREF4E@aol.com.
19
 [ ]

Youth Football
Safety
COACHING CENTER

DR. DAVID JOYNER is the chairman of USA Football’s Health

& Safety Committee, a group of experienced medical professionals
that has been tasked with the mission of helping the young football
players have a better and safer experience. Dr. Joyner, who has a long
background in football as a player at Penn State University and as
CENTER

sports medicine physician, took some time to answer some frequently

SAFETYCENTER

asked safety questions from parents and coaches.

HEALTH&&SAFETY

Is youth football a safe sport? whenever they want. And remember to be forward-thinking. An
It is my belief that youth football is a safe endeavor which athlete must continue to hydrate so that they don’t get thirsty. If
HEALTH

compares very favorably to other youth sports that our kids
may be playing. Any sport carries with it risk; there is no way
of getting to a completely risk-free environment. However, the
younger the age group, research shows, really are injured even
less than the older, more experienced,
elite level players.
LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT CENTER
you’re thirsty, you’re already behind in water consumption and
getting into a potentially problematic situation.
What else can keep my son or daughter safe on the field?
Foremost in our minds needs
to be teaching these kids proper

techniques so they are learning to

What can parents and coaches do do things the correct way. One of
to keep youth football as safe as the great ways to prevent injury is
possible? to have proper techniques that are
I think it is very important that learned from a very early age so
coaches and parents prepare their they become natural. This is youth
young athletes by focusing on proper football. I would remind coaches to
equipment fitting. It’s one thing to please remember that youth football
have shoulder pads and a helmet, but is a learning experience and I would
if they don’t fit properly – if the helmet have parents survey the coaches and
or shoulder pads are too loose or too make sure that your child is around
tight – then the athlete increases the someone who has the proper thought
chance for injury. It’s very important process in mind of safety and
to have someone who knows how to fit learning and not treat the program
OFFICIATING CENTER

these athletes. like it is a professional program.

What do I need to know about youth Where can I learn more about
football in the heat? football health & safety?
When football starts in the late Articles at usafootball.com would
summer, youth may be playing in a benefit parents and coaches as they
very hot, humid environment. Coaches and parents should know prepare to do a better job this football season and the seasons
that athletes need access to water. Water is the most important to come including hydration, proper nutrition, and proper
hydrating element you can provide. They need to be able to drink coaching techniques.

20 USA Football Magazine PHOTO: CYNTHIA HOBGOOD

[ ]

USA Football Launches Background

Screening Program By Cynthia Hobgood
About NCSI
NCSI Mission: To serve as a
USA Football launched a new initiative this June that value cannnot be overstated.” leading resource in an overall
in an effort to keep children who play youth football NCSI’s Fully Managed Background Screening effort to eradicate harm to
safe. The organization will partner with the National Program for USA Football Members is the Gold youth in organizations and
Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), a leader in Standard for background checks in the youth- communities across the globe
professional development and advocacy for the serving industry. This program is a combination through increased awareness,
youth sports industry, to have background checks of comprehensive searches for criminal and the creation of national
performed on youth football coaches and volunteers. sex offender information along with full standards, and the integration
One in four girls and one in six boys will be administration of the process by NCSI to provide of fully-managed background
sexually abused before age 18. Sadly, child sexual maximum protection for the kids at a reasonable screening programs.
abuse and molestation is occurring everyday in cost to the organization. • NCSI was formed in
organizations and communities across the globe. It The program is included as part of USA partnership with the
is a truly sobering statistic but one all volunteers and Football’s League Administrator membership National Council of Youth
parents involved in youth sports must be aware of. program. To learn more about how to gain access to Sports (NCYS), with the
this new program, please visit www.usafootball.com. goal of significantly
increasing the level of
Highlights of the program safety for our youth.
Background Screening Search • NCSI's background
Components screening programs
The goal of the USA Football background are recognized as the
screening program is to check the backgrounds NCSI’s Check-it-Twice™ searches are the "Standard of Care" in the
of 100,000 youth coaches and volunteers over foundation for the program and are run through youth-serving industry.
a two year period. In order to help achieve that two independent, screened and selected national
goal, USA Football is investing $500,000 to database providers. These searches are:
ensure kids participating in youth sports are safe • National Criminal Database Search
from child predators. • All Available State Sex Offender Registries Search
The Statistics:
“Recognizing that the issue of sexual predators • Social Security Number & Address Verification • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6
is a societal one, the fact is youth sports are not • OFAC Federal Terrorist Database Search in boys will be sexually
immune,” said USA Footbal Executive Director addition to the Check-it-Twice™ searches abused before age 18.
Scott Hallenbeck. “It’s that reality that has led • County Courthouse Search of county of most • Approximately 50%
USA Football to take a proactive stance and recent and longest residency in the past five years are abused by someone
provide access to the gold standard screening at outside of the family whom
a subsidized price. We care who’s coaching these Fully-Managed Program Features they know and trust.
kids and we encourage all sports organizations to • “Red Light/Green Light” results • Nearly 70% of child sex
join us in this effort and help protect our children.” • Identity verification offenders have between
Representing the Professional Football Players’ • Full follow-up and investigation of records 1 and 9 victims; at least
Mothers Association, Betsy Hasselbeck, mother of • Secure online self-registration form for 20% have 10 to 40 victims.
NFL quarterbacks Matt and Tim Hasselbeck, is the collection of confidential information and • An average serial child
spokesperson for the campaign. consent directly from applicants molester may have as
“With USA Football’s efforts, and hopefully, • Safe and confidential storage of records many as 400 victims in
the efforts of other young sports organizations, • Assistance on policy development and legal issues his/her lifetime.
we can help our children enjoy all that sports • Automatic recheck of one National Criminal • There are approximately 39
have to offer,” said Betsy Hasselback. “Through Database and all available State Sex Offender million survivors of sexual
this innovative program we can help parents feel Registries 12 months after initial search is abuse in America today.
secure about who is coaching their children and conducted.

