USA Football Magazine Issue 6 Summer 2008

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issue 6 summer 2008

14 West Virginia University employs USA Football coaching education By Tim Polzer

15 Quick-hitter Grid Thoughts from USA

Football members

16 Games played in the fall can be won or lost now

By Larry Canard

17 Meet the Parents, Football-Style

By Scott Lancaster

18 Playbook: Show It or Hide It?

By Tom Bass & Larry Canard

19 Clubs Earn $2,500 Responsible Sports Grants from Liberty Mutual

20 What Football Has Taught My Son: John Newton

By Tim Polzer

21 Six keys to look for in a youth coach or league

By Scott Lancaster

22 Fun backyard games to teach throwing & catching a football

By Scott Lancaster

23 Why I’m a USA Football Member

By Rob Friedman

24 Coaching Schools Coast to Coast

By Matt Molina

26 Mecklenberg County Mandates USA Football Coaching Course

By Tim Polzer

27 Meet USA Football’s Regional Managers

29 Collegiate Officials Listen to USA Football’s LeMonnier

30 USA Football’s Tony Michalek reflects on officiating Super Bowl XLII

31 How Do I Become a Football Official?

By Tony Michalek

4 america’s game, america’s ball

USA Football Commemorates our Nation’s Love for our Favorite Sport

By Steve Alic

6 same great game, whole new stadium

Visit the new usafootball.com today

features

2 Kickoff with Scott Hallenbeck

7 Meet a USA

Football Board Member: Frank Sanchez

departments

Front CoverJim Thorpe photo courtesy of the Professional Football Hall of Fame. Photo Illustration by Bill Bridgeforth.

coaching center

league enhancement

officiating center

health & safety center

18 Playbook: Show It or Hide It?By Tom Bass & Larry

22

9 Meet a USA Football Staffer: Jeff Barnes

10 Stats, Facts & Figures 32 What Football Taught Me with David Brandon

8 boomer esiason joins USA Football

Long-time standout quarterback leads on and off the field

By Tim Polzer

11 It’s more than a game

USA Football’s International Student Program proves that football opens doors, enriches lives

By Michael Preston

12 football in american samoa

USA Football helps South Pacific football stronghold make more waves

By Steve Alic

issue 6 summer 2008contentscontentscontents

1

KickoffKickoffKickoff

usafootball.com

Chairman Jack kemp

Executive DirectorScott Hallenbeck

Usa footballeditorial staff

Managing Editor

Steve alic

Contributors:Jeff barneS, tom baSS, natHan boudreaux,

larry canard, Scott lancaSter, bill lemonnier, tony micHalek,

matt molina, tim polzer, micHael preSton, craig tHomaS

To contact USA Football: (703) 918-0007

traction media staff

Publisherrudy J. klancnik

Editorial Directortim polzer

Designerwilliam bridgefortH

Traction MediaEditorial Offices7115 Tartan Trl.

Garland, TX [email protected]

Editorial Department Phone (972) 896-8006

Custom Publishing (972) 898-8585

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

dear readers,

for football people like you who power america’s favorite sport, you know that there is no “off-season” in this game. we’re fueled by a 12-month passion that is built around one part of

the year with games and another part without them. and although most leagues have not snapped a ball

since november, we know that the sport is never far from your mind. likewise, uSa football continually advances the sport up-field with you and we’ve packed 32 pages of news in your USA Football Magazine issue.

in the pages to follow, you’ll learn more about uSa football’s commemorative ball, a traveling symbol of our country and sport, on its way to football destinations throughout the nation. we also want to receive and feature your football stories of inspiration through our “i played” sharing forum at usafootball.com. both the commemorative ball and “i played” kick off our “play football” campaign to celebrate all that separates this sport from the pack.

also in this issue, you’ll see results from our 2008 coaching Schools and State leadership forums and read how they strengthen and unify youth football. and we’re bolstering our event roster with player academies and officiating Schools, all focused on training to have you in mid-season form by august.

we have updated usafootball.com, added a $1 million insurance offering within our coaching membership resources, gained the parental insight from the moms and dads of pro football players, helped establish youth football in gridiron-rich american Samoa, and have learned what football taught the ceo of one of america’s most successful companies.

our staff is driven by one ultimate mission – to work for you to ensure great football experiences for everyone connected to the sport. we are in the field to serve you – the players, parents, coaches, league commissioners, game officials, and volunteers who make football our no. 1 game.

you’re a toll-free phone call (1-877-5-football) or a few mouse clicks away from us at usafootball.com. also, our six regional managers (pg. 27) are always eager to speak with you, so i encourage you to connect with them.

together, we’ll continue to advance this game and make 2008 the best year in football to date!

Have a great summer.

Sincerely,

Scott HallenbeckuSa football executive director

2 USA Football Magazine

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USA Football Commemorates our Nation’s Love for our Favorite SportBy Steve Alic

Football is blue-collar America. It’s working class, working together. And USA Football celebrates it with you.

In this game – America’s favorite game – there is no “isolation play” that casts a team aside nor are there intentional walks to avoid an obstacle. In life, like football, the easy route is rarely an option.

Reflecting early America, football’s fields are wide and open, but a stout defense – like challenging terrain – can hinder the most determined advancement attempt.

And great football teams are united, like the states we call home. USA Football’s Commemorative Ball Tour, a tribute to America and its favorite sport,

kicked off USA Football’s “Play Football … it’s more than a game” campaign at the NFL Draft in late April. The red-white-and-blue football commemorates the game’s values and how they are forever linked to America. USA Football personifies this melding of game and country, teaching football’s fundamentals and its timeless qualities of leadership, responsibility and teamwork.

The eye-catching ball appears at football events nationwide, including USA Football coaching schools, officiating schools, and player academies, college games, NFL training camps, Pro Football Hall of Fame Weekend in Canton, Ohio, and other grassroots football gatherings. Ball photos capturing the game’s spirit and strong emotional pull are continually posted at usafootball.com.

The passion evoked by football, which accounts for nine of the 10 most-watched programs

America’s Game, America’s Ball

photo courtesy of the pro football hall of fame

America’s America’s

Jim Thorpe


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in American television history, is found within the 3.2 million youngsters who fuel its youth leagues, the more than 400 high schools with girls-specific football programs, and the 1.13 million high school boys who play it, more than doubling the next-most popular sport among that group.

And as timeless as a strong-shouldered Jim Thorpe in full uniform, football’s values of sacrifice, teamwork and discipline stand forever firm regardless of society’s swings.

“If you take a look at the work world today, no matter what profession, they’re looking for a person who is dedicated, hard-working, loyal and who is willing to make sacrifices for the company,” said DeMatha (Md.) Catholic High School Head Coach Bill McGregor. “They’re also looking for someone who exhibits good character, leadership and class. I think those are intangibles that a young person attains from playing football.”

Football players come in all forms, evidenced by Sister James Dolores, 71, a long-time school teacher who today serves as property manager for the Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house in the southern New Jersey town of Stone Harbor.

“We’d play football in the street and if we didn’t have a football, we made one with paper and tape,” says the ardent fan of her hometown Philadelphia Eagles and the AFL’s Philadelphia Soul. “We played tackle – boys and girls – there were 101 kids on our street, so we always had enough players. It was a lot of fun. It occupied our

time and kept us healthy.”Legendary Notre Dame player (and captain), chemistry

instructor, and head football coach Knute Rockne (1888-1931), shared in his biography, “From Norway to Notre Dame,” how he found the “American Dream” in America’s game.

“How a youngster from Voss, a hamlet in Norway that lies between Bergen and Oslo, could find himself in his mid-twenties captain of a typical, Midwestern American football team may require explaining,” wrote Rockne. “… this evolution is a typical American story – in business, athletics and politics. It has occurred

so often that it’s ordinary. The breaks came my way when I had sense enough to take them; and while that’s an unromantic way of explaining a career, it has the advantage of being the truth.”

Perhaps former Yale Sports Information Director Charles Loftus said it best in 1951: “A football player is a wonderful creature – you can criticize him, but you can’t discourage him. You can defeat his team, but you can’t make him quit.

“You can get him out of a game, but you can’t get him out of football … He may not be an All-American, but he is an example of the American way. He is judged, not for his race, nor for his religion, nor his social standing, or not for his finances, but by the democratic yardstick of how well he blocks, tackles and sacrifices individual glory for the overall success of his teams.”

See what football destination or distinctly American locale catches the Commemorative Ball next at usafootball.com.

“I Played”… did you?Did you play this game? Do you remember the butterflies in your stomach or the way your

chest blazed with excitement when pulling a jersey over your shoulder pads on game day? Share your football story at usafootball.com. If you have experienced youth, high school,

college, or even professional football as a coach, player, parent, official or fan, tell us. What does the game mean to you?

As part of USA Football’s “Play Football … it’s more than a game” campaign, usafootball.com and upcoming USA Football Magazine issues will feature select “I Played” stories throughout the year.

“If you take a look at the work world today, no matter what profession, they’re 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 those are intangibles that a young person attains from playing football.”

– DeMatha (Md.) Catholic High School Head Coach Bill McGregor

“We’d play football in the street and if we didn’t have a football, we made one with paper and tape.”– Sister James Dolores, 71

5

USA Football is upgrading its playbook and using the latest technology to help you – the league administrator, coach and official. We recently re-launched usafootball.com and now all of USA Football’s industry-leading resources are brighter, bolder and better than ever.

With easy-to-use navigation and exciting new video capabilities, trusted insight from top football minds at usafootball.com will continue to keep you in scoring position.

The driving force behind USA Football’s re-tooled website is you – the volunteer. USA Football exists to serve you, offering football staffers and resources to ensure that your experience within America’s favorite sport is as great as the game itself.

Whatever your football role – coach, administrator, official, player, or parent – you’ll find something at usafootball.com to keep you coming back.

