Professional Documents
Culture Documents
coaching center 18 Playbook: Show It or 22 Fun backyard games 27 Meet USA Football’s
Hide It? to teach throwing & Regional Managers
14 West Virginia By Tom Bass & Larry catching a football
University employs Canard By Scott Lancaster
USA Football officiating center
coaching education 19 Clubs Earn $2,500 23 Why I’m a USA
Responsible Sports
By Tim Polzer
Grants from Liberty
Football Member 29 Collegiate Officials
By Rob Friedman Listen to USA
15 Quick-hitter Grid Mutual
Football’s LeMonnier
Thoughts from USA league enhancement
Football members health & safety center
30 USA Football’s
20 24 Coaching Schools Tony Michalek
16 Games played in the What Football Has
Coast to Coast reflects on
fall can be won or Taught My Son:
By Matt Molina officiating
lost now John Newton
By Tim Polzer Super Bowl XLII
By Larry Canard
26 Mecklenberg County
17 Meet the Parents, 21 Six keys to look for in a Mandates USA Football 31 How Do I Become a
Football-Style youth coach or league Coaching Course Football Official?
By Scott Lancaster By Tim Polzer By Tony Michalek
By Scott Lancaster
Front Cover
Jim Thorpe photo courtesy of the Professional Football Hall of Fame. Photo Illustration by Bill Bridgeforth.
1
Kickoff
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 usafootball.com
the year with games and another part without them.
and although most leagues have not snapped a ball Chairman
Jack kemp
since november, we know that the sport is never far
from your mind. likewise, uSa football continually Executive Director
Scott Hallenbeck
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
Usa football
football’s commemorative ball, a traveling symbol of
our country and sport, on its way to football destinations
editorial staff
throughout the nation. we also want to receive and
Managing Editor
feature your football stories of inspiration through our
Steve alic
“i played” sharing forum at usafootball.com. both the
commemorative ball and “i played” kick off our “play Contributors:
Jeff barneS, tom baSS,
football” campaign to celebrate all that separates this natHan boudreaux,
sport from the pack. larry canard, Scott lancaSter,
also in this issue, you’ll see results from our 2008 bill lemonnier, tony micHalek,
coaching Schools and State leadership forums and read how they strengthen and unify youth matt molina, tim polzer,
micHael preSton, craig tHomaS
football. and we’re bolstering our event roster with player academies and officiating Schools,
To contact USA Football:
all focused on training to have you in mid-season form by august.
(703) 918-0007
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. traction media staff
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, Publisher
parents, coaches, league commissioners, game officials, and volunteers who make football our rudy J. klancnik
no. 1 game. Editorial Director
you’re a toll-free phone call (1-877-5-football) or a few mouse clicks away from us at tim polzer
usafootball.com. also, our six regional managers (pg. 27) are always eager to speak with you, Designer
so i encourage you to connect with them. william bridgefortH
together, we’ll continue to advance this game and make 2008 the best year in football to
date! Traction Media
Editorial Offices
7115 Tartan Trl.
Have a great summer.
Garland, TX 75044
Tractionmedia@aol.com
Sincerely,
Editorial Department Phone
(972) 896-8006
Custom Publishing
(972) 898-8585
F
ootball 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
Jim Thorpe posted at usafootball.com.
The passion evoked by football, which accounts for nine of the 10 most-watched programs
4 USA Football Magazine photo courtesy of the pro football hall of fame
in American television history, is found within the 3.2 million time and kept us healthy.”
youngsters who fuel its youth leagues, the more than 400 high Legendary Notre Dame player (and captain), chemistry
schools with girls-specific football programs, and the 1.13 million instructor, and head football coach Knute Rockne (1888-1931),
high school boys who play it, more than doubling the next-most shared in his biography, “From Norway to Notre Dame,” how he
popular sport among that group. found the “American Dream” in America’s game.
And as timeless as a strong-shouldered Jim Thorpe in full “How a youngster from Voss, a hamlet in Norway that lies
uniform, football’s values of sacrifice, teamwork and discipline stand between Bergen and Oslo, could find himself in his mid-twenties
forever firm regardless of society’s swings. captain of a typical, Midwestern American football team may
“If you take a look at the work world today, no matter what require explaining,” wrote Rockne. “… this evolution is a typical
profession, they’re looking for a person who is dedicated, hard- American story – in business, athletics and politics. It has occurred
working, loyal and who is so often that it’s ordinary. The
willing to make sacrifices for “We’d play breaks came my way when I had
the company,” said DeMatha sense enough to take them; and
(Md.) Catholic High School football in the while that’s an unromantic way
Head Coach Bill McGregor. of explaining a career, it has the
“They’re also looking for street and if we advantage of being the truth.”
someone who exhibits good didn’t have a Perhaps former Yale Sports
character, leadership and class. I Information Director Charles
think those are intangibles that football, we made Loftus said it best in 1951: “A
a young person attains from football player is a wonderful
playing football.” one with paper creature – you can criticize him,
Football players come in
and tape.” but you can’t discourage him.
all forms, evidenced by Sister You can defeat his team, but you
James Dolores, 71, a long-time – Sister James Dolores, 71 can’t make him quit.
school teacher who today serves “You can get him out of a
as property manager for the Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house in game, but you can’t get him out of football … He may not be an All-
the southern New Jersey town of Stone Harbor. American, but he is an example of the American way. He is judged, not
“We’d play football in the street and if we didn’t have a football, for his race, nor for his religion, nor his social standing, or not for his
we made one with paper and tape,” says the ardent fan of her finances, but by the democratic yardstick of how well he blocks, tackles
hometown Philadelphia Eagles and the AFL’s Philadelphia Soul. “We and sacrifices individual glory for the overall success of his teams.”
played tackle – boys and girls – there were 101 kids on our street, See what football destination or distinctly American locale
so we always had enough players. It was a lot of fun. It occupied our catches the Commemorative Ball next at usafootball.com.
