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CONTENTS
ISSUE 2
WINTER 2007

FEATURES
4 ‘Gatekeepers 16
of the Sport’
Troy Aikman did not
forget the coaches of
his youth – and the
lessons they taught him
– when accepting his
induction into the Pro
Football Hall of Fame.
By Tim Polzer
Just Click
and Coach
USA Football’s Online
Coaching Course was
created with the help of
former NFL coaches and
players such as Kansas
City Chiefs receiver
Eddie Kennison.
By Nathan Boudreaux
18 State of 24
the Union
Four youth leagues
representing eight
counties joined
forces to play the
inaugural Maryland
State Youth Football
Championship and
kickoff USA Football’s
leadership forum.
By Ed Passino
Why I Coach:
John Mackovic
Former NFL and
college coach John
Mackovic has taught
the strategies and
passions of football
to players at home
and overseas. He’ll
lead the U.S. national
team in the 3rd World
Championships of
American Football
in Japan.

COACHING CENTER HEALTH & SAFETY CENTER DEPARTMENTS

8 Coaches in the Crowd 12 First-Rate First Aid 2 Kickoff
By Ed Passino By Cynthia Hobgood
3 Audibles
13 Youth Training Tips
By Cynthia Hobgood 20 USA Football
OFFICIATING CENTER Pigskin
Portraits
10 Rocky Freedom One
By Ed Passino LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT CENTER 22 USA Football
Calendar &
14 Staying Well-Equipped Resources
By Ed Passino

Front Cover
JAMES D. SMITH/ICON SMI; YOUTH PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AIKMAN FAMILY; COWBOYS PHOTO BY ELSA HASCH/SPORTINGNEWS/ICON SMI

1
 I trust you all had successful fall football seasons and you can now enjoy just a few
moments to catch your breath before heading into another busy season.
Last year was a significant year in the development of USA Football and its programs to
support the game. We were proud to award close to $300,000 in grants to football programs USAFootball.com
across the country in 2006. More than 2,500 football
helmets, 2,000 sets of shoulder pads, 1,500 chin straps, Chairman
JACK KEMP
2,500 seven-piece sets and 2,000 blocking dummies
and bags were distributed as part of the program. Executive Director
SCOTT HALLENBECK
We ended 2006 on an even higher note than
anticipated as USA Football was invited to participate
in the NASDAQ stock market Closing Bell Ceremony
USA FOOTBALL
in New York City on December 29.
Like many of you, USA Football is already working
EDITORIAL STAFF
on programs for the 2007 season. This spring, USA
Managing Editor
Football will debut its new membership program for
CYNTHIA HOBGOOD
coaches, administrators and officials, which provides
a number resources and tools to help make your job Contributors:
NATHAN BOUDREAUX, BONNIE
easier and enhance the experience for the youth in DOWNING, ED PASSINO, DAMON
your organization. PHILLIPS, MATTHEW THOMPSON
Also in the spring, your organization will have To contact USA Football:
the opportunity to participate in Registration Month – a new national campaign aimed to (703) 918-0007
increase participation in youth football. League administrators will have access to a free
Registration Month Help Kit, while USA Football will also hold interactive events to help
drive registration.
We are hosting our new Youth Football Coaching Schools in 15 metropolitan areas TRACTION MEDIA STAFF
across the country. These training events are designed specifically for youth football coaches,
focusing on fundamentals and skills. Check the schedule on page 23. Publisher
This summer our National team will participate in the 2007 World Championship RUDY J. KLANCNIK
tournament in Kawasaki, Japan, marking the first time the United States has competed in a Editorial Director
TIM POLZER
world championship event in the sport of football. Former NCAA and NFL head coach John
Mackovic will lead Team USA in the tournament, organized by the International Federation of Designer
WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH
American Football (IFAF). A profile of Coach Mackovic is on page 24.
We look forward to introducing more new programs and resources that can help enhance Traction Media
the great work you do in youth football. Editorial Offices
9435 Waterview Road
Regards, Dallas, TX 75218
Tractionmedia@aol.com

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.
Scott Hallenbeck Publisher assumes no responsibility for return
of unsolicited manuscripts or art. No part of
Executive Director, USA Football
this magazine may be reprinted or otherwise
duplicated without the written permission of
the editor.