Exciting new features from usafootball.com:• Freeleague&teamwebsitesfor

USA Football Administrator Members

• Videoviewingcapability,accompanying football editorial

• VideoclipsofUSAFootball’sresources and how they can help you

Same Great Game, Whole Different StadiumVisit the new usafootball.com today

accompanying football editorial

USA Football Player Academies, in partnership with Under Armour, Wilson and Schutt Sports, are developmental football camps for experienced youth players, ages 10-14. Campers work with top high school and youth coaches from their area over a three-day period for an inventory of their current abilities, learn proper fundamentals and receive direction for growth to advance toward high school football.

USA Football Player Academies, in partnership

usa football player academies usa football player academies usa football player academies are coming!are coming!are coming!

2008 Player Academy ScheduleJune 24-26 Alexandria, Va.July 1-3 Woodbine, Md.

Sign up at usafootball.com or call 1-877-5-FOOTBALL!


Meet a USA Football board MemberMeet a USA Football board MemberMeet a USA Football board Member

Helping steer USA Football’s mission as the sport’s national governing body on grassroots and amateur levels 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 Frank Sanchez of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

What impact do you hope to make as a USA Football Board Member? My first goal is to learn from the vast knowledge and experiences of my colleagues

on the board. My real hope is to share with the organization my 25 years of experiences in program and youth development.

How has youth football helped the Boys and Girls Clubs of America?It’s impact on the Boys & Girls Club movement has been tremendous. More than

80,000 BGC members played on tackle or flag football teams in 2006 supported by more than 5,000 volunteer coaches – and nearly a quarter of those coaches are women. This program gives our local clubs a great opportunity to attract and retain members while creating a natural setting for our club staff and volunteers to work with kids on building strong character and leadership skills.

How does football play a positive role in the lives of children? Youth football can play a pivotal role in a child’s life. Emphasizing teamwork,

sportsmanship, leadership, responsibility and academic performance in your football program are all attributes that a child will take into adult life.

What is your vision for what USA Football can ultimately do for football? USA Football’s expertise and services are growing the game of amateur football

Frank Sanchez

USA FootbAll’S boArd oF directorS

Vice President, corporate & Partner relationshipsboys & Girls clubs of America

throughout the world. In addition, it will provide any parent, coach or volunteer with a one-stop location that truly teaches the fundamentals of football in a safe and meaningful way.

What do you enjoy most about being a USA Football Board Member?

I respect the mission and the vision of the organization. What I enjoy most is the richness of the board discussions and the realization that all its members, leaders in their own industries, are passionate about the game of football and sincerely care about the youth of America.

Ray AndersonExec. V.P., Football Operations

National Football League

Jason BelserRegional Director

NFL Players Association

Joe BrowneExec. V.P., Communications

& Public AffairsNational Football League

Jon ButlerExecutive Director

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Tom CovePresident & CEO

SGMA International

Carl Francis Director of Communications


Alexia GallagherDirector, NFL Youth Football Dept.


Bob GardnerChief Operating Officer

National Federation of State High School Associations

Roger GoodellCommissioner


Scott HallenbeckExecutive Director

USA Football

Jack KempChairman, USA Football

Former U.S. Congressman

Mark Meana Chairman

Fairfax County (Va.) Youth Football League

Art MonkPro Football Hall of Fame Wide ReceiverPresident, Alliant Merchant Services

Keith RuckerHead Football Coach

Cincinnati Mt. Healthy H.S.

Frank SanchezVice President

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Grant TeaffExecutive DirectorAmerican Football

Coaches Association

Gene Upshaw Executive Director


Deborah YowAthletic Director

University of Maryland

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07 Board.indd 7 5/1/08 9:01:25 PM

Long-time standout quarterback leads on and off the fieldBy Tim Polzer

During his 14-year NFL career, Boomer Esiason was known for more than throwing touchdown passes. Esiason earned a reputation for quarterbacking national medical research and charity campaigns.

The University of Maryland alum has added another drive to his resume, joining USA Football as a contributor and spokesperson.

“I’m excited to join the USA Football family,” Esiason said. “As a long-time player, a ‘Football Dad’ and a fan, it’s a privilege to contribute to the world’s greatest sport and do all I can for the kids, volunteer coaches, parents, and game officials who make this game ‘America’s Passion.’”

In his USA Football role, the possessor of seven 3,000-yard NFL passing seasons with experience in youth, high school, college, and professional football, will promote the national governing body’s 100 training and development events in 2008, reaching coaches, game officials, and youth league administrators. Esiason also will serve as a spokesperson for USA Football’s “Play Football ... it’s more than a game” campaign which calls attention to the sport’s characteristics of teamwork and leadership.

The 46-year-young left-hander is CBS Sports/Westwood One’s NFL radio color commentator for Monday Night Football, the NFL playoffs, the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl and serves CBS’s “The NFL Today” as a studio analyst. A native of Long Island, New York, Esiason co-hosts the “Boomer & Carton” radio show with Craig Carton on New York’s WFAN-AM and hosts “The Boomer Esiason Show” on the Madison Square Garden Network. In addition to these posts, he also works as chairman of The Boomer Esiason Foundation which raises funds to fight cystic fibrosis, a disease his son, Gunnar, battles.

“Having Boomer join USA Football further strengthens America’s favorite sport,” said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “Boomer’s love for football melded with his integrity and leadership qualities are a great fit for this sport and our team.”

Esiason has been honored with many humanitarian honors including the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and USA Weekend’s Most Caring Athlete Award.

When he debated retirement in 1998, he received a multi-

million dollar offer to rejoin the Bengals, but declined. Instead, he decided that an analyst role on ABC’s Monday Night Football would give him a larger national profile capable of spreading the word on cystic fibrosis and his other passions, including youth football.

“Football’s legacy of teaching is generational. People like me who care deeply about this sport recall how great it was to be part of it as a youngster – we need to make sure that it’s even greater for the kids who love to play it today and USA Football is doing that. I’m proud to be part of USA Football’s roster and serve the coaches, moms, dads, and everyone else who makes football far more than just a game.”

Boomer Esiason Joins USA Football

Photo by tom diPace8 USA Football Magazine

08 Boomer.indd 8 5/1/08 9:01:42 PM

Meet a USA Football staff MemberMeet a USA Football staff MemberMeet a USA Football staff Member

Why do you enjoy your job? Football is a passion of mine. I played it, I coach it, and now

I work in it. Each day I drive to USA Football’s office where I’m part of a team making the game better and more enjoyable for coaches, parents, administrators, and most importantly – the players. The member services team is the first in the office to field and respond to calls, emails and web requests from our members who need a hand. Whatever they need, we’re there to help. Many of them are coaches, just like me. It feels great to guide and help them so that they can be at the top of their game 12 months a year.

What’s your primary goal for 2008?Our goal is to provide personal, professional customer service

and to work closely with each member to achieve complete satisfaction.

Why do you coach youth football? I have been coaching youth football since I graduated from

college in 1994. I felt that it was a good way for me to instill some of the valuable lessons that I learned playing the sport. Along with football fundamentals, I try to teach to my players the importance and benefits of sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and always

striving to do their best. I try to teach them things that will help them in life, not just football.

What’s the most rewarding part about coaching youth football?

Watching my players learn and grow as football players. I work with each player to help them attain confidence and success. Then watching them achieve personal success on a football field during a game is very rewarding. My philosophy is that if I can get my players to be successful and have confidence in themselves, then the team as a whole will be successful.

What’s the most important aspect of being a mentor for the kids?

I aim to be someone that they respect and trust, make sure they have fun, play safe, and learn and enjoy the sport.

When you email or call USA Football for help or assistance in navigating your resources at usafootball.com, your question will be fielded by either Jeff Barnes or Kiley Bishop. Barnes and Bishop comprise USA Football’s member services department. Join the USA Football family at usafootball.com and put our staff to work for you and your team.

Jeff BarnesName: Jeff BarnesPosition: Manager, Member ServicesFootball Connection: Youth Football Head CoachYears Coaching: 12 SeasonsLeague: Central Loudoun Youth Football LeagueCity, State: Leesburg, VirginiaTeam Name: Cowboys Division: 10-11 year-olds

Photos courtesy of sherrill Daily

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09 Meet.indd 9 5/1/08 9:01:58 PM

Football facts, Football facts, Football facts, stats & figuresstats & figuresstats & figures

Yes83%

No10%

Not Sure6%

Youth Football OfficialsUSA Football spoke with nearly 100 youth and

high school football officials across the country and asked the following question.

Youth Football CoachesNearly 200 coaches entering their first or second youth football season

were interviewed within the past year and asked the following question.

Average number of years experience by youth football game officials:

Source: USA Football 2007 ResearchSource: USA Football 2007 Research

Source: USA Football 2007 Research

1 year4%

2-526%

6-1024%

11-1522%

16-2012%

20+13%

“Is there a shortage of officials in your area?”

What are your coaching training sources?

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.

Books or videos I find myself 77%

usafootball.com 70%

Other websites I find myself 62%

Coaching schools and clinics 40%


10 Stats.indd 10 5/1/08 9:02:20 PM

The 12 students from overseas enrolled in USA Football’s International Student Program (ISP) originally came to the United States to fulfill their dreams on the football field.

But these student-athletes from Germany, Mexico, Denmark and China soon discovered an equal passion for life away from the gridiron in the surroundings of their prep schools in New Hampshire, Connecticut, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. The lure of playing football might have been what brought them to the United States, but the lives they are carving out in the dorm room and classroom are what will shape their future.

For these young men, the ISP has established itself as a rounded program that weaves football’s inherent values of discipline, intelligence and working together both on and off the field to enrich their personal development.