5
Same Great Game,
Whole Different Stadium
Visit the new usafootball.com today
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:
• Free league & team websites for
USA Football Administrator
Members
• Video viewing capability,
accompanying football editorial
• Video clips of USA Football’s
resources and how they can help
you
Frank Sanchez
Vice President, corporate & Partner relationships
boys & Girls clubs of America
H
elping 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.
How has youth football helped the Boys and Girls Clubs of America? throughout the world. In addition, it will
It’s impact on the Boys & Girls Club movement has been tremendous. More than provide any parent, coach or volunteer
80,000 BGC members played on tackle or flag football teams in 2006 supported by more with a one-stop location that truly
than 5,000 volunteer coaches – and nearly a quarter of those coaches are women. This teaches the fundamentals of football in a
program gives our local clubs a great opportunity to attract and retain members while safe and meaningful way.
creating a natural setting for our club staff and volunteers to work with kids on building
strong character and leadership skills. What do you enjoy most about being a
USA Football Board Member?
How does football play a positive role in the lives of children? I respect the mission and the vision of
Youth football can play a pivotal role in a child’s life. Emphasizing teamwork, the organization. What I enjoy most is the
sportsmanship, leadership, responsibility and academic performance in your football richness of the board discussions and the
program are all attributes that a child will take into adult life. realization that all its members, leaders in
their own industries, are passionate about
What is your vision for what USA Football can ultimately do for football? the game of football and sincerely care
USA Football’s expertise and services are growing the game of amateur football about the youth of America.
D
uring 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 million dollar offer to rejoin the Bengals, but declined.
of The Boomer Esiason Foundation which raises funds to fight Instead, he decided that an analyst role on ABC’s Monday
cystic fibrosis, a disease his son, Gunnar, battles. Night Football would give him a larger national profile
“Having Boomer join USA Football further strengthens capable of spreading the word on cystic fibrosis and his other
America’s favorite sport,” said USA Football Executive Director passions, including youth football.
Scott Hallenbeck. “Boomer’s love for football melded with his “Football’s legacy of teaching is generational. People like
integrity and leadership qualities are a great fit for this sport and me who care deeply about this sport recall how great it was to
our team.” be part of it as a youngster – we need to make sure that it’s even
Esiason has been honored with many humanitarian honors greater for the kids who love to play it today and USA Football
including the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and is doing that. I’m proud to be part of USA Football’s roster and
USA Weekend’s Most Caring Athlete Award. serve the coaches, moms, dads, and everyone else who makes
When he debated retirement in 1998, he received a multi- football far more than just a game.”
T
like this,” he admitted. “Here the classes are
he 12 students from overseas enrolled in USA Football’s International small, the teachers are great, and we learn
Student Program (ISP) originally came to the United States to fulfill their together as a group. My best and favorite class
dreams on the football field. is math and I even joined the math team.
But these student-athletes from Germany, Mexico, Denmark and China soon “Although there are other German students
discovered an equal passion for life away from the gridiron in the surroundings here, that doesn’t mean we only hang out with
of their prep schools in New Hampshire, Connecticut, North Carolina and each other. We also have American friends –
Pennsylvania. The lure of playing football might have been what brought them some from football, others from class or those
to the United States, but the lives they are carving out in the dorm room and we just meet in school.”
classroom are what will shape their future. One of Kurzer’s teammates and fellow
For these young men, the ISP has established itself as a rounded program that students at KUA, Danish wide receiver Kevin
weaves football’s inherent values of discipline, intelligence and working together Gangelhoff, has no doubt the friendships he
both on and off the field to enrich their personal development. has made through being a member of the ISP
“This is the biggest experience in my life so far, and truly one of the best,” said will last forever.
Gregor Lietzau, a kicker and defensive back from Berlin, Germany, who attends the “I know we will still keep in contact after
Kent School in Connecticut. “We have a great student body from all over the world KUA, college and hopefully through life,”
and that’s what makes this place so special and unique. said the Copenhagen native. “These guys are
“I just received my first exam grade, and it was the highest grade in the class. We great and this whole experience is better than I
have great teachers here at Kent and I’m looking forward to keep working with them. could have ever imagined.”
I improved my English skills very much, especially the communication skills.” To learn more about USA Football’s
The language barrier has been overcome dramatically at the New Hampton International Student Program, visit
School in New Hampshire. Long Ding, a Chinese kicker, arrived 7,000 miles from usafootball.com or call us at 1-877-5-
the comfort of home, wondering how he would communicate with his classmates. FOOTBALL.
11
Look out, world – football
in little American Samoa
just got better
USA Football helps South Pacific football stronghold make more waves
By Steve Alic
G
around ‘family,’” says USA Football Executive
eographically, it is the only American land below the equator, but its Director Scott Hallenbeck. “There is a strong
compass of football passion points firmly upward. sense of togetherness, respect for others,
Welcome to American Samoa. The 58,000 people who inhabit its 77 square sacrificing for the good of the family, and
miles know American citizen privileges as well as America’s favorite sport – football. teamwork woven into American Samoan life –
With gridiron heroes of American Samoan descent such as Pittsburgh Steelers these are the very same values found in successful
safety Troy Polamalu, New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, and Seattle people and winning football programs.
Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu, more of today’s youngsters on the island “American Samoa has given the game so
– with some help from USA Football – can advance themselves in the game’s much, this is one small way for USA Football
fundamentals at an earlier age than their NFL role models. to say ‘thank you’ to American Samoa.”