21
 H H

Name: Greyson Torain

Position: Wide Receiver

Ht: 5-0 Wt: 90
Age: 11
Team: GORC Wildcats
League/Association: Anne Arundel Youth
Football Association (AAYFA)
City/State: Odenton, Maryland
Other sports played: Lacrosse, Track
Favorite NFL Players: Chad Johnson,
Terrell Owens, Michael Vick

When did you start playing football?

i started when i was 5 playing flag, and then i moved to tackle.

What do you like about playing football?

i like tackle better (than flag) because you can be more elusive playing tackle.

Why is Chad Johnson one of your favorite players?

i like Chad Johnson because he has a lot of style.

What did it feel like to s

sCore your first touChdoWn?
When i first started playing football i didn’t score a touchdown at all my first year.
but, then i got a lot better and scored four or five touchdowns my second year. the best
thing about football is running and trying to score. When you score a touchdown it’s the
best feeling.

tell us about your teammates.

We know each other pretty good. i go to school with most of my football friends. We
communicate a lot in football. logan hill (my quarterback) is such a good player it’s hard not to catch the
ball when he throws it. We have a good rhythm.

What his CoaCh said:

“greyson is a joy to coach. he has a great attitude, gives good effort and is the total team player. he has a supportive family
and has a very bright future in athletics.” – rick peacock, head Coach gorC Wildcats

you might have seen greyson on television…

greyson became a star for usa football’s public service announcement to celebrate the football season. his team
volunteered to take part in the commercial shoot last summer. greyson is featured in the commercial several times,
showing off his best Chad Johnson moves and touchdown-scoring ability.

22 usa football magazine

Team USa Player SPoTlighT

A National Team of 45 Players

Takes on the World By NathaN Boudreaux

In 2007, USA Football for the first time assembled a National Team to represent the United
States in worldwide competition. The roster consists of 45 players who exhausted their college
eligibility after the 2006 season and represents all levels of college football.
“This team is a complete cross section of U.S. football,” Team USA head coach John
Mackovic said. “We’re excited that we were able to blend every level of college football and put
together a team of players from schools of every size. We hope to represent our country in the
highest fashion and be great ambassadors for football around the world.”
For more information and World Championships of American Football tournament
results, log on to www.usafootball.com.