“This is the biggest experience in my life so far, and truly one of the best,” said Gregor Lietzau, a kicker and defensive back from Berlin, Germany, who attends the Kent School in Connecticut. “We have a great student body from all over the world and that’s what makes this place so special and unique.

“I just received my first exam grade, and it was the highest grade in the class. We have great teachers here at Kent and I’m looking forward to keep working with them. I improved my English skills very much, especially the communication skills.”

The language barrier has been overcome dramatically at the New Hampton School in New Hampshire. Long Ding, a Chinese kicker, arrived 7,000 miles from the comfort of home, wondering how he would communicate with his classmates.

USA Football’s International Student Program proves that football opens doors, enriches lives

By Michael Preston

Six months after arriving to his school’s picturesque setting, a place he has come to regard as his new home, Long has balanced his demanding studies, a crash-course in football fundamentals and an initial culture shock to become a model citizen on campus.

“I am delighted that my English is much better than it was before,” he explained. “As a result I am doing better in the classroom.”

Long has also become something of a celebrity, his story being featured in SI Kids, SIRIUS Radio, and the Chinese version of Sports Illustrated. He also attended his first NFL game when he cheered on his favorite team last October, the New England Patriots.

Christoph Kurzer, an 18-year-old Berliner, overcame an early bout of home sickness to thrive at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire.

“Never before have I enjoyed time in school like this,” he admitted. “Here the classes are small, the teachers are great, and we learn together as a group. My best and favorite class is math and I even joined the math team.

“Although there are other German students here, that doesn’t mean we only hang out with each other. We also have American friends – some from football, others from class or those we just meet in school.”

One of Kurzer’s teammates and fellow students at KUA, Danish wide receiver Kevin Gangelhoff, has no doubt the friendships he has made through being a member of the ISP will last forever.

“I know we will still keep in contact after KUA, college and hopefully through life,” said the Copenhagen native. “These guys are great and this whole experience is better than I could have ever imagined.”

To learn more about USA Football’s International Student Program, visit usafootball.com or call us at 1-877-5-FOOTBALL.

It’s more than a game

The 12 students from overseas enrolled in USA Football’s International

become a model citizen on campus.

better than it was before,” he explained. “As a

Long Ding

11

Geographically, it is the only American land below the equator, but its compass of football passion points firmly upward.

Welcome to American Samoa. The 58,000 people who inhabit its 77 square miles know American citizen privileges as well as America’s favorite sport – football.

With gridiron heroes of American Samoan descent such as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu, more of today’s youngsters on the island – with some help from USA Football – can advance themselves in the game’s fundamentals at an earlier age than their NFL role models.

On Feb. 8 in Hawaii, alongside a practice field used by NFL All-Stars preparing for the 2008 Pro Bowl, USA Football and American Samoa football representatives forged what may become the most significant partnership that the sport has seen in recent memory.

USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, announced that it will provide 160 sets of equipment to outfit eight youth football clubs that will establish the island’s first youth tackle football league. USA Football will also provide the league with its state-of-the-art coaching and officiating online programs.

USA Football helps South Pacific football stronghold make more wavesBy Steve Alic

In addition, the U.S. territory, with guidance from USA Football, will create an American Samoa Federation of American Football (ASFAF) and is on its way to joining USA Football and more than 40 other national federations as a member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The IFAF membership will enable American Samoa to field “national” teams for international competition with the likes of Australia, Germany, Japan, the United States and dozens of other nations united in football through IFAF.

“Back home, there’s raw talent,” says Meki Solomona, president of the American Samoa Federation of American Football, who traveled 2,300 miles to Hawaii for this historical announcement with USA Football. “We do not have the facilities that you have in the States,” added Solomona. “We do not have the great weight rooms. And until now, we’ve not had tackle football programs from the elementary level to junior high.”

“This is an island and a culture centered around ‘family,’” says USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “There is a strong sense of togetherness, respect for others, sacrificing for the good of the family, and teamwork woven into American Samoan life – these are the very same values found in successful people and winning football programs.

“American Samoa has given the game so much, this is one small way for USA Football to say ‘thank you’ to American Samoa.”

According to a recent ESPN report, there are roughly 500,000 Samoans in the world and more than 200 play Division I football. A Samoan boy, according to estimates, is 40 times more likely to make it to the NFL than a boy from the continental United States. And a recent Washington Post report states that in the last five years, nearly 15 percent of boys

Look out, world – football in little American Samoa just got better

Seattle Seahawks All-Star linebacker Lofa Tatupu, American Samoa Football Federation President Meki Solomona, and USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck have all contributed toward the establishment of youth football in American Samoa.

photo by tak Makita12 USA Football Magazine

playing football at one of American Samoa’s six high schools have earned football scholarships from American universities.

Making the trip with Solomona from American Samoa was ASFAF Senior Vice President Danny Langkilde and ASFAF Executive Committee Member Samoa Samoa.

Solomona’s goal for his homeland’s partnership with USA Football is to provide greater opportunities for American Samoan youngsters to earn scholarships and achieve their dreams. “I want more and more of our kids to further their education,” he said. “I want them to become good citizens. We’re looking at football as a way to get an education. That’s the American Dream – the American Samoa Dream.”

The Seattle Seahawks’ Tatupu, whose father, Mosi, was an NFL running back from 1979-90, including a Pro Bowl season in 1986, marvels at the number

of American Samoan boys who advance to college football with minimal tackle football experience.

Says the younger Tatutpu, “If I had to walk into high school and play (as youngsters in American Samoa do), I don’t think I’d be able to play at the NFL level today. Those kids over there are so deserving of a shot, an opportunity. I thank USA Football and everyone who has had a hand in this exciting endeavor for the football-loving kids of American Samoa.”

Steve Alic is USA Football’s director of communications and has worked the past nine years as a football administrator within grassroots and professional levels.

According to a recent Washington Post report, in the past five years, nearly 15 percent of boys playing football at one of American Samoa’s six high schools have earned football scholarships from U.S. universities. As youth football establishes itself on the football-rich island, this figure promises to climb even higher.

Several key officiating topics were at the heart of the first football officiating clinic on American Samoa, held from March 17-20.

Conducted by USA Football officiating member Matthew Sumstine, who also is a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and Mountain West Conference (MWC) side judge, the landmark four-day curriculum in the football hotbed was met with open ears.

“The idea of letting the kids play is probably going to have more of an impact on the American Samoan game than anything else we discussed,” said Sumstine, a Hawaii resident whose passion for officiating led him to organize and direct the historic clinic 2,600 miles from his home.

“If we have a minor holding call on one side of the field that has no impact on the play, we don’t want to call that,” he said. “We’d rather deal with that player individually with some type of warning instead of a penalty that could change the game.”

A veteran of dozens of officiating clinics as a clinician and an attendee, this was Sumstine’s most rewarding.

“Most clinics I’ve conducted have been with officials who are

experienced with polished mechanics. The officials in Samoa, although they’ve been officiating a long time, have never had guidance and the amount of improvement made was the best I’ve ever seen. That in itself made it extremely gratifying, as well as how incredibly receptive these officials were to everything.”

Among those in the officiating trade who have been most influential to Sumstine include USA Football’s Tony Michalek, who was the umpire in February’s Super Bowl, and Bill LeMonnier, the Big Ten’s highest-graded referee

who called January’s Orange Bowl. “Tony and Bill always tell me that whenever they host a clinic they

learn something new,” said Sumstine. “When two guys at the top of their profession say something like that it means something.

“Along with those guys, USA Football’s involvement with me personally has taken me to a different level of training, which has given me the desire to give back and help people. Anytime I’m given the opportunity to host an event like this I jump at it. These Samoan officials are incredible people, and it’s an honor to be able to help develop their skills.”

top: photo by brian Vitolio

Offshore OfficiatingUSA Football assists another South Pacific football “first”By Matt Molina

Matt Sumstine

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Big Program on CampusWest Virginia University employs USA Football coaching resourcesBy Tim Polzer

Comprising West Virginia University are 28,000 students, 1,900 faculty members, 937 acres, 181 buildings, six library facilities, and one Techniques in Coaching Football course.

The required text for that course?The USA Football Coaches Handbook – the same book received by all 10,000

participants to USA Football’s 40 coaching schools in 2008.Dan Ziatz, Ph.D, an associate professor at West Virginia University, is the course’s

instructor. Ziatz adopted the USA Football Coaching Course as compulsory curriculum for his class.

Ziatz and graduate student Dane Moreland consider the USA Football Handbook and usafootball.com course important tools to teach students who plan futures in coaching, physical education and education fields. And it all starts with learning the basics.

“The course is an excellent resource for teaching the fundamentals and techniques of coaching,” Ziatz said. “As Vince Lombardi said: ‘It all comes down to blocking and tackling.’ Techniques and fundamentals are basics that any football coach cannot ignore.”

Ziatz and Moreland were introduced to the program at a coaching convention presentation conducted by Nick Inzerello, USA Football director of football development. They were impressed with the curriculum’s content, structure and relevance. After considering other study guides, the professor selected USA Football’s detailed coursework and its exciting state-of-the-art presentation as the best resources for his students.

“It’s so current,” Moreland said. “The content is up-to-date with the latest techniques and schemes. And it’s presented in an interesting way. The diagrams are easy to understand and follow. It’s a very effective tool for teaching individual skills and team concepts.”

USA Football’s office, located near Washington, D.C., was pleased to hear of West Virginia’s reliance on its resources.

“It’s flattering, to say the least, for any sport’s national governing body to have its training program be part of a college curriculum,” said USA Football Executive Director

Scott Hallenbeck. “Having our coaches handbook serve as the required text for a college course is a proud testament to the quality of what we offer to help make this sport even greater. Coaching is about teaching – every coach will tell you that. But in this case, at West Virginia University, it’s also about learning.”

WVU joins other nationally-renown organizations that integrate USA Football’s education resources into their teaching programs. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) also gives the independent non-profit high marks.