On Feb. 8 in Hawaii, alongside a practice field used by NFL All-Stars preparing According to a recent ESPN report, there
for the 2008 Pro Bowl, USA Football and American Samoa football representatives are roughly 500,000 Samoans in the world
forged what may become the most significant partnership that the sport has seen in and more than 200 play Division I football.
recent memory. A Samoan boy, according to estimates, is 40
USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, times more likely to make it to the NFL than a
announced that it will provide 160 sets of equipment to outfit eight youth football clubs boy from the continental United States. And
that will establish the island’s first youth tackle football league. USA Football will also a recent Washington Post report states that in
provide the league with its state-of-the-art coaching and officiating online programs. the last five years, nearly 15 percent of boys
Offshore Officiating
USA Football assists another South Pacific football “first”
By Matt Molina
Several key officiating topics were at the heart of experienced with polished mechanics. The officials in
the first football officiating clinic on American Samoa, Samoa, although they’ve been officiating a long time,
held from March 17-20. have never had guidance and the amount of improvement
Conducted by USA Football officiating member made was the best I’ve ever seen. That in itself made it
Matthew Sumstine, who also is a Western Athletic extremely gratifying, as well as how incredibly receptive
Conference (WAC) and Mountain West Conference these officials were to everything.”
(MWC) side judge, the landmark four-day curriculum Among those in the officiating trade who have been
in the football hotbed was met with open ears. most influential to Sumstine include USA Football’s Tony
“The idea of letting the kids play is probably going Matt Sumstine Michalek, who was the umpire in February’s Super Bowl,
to have more of an impact on the American Samoan and Bill LeMonnier, the Big Ten’s highest-graded referee
game than anything else we discussed,” said Sumstine, a Hawaii who called January’s Orange Bowl.
resident whose passion for officiating led him to organize and direct “Tony and Bill always tell me that whenever they host a clinic they
the historic clinic 2,600 miles from his home. learn something new,” said Sumstine. “When two guys at the top of
“If we have a minor holding call on one side of the field that has no their profession say something like that it means something.
impact on the play, we don’t want to call that,” he said. “We’d rather “Along with those guys, USA Football’s involvement with me
deal with that player individually with some type of warning instead personally has taken me to a different level of training, which has
of a penalty that could change the game.” given me the desire to give back and help people. Anytime I’m given
A veteran of dozens of officiating clinics as a clinician and an the opportunity to host an event like this I jump at it. These Samoan
attendee, this was Sumstine’s most rewarding. officials are incredible people, and it’s an honor to be able to help
“Most clinics I’ve conducted have been with officials who are develop their skills.”
Big Program on
Campus
West Virginia University employs USA Football coaching resources
CoaChing
By Tim Polzer
Comprising West Virginia University are 28,000 students, 1,900 faculty members, Scott Hallenbeck. “Having our coaches
937 acres, 181 buildings, six library facilities, and one Techniques in Coaching Football handbook serve as the required text for
course. a college course is a proud testament
The required text for that course? to the quality of what we offer to help
The USA Football Coaches Handbook – the same book received by all 10,000 make this sport even greater. Coaching is
health & safety
participants to USA Football’s 40 coaching schools in 2008. about teaching – every coach will tell you
Dan Ziatz, Ph.D, an associate professor at West Virginia University, is the course’s that. But in this case, at West Virginia
instructor. Ziatz adopted the USA Football Coaching Course as compulsory curriculum University, it’s also about learning.”
for his class. WVU joins other nationally-
Ziatz and graduate student Dane Moreland consider the USA Football Handbook and renown organizations that integrate
usafootball.com course important tools to teach students who plan futures in coaching, USA Football’s education resources
physical education and education fields. And it all starts with learning the basics. into their teaching programs. The
“The course is an National Federation of State High School
excellent resource Associations (NFHS) also gives the
for teaching the independent non-profit high marks.
league
basics that any football be the best coach they can be at any level
coach cannot ignore.” of football.
Ziatz and Moreland “By taking my course and studying
were introduced to the USA Football content, my students
the program at a are making an investment in their
coaching convention presentation conducted by Nick Inzerello, USA Football director of futures,” Ziatz said. “You can only be as
football development. They were impressed with the curriculum’s content, structure and effective as your tools. If they want to
relevance. After considering other study guides, the professor selected USA Football’s be a good coach, they must have a solid
detailed coursework and its exciting state-of-the-art presentation as the best resources for foundation and knowledge of the game.
his students. This program is as good as it gets.”
“It’s so current,” Moreland said. “The content is up-to-date with the latest techniques You don’t have to travel to
and schemes. And it’s presented in an interesting way. The diagrams are easy to Morgantown, W.Va., to delve into USA
understand and follow. It’s a very effective tool for teaching individual skills and team Football’s coaching course. In fact,
concepts.” you don’t have to leave your chair.
USA Football’s office, located near Washington, D.C., was pleased to hear of West Visit usafootball.com and click the
Virginia’s reliance on its resources. “Membership” button to fortify your
“It’s flattering, to say the least, for any sport’s national governing body to have its teaching skills and gain an edge for your
training program be part of a college curriculum,” said USA Football Executive Director players’ benefit.
Favorite Coach Tom Landry Fritz Crisler Bill Walsh Vince Lombardi
(Michigan Coach)
Remember
the Titans
Best Football and We Are Rudy Rudy
Movie Marshall
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 Patience
needed 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
Best thing about Watching a budding Seeing the development Learning from The kids
coaching star blossom of the kids’ skills the kids we coach
15
By Larry Canard
PLAN
Along with planning practices, coaches
also need to plan how they communicate
with their players’ parents. Scott Hiland
league
J
has, “gone from coaching kids to coaching
erseys and pants have been washed, dried, and put away. Helmets and shoulder pads coaches.” He makes certain his coaches
are out for reconditioning and the footballs stored in the equipment room’s large understand that the league’s focus is
plastic tubs struggle to hold air. to teach fundamentals and ensure that
The season for the players ended months ago and the start of practice for the the kids have a safe and fun experience.
upcoming season is several flips of the calendar away. However, the best coaches When Hiland plans for the season he
offiCiating
understand that now is the time for them to get better at what they do. The off-season understands finding the right coaches is
is the perfect time for coaches to educate, organize, and plan for that first sound of a the key to every child’s success.