2 USA Football Magazine


How to Start a League
Launching a youth football
league involves many steps
I have been thinking about
starting a league but do not
know were to begin. I have
coached rec ball for about
seven years. If you can help I
would appreciate it.
Donald Satterthwaite
Fayetteville, N.C.
Great question. While USA
Football does not run leagues,
we do have an expert panel
to help answer questions.
Your top priorities should
be garnering interest and
securing a field for play. You
should establish the primary
objective of the program
(competitive, development,
etc.). Create a mission
statement that embodies the
objectives of the program and
will guide the direction of the
program. It also is important
to know where you will play
games and conduct practices
before organizing a youth
football program. Facilities
are often full with other youth
sports, so contact local Park
and Recreational Field/Sport
Supervisors and area agencies
which may manage fields
(schools, private facilities,
community groups, etc.)
and could become possible
partners. Take inventory
of available assets -- fields,
referees, grant opportunities,
available partnerships,
possible sponsorship/business
affiliations, etc. Name the
program, and contact the IRS
for additional instructions
E-mail address:
chobgood@usafootball.com
PHOTO: CYNTHIA HOBGOOD
AUDIBLES
regarding non-profit status.
Establish league governing
bylaws and decide what
equipment the program will
furnish and what equipment
the players will be responsible
for. Good luck.
Ed Passino
USA Football
I am 21
years old,
and I have
officiated some
big high school games.
It is my dream to make it to
the NFL. What can I do to
become an NFL official?
Brad
Pittsburgh, Kan.
You can’t achieve
your goals until you set
them, now let’s go make
it happen. Continue
working hard by studying
rules, practicing strong
fundamental
mechanics
and learning
common sense philosophy
about officiating football. Join
a good local association in
your area to help you learn
these core elements. Get
film of your games and ask
a veteran official to review it
with you. Attend clinics and
speak with other officials about
trying to improve yourself as
a high school official. Enjoy
every game, meeting and clinic
you participate in with passion
and your development and
advancement will take care of
itself. Once you are established
as a good high school official,
Mailing USA Football, attn: Cynthia Hobgood,
address: 8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 625, Vienna, VA 22182
find out who assigns officials
for the small college games in
your area. Send the assignor a
letter to introduce yourself and
write about your experience
and desire to work in the
college conference. Once
hired, start the process over
again to get better and proceed
to the
next
college
level until
you are a
candidate for
a Division I or
IAA conference.
At that point make
your application for
the Arena Football
League, af2 and the
NFL. The process
takes time and once
you get into the
major colleges or
Arena leagues, your
chances increase. I
wish you the best of
luck.
Tony Michalek
USA Football, Director of
Officiating
NFL Umpire #115
We had players in East
Texas this season get dizzy
and nauseous after 30 minutes
or more of practice in full
equipment, from 6 to 8 pm.
We have water available
but the boys seem to be too
intimidated to drink. How
do we know if this is heat
stroke? If a child says he has
a headache and is dizzy or
nauseous, is that enough to
take emergency action? As a
mom, is it okay for me to just
walk out onto the field and
pass out water myself? How
can I get the coaches to care
more and be more proactive in
prevention?
Brandy Cumming
Mesquite, Texas
The fact that the kids
recognize that they do not
feel well is a good sign. It is
best to get them out of the
heat and into a cool, shaded
environment as soon as
possible. It is better to err
on the conservative side.
Have them rest lying on
their back, and elevate the
feet if lightheaded or pale in
appearance. Here are some tips
to pass along to coaches:
• Change practice times to
cooler times of the day - earlier
or later.
• Take breaks during
practice. In other words, order
the kids to do so, and drink
fluids during the breaks.
Nationally ranked college
teams and the NFL teams all
do so. The coaches at that level
know they will get more out
of their players if they cool off
and re-hydrate. They will not
get much out of an exhausted
or deceased player, no humor
intended.
• Get players to weigh in
and out to take fluid loss and
replacement needs.
Craig Horswill
Principal Scientist
Gatorade Sports Science Institute
USA Football Health &
Safety Committee Member
3
 [ ] B

‘GATEKEEPERS
OF THE
SPORT ’

That’s what Hall of Famer Troy Aikman calls youth

football coaches, especially the ones who taught
him lifelong lessons and even changed his position
BY TIM POLZER

4 USA Football Magazine TOM DIPACE

 Troy makes it a priority to pass
along the lessons his youth football
coaches taught him by speaking to
youth organizations and dedicating
his foundation to providing support
for children’s needs.