“We were very impressed with the quality of the USA Football program,” NFHS President Bob Gardner said. “It’s a natural fit for high school coaches. That’s why we encourage our coaches to complete it.”

Ziatz sees the program as a valuable investment for his students who want to be the best coach they can be at any level of football.

“By taking my course and studying the USA Football content, my students are making an investment in their futures,” Ziatz said. “You can only be as effective as your tools. If they want to be a good coach, they must have a solid foundation and knowledge of the game. This program is as good as it gets.”

You don’t have to travel to Morgantown, W.Va., to delve into USA Football’s coaching course. In fact, you don’t have to leave your chair. Visit usafootball.com and click the “Membership” button to fortify your teaching skills and gain an edge for your players’ benefit.


Coaching centerCoaching centerCoaching center

14 COACHING.indd 14 5/1/08 9:08:38 PM

quick-hitter gridquick-hitter gridquick-hitter gridFour USA Football coaching members – spanning from New York to Hawaii – recently shared their straight-ahead thoughts about America’s favorite sport.

Coach: Reginald Hayman Michael Briand Rockwell Fukino Christos Spirou Team: 7-8 year old Mustangs 12-year old Dolphins 9-14 year olds 9-10 year old Packers Location: Little Rock, Ark. Denver, Colo. Honolulu, Hawaii Oceanside, N.Y.

Favorite Coach Tom Landry Fritz Crisler Bill Walsh Vince Lombardi (Michigan Coach)

Friday Night Lights

Best Football Rudy RudyMovie

Best Football Dallas Cowboys University of Michigan Seattle Seahawks Florida State Uniforms Pittsburgh Steelers N.Y. Giants

Favorite Gadget Play The “wrong-ball” play Extreme unbalanced line Hook and Ladder Statue of Liberty for QB sweep

Skill or value most Patience Communicating with the kids Patience Patienceneeded to coach

Primary value you aim Persistence – Going “all out” Respect Teamwork and good to instill in players never give up on every play sportsmanship

Most underrated Parental involvement Execution of fakes Responsibilities of How it inspiresaspect of football and misdirection a head coach camaraderie

Best thing about Watching a budding Seeing the development Learning from The kidscoaching star blossom of the kids’ skills the kids we coach

Aikman, Madden, Madden Neither, Paul Maguire Madden Maddenor Simms

Tom Landry

Friday Night Lights

Remember the Titansand We Are Marshall

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to discuss the types of offenses and defenses they will use. He then begins working on practice schedules and sends those out via email to his two coordinators to review and comment. Once they reach an agreement, Coach Roggenbauer finalizes the practice schedules and gets them to his coaches. When practice begins the first Saturday in August, they’re all on the same page with a clear, common goal.

PLANAlong with planning practices, coaches

also need to plan how they communicate with their players’ parents. Scott Hiland who serves as president of a 600-player youth program in Indianapolis, says he has, “gone from coaching kids to coaching coaches.” He makes certain his coaches understand that the league’s focus is to teach fundamentals and ensure that the kids have a safe and fun experience. When Hiland plans for the season he understands finding the right coaches is the key to every child’s success.

Coaches who take advantage of the off-season by learning more about the fundamentals, attend clinics or meet with other coaches and develop a plan for the season will hit the ground running in August. Being organized and having a plan on Day One will likely have you weeks ahead of your opponents in every phase of the game.

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Canard, a member of USA Football’s

Youth Coaching Task Force, possesses more than 20 years of youth football coaching experience. For more coaching insight behind the Xs and Os, visit usafootball.com and click the blue “Coaches” tab.

Jerseys and pants have been washed, dried, and put away. Helmets and shoulder pads are out for reconditioning and the footballs stored in the equipment room’s large plastic tubs struggle to hold air.

The season for the players ended months ago and the start of practice for the upcoming season is several flips of the calendar away. However, the best coaches understand that now is the time for them to get better at what they do. The off-season is the perfect time for coaches to educate, organize, and plan for that first sound of a whistle when practice begins.

EDUCATEAlways discover ways to educate yourself. Find clinics or seek out coaches with more

experience to learn new drills, schemes, and teaching methods. Skip Roggenbauer, a youth football coach with 21 years of experience in Green Bay, Wis., coaches a team of eighth graders that feed into three high schools. He reaches out to the high school coaches to understand what they would like their future players to be taught and then develops power point presentations to share with coaches in his West Side Wolverines program which fields six teams between the fifth through eighth grades.

ORGANIZEFootball has a longer preseason (roughly four-to-six weeks) than any other sport.

It’s crucial that coaches use the off-season to prepare for those practices, ensuring that the team hits the ground running and is prepared to play that first game. Coach Roggenbauer says he begins communicating with his assistant coaches in the spring

Games played in the fall can be won or lost nowTurn the soil today to yield a great football experience in autumnBy Larry Canard



14 COACHING.indd 16 5/1/08 9:08:58 PM

Meet the Parents, Football-Style

By Scott Lancaster

Coaches can take a pro-active move to share information and answer questions that commonly arise

from parents and players with a preseason meeting. Clear communication is essential to kick your season off right.

A list of suggested topics to cover:

1. State your objectives Leave no questions unanswered

before the season begins. For example it’s important to explain how you’ll select athletes for specific positions, share your playing time philosophy, discuss how you work with first-time players, etc.

This is also a good time to describe your policy on how parents and players may best communicate with you throughout the season. Everyone should feel comfortable approaching you with questions or to address an issue. However, if you are clear on when and how to approach you, you’ll reduce the chance of being caught off-guard or not prepared to give everyone your full attention.

2. Describe how you conduct practices

The best coaches get the most out of their practices. Since the majority of your time is spent at practices with your players, fully explain how these are run. Share your practice plans with parents and players and explain why you do things a specific way. The more information you provide, the better prepared your team will be to practice and play.

3. Provide backyard drillsTo improve your team’s fundamentals,

it’s important that they work on the basics

as much as possible. Youngsters today are less likely to be engaged in free play as much as you were, which is where you developed throwing, catching and basic movement skills. Provide them with fun games to play on non-practice days. (Editor’s note: examples of fundamental-based games are on page 22.)

4. Describe your safety procedures

Inform parents that you have assigned coaches with specific responsibilities in case of an injury or emergency. Communicate who on your staff has CPR training, where you keep your first aid kit and who is responsible for carrying a cell phone.

5. Ask questions and listen

Listen to parents and players. Engage the group by asking questions. What would they like to achieve this season? What do they perceive to be a great experience? Gather each player’s goals. This will help you when teaching, motivating, and managing the many personalities you have on your team.

With a productive preseason parents and players meeting, you’re on your way to providing a great football experience.

USA Football contributor Scott Lancaster is the founder and CEO of Youth Evolution Sports and the author of “Fair Play: How to Make Organized Sports a Great Experience for Your Kids.” For more insight from Lancaster, visit usafootball.com

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“Hide It”By Tom Bass

When you know that you are being scouted by a future opponent, there will be an added factor to consider at game time – will you use your entire playbook or hold something back?

Keep in mind what you are showing the scouts in the stands, but only after you have used the offensive plays and defenses

that you need to win the game at hand. Never put yourself at a disadvantage

because you want to keep an opponent from seeing part of your playbook. At the same time, do not become so analytical that you start calling plays to merely create volume for scouts in the stands.

If we can agree that we need to focus on the game at hand, then when would

you want to hold back on your play calling? The first instance is if you had a play that was working

against that day’s opponent. You might continue to run that particular play over and over to give scouts a distorted idea of what you might do against them, keeping back other plays from your playbook that may be as good of an option.

Secondly, keep something back if you know in advance (from your scouting) that you have a particular backfield action, blocking scheme, alignment, or pass pattern that is going to be especially troublesome for the team that is watching from the stands. This would also be true of an alignment, coverage, or blitz on defense.

This is when it makes good sense to try to hold back and not show this material. You want to be able to take full advantage of this when your game is played.

In both instances, you either give the scouts a false perception of your style of play or leave them in the dark about what you may use against them in the future.

Holding back makes sense if you have enough tools to take advantage of your opponent for today’s game.

Takeaway-Giveaway with Tom & Larry

Your Playbook: Show it or hide it?

“Show It”By Larry Canard

When I review film or scout a future opponent and they run a number of offensive formations, a variety of defensive schemes and a few trick plays from special teams, I’m reminded of that candy commercial that asks, “Not going anywhere for a while?”

Simply put, the more I have to cover with my team in practice, the more likely it is that I won’t cover it in great detail and I likely won’t be able to cover it all. A coach never wants to send his team into a game unprepared but when a team shows you its entire playbook, that is almost certain to happen.

It’s important to keep the game fun, so I try to get as many kids involved in the offense as possible. This means we may go from a double tight, double wing zone running team to being a four-wide shotgun spread option team. Reserving an offensive look for a tough opponent is not wise. Nothing compares to game-speed and we only improve our execution under those conditions.

Showing your whole playbook accomplishes the following:• Forcesyouropponenttoworkharderinordertoprepareforyou.• Takesyouropposingcoach’spracticetimeawayfromworkingon

other things.• Improvesyourtimingandexecution,ifyouwantittoworkina

big game you must work on it in not-so-big games.• Themoreyouropponentisthinking,thelessreactingheisdoing.

That gives you an edge.• Don’tpracticesomethingyouaren’twillingtotryinagame.That

is a waste of your practice time.• Whenyoudoalotofdifferentthings,youropponentcanbe

scared. When you do a lot of different things well, your opponent can feel defeated.

• Showvarietyondefenseaswell.Thismakesitdifficultforanoffensive coordinator to call plays and find something that will work.