Jeff Ballard Jeremy Van Alstyne

s

s
Ht: 6-1 Ht: 6-4
Wt: 214 Wt: 260
Position: Quarterback Position: Defensive end
College: tCU College: University of michigan
HigH sCHool: Friendswood Hs HigH sCHool: Center grove Hs
HometoWn: Friendswood, tX HometoWn: greenwood, in

Second-team All-Mountain Was a four-year letterman at the

West Conference selection in 2006
... Was TCU’s career leader in
winning percentage by a starting
quarterback (90.5, 19-2) and
completion percentage (61.1) ...
Named Poinsettia Bowl Offensive
Most Valuable Player after running
for three touchdowns and passing
for one in a 37-7 victory over
Northern Illinois.
University of Michigan ... Appeared
in 37 career games, making two
starts at defensive end ... Contributed
24 tackles, three tackles for loss,
one sack, one fumble recovery and
one pass breakup during career ...
Four-time Academic All-Big Ten
Conference (2003-06) ... Five-time
U-M Athletic Academic Achievement
(2002-06) ... Earned the Paul
Schmidt Award in 2006 as the
U-M player that displays
an unshakable courage
and love for the game.

24 UsA Football magazine

 Team USA Roster
Wide ReceiveR: Greg Aker, Minnesota-duluth; Bobby
Awrey, Saginaw valley State; Jon drenckhahn, Williams;
Marcus Lewis, North Alabama; Steve Odom, Toledo

TiGhT eNd: d’Monn Baker, california (Pa.); Brian

Thompson, Michigan

OffeNSive LiNe: Alex Atkins, Tennessee-Martin; Marcel

Burrough, San Jose State; Rick drushal, Wooster; darrin
Johnson, SMU; Kris King, Gardner-Webb; david Livengood,
indiana (Pa.); chris Lundin, Adams State; Matt Padron;
Texas State; Brad Poston, coastal carolina

RUNNiNGBAcK: doug Blakowski, hobart; cody

childs, Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Taylor craig, Yale;
Kyle Kasperbauer, Nebraska-Omaha; Wendell Johnson,
fairmont State

QUARTeRBAcK: Adam Austin, Arizona; Jeff Ballard, TcU;

Rocky Pentello, capital

defeNSive LiNe: Michael cobbins, Missouri Western;

dustin dlouhy, Montana; Ryan Kleppe, Wisconsin-
Whitewater; Matt Ludeman, Western Michigan; Shawn
Moorehead, iowa State; chris Thorner, Syracuse;
Jeremy van Alstyne, Michigan

LiNeBAcKeR: dan Adams, holy cross; demetrius eaton,

Northwestern; Adam Paulson, Sioux falls; Ryan Tully,
harvard; Brig Walker, Princeton

SecONdARY: Manauris Arias, Maine; diezeas calbert,

Northwest Missouri State; Kenny chicoine, cal Poly;
Jason hoffschneider, North dakota; Josh Kubiak, Mary
hardin-Baylor; Rob Rodriguez, christopher Newport; Steve
Teeples, Wisconsin-La crosse; cary Wade, virginia Tech

KicKeR: craig coffin, Southern illinois

25
 USA Football Membership
USA Football’s Membership Program enables administrators, coaches, and officials
to enhance their skills. Innovative tools and resources help make their jobs easier, more
rewarding, and enhance the participants’ experience. Please visit www.usafootball.com to
learn more about the USA Football Membership program and sign up.

Coaching Schools
USA Football’s Coaching School, in partnership with NFL teams, is designed specifically for youth
football coaches who teach the game to players ages 7-14. The clinics help teach the game of football
in order to create a positive experience for their players. The one-day clinic offers coaches the best
techniques for communicating with players, coaches, and parents; teaching fundamentals; organizing
the season with practice planning; establishing the best drills for individual, group and team periods;
and developing a scheme for defense, offense and special teams. The clinicians include successful high
school and youth coaches with special guests from the collegiate and professional ranks.

USAFootball.com
USAFootball.com is a portal for youth, high school and international football
that offers online programs and resources for coaches, administrators, officials
and parents. It features content, web sites and a membership hub. Elements of
USAFootball.com can be included in existing web sites. These features will allow
users to keep up with the latest topics and developments in coaching, league
administration, officiating, and health and safety.

State Leadership Forum

The USA Football State Leadership Forum is an annual gathering of youth football
leaders in each state to discuss topics impacting the sport.