whistle when practice begins. Coaches who take advantage of the
off-season by learning more about the
EDUCATE fundamentals, attend clinics or meet with
Always discover ways to educate yourself. Find clinics or seek out coaches with more other coaches and develop a plan for the
experience to learn new drills, schemes, and teaching methods. Skip Roggenbauer, a season will hit the ground running in
youth football coach with 21 years of experience in Green Bay, Wis., coaches a team August. Being organized and having a plan
of eighth graders that feed into three high schools. He reaches out to the high school on Day One will likely have you weeks
coaches to understand what they would like their future players to be taught and then ahead of your opponents in every phase of
develops power point presentations to share with coaches in his West Side Wolverines the game.
program which fields six teams between the fifth through eighth grades. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
Canard, a member of USA Football’s
ORGANIZE Youth Coaching Task Force, possesses more
Football has a longer preseason (roughly four-to-six weeks) than any other sport. than 20 years of youth football coaching
It’s crucial that coaches use the off-season to prepare for those practices, ensuring experience. For more coaching insight
that the team hits the ground running and is prepared to play that first game. Coach behind the Xs and Os, visit usafootball.com
Roggenbauer says he begins communicating with his assistant coaches in the spring and click the blue “Coaches” tab.
C
oaches 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:
17
Your Playbook:
Show it or hide it?
Takeaway-Giveaway with Tom & Larry
CoaChing
– will you use your entire playbook or hold something back? a few trick plays from special teams, I’m reminded of that candy
Keep in mind what you are showing the scouts in the stands, commercial that asks, “Not going anywhere for a while?”
but only after you have used the offensive plays and defenses Simply put, the more I have to cover with my team in practice,
that you need to win the game at hand. the more likely it is that I won’t cover it in
Never put yourself at a disadvantage great detail and I likely won’t be able to cover
because you want to keep an opponent it all. A coach never wants to send his team
from seeing part of your playbook. At the into a game unprepared but when a team
same time, do not become so analytical shows you its entire playbook, that is almost
that you start calling plays to merely certain to happen.
create volume for scouts in the stands. It’s important to keep the game fun, so I
league
If we can agree that we need to focus try to get as many kids involved in the offense
on the game at hand, then when would as possible. This means we may go from a
you want to hold back on your play calling? double tight, double wing zone running team to being a four-wide
The first instance is if you had a play that was working shotgun spread option team. Reserving an offensive look for a tough
against that day’s opponent. You might continue to run that opponent is not wise. Nothing compares to game-speed and we only
particular play over and over to give scouts a distorted idea of improve our execution under those conditions.
what you might do against them, keeping back other plays from
your playbook that may be as good of an option. Showing your whole playbook accomplishes the following:
offiCiating
Secondly, keep something back if you know in advance • Forces your opponent to work harder in order to prepare for you.
(from your scouting) that you have a particular backfield • Takes your opposing coach’s practice time away from working on
action, blocking scheme, alignment, or pass pattern that is other things.
going to be especially troublesome for the team that is watching • Improves your timing and execution, if you want it to work in a
from the stands. This would also be true of an alignment, big game you must work on it in not-so-big games.
coverage, or blitz on defense. • The more your opponent is thinking, the less reacting he is doing.
This is when it makes good sense to try to hold back and not That gives you an edge.
show this material. You want to be able to take full advantage of • Don’t practice something you aren’t willing to try in a game. That
this when your game is played. is a waste of your practice time.
In both instances, you either give the scouts a false • When you do a lot of different things, your opponent can be
perception of your style of play or leave them in the dark about scared. When you do a lot of different things well, your opponent
what you may use against them in the future. can feel defeated.
Holding back makes sense if you have enough tools to take • Show variety on defense as well. This makes it difficult for an
advantage of your opponent for today’s game. offensive 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.
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.
19
John Newton, Ph.D, is the proud father of one of the nation’s Did you ever worry about Morgan playing football?
top high school quarterback prospects. Morgan Newton will No. He was physically capable of holding his own. He played
start for Carmel (Ind.) High School next season, having already in some leagues with weight limits to avoid players being
received interest from major overmatched. I also started coaching him to make sure that he
college football programs and his teammates were learning the proper way to play.
such as Notre Dame, Miami,
USC, Nebraska, Kentucky Did you enjoy coaching your son?
health & safety
and Louisville. That Morgan Yes, I did. It gave me a chance to pass on what I knew and to make
has exhibited great athletic sure he was enjoying himself. I ended up coaching him for several years.
talent may partly lie with his
father, who played fullback Morgan Newton What has Morgan
for legendary coach Eddie learned from playing
Robinson at Grambling State. football?
As assistant principal at He’s learned many
Carmel High, John now enjoys things. He’s learned how
the opportunity to watch John Newton
to be a leader. He’s learned
his son grow and fulfill his how to deal with adversity.
league
Adding another wrinkle to its playbook for the good of the sport, USA Football is proud
Football 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
Parents 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.
Unite!
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.
As your youngster suits up to experience America’s favorite sport Playing time for all
as a player, aim to understand the philosophy and objectives that the Leagues with equal playing time rules and coaches that follow it
coaches and league have established. are earmarks of a program that cares about the development of the
One of the best ways to evaluate a coach or league is to observe their athlete rather than league standings.
practices. The following provides a list of
six qualities to look for and consider Emphasis on
during the season. fundamentals
Parents should want their
Handling intimidation child to learn all fundamentals
Too often in sports, the more of the game. This reduces the
mature and bigger kids are allowed to risk of injury and enables
dominate the program. This leaves kids youngsters to receive a
who have yet to blossom discouraged progression of learning that
and uninterested in pursuing a sport. A they can apply throughout
high-quality league spends time their playing careers. Coaches
introducing skills and teaching. Avoid that skip the fundamentals
leagues and teams that require a child to and conduct a majority of
test his courage by going one on one and scrimmages during practice
tackling someone, before ever teaching do not provide your child
that skill. with the learning experience
they deserve. A good youth football coach will
Practice organization teach blocking and tackling, talk with every player – experienced or
If you witness long lines of kids waiting for their turn in a drill, or not – and line them up six inches apart. Once players execute each
coaches continuously talking to each other and losing the attention phase consistently and properly, coaches should slowly move them
of their team, it’s not likely a good situation. Look for kids paired off farther and farther apart. By taking a gradual approach, a coach will
receiving many repetitions with coaches engaged and always teaching. produce safer results and have fundamentally-sound players.