Tom Bass and Larry Canard combine for more than 50 seasons of coaching on the youth, college and NFL levels and illustrate that there’s more than one way to win a football game. Both contribute to the innovative benefits included within USA Football’s Coaching Membership program. Go to usafootball.com today, click the “Membership” button to join the USA Football family and gain more from Tom & Larry.


Lake Mary Youth Football Association Lake Mary, Fla.

“Every player, parent and coach involved with LMYFA commits to our Code of Conduct that outlines positive participation in all events and discourages poor sportsmanship. The Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program is a great compliment to and reinforcement of this ongoing effort to make all youth football events a positive experience. We are thrilled that so many of our parents participated and look forward to continued participation in Responsible Sports. The grant funds will become part of our 2008 operating budget, which includes some extraordinary expenses this year including new uniforms and reconditioning of football helmets.”

A Team EffortClubs Earn $2,500 Responsible Sports Grants from Liberty Mutual

Last year, nearly 200 U.S. youth football organizations took part in a coast-to-coast “combine” to demonstrate not their rushing or blocking skills, but their dedication to good sportsmanship, teamwork, and character development.

The challenge: encourage as many community members as possible to complete an online curriculum on youth sports mentoring, found at www.ResponsibleSports.com. The goal: earn $2,500 grants from leading home and auto insurer Liberty Mutual, by being one of the top 20 youth sport organizations with the highest number of completed curriculums.

Those who logged onto www.ResponsibleSports.com found not only a place to win funding for equipment, uniforms, and travel, but also an online community featuring advice, toolkits, and best practices for parents and coaches seeking to create a positive experience for young athletes.

USA Football and Liberty Mutual congratulate all youth football organizations who “reached the end zone” by championing a responsible approach to youth sports mentoring. USA Football magazine spoke with some of the $2,500 grant winners to see what Responsible Sports means to them, and here’s what they had to say:

Liberty Mutual is expanding the Responsible Sports program in 2008 to two Community Grant seasons (Spring and Fall) so be sure to visit ResponsibleSports.com and usafootball.com for information on how to earn a $2,500 grant for your youth sports organization.

In partnership with USA Football, the Liberty Mutual Responsible SportsTM program features advice, workshops, and best practices for youth football coaching and mentoring to support parents and coaches across America to foster positive sporting experiences for their young athletes.

For more information, visit ResponsibleSports.com.

Peninsula Youth Football AssociationGig Harbor, Wash.

“As a 100 percent volunteer organization, we work hard to provide our families with a quality experience. The award validates that our parents and coaches support our efforts and share our vision of continued growth and improvement. The grant will help with so many of our operating expenses – equipment upgrades, field rental, reduced or free registration for qualifying families, to name a few.”

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John Newton, Ph.D, is the proud father of one of the nation’s top high school quarterback prospects. Morgan Newton will start for Carmel (Ind.) High School next season, having already received interest from major college football programs such as Notre Dame, Miami, USC, Nebraska, Kentucky and Louisville. That Morgan has exhibited great athletic talent may partly lie with his father, who played fullback for legendary coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State. As assistant principal at Carmel High, John now enjoys the opportunity to watch his son grow and fulfill his potential.

John Newton recently spoke with USA Football to talk about how the sport has helped his son develop as a person as much as an athlete.

When did Morgan begin playing football?When he was in the third grade. We were living near

Indianapolis. He played in the Pike Township Youth Football League. He started at quarterback or running back and took to the game very quickly. He was always the kid who had a knack for competing and a nose for the ball.

In what ways did he excel as a youth football player?

He showed real leadership abilities at an early age. He wanted to lead and he wanted to play the best he could, even in the third grade. It’s something that he’s never lost.

Did you ever worry about Morgan playing football?No. He was physically capable of holding his own. He played

in some leagues with weight limits to avoid players being overmatched. I also started coaching him to make sure that he and his teammates were learning the proper way to play.

Did you enjoy coaching your son?Yes, I did. It gave me a chance to pass on what I knew and to make

sure he was enjoying himself. I ended up coaching him for several years.

What has Morgan learned from playing football?

He’s learned many things. He’s learned how to be a leader. He’s learned how to deal with adversity. He’s still learning what it takes to compete under pressure at a high level.

Have you passed any of Coach Robinson’s knowledge on to Morgan?

Yes, I have. Coach Robinson always said that football is an assimilation of life. You get out of it what you put into it. In football, as in life, you

must compete for positive outcomes. You must be strong – mentally and physically – in life as well as football. That lesson helped me in life and I’ve tried to pass it along to Morgan.

What Football Has Taught My Son: John Newton By Tim Polzer

John Newton

Morgan Newton

FootballParents

Unite!

Adding another wrinkle to its playbook for the good of the sport, USA Football is proud to join the Professional Football Players Mothers Association (PFPMA) and the National Football Players Fathers Association (NFPFA). The pros’ moms and dads now share their rich experiences as “football parents” with the moms and dads of youth football players on a regular basis through usafootball.com and USA Football Magazine.

The parents’ associations are composed of more than five dozen moms and dads of active and retired NFL, AFL and CFL players. Their insight will cover how they cheered up their pre-teen after an on-field miscue, how they managed the college recruiting process as a family, and more.


Health & SafetyHealth & SafetyHealth & Safety

Six keys to look for in a youth coach or league

By Scott Lancaster

As your youngster suits up to experience America’s favorite sport as a player, aim to understand the philosophy and objectives that the coaches and league have established.

One of the best ways to evaluate a coach or league is to observe their practices. The following provides a list of six qualities to look for and consider during the season.

Handling intimidationToo often in sports, the more

mature and bigger kids are allowed to dominate the program. This leaves kids who have yet to blossom discouraged and uninterested in pursuing a sport. A high-quality league spends time introducing skills and teaching. Avoid leagues and teams that require a child to test his courage by going one on one and tackling someone, before ever teaching that skill.

Practice organizationIf you witness long lines of kids waiting for their turn in a drill, or

coaches continuously talking to each other and losing the attention of their team, it’s not likely a good situation. Look for kids paired off receiving many repetitions with coaches engaged and always teaching.

Learning and improvement progression

If possible, find parents of kids that have been involved with the league or coach in the past and ask if their kids were satisfied with their improvement throughout the season. If kids feel as though they are improving, they’ll most likely enjoy the experience and that’s a sign of a good coach.

Playing time for allLeagues with equal playing time rules and coaches that follow it

are earmarks of a program that cares about the development of the athlete rather than league standings.

Emphasis on fundamentals

Parents should want their child to learn all fundamentals of the game. This reduces the risk of injury and enables youngsters to receive a progression of learning that they can apply throughout their playing careers. Coaches that skip the fundamentals and conduct a majority of scrimmages during practice do not provide your child with the learning experience

they deserve. A good youth football coach will teach blocking and tackling, talk with every player – experienced or not – and line them up six inches apart. Once players execute each phase consistently and properly, coaches should slowly move them farther and farther apart. By taking a gradual approach, a coach will produce safer results and have fundamentally-sound players.

Winning and losing in perspectiveCompetition is good and learning how to deal with losing can

be valuable, but coaches that are overly concerned with winning often overlook many of the good qualities of teaching and the development of every athlete on the team.

Emphasis on fundamentalsEmphasis on fundamentalsEmphasis on

child to learn all fundamentals of the game. This reduces the risk of injury and enables youngsters to receive a progression of learning that they can apply throughout their playing careers. Coaches that skip the fundamentals and conduct a majority of scrimmages during practice do not provide your child with the learning experience

they deserve. A good youth football coach will

“We’re happy to share what we’ve learned over the years with the moms and dads of youngsters playing the game today through USA Football,” said PFPMA President Wilma McNabb, mother of Philadelphia Eagles five-time all-star quarterback Donovan McNabb.

The Philadelphia quaterback’s father, Samuel McNabb, is founder and president of the NFPFA. “The National Football Players Fathers Association is extremely excited about our USA Football partnership. This provides us a great platform to share our knowledge, understanding and experiences with young athletes, parents, coaches and sports enthusiasts about both football and life.” Wilma McNabb

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Fun backyard games to teach throwing & catching a footballBy Scott Lancaster

The backyard is the most under-utilized playground for kids today. To further promote passing and catching fundamentals while encouraging creative free play, here are two fun football-centric games to play before sundown.

Duck HuntA game that improves offensive and defensive skills, “Duck Hunt” promotes a receiver’s

ability to ditch one-on-one coverage while a quarterback must quickly fire the ball into closing spaces.

EquipmEnt: A few footballs, approximately 25 cones or markers, one stopwatch

SEt-up: The game requires a flat area approximately 15 to 20 yards long by 15 yards wide. Place five your markers equally across the playing field designating a five-yard separation between four downfield zones.

How to pLay: The game can be played with seven players. If you have more, have them rotate in after each game. Start the game by placing two quarterbacks beyond the first five-yard zone, place two receivers in the second five-yard zone with two defenders and place a third defender in the third five-yard zone.

The objective is to complete and catch three balls as quickly as possible while avoiding defenders in three separate zones.

Start the game with each quarterback having three footballs five-yards from the first zone where two receivers attempt to get open from their two defenders. Once a receiver catches a ball from a quarterback, they advance downfield to the next grid, where the next defender is waiting. The first defender can follow into the next five-yard grid only when both receivers have caught their balls in that area.

Throwing On the RunDuring a football game, a quarterback must throw while avoiding oncoming defenders.

“Throwing On the Run” places a passer in that situation in a fun and challenging way. Please find all techniques and fundamentals for proper footwork (dropping back & throwing off the correct foot) at usafootball.com.

EquipmEnt: One bounce-back rebounder/target (found in sporting goods stores), some type of bull’s eye (i.e. paper plate) attached to the rebounder, several appropriately-sized footballs, six small cones or rubber flat dots.