BACK in the early 1970s,

it occurred to a youth football coach of
the All-American Football League of
Cerritos, Calif., that one of his players
was playing out of position. Little did
Mario Orozco know that more than 30
years later, his coaching instinct would
earn him a trip to the Pro Football Hall
of Fame.
Coach Orozco noticed that one of his
wide receivers appeared to have a better-
than-average arm, so he suggested that
young Troy Aikman should switch to
quarterback. And the rest, as they say, is
history.
After playing flag football at age 7,
and tackle at age 8, Aikman went on
to quarterback the Oklahoma Sooners,
UCLA Bruins and finally the Dallas
Cowboys, where he guided the Cowboys
to three Super Bowl rings during a 12-
year NFL career. But he never forgot
Orozco, or his other youth coaches: Rod
Davis and Manny Jesolva. The important
lessons those men taught Aikman came
to mind when he learned of his inclusion
in the Hall of Fame Class of 2006. So he
made sure to include the three youth
football coaches on the invitation list for
induction weekend in Canton, Ohio.
He further emphasized the coaches’
significance by mentioning them first
during his induction speech.
“Mario Orozco, Rod Davis, Manny
Jesolva taught me the fundamentals of
the game and what it meant to be a good
sport,” Aikman said before a national
television audience.
He also recognized the influences of
his high school coach, who later took on
the responsibility of grooming a young
quarterback and young man half a
continent away.
“Bill Holt in Henryetta, Oklahoma,
taught me about the sacrifices that must
be made to excel,” Aikman said.
As his speech continued, Aikman
put his youth coaches in good company
alongside the likes of football icons
Mack Brown, Norv Turner, Terry
Donahue, Jimmy Johnson and Jerry
Jones. The thanks he gave his coaches
are a ref lection of the importance
Aikman places on youth football and
the volunteers who offer their time.
“Youth football coaches are the true
gatekeepers of the sport. [Youth football]
played a huge role in my life. I had a lot
of great coaches at a young age. They
were all fathers of teammates of mine,

After beginning his youth football career as a

receiver, Troy’s passing form caught the eye of his
Cerritos All-American Football League coaches,
who put the ball in his hands on every play.