High School Programs

USA Football is involved with developing the sport at the high school level through a number of unique programs and events,
including the creation of a high school task force, online resources, equipment grants, and life skills symposia for high school
students. In addition, the annual Governor’s Cup Award is given to the nation’s “Best High School Football State.”

International Programs
Serving as the national governing body for the sport of football internationally, USA Football’s international programs include
managing the Senior National Team; managing the U-19 National Team; and operating an International Student Program that
enables high school-aged international students to study and play American football at college prep schools. USA Football is the
designated United States representative to the International Federation of American Football, which consists of 45 member countries.
USA Football also presides over the Pan American Federation of American Football, consisting of the U.S., Canada, Mexico,
Guatemala, Panama, Argentina, and Uruguay.

26 USA Football Magazine

 2007 Play Football
The Play Football campaign is USA Football’s marquee promotional event which runs
from June through September each year and is highlighted by a youth football registration
drive, safety awareness education and football season kickoff
celebrations in conjunction with NFL teams. Here are some of
key components of Play Football:

Registration Drive
Each spring and summer, USA Football runs a football registration drive to help youth football
programs increase participation. As part of the program, USA Football offers league administrators
a free registration help kit which includes yard signs, posters, a USA Football league operating guide,
a CD with sample registration and other administrative forms, and Youth Football 101 brochures for
prospective parents and players.
 
Safety Awareness
USA Football launched a background checks program in partnership with the National Center for Safety Initiatives with a goal of
getting 100,000 youth football volunteers checked through a thorough screening service. Additionally, a safety awareness campaign
will encourage players, parents and coaches to take the necessary safety precautions when playing football including a focus on
hydration, equipment fitting, and injury prevention/treatment.
 
Kickoff Celebration
USA Football, in conjunction with the NFL and NFL Players Association, will team up to celebrate the kickoff of the football
season. Along with various NFL team events, youth football teams from across the country can sign up online to receive a free
celebration kit which includes water bottles and a protective script holder for coaches. Play Football Month showcases how different
communities from across the country celebrate the start of the football season.

Equipment Grants (July - September):

Applications for youth and high school equipment grants will be accepted from July to September. Eligible (federal or state
nonprofit) youth, high school, and school-sponsored football organizations may apply for an equipment grant online at www.
usafootball.com. Youth organizations are eligible for a $1,000 grant and high school organizations are eligible for a $1,500 grant.
Applications are considered on need and merit, and consist of a league profile and a short essay section.

World Championship of
American Football
U.S. National Team played in its first World Championship of American Football in Kawasaki,
Japan from July 7-15. For tournament results log on to www.usafootball.com.

Team USA Schedule:

July 10 – USA vs. South Korea
July 12 – USA vs. Germany
July 15 - possible medal round game

27
 pigskin portraits

Broomfield Youth Football Association

(Broomfield, Colo.)
AYF Billings Broncos
(Billings, Montana)

Black Hills Youth Football League

(Olympia, Wash.)

YMCA Plano
Football League
(Plano, Texas) South Beauregard Football League
(Longville, La.)

South Germantown Panthers Pop Warner Boston Bengals

(Germantown, Md.) (Boston, Mass.)

28 USA Football Magazine

North Carroll Panthers Youth Football Program
(Westminster, Md.)
Pop Warner Petaluma Panthers
(Novato, Calif.)

European Youth Services

Red Raiders Football League Oak Grove Athletic Association
(Hohenfels, Germany) (Durham, N.C.)
(Hingham, Mass.)

Popamno All-Stars Wildcats Jr Pee Wee

(Florence, Ala.)
(Popamno Beach, Fla.)

Send uS your photoS!

USA Football
attn: Jenny Hofler,
8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 625
Reeds Spring Rams Boys & Girls Club Vienna, VA 22182
(Branson, Mo.) E-mail: jhofler@usafootball.com

29
 GEAR UP
The latest, coolest, must-have, must-see youth football equipment, tools and clinics

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TEACHER: A COACH’S
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Teaching multiple schemes
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Designed for the youth football player the Youth
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GILMAN SIDELINE MARKERS
The Gilman Sideline Marker stands out on the field.
The markers won’t fold up or blow over because they
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come in a set of 11 or 22, have a convenient carrying
handle at bottom and are stackable for compact
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UNDER ARMOUR DEMOLITION MID CLEAT

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Available colors: white/black, black/silver, white/red, white/midnight navy. Visit
www.underarmour.com for more details.