SEt-up: Place the rebounder/target 10 yards downfield from the first dot or cone and set up the remaining dots/cones as seen in the diagram. For an advanced drill, move all dots/cones five yards further away from the rebounder/target.

How to pLay: The objective is to drop back to pass and successfully hit the rebounder/target with the football from all five designated spots on the field. Two points are awarded for each successful thrown ball that hits the target. Six points are awarded for each ball that hits the bull’s eye.

For advanced play, add a defender that rushes the quarterback. The defender begins by standing seven yards from any dot/cone.

QB QB

R RD

D

D

15 yards

D

Duck Hunt

QBQB

QB QB

QB

QB

QBQB QBQBQBQBQBQBQBQBQB5 yards 5 yards

Throw on the RunRebounder/Target


Health & SafetyHealth & SafetyHealth & Safety

20 HEALTHSAFETY.indd 22 5/1/08 9:11:42 PM

It’s more than a game…U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Lance, a liquid fuels maintenance specialist

at Manas Air Base in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as told to SI.com NFL writer Peter King on March 5, 2008:

“Football is so big to all of us. You’re so far from home, but for a few hours every week, you’re home again. It gives you a feeling of being at home with your family, watching the games you’ve watched all your life. I remember a few years ago when I was stationed in Guam on Super Bowl Sunday. We got up at 2:30 in the morning and had the grills going. We went through breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner, all around the game. It was great for all of us there.”

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why I’m a USA Football Memberwhy I’m a USA Football Memberwhy I’m a USA Football Memberwhy I’m a USA Football Memberwhy I’m a USA Football Memberwhy I’m a USA Football Member

Being part of the USA Football family further unites all of us who are connected to America’s favorite sport. USA Football officiating member Rob Friedman calls Maryland high school action and has recently applied to work on the college level through the Eastern Association Intercollegiate Football Officials, Philadelphia Chapter. Friedman spoke with USA Football Magazine to share his officiating passion and the value of being a USA Football member.

How did you learn about USA Football?I attended the 2007 Liberty Bell Football Officials Clinic (near

Philadelphia) and information about USA Football was included in our packets. USA Football was also mentioned during one of our general sessions.

What inspired you to join USA Football?To have an additional resource for training, education and

information about football officiating.

What do you enjoy about officiating football?Being on the football field and involved in the sport that I am

passionate about.

What do you value most about being a football official?The relationships and camaraderie that I have with my fellow

officials. I also appreciate the time that other officials have taken in helping with my development as I aim to move up to the next level.

What do you do full-time?I’m an Operations Manager for Smith Barney.

Are there skills you’ve developed as an official that help you in your job?

I have to utilize my people skills and remain calm when making decisions – some that people may not like – which are difficult, but fair. Making a call on the field and hearing from an unhappy coach while remaining calm reinforces positive character traits that I use at the office.

What would you tell someone who is considering becoming a USA Football officiating member?

I would encourage it. Join. This membership is a valuable resource that allows me to develop my officiating knowledge on and off the field. The tools that are available to me as a member either in print or at usafootball.com alone are worth the nominal cost.

Anything else you would care to add?I encourage anyone who is considering to become a football

official to do it. For those of us who love the sport and have never played it, like in my case, it allows you to be involved in a way like nobody else can. I’ve made many friends in the officiating community; some of who I know will be friends for life. Because of these friendships, I’ve become a better person and a better football official.

Rob FriedmanName: Rob Friedman Resides: Owings Mills, Md.USA Football Membership: OfficiatingPosition: Head Linesman/Line Judge Official Since: 2000Level: Maryland Board of Football Officials (H.S.)

Photos: Patrick a. holt

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in for the youngsters,” he adds. “And I’ve always believed that the youth level is where the best coaching has to be. It’s so important to teach proper techniques – like what USA Football is doing here today – and make the game fun.”

At Lambeau Field in April, Green Bay Packers offensive line coach James Campen addressed more than 200 Wisconsin coaches. A veteran member of the Packers for nearly a decade, he began

his coaching journey at his prep alma mater, California’s Ponderosa High School after a short NFL playing career. His high school coaching experience was central to his inspirational remarks.

“One of the early mistakes I made was not coaching fundamentals, but coaching plays,” he says. “I got caught up in the winning and the losing. That first year was tough. It is important to win; I’m not saying it’s not. There are lessons learned in winning and losing, even at a young age.”

On March 8 at Atlanta-area Mill Creek High School, new Falcons head coach Mike Smith shared his knowledge with the USA Football

An ambitious 2008 USA Football schedule with 40 coaching schools and more than three dozen State Leadership Forums is underway, further strengthening youth leagues across the country.

Driving the coaching schools’ success are standout local clinicians, inspirational keynote speakers including NFL and top college football coaches, exciting football venues, and an acclaimed curriculum assembled by USA Football’s six regional managers.

Kicking off the year in America’s 50th state, University of Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin delivered a stirring keynote address on Feb. 8 in downtown Honolulu before more than 100 of the island’s coaches. McMackin and his Warrior coaching staff partnered with USA Football Northwest Regional Manager Bassel Faltas to assemble a day of education involving fundamentals, schemes and coach-to-player communication.

“I appreciate these coaches so much for everything they do,” says Hawaii’s McMackin, who was named the Warriors’ head coach in January. As the team’s defensive coordinator in 2007, he helped the school earn a perfect 12-0 regular season record and a Sugar Bowl berth.

“I respect the time and energy they put

Coast-to-Coast CoachingCoaching Schools & State Forums strengthen & unify football community

By Matt Molina

Indianapolis Colts receivers coach Clyde Christensen addresses more than 300 youth coaches at USA Football’s Indiana Coaching School at the team’s facility in April.

Coaching Membership offers insuranceGeneral liability insurance is now part of your USA Football coaching

membership if you have completed Coaching Course Level 1 at usafootball.com. The policy provides up to $1 million in coverage for youth (18 and under) football-related activities.

Learn more about USA Football’s coaches insurance, issued by an A+ (superior) rated insurance company, by visiting usafootball.com and click the blue “Coaches” tab.

This and other game-changing USA Football member resources are open for you at usafootball.com.

photos by scott LeVeque; mike smith photo courtesy of the atLanta faLcons

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith shared his insight at a recent USA Football Coaching School.


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coaching crowd.“These coaches are the future

of the game,” says Smith. “They are the first coaches many youngsters will have.

“It’s very important to Mr. (Arthur) Blank (Falcons owner) and to our entire organization that kids have a positive experience and enjoy the game. The Falcons always have and always will reach out to the community and make sure that the future of the game is secure.”

Mill Creek High School eighth-grade football coach Rod Dollar served as a USA Football clinician at the Atlanta-area school. “It’s hard to find clinics geared for youth coaches like this one,” he says. “I’m glad to see so many here. I have never spoken in front of a crowd this large. I’m glad I’m in the position to share and help coaches to avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made.”

Inside the Carolina Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium on March 15, many of the more than 150 youth coaches were forced to throw on an extra layer of clothing due to cool temperatures in Charlotte. However, the weather didn’t stiff-arm the attendees from taking part and gaining an edge at the sold-out event.

“It’s cold – really cold – but the weather is not a factor for us,” says Ben Miller, who coaches the Wise (Va.) Indians 7-and-8-year-old team. “With the knowledge we’re getting here, we can tough it out. This is just an invaluable experience.”

Legendary Concord (N.C.) High School coach EZ Smith served as the day’s keynote speaker, sharing with coaches his 11 qualities of a successful coach, cautioning them that their perspective should not be based on wins and losses.

“Coach Smith’s speech was powerful because sometimes, as coaches, we forget that these kids are young men growing up,” says McDougald Middle School offensive coordinator Ronald Paisant. “We’re trying to mentor them to become great men, and we have to do more.

“That’s why this USA Football clinic is so great – it has football lessons and life

lessons. It’s about molding the whole player, the whole coach. Last year, only two of us from my school came to the clinic; this year, we had three more coaches come. Next year, we’ll have even more.”

Crucial toward the development of the game’s youngest players are well-run youth leagues. That’s where USA Football’s State Leadership Forums are extraordinary resources.

State forums unite youth league administrators throughout a state or region for open discussions on how to make football in that area even stronger. USA Football’s

goal is to reach 800 youth football administrators through its 37 state forums in 2008.

“By discussing different policies and ideas from youth leagues around the country, the commissioners are gaining extensive knowledge about how to regulate their own leagues,” says USA Football’s Northeast Regional Manager Ed Passino. “Some of these commissioners have been running leagues for over 30 years, and they have some great ideas about many issues since they’ve seen it all while some others are starting to learn

new and effective ways to improve.”“We’re set to exceed our

expectations,” says USA Football Southeast Regional Manager Rick Peacock. “The number of people interested in these forums is far beyond what we could have hoped for at the beginning of the year.

“People find value in what we’re doing. They’re attending the forums and understand that we’re there for them in the forms of grants, resources and coaching education.”

USA Football Coaching Schools run through August 2. Learn where you can experience one at the recently re-launched usafootball.com.

USA Football’s Green Bay Coaching School with the Packers at Lambeau Field was sold-out in April. Packers offensive line coach James Campen (above) delivered the keynote address.

USA Football coaching school attendees at the Colts’ facility received on-field instruction from top area instructors.

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“We chose it for the ease of information. It’s easy for our coaches to access and understand,” Jordan said. “It has everything you need including tools such as practice planners and drills, as well as instruction on important subjects such as player safety and game management. It’s all inclusive.”

As part of its “Working to Improve Youth Football” program, Mecklenburg Park and Recreation has presented a PowerPoint presentation leading youth coaches through important subjects such as Football 101, how to teach techniques and fundamentals, as well as offensive, defensive and special teams schemes. The guide also addresses health issues

including player hydration, proper practice drills and practice scheduling.