“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
21
Health & Safety
Fun backyard games to teach
throwing & catching a football
By Scott Lancaster
The backyard is the most under-utilized playground for kids today. To further promote passing and catching fundamentals while
CoaChing
encouraging creative free play, here are two fun football-centric games to play before sundown.
Duck Hunt
A game that improves offensive and defensive skills, “Duck Hunt” promotes a receiver’s Duck Hunt
ability to ditch one-on-one coverage while a quarterback must quickly fire the ball into
D
closing spaces.
health & safety
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 QB QB
a third defender in the third five-yard zone.
league
15 yards
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.
During a football game, a quarterback must throw while avoiding oncoming defenders. Throw on the Run
“Throwing On the Run” places a passer in that situation in a fun and challenging way. Please Rebounder/Target
find all techniques and fundamentals for proper footwork (dropping back & throwing off the
correct foot) at usafootball.com.
SEt-up: Place the rebounder/target 10 yards downfield from the first dot or cone and QB
set up the remaining dots/cones as seen in the diagram. For an advanced drill, move all dots/ QB QB
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.
Being part of the USA Football family further unites all of us who What do you do full-time?
are connected to America’s favorite sport. USA Football officiating I’m an Operations Manager for Smith Barney.
member Rob Friedman calls Maryland high school action and has
recently applied to work on the college level through the Eastern Are there skills you’ve developed as an official that help
Association Intercollegiate Football Officials, Philadelphia Chapter. you in your job?
Friedman spoke with USA Football Magazine to share his officiating I have to utilize my people skills and remain calm when
passion and the value of being a USA Football member. making decisions – some that people may not like – which are
difficult, but fair. Making a call on the field and hearing from
How did you learn about USA Football? an unhappy coach while remaining calm reinforces positive
I attended the 2007 Liberty Bell Football Officials Clinic (near character traits that I use at the office.
Philadelphia) and information about USA Football was included
in our packets. USA Football was also mentioned during one of What would you tell someone who is considering
our general sessions. becoming a USA Football officiating member?
I would encourage it. Join. This membership is a valuable
What inspired you to join USA Football? resource that allows me to develop my officiating knowledge on and
To have an additional resource for training, education and off the field. The tools that are available to me as a member either in
information about football officiating. print or at usafootball.com alone are worth the nominal cost.
What do you enjoy about officiating football? Anything else you would care to add?
Being on the football field and involved in the sport that I am I encourage anyone who is considering to become a football
passionate about. 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
What do you value most about being a football official? in a way like nobody else can. I’ve made many friends in the
The relationships and camaraderie that I have with my fellow officiating community; some of who I know will be friends for
officials. I also appreciate the time that other officials have taken in life. Because of these friendships, I’ve become a better person and
helping with my development as I aim to move up to the next level. a better football official.
“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.”
23
LEAgue Center
Coast-to-Coast Coaching
Coaching Schools & State Forums strengthen & unify football community
By Matt Molina
CoaChing
Indianapolis Colts receivers coach Clyde Christensen addresses more “One of the early mistakes
than 300 youth coaches at USA Football’s Indiana Coaching School at the I made was not coaching
team’s facility in April. fundamentals, but coaching
plays,” he says. “I got caught
A
n ambitious 2008 USA Football schedule with 40 coaching schools up in the winning and the
and more than three dozen State Leadership Forums is underway, losing. That first year was
further strengthening youth leagues across the country. tough. It is important to
Driving the coaching schools’ success are standout local clinicians, Atlanta Falcons head coach win; I’m not saying it’s not.
offiCiating
inspirational keynote speakers including NFL and top college football Mike Smith shared his There are lessons learned in
coaches, exciting football venues, and an acclaimed curriculum assembled insight at a recent USA winning and losing, even at a
by USA Football’s six regional managers. Football Coaching School. young age.”
Kicking off the year in America’s 50th state, University of Hawaii On March 8 at Atlanta-
head coach Greg McMackin delivered a stirring keynote address on Feb. 8 in downtown area Mill Creek High School, new
Honolulu before more than 100 of the island’s coaches. McMackin and his Warrior Falcons head coach Mike Smith shared
coaching staff partnered with USA Football Northwest Regional Manager Bassel Faltas his knowledge with the USA Football
to assemble a day of education involving
fundamentals, schemes and coach-to-player
communication. Coaching Membership offers insurance
“I appreciate these coaches so much General liability insurance is now part of your USA Football coaching
for everything they do,” says Hawaii’s membership if you have completed Coaching Course Level 1 at usafootball.com.
McMackin, who was named the Warriors’ The policy provides up to $1 million in coverage for youth (18 and under) football-
head coach in January. As the team’s related activities.
defensive coordinator in 2007, he helped the Learn more about USA Football’s coaches insurance, issued by an A+ (superior) rated
school earn a perfect 12-0 regular season insurance company, by visiting usafootball.com and click the blue “Coaches” tab.
record and a Sugar Bowl berth. This and other game-changing USA Football member resources are open for you
“I respect the time and energy they put at usafootball.com.