30 USA Football Magazine

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Mech 3346 USA Football Ad 8/10/06 7:52 PM Page 1

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Bill McGregor
School: DeMatha Catholic High School
Location: Hyattsville, Md.
Record: 239-32-3
Experience: 25 years (all with DeMatha),
heading into 26th year
Since 1982, Bill McGregor has brought stability
and credibility to DeMatha Catholic High School’s
football program by winning 11 Washington
Catholic Athletic Conference Championships.
Although the Pittsburgh native has led
DeMatha to plenty of on-field success while
leading the Stags to an overall record of 239-
32-3, McGregor is also a strong advocate of
succeeding off the field as well, as he and
his staff at DeMatha work hard to teach and
implement ways for their players to learn the
importance of excelling in the classroom.
On being a football coach:
“We’ve established such a tremendous
report with the guys. Some of the kids come
back time-after-time and talk about football
and what it meant to them, and how we had
such a great impact on their lives.”
On the lessons of football:
“If you take a look at the work world today,
no matter what profession, they’re either looking
for a person who is dedicated, hard-working,
loyal and who is willing to make sacrifices for
the company. They’re also looking for someone
who exhibits good character, leadership and
class.  I think they are all the intangibles that a
young person can get from playing football or
for any type of great athletic program.”
On Junior Player Development:
“What I like about it is that it’s a free
program for the kids, they have full equipment
to work with, and it’s a teaching program where
they can be taught all positions.”
32 USA Football Magazine
Members of the USA Football High School Task Force
Steve Specht
School: St. Xavier High School
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Record: 36-3
Experience: Head coach (2003-present),
secondary coach (1993, 1996-1997), special
teams coordinator (1997), defensive
coordinator (1998-2002)
Coach Steve Specht has led the St. Xavier
Bombers to a record of 36-3 and Division
I state championship since becoming their
head coach in 2003.
Specht, who was promoted to head
coach after Ohio high school football legend
Steve Rasso retired, has carried St. Xavier’s
winning traditions into a new era of Bomber
football.
Specht has been on the Bombers’ staff
since 1993, where he started out as St.
Xavier’s secondary coach.
On becoming a football coach:
“I know I wanted to coach when I was in high
school. I had the good fortune of playing under
some great coaches.  My coaches had a direct
impact on my passion for the game.”
On the influence of his former
coach, ex-St. Xavier head coach
Steve Rasso:
“He had a huge influence on my life,” Specht
said of his former mentor. “I learned an awful lot
from him about football and an awful lot about
life.  When I talk about my football philosophy
as far as teaching these kids about football [and
life]; that’s what [Rasso] did for me,”
On the sport of football:
“This game is a focus on life.  We try to
teach life lessons first and foremost.  This
sport is the ultimate sport to [use to] teach
teamwork.”
Bill Redell
School: Oaks Christian High School
Location: Westlake Village, Calif.
Record: 172-56-3
Experience: 19 years as high school
head coach, two years as assistant in
college, two years as an assistant in USFL.
During his 19-year career as a high
school football head coach, Oaks
Christian High School coach Redell
has amassed an overall record of
172-56-3, along with five California
Interscholastic Federation titles and two
state championships.
Redell has served as Oaks Christian’s
coach since the school opened in 1999.
During his tenure with the Lions, Redell
has developed Oaks Christian into one of
the most prominent and successful high
school football programs in the nation.
On being a football coach:
“The only thing I ever wanted to do
was become a football coach. When
I was about six-or-seven-years old
walking home from school, [I] saw
a football game and went home and
asked my dad what that was.  Ever
since that, I’ve known what I’ve wanted
to do to do with my life.”
On football:
“My whole experience in football to me
is that I’ve never had to grow up. Anytime
I was involved in football it never felt like it
was work.  It felt like it was fun.”
On his induction into the
College Football of Fame:
“That was the most rewarding and
exciting that ever happened to me as far
as my football career.”
© 2006 S-VC, Inc.

On sidelines since 1965.

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