Once coaches have completed the USA Football coaching guide, Mecklenburg Park and Recreation then uses the usafootball.com certification test to establish an education benchmark that crosses all leagues.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback from our coaches, especially the Pop Warner and Police Athletic League coaches who have been introduced to it. We think it’s going to have a very positive impact,” Jordan said. “We’re very pleased.”

The USA Football Coaching Guide can be viewed at usafootball.com.

Visit usafootball.com for your free Administrator membership and learn how to gain USA Football coaching course access for your league’s coaches.

When the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department found itself in need of a program capable of establishing and maintaining a high level of competency among its youth football coaches, it came to USA

Football for a solution.As a result, the Charlotte, N.C.-area youth organization has mandated that its more

than 1,200 youth football coaches study the USA Football Coaches Handbook and pass usafootball.com’s certification course, complete with video animation and audio.

The national governing body of America’s favorite sport on youth and amateur levels, USA Football continues to develop exciting ways to further strengthen the game. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department Youth Football Coordinator Akida Jordan explained the value of employing the USA Football curriculum to train coaches responsible for 8,000 youth players.

Mecklenburg County MandateCharlotte-area independent league makes USA Football coaching course mandatory for 1,200 coachesBy Tim Polzer

“It’s easy for our coaches to access and understand.”

– Akida JordanYouth Football Coordinator

Mecklenburg CountyPark and Recreation Department


LEAgue CenterLEAgue CenterLEAgue Center

USA Football Regional Managers

Northwest RegionBassel Faltas(831) [email protected]

West RegionBucky Brooks(818) [email protected] South Region

Deno campBell(703) [email protected]

Southeast Regionrick peacock(703) [email protected]

Northeast RegioneD passino(703) [email protected]

Central Regionscott leVeque(317) [email protected]

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

your USA Football Regional Manager.

USA Football Regional Managers are current and former coaches, players, and administrators working for you. Each has the experience needed to help you make your league or team even stronger with USA Football’s resources.

Contact your USA Football Regional Manager to learn how you can kickoff your free administrator membership or to ask about coaching certification, the nearest USA Football Coaching School, Player Academy or Officiating School. Stay in touch with your regional manager, whether it’s to share news about your league or team or to ask about membership resources.

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

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

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When to Call Holding & When to Hold OffBy Tony Michalek

Even though we’ve all heard coaches and fans say that holding could be called on every play, there’s very little – if any – truth to that statement. Holding is one of the most

difficult areas for officials to master. Holding is extremely tough to judge because it is called in

accordance to the degree it happens and the kind of affect it has on the play. Because of its subjective nature, so many questions cloud this rule – even the way you would call a hold changes from one competition level to another.

Those enthusiastic about the game, whether you’re a player, coach, official or fan, always wonder what constitutes as holding in lower-level games and why the same stipulations may or may not result as a holding penalty in high school, college or the NFL. They also wonder what would happen if we called holding on every play until the players quit holding.

Well, the truth is players wouldn’t be able to play, the coaches wouldn’t be able to coach and the fans would quit watching, leaving behind a mess that would hardly resemble anything close to the game of football.

When discerning if a player is holding, I use the following philosophies: call any major take down that would embarrass you or your crew if it weren’t called and even if it is not a take down, call holding at the point of attack.

When it comes to making a decision on whether or not I should call a hold, I ask myself these questions:

Did the blocker gain an unfair advantage from the hold? Did the defender have his jersey stretched or have to reach for

the ball carrier with one arm? Was the disengagement between the holder and the person

who was being held legal? Was he taken in a direction by the hold to an undesired

location? Did the defender give up on his pursuit by having a step taken

away from him as the result of a hold?

All of these factors can help you make your decision. If you decide it’s a hold and throw the flag, be able to place the foul into one of the following categories: takedown, tackle, hook and restrict, jersey stretch and twist and turn. If you can’t put it into one of those five holding categories, then it probably wasn’t a foul.

When you’re officiating line play with your head on a swivel, look for the blocker whose feet are beat, as we have a saying that goes, “When their feet are beat, they’re going to cheat.” Offensive linemen with slow feet are the ones to focus on.

Remember to look for one of the five categories when observing sluggish-footed blockers, especially takedowns and tackles from behind.

Lastly, don’t neglect the quick feet of a skilled offensive lineman by not allowing yourself to see the entire block. If you don’t see the whole block, keep your flag in your pocket.

Tony Michalek is USA Football’s director of officiating and has worked as an NFL umpire since 2002. Among the best at his craft, Michalek was a member of the Super Bowl XLII officiating crew. USA Football officiating members gain an edge and learn from the best. Join Michalek and our officiating family today at usafootball.com.


OfficiatingOfficiatingOfficiating

Collegiate officials listen to USA Football’s LeMonnierUSA Football’s Bill LeMonnier presents to college officiating supervisorsBy Matt Molina

USA Football officiating consultant Bill LeMonnier, who was the Big Ten Conference’s top-rated referee for 2007, was among the featured presenters at the NCAA/Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA) Division I Supervisors meeting on February 19 in Park Ridge, Ill. Officiating supervisors from all 24 Division I football conferences were on hand to listen.

A 14-year Big Ten veteran and an Arena Football League official since 2000, LeMonnier teams with USA Football Officiating Director Tony Michalek to author USA Football’s officiating education program. He worked this past January’s thrilling Orange Bowl while Michalek called Super Bowl XLII, among the most exciting Super Bowls in history.

LeMonnier held the rapt attention of his audience throughout his 30-minute presentation, which included a special USA Football DVD to prep a crew during its pregame meeting.

“For years our pregame has consisted of sitting at a table and going over different aspects of officiating,” says LeMonnier. “I think that over the years it’s become a bit stale, so I put together a DVD that goes over all of the different facets of the game to better prepare all NCAA officials.”

The DVD emphasizes the importance of crew consistency, building trust and relationships within the crew, proper mechanics coverage

for kickoffs, running game, passing game, scrimmage kicks, and goal line, as well as player safety, player conduct and instant replay. In the past three years, LeMonnier and Michalek have created more than 50 officiating training DVDs, many of which will soon be available for purchase at the re-launched usafootball.com store.

“Bill’s strengths are many, his ability to teach, instruct through video training, and motivate his crew is admired and highly respected,” says David Parry, the NCAA’s national coordinator of officials. “Bill and his crew consistently rate as one of our best. The Big Ten Conference and USA Football are fortunate to have LeMonnier as a contributor.”

Later in the program, LeMonnier informed the supervisors of the upcoming CCA test, which will be offered online at usafootball.com for the second-consecutive year. The test, written in part by LeMonnier, will be available for all college officials in mid-May.

“This test, offered exclusively at usafootball.com, gets game officials together to discuss a variety of issues, which in turn improves their officiating knowledge,” says LeMonnier.

LeMonnier also presented a separate session to college officiating supervisors dissecting select case study plays from the 2007 regular and bowl season. From the man who refereed the unbelievable trickery in Boise State’s Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma a year ago, there are few plays he hasn’t seen.

His familiarity with the uncommon football play is second to none, as is his reputation.

photo courtesy of New orleaNs VooDoo

Player MeMbershiP CoMing!Can’t get enough football? You’ve come to the right place.Starting in July at usafootball.com, step deeper into your gridiron passion and swim move your way into USA

Football’s Player Membership. Player members go inside a virtual “Film Room,” receive exclusive benefits and discounts from the greatest names in football, and more:

• Exclusive usafootball.com “Film Room” access to video clips sharpening your skills and technique.• A pair of Under Armour football gloves• 15% off any purchase at NFLShop.com• Virtual “Gameball” and 500 free “Pigskins” at NFLRUSH Zone (NFLRUSH.com)• Ticket discounts for AFL and af2 games• 10% off any purchase at The AFL Store (arenafootballstore.com)• Exclusive discounts from leading national sporting goods retailers• USA Football membership letter & Player Member CardDive into usafootball.com for more details and put on your member helmet today.

from all 24 Division I football conferences were on hand to listen.

Bill LeMonnier

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Every career field has a destination for excellence, where an industry’s highest performers

are lifted to its greatest stage.A chemist yearns for the

Nobel Peace Prize in Chemistry. Journalists strive for a Pulitzer. Law professionals may aspire to deliver justice in the U.S. Supreme Court.

All are worthy pursuits, but none of these prize-winners perform before a potential global audience of 800 million in more than 220 countries as his work is interpreted instantaneously in 30 languages on a field commanding rapt attention and a peerless passion.

That stage belongs to a Super Bowl game official.

That stage belonged to USA Football’s Tony Michalek this past February.

Michalek, USA Football’s director of officiating and an NFL umpire since 2002, was selected by the league to serve on the seven-man crew to officiate the sports world’s greatest spectacle when the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, 17-14. He was informed of the Arizona assignment through a phone call by NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira.

“A flood of emotions rapidly went through me as I listened to the details,” recalls Michalek, a 26-year football officiating veteran. “The feeling that hit me the hardest was humble gratitude. I wanted to thank everyone I knew who supported me through the years. Nobody achieves this kind of accomplishment without the support of family, friends and officiating mentors.”

A co-author of USA Football’s officiating program with the Big Ten Conference’s No. 1-rated referee Bill LeMonnier, Michalek was the NFL’s

highest-graded umpire over the course of the season to earn his first Super Bowl distinction. The Chicago-area resident worked the AFC Championship Game last season between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots and called an NFC Divisional Playoff this past January when the Dallas Cowboys hosted the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.

Standing on the manicured field prior to kickoff, Michalek briefly reflected upon two of his life’s most inspiring forces – his parents.

“As I anticipated, my emotions peaked when we lined up at the 50-yard line for the national anthem. My mother, Carole, who sings a beautiful rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ was pictured in my head as Jordan Sparks began to sing. To this day, I am a big mush ball every time it plays and I’ve yet to hear anyone sing it better than my mom.