24 USA Football Magazine photos by scott LeVeque; mike smith photo courtesy of the atLanta faLcons
coaching crowd. goal is to reach 800 youth football
“These coaches are the future administrators through its 37 state
of the game,” says Smith. “They forums in 2008.
are the first coaches many “By discussing different policies
youngsters will have. and ideas from youth leagues around
“It’s very important to Mr. the country, the commissioners are
(Arthur) Blank (Falcons owner) gaining extensive knowledge about
and to our entire organization how to regulate their own leagues,”
that kids have a positive says USA Football’s Northeast
experience and enjoy the Regional Manager Ed Passino. “Some
game. The Falcons always have of these commissioners have been
and always will reach out to the running leagues for over 30 years,
community and make sure that and they have some great ideas about
the future of the game is secure.” many issues since they’ve seen it all
Mill Creek High School USA Football’s Green Bay Coaching School with the Packers at while some others are starting to learn
eighth-grade football coach Rod Lambeau Field was sold-out in April. Packers offensive line coach new and effective ways to improve.”
Dollar served as a USA Football James Campen (above) delivered the keynote address. “We’re set to exceed our
clinician at the Atlanta-area expectations,” says USA Football
school. “It’s hard to find clinics geared for lessons. It’s about molding the whole player, Southeast Regional Manager Rick Peacock.
youth coaches like this one,” he says. “I’m the whole coach. Last year, only two of us “The number of people interested in these
glad to see so many here. I have never spoken from my school came to the clinic; this year, forums is far beyond what we could have
in front of a crowd this large. I’m glad I’m we had three more coaches come. Next year, hoped for at the beginning of the year.
in the position to share and help coaches to we’ll have even more.” “People find value in what we’re
avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made.” Crucial toward the development of the doing. They’re attending the forums and
Inside the Carolina Panthers’ Bank of game’s youngest players are well-run youth understand that we’re there for them in the
America Stadium on March 15, many of the leagues. That’s where USA Football’s State forms of grants, resources and coaching
more than 150 youth coaches were forced to Leadership Forums are extraordinary resources. education.”
throw on an extra layer of clothing due to State forums unite youth league USA Football Coaching Schools run
cool temperatures in Charlotte. However, administrators throughout a state or region through August 2. Learn where you can
the weather didn’t stiff-arm the attendees for open discussions on how to make football experience one at the recently re-launched
from taking part and gaining an edge at the in that area even stronger. USA Football’s usafootball.com.
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 USA Football coaching school attendees at the Colts’ facility received on-field instruction
so great – it has football lessons and life from top area instructors.
25
LEAgue Center
Mecklenburg
County Mandate
Charlotte-area independent league makes USA Football
CoaChing
and understand.”
completed the USA Football
offiCiating
W
crosses all leagues.
hen the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department found “We have received a lot of positive
itself in need of a program capable of establishing and maintaining a high feedback from our coaches, especially the
level of competency among its youth football coaches, it came to USA Pop Warner and Police Athletic League
Football for a solution. coaches who have been introduced to it.
As a result, the Charlotte, N.C.-area youth organization has mandated that its more We think it’s going to have a very positive
than 1,200 youth football coaches study the USA Football Coaches Handbook and pass impact,” Jordan said. “We’re very pleased.”
usafootball.com’s certification course, complete with video animation and audio. The USA Football Coaching Guide can
The national governing body of America’s favorite sport on youth and amateur be viewed at usafootball.com.
levels, USA Football continues to develop exciting ways to further strengthen the game. Visit usafootball.com for your free
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department Youth Football Coordinator Administrator membership and learn how
Akida Jordan explained the value of employing the USA Football curriculum to train to gain USA Football coaching course access
coaches responsible for 8,000 youth players. for your league’s coaches.
West Region
Bucky Brooks
(818) 921-7616
bbrooks@usafootball.com South Region
Southeast Region
Deno campBell rick peacock
(703) 992-8653
(703) 992-8107
dcampbell@usafootball.com
rpeacock@usafootball.com
27
E
CoaChing
ven though we’ve all heard coaches and fans say that All of these factors can help you make your decision. If you
holding could be called on every play, there’s very little – if decide it’s a hold and throw the flag, be able to place the foul
any – truth to that statement. Holding is one of the most into one of the following categories: takedown, tackle, hook and
difficult areas for officials to master. restrict, jersey stretch and twist and turn. If you can’t put it into
Holding is extremely tough to judge because it is called in one of those five holding categories, then it probably wasn’t a foul.
accordance to the degree it happens and the kind of affect it has on When you’re officiating line play with your head on a swivel,
the play. Because of its subjective nature, so many questions cloud look for the blocker whose feet are beat, as we have a saying that
this rule – even the way you would call a hold changes from one goes, “When their feet are beat, they’re going to cheat.” Offensive
health & safety
competition level to another. linemen with slow feet are the ones to focus on.
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
league
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 Remember to look for one of the five categories when observing
and even if it is not a take down, call holding at the point of attack. sluggish-footed blockers, especially takedowns and tackles from
When it comes to making a decision on whether or not I behind.
should call a hold, I ask myself these questions: Lastly, don’t neglect the quick feet of a skilled offensive lineman
Did the blocker gain an unfair advantage from the hold? by not allowing yourself to see the entire block. If you don’t see the
Did the defender have his jersey stretched or have to reach for whole block, keep your flag in your pocket.
the ball carrier with one arm? Tony Michalek is USA Football’s director of officiating and
Was the disengagement between the holder and the person has worked as an NFL umpire since 2002. Among the best at his
who was being held legal? craft, Michalek was a member of the Super Bowl XLII officiating
Was he taken in a direction by the hold to an undesired crew. USA Football officiating members gain an edge and learn
location? from the best. Join Michalek and our officiating family today at
Did the defender give up on his pursuit by having a step taken usafootball.com.
away from him as the result of a hold?
USA Football officiating consultant for kickoffs, running game, passing game, scrimmage kicks, and goal
Bill LeMonnier, who was the Big Ten line, as well as player safety, player conduct and instant replay. In the
Conference’s top-rated referee for 2007, past three years, LeMonnier and Michalek have created more than 50
was among the featured presenters at officiating training DVDs, many of which will soon be available for
the NCAA/Collegiate Commissioners purchase at the re-launched usafootball.com store.
Association (CCA) Division I “Bill’s strengths are many, his ability to teach, instruct through video
Supervisors meeting on February 19 in training, and motivate his crew is admired and highly respected,” says
Bill LeMonnier
Park Ridge, Ill. Officiating supervisors David Parry, the NCAA’s national coordinator of officials. “Bill and his
from all 24 Division I football conferences were on hand to listen. crew consistently rate as one of our best. The Big Ten Conference and
A 14-year Big Ten veteran and an Arena Football League official USA Football are fortunate to have LeMonnier as a contributor.”
since 2000, LeMonnier teams with USA Football Officiating Later in the program, LeMonnier informed the supervisors of the
Director Tony Michalek to author USA Football’s officiating upcoming CCA test, which will be offered online at usafootball.com for
education program. He worked this past January’s thrilling Orange the second-consecutive year. The test, written in part by LeMonnier,
Bowl while Michalek called Super Bowl XLII, among the most will be available for all college officials in mid-May.
exciting Super Bowls in history. “This test, offered exclusively at usafootball.com, gets game
LeMonnier held the rapt attention of his audience throughout officials together to discuss a variety of issues, which in turn
his 30-minute presentation, which included a special USA Football improves their officiating knowledge,” says LeMonnier.
DVD to prep a crew during its pregame meeting. LeMonnier also presented a separate session to college officiating
“For years our pregame has consisted of sitting at a table and going supervisors dissecting select case study plays from the 2007 regular
over different aspects of officiating,” says LeMonnier. “I think that over the and bowl season. From the man who refereed the unbelievable
years it’s become a bit stale, so I put together a DVD that goes over all trickery in Boise State’s Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma a year
of the different facets of the game to better prepare all NCAA officials.” ago, there are few plays he hasn’t seen.
The DVD emphasizes the importance of crew consistency, building His familiarity with the uncommon football play is second to
trust and relationships within the crew, proper mechanics coverage none, as is his reputation.
Officially super
USA Football’s Tony Michalek reflects on officiating Super Bowl XLII
By Steve Alic
E
very career field has a destination I mentally thanked all those who
CoaChing
All are worthy pursuits, but none fun, you deserve this and stay out of
of these prize-winners perform their (players) way.”
before a potential global audience In a photo from Super Bowl XLII, USA Football Director of Following the Giants’ stunning
of 800 million in more than 220 Officiating Tony Michalek alertly monitors the line play. upset of the previously-unbeaten
countries as his work is interpreted Michalek was the NFL’s No. 1-rated umpire in 2007 to earn Patriots, Michalek and his
instantaneously in 30 languages on a his first Super Bowl assignment. crewmates were congratulated
field commanding rapt attention and highest-graded umpire over the course in the officials’ locker room for
a peerless passion. of the season to earn his first Super Bowl a Super Bowl-worthy performance by
That stage belongs to a Super Bowl distinction. The Chicago-area resident Pereira, NFL Supervisor of Officials Jim
game official. worked the AFC Championship Game last Daopoulos, NFL Executive Vice President
league
That stage belonged to USA Football’s season between the Indianapolis Colts and of Football Operations Ray Anderson and
Tony Michalek this past February. New England Patriots and called an NFC NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Michalek, USA Football’s director of Divisional Playoff this past January when Michalek and LeMonnier are traveling
officiating and an NFL umpire since 2002, the Dallas Cowboys hosted the eventual the country in 2008 to instruct or lead
was selected by the league to serve on the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. nearly two dozen football officiating clinics
seven-man crew to officiate the sports Standing on the manicured field prior on behalf of USA Football, which serves
world’s greatest spectacle when the New to kickoff, Michalek briefly reflected upon as the sport’s national governing body on
York Giants defeated the New England two of his life’s most inspiring forces – his youth and amateur levels. The credentialed
offiCiating
Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, 17-14. He parents. tandem in stripes help current officials
was informed of the Arizona assignment “As I anticipated, my emotions peaked sharpen their skills and encourage football-
through a phone call by NFL Vice when we lined up at the 50-yard line for savvy individuals to answer the game’s call
President of Officiating Mike Pereira. the national anthem. My mother, Carole, to officiate America’s favorite sport.
“A flood of emotions rapidly went who sings a beautiful rendition of ‘The “Youth and high school football leagues
through me as I listened to the details,” Star-Spangled Banner,’ was pictured in my need officials, offering people who love this
recalls Michalek, a 26-year football head as Jordan Sparks began to sing. To sport a chance to help their community by
officiating veteran. “The feeling that hit me this day, I am a big mush ball every time making the game safe and fair,” Michalek
the hardest was humble gratitude. I wanted it plays and I’ve yet to hear anyone sing it says. “Dreams and goals can come true
to thank everyone I knew who supported better than my mom. with hard work and a great support
me through the years. Nobody achieves “As tears of joy streamed down my face, system. Officiating a state championship
this kind of accomplishment without or a Division I game are attainable
the support of family, friends and USA Football Officiating Membership offers you goals if an official is willing to
officiating mentors.” the ability to converse with and pose questions to put extra effort toward continual
A co-author of USA Football’s accomplished professionals in this field like Tony improvement.
officiating program with the Big Ten Michalek at usafootball.com’s “Ask the Expert” “Be prepared to ask questions in
Conference’s No. 1-rated referee Bill feature. Become a USA Football officiating member order to find a road map for success
LeMonnier, Michalek was the NFL’s now at usafootball.com. – it is there if you want it.”