“As tears of joy streamed down my face,

I mentally thanked all those who helped me along this incredible journey. I lined up on the 30-yard line for the opening kickoff and a calm confidence went through me of being well-trained and prepared for this moment. When the whistle was blown to kickoff, I heard the words of my father, Don: “Have fun, you deserve this and stay out of their (players) way.”

Following the Giants’ stunning upset of the previously-unbeaten Patriots, Michalek and his crewmates were congratulated in the officials’ locker room for

a Super Bowl-worthy performance by Pereira, NFL Supervisor of Officials Jim Daopoulos, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Michalek and LeMonnier are traveling the country in 2008 to instruct or lead nearly two dozen football officiating clinics on behalf of USA Football, which serves as the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels. The credentialed tandem in stripes help current officials sharpen their skills and encourage football-savvy individuals to answer the game’s call to officiate America’s favorite sport.

“Youth and high school football leagues need officials, offering people who love this sport a chance to help their community by making the game safe and fair,” Michalek says. “Dreams and goals can come true with hard work and a great support system. Officiating a state championship

or a Division I game are attainable goals if an official is willing to put extra effort toward continual improvement.

“Be prepared to ask questions in order to find a road map for success – it is there if you want it.”

By Steve Alic

Officially superUSA Football’s Tony Michalek reflects on officiating Super Bowl XLII

USA Football Officiating Membership offers you the ability to converse with and pose questions to accomplished professionals in this field like Tony Michalek at usafootball.com’s “Ask the Expert” feature. Become a USA Football officiating member now at usafootball.com.

In a photo from Super Bowl XLII, USA Football Director of Officiating Tony Michalek alertly monitors the line play. Michalek was the NFL’s No. 1-rated umpire in 2007 to earn his first Super Bowl assignment.



How do I become a football official? By Tony Michalek

I’m asked all the time, “How did you get started in officiating?” In most cases, another official encourages or helps someone

get started. Athletic directors or coaches also can help by supplying contact information for their leagues’ officiating scheduler.

Anyone who has considered becoming an official needs insight to the process of getting started and what this exciting position entails.

A veteran can guide a new official through the registration process with introductions to local, state and national associations. New officials need to be informed of fees, equipment costs and a time commitment before beginning the exciting and rewarding journey of officiating the world’s greatest sport.

With that in mind, officials working on the youth through middle school levels earn approximately $25 to $40 per game. High school freshman and junior varsity games will draw $25 to $50 per assignment. High school varsity games command $50 to $80.

Steps to get started:• Contact your state’s high school athletic

association• Contactyourlocalofficialsassociationforhelp

to get started• Completetheregistrationprocesswhichmay

require fees as high as $75• Fulfilltherequirementsofyourstate–

attending clinics, rules meetings, tests, and background checks

• Askaboutequipmentrequirements;howtoobtain new or used equipment

• Attendlocalassociationmeetingsforinstructionon rules interpretations, mechanics and sound officiating philosophy

• Introduceyourselftotheyouthandsub-varsityassignor in your area

• Participateinscrimmagestolearnbasicmechanics

• Studyrulestestswithveteranofficialsforrulebook interpretations

• Asktheassignorforvideoofyouthandsub-varsity games to study mechanics

• Bepreparedandarriveearlyformeetings,scrimmagesandgames• Networkwithlocalassociationofficialstogaintheirofficiating

insight

EquipmentNew officials incur costs to purchase equipment. A new starter

package may cost $200. Most local associations offer programs to help new officials buy used equipment. Veteran officials donate used

lanyards, flags, knickers, bean bags and striped shirts to help defray your expenses.

Basic TrainingA shortage of football officials and low retention rate has spurred the formation of new and excellent

training programs. These introduce new officials to the rules, mechanics and philosophy

behind the rules in both classroom and on-fieldsettings.

Most training programs meet once per week from four to eight weeks prior

to the season. Among the topics covered are rules definitions and penalty enforcements. Test questions are used as discussion topics to reinforce what officials have read in the rulebook. Officials need to learn the philosophy behind the rules and when to pass on minor infractions that have no impact on a play’s outcome.VideoandPowerPointpresentationsoffer dynamic ways for new officials to study and learn this great craft.

Officiating football is a tremendous way to get even closer to the game we love and you never know where it may lead you.

Tony Michalek is USA Football’s officiating director. An NFL umpire since 2002 and part of Super Bowl XLII’s officiating crew, Michalek also officiated in the Big Ten for five years, earning Fiesta and Cotton Bowl assignments. To learn more about USA Football’s officiating resources, visit usafootball.com and click on the “Officials” tab.

insight to the process of getting started and what this exciting

A veteran can guide a new official through the registration process with introductions to local, state and national associations. New officials need to be informed of fees, equipment costs and a time commitment before beginning the exciting and rewarding journey of

With that in mind, officials working on the youth through middle school levels earn approximately $25 to $40 per game. High school freshman and junior varsity games will draw $25 to $50 per assignment. High school varsity

Steps to get started:athletic

association for help

process which may

state –attending clinics, rules meetings, tests, and

requirements; how to

meetings for instructionon rules interpretations, mechanics and sound

and sub-varsity

learn basic

officials for

youth and sub-varsity games to study mechanics

package may cost $200. Most local associations offer programs to help new officials buy used equipment. Veteran officials donate used

lanyards, flags, knickers, bean bags and striped shirts to help defray your expenses.

Basic TrainingA shortage of football officials and low retention rate has spurred the formation of new and excellent

training programs. These introduce new officials to the rules, mechanics and philosophy

behind the rules in both classroom and on-field

Most training programs meet once per week from four to eight weeks prior

to the season. Among the topics covered are rules definitions and penalty enforcements. Test questions are used as discussion topics to reinforce what officials have read in the rulebook. Officials need to learn the philosophy behind the rules and when to pass on minor infractions that have no impact on a play’s outcome. Videooffer dynamic ways for new officials to study and learn this great craft.

Officiating football is a tremendous way to get even closer to the game we love and you never know where it may lead you.

Tony Michalek is USA Football’s officiating director. An NFL umpire since 2002 and part of Super Bowl XLII’s officiating crew, Michalek also officiated in the Big Ten for five years, earning Fiesta and Cotton Bowl assignments. To learn more about USA Football’s officiating resources, visit usafootball.com and click on the “Officials” tab.

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First off, football connected me to role models – my coaches.

I don’t know if you could have a better role model than someone who volunteers his or her time to teach this game and its values to young people. Second, it afforded me an opportunity after school to be surrounded by friends who were devoted to a common cause, who wanted to play by the rules. The game gave me a stronger network of friends who all worked to be part of a team. Between those friendships and the role models I had in the form of my coaches, football helped put my life on a positive course.

I grew up in a rural setting 10 miles from my high school (South Lyon High School in South Lyon, Mich.). Being part of a team made me feel connected and helped me build a network of good friends. And when you become a team captain and earn a leadership role, that makes the game even better. The responsibility you’re given and the leadership you gain at that young of an age has a great lasting impact.

I grew up loving football. In my last high school game, I painted my shoes white because I wanted to be like Joe Namath.

My success in high school earned me a scholarship from a great university – the University of Michigan. When you enter a football program at a school with the tradition of Michigan under a coach like Bo Schembechler,

you learn fast about intense competition. Your goals are high, you are committed to compete at the highest level, and you learn the importance of preparation. Experiencing all the thrills and benefits of winning and the devastation of losing are valuable lessons.

I wasn’t a star at Michigan. I was a drop-back quarterback at a program featuring an option offense. I was struggling to get on the field, but that lack of playing time came with a benefit; I had an opportunity to observe how this incredible, iconic coach could achieve such a level of great success. [During Brandon’s time on Michigan’s varsity roster, the Wolverines’ regular season record was 30-1-1.] As a result of playing for and observing how Bo approached his work, I often tell people that I got a college degree from the “Schembechler School of Leadership.” He taught us how important it was to prepare – and how no matter how good we thought we were, we could always be better. He told us that we

would never stay the same – if we’re not getting better, we’re getting worse.

I was a somewhat non-traditional candidate to become a CEO. My schooling was centered on coaching and teaching in the School of Education. That was my career plan. Well, Procter & Gamble came to campus to recruit new grads for their sales management development program. They

spoke with Bo and told him what type of student they were seeking, what type of qualities they wanted in people for this highly-competitive program. Bo told them, ‘You should go talk to that Brandon kid.’ Although I didn’t go to business school, they convinced me, based on Bo’s recommendation, to try a business career. Thirty-four years later, I’ve been the CEO of two tremendous companies (Domino’s and Valassis, an international marketing services and sales promotion company) for the past 20 years. However, as a CEO, I have found that I spend most of my time teaching and coaching! I build great teams of talented people who are motivated to achieve significant goals, which is a formula for success. I happened to learn from a guy named Schembechler. It has served me well.”

Each issue of USA Football Magazine reveals what America’s favorite sport has taught accomplished individuals in varying career fields.

What Football Taught MeWhat Football Taught MeWhat Football Taught Me

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? 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 soul like America’s favorite sport.

David Brandon has served as the chairman and CEO of Domino’s Pizza since 1999. A quarterback throughout his youth, high school and college days at the University of Michigan, Brandon grew up 40 miles west of Detroit in South Lyon, Mich. He credits football for helping create a path for success where he now directs an industry leader, instilling a team spirit of “smart hustle” and innovation. Domino’s profits have increased dramatically under his leadership.

From his office in Ann Arbor, Mich., Brandon recently spoke with USA Football to share what the sport has taught him.

David Brandon, CEO of Domino’s PizzaAs TOlD TO sTEvE AliC


David Brandon

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USA Football Magazine Issue 6 Summer 2008

Documents

Transcript of USA Football Magazine Issue 6 Summer 2008