I’m asked all the time, “How did you get started in officiating?” • Be prepared and arrive early for meetings, scrimmages and games
In most cases, another official encourages or helps someone • Network with local association officials to gain their officiating
get started. Athletic directors or coaches also can help by insight
supplying contact information for their leagues’ officiating
scheduler. Equipment
Anyone who has considered becoming an official needs New officials incur costs to purchase equipment. A new starter
insight to the process of getting started and what this exciting package may cost $200. Most local associations offer programs to
position entails. help new officials buy used equipment. Veteran officials donate used
A veteran can guide a new official through the lanyards, flags, knickers, bean bags and striped shirts to help
registration process with introductions to local, state and defray your expenses.
national associations. New officials need to be informed
of fees, equipment costs and a time commitment before Basic Training
beginning the exciting and rewarding journey of A shortage of football officials and low retention
officiating the world’s greatest sport. rate has spurred the formation of new and excellent
With that in mind, officials working on training programs. These introduce new officials
the youth through middle school levels earn to the rules, mechanics and philosophy
approximately $25 to $40 per game. High school behind the rules in both classroom and
freshman and junior varsity games will draw on-field settings.
on-field
$25 to $50 per assignment. High school varsity Most training programs meet once
games command $50 to $80. per week from four to eight weeks prior
to the season. Among the topics covered
Steps to get started: are rules definitions and penalty enforcements.
• Contact your state’s high school athletic Test questions are used as discussion topics
association to reinforce what officials have read in the
• Contact your local officials association for help
association for help rulebook. Officials need to learn the philosophy
to get started behind the rules and when to pass on minor
• Complete the registration process which may
process which may infractions that have no impact on a play’s
require fees as high as $75 outcome. Video and PowerPoint presentations
outcome. Video
• Fulfill the requirements of your state –
state – offer dynamic ways for new officials to study
attending clinics, rules meetings, tests, and and learn this great craft.
background checks Officiating football is a tremendous way to get
• Ask about equipment requirements; how to
requirements; how to even closer to the game we love and you never
obtain new or used equipment know where it may lead you.
• Attend local association meetings for instruction
meetings for instruction
on rules interpretations, mechanics and sound Tony Michalek is USA Football’s officiating
officiating philosophy director. An NFL umpire since 2002 and part of
• Introduce yourself to the youth and sub-varsity
and sub-varsity Super Bowl XLII’s officiating crew, Michalek also
assignor in your area officiated in the Big Ten for five years, earning
• Participate in scrimmages to learn basic
learn basic Fiesta and Cotton Bowl assignments. To learn more
mechanics about USA Football’s officiating resources, visit
• Study rules tests with veteran officials for
officials for usafootball.com and click on the “Officials” tab.
rulebook interpretations
• Ask the assignor for video of youth and sub-
youth and sub-
varsity games to study mechanics
31
F
Every sport, irst off, football would never stay the same – if
especially football, connected me to role we’re not getting better, we’re
models – my coaches. getting worse.
incorporates proper I don’t know if you could I was a somewhat non-
techniques that have a better role model than traditional candidate to
require practice and someone who volunteers his become a CEO. My schooling
or her time to teach this game was centered on coaching
repetition to advance and its values to young people. and teaching in the School
one’s performance. Second, it afforded me an of Education. That was my
But beyond learning opportunity after school to be career plan. Well, Procter
textbook form, what makes surrounded by friends who & Gamble came to campus
this game America’s favorite were devoted to a common to recruit new grads for
sport? The answer is found cause, who wanted to play by David Brandon their sales management
in football’s values; it’s a the rules. The game gave me a development program. They
demanding game, but it gives stronger network of friends who you learn fast about intense spoke with Bo and told him
back more than anything all worked to be part of a team. competition. Your goals are what type of student they were
we’ve ever played. No Between those friendships and high, you are committed to seeking, what type of qualities
game – no sport – weaves the role models I had in the form compete at the highest level, they wanted in people for this
teamwork, discipline, of my coaches, football helped and you learn the importance highly-competitive program. Bo
sacrifice and responsibility put my life on a positive course. of preparation. Experiencing told them, ‘You should go talk
into its soul like America’s I grew up in a rural setting all the thrills and benefits of to that Brandon kid.’ Although
favorite sport. 10 miles from my high school winning and the devastation of I didn’t go to business school,
David Brandon has (South Lyon High School in losing are valuable lessons. they convinced me, based on
served as the chairman and South Lyon, Mich.). Being I wasn’t a star at Michigan. I Bo’s recommendation, to try
CEO of Domino’s Pizza part of a team made me feel was a drop-back quarterback at a business career. Thirty-four
since 1999. A quarterback connected and helped me build a program featuring an option years later, I’ve been the CEO
throughout his youth, high a network of good friends. offense. I was struggling to get on of two tremendous companies
school and college days at And when you become a team the field, but that lack of playing (Domino’s and Valassis, an
the University of Michigan, captain and earn a leadership time came with a benefit; I had international marketing services
Brandon grew up 40 miles role, that makes the game even an opportunity to observe how and sales promotion company)
west of Detroit in South better. The responsibility you’re this incredible, iconic coach for the past 20 years. However,
Lyon, Mich. He credits given and the leadership you could achieve such a level of as a CEO, I have found that I
football for helping create gain at that young of an age has great success. [During Brandon’s spend most of my time teaching
a path for success where a great lasting impact. time on Michigan’s varsity roster, and coaching! I build great
he now directs an industry I grew up loving football. the Wolverines’ regular season teams of talented people who are
leader, instilling a team In my last high school game, I record was 30-1-1.] As a result of motivated to achieve significant
spirit of “smart hustle” and painted my shoes white because playing for and observing how Bo goals, which is a formula for
innovation. Domino’s profits I wanted to be like Joe Namath. approached his work, I often tell success. I happened to learn from
have increased dramatically My success in high school people that I got a college degree a guy named Schembechler. It
under his leadership. earned me a scholarship from a from the “Schembechler School has served me well.”
From his office in Ann great university – the University of Leadership.” He taught us how Each issue of USA Football
Arbor, Mich., Brandon of Michigan. When you enter a important it was to prepare – and Magazine reveals what America’s
recently spoke with USA football program at a school with how no matter how good we favorite sport has taught
Football to share what the the tradition of Michigan under thought we were, we could always accomplished individuals in
sport has taught him. a coach like Bo Schembechler, be better. He told us that we varying career fields.