5
ABOVE: TOM HAUCK/ICON SMI
YOUTH PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AIKMAN FAMILY
6 USA Football Magazine R
Playing professional football was always Troy’s dream. After moving from California to
Oklahoma, he first attracted national attention quarterbacking the Henyretta Fighting Hens.
but they were exceptional coaches,”
Aikman says.
The lessons of his youth football
career extended off the field, too. When
Aikman fractured the growth plate in
his left arm at age 10, Coach Davis drove
him to the hospital and — even after
his mother arrived — spent most of the
day with the Aikmans, refusing to leave
until doctors released him. The fact that
Aikman still fondly recalls Davis’ lesson
in kindness and responsibility helps to
explain the impression it left with him so
many years ago.
Aikman’s
appreciation for the
coaches of his youth
still extends to those
who volunteer their
time and energy to
the youth of today. He
often speaks to youth
football organizations
and makes it a point to
stress how important
their role can be.
“A lot of times they
do it to be involved with
their kids, or they want
to give back. Those are
all good reasons, but
I think sometimes these coaches don’t
realize the impact they make in the lives of
their young players,” Aikman says.
He has tried to use his fame and
resources to make a similar impact on the
world, and he has focused on children. In
1992, he began building the Troy Aikman
Foundation, a charitable organization
dedicated to providing financial support
for the physical, psychological, social
and educational needs of children. The
foundation’s signature program funds
the development of Aikman’s End Zones,
colorful football-themed recreation areas
in children’s hospitals. He particularly
liked the idea of providing a state-of-the-
RIGHT: JAY LAPRETE/ICON SMI
THE
art home theater and computer center for
AIKMAN
FILE
young patients.
“My reasons for focusing on children
were probably similar to other people’s,
as adults, a lot of times, you can take care
of yourself. Kids are at a great age, but
vulnerable. I just always wanted to create • Winningest starting quarterback of
something where these kids can kind of any decade with 90 of 94 career
escape their own realities,” Aikman says. wins occurring in the 1990s
“It’s been very meaningful to me.”
Aikman also hopes that athletics, and • 3-time Super Bowl champion
the lessons they instill, will become a
meaningful part of his own family’s life. • Super Bowl XXVIII MVP
“A lot of the
things that I learned • 6-time Pro Bowl selection
as a child and have
stuck with me, were • Cowboys all-time passing leader
learned through
athletics. I’ve got a • No. 1 pick in the 1989 NFL Draft
five-year-old and
a four-year-old • Finished third in Heisman balloting
daughter and I hope his senior season (1988) at UCLA
they get involved
with athletics,” • Color analyst on Fox’s No. 1 NFL
Aikman says. “I broadcast team
hope they continue
because I think
there’s a lot of things
that are learned
in playing sports.
Sportsmanship.
Teamwork. Sacrificing individual goals for
a team effort.”
Perhaps that’s why, even though
Aikman had not seen coaches Orozco,
Jesolva and Davis since he left California
to move to Oklahoma at the age of 12, he
did not forget the coaches who helped him
gain a foothold in athletics and in life.
“That meant a lot to me, that they
were all present in Canton,” Aikman
says. “My parents and coaches, the
things that they wanted me to do was
go out, make a great effort and be an
unselfish player. Those things were
taught to me and I have carried them
with me through life.”
7
 COACHES IN THE CROWD
USA Football coaches share their experiences and love of the game
BY ED PASSINO
CENTER
COACHING CENTER
COACHING
Cliff Luber
Gambrills, Md.
Youth Team: Gambrills/Odenton
HEALTH & SAFETY CENTER
Wildcats (105-lbs)
Occupation: Accountant
Years Coaching Football: 12
What do you enjoy most about
coaching youth football?
I just love being around the
kids. I love the game of football,
so when you couple that with the
kids, it’s a full package of a great
experience.
What is your most cherished youth
football memory?
LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT CENTER
We recently went to the
Maryland State Youth Football
Championship at the Baltimore
Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium.
It was a great opportunity for
the kids. They worked hard all
season; it was great for them to
enjoy something special like that.
Why did you get involved with
youth football?
I got involved before I had kids.
I just love the game of football
and the things I got out of it as
a youth. The friends that I made
OFFICIATING CENTER
playing youth football were my
friends all the way through school,
roommates in college and are my
best friends today. I wanted to
start giving back to the game.
Is there something unique about
you that your coaching peers and
players don’t know?
I love riding my Harley-Davidson.
8 USA Football Magazine
Steve Schmidt
Omaha, Neb.
League: Kingswood Athletic Association
Occupation: Insurance
Years Coaching Football: 19
What do you enjoy most about coaching
youth football?
Watching kids develop as a team
over the course of a season and over the
years in the program. The development
of a group of young kids that basically
don’t know anything about the sport and
them mastering the fundamentals and
complicated offenses by the time they’re
in eighth grade.
What is your most cherished youth football
memory?
In the early 1990s, we had a team that
was undefeated and unscored-upon. On
the last play of the last game, our young,
third-string safety intercepted a pass at the
goal line and ran it back for a touchdown.
All the starters ran out onto the field and
carried the player off the field. It was a
great moment to be a youth coach.
Why did you get involved with youth football?
I just love the game and wanted to
become more involved.
Do you use any coaching philosophies?
Respect — respect the kids, respect
the coaches. Have a mutual respect
for yourself, your opponents and your
teammates.
Is there something unique about you that
your coaching peers and players don’t
know?
Nothing — after nearly 20 years of
coaching all my secrets are out.
Frank Salinas Jr.
Chandler, Ariz.
Youth Team: ACYFL Jr. Chargers
Occupation: Business owner
Years Coaching Football: 9
What do you enjoy most about coaching youth
football?
Watching kids develop into good football
players. Seeing the players go on to play for
their high schools. And knowing that what we
are teaching them in practice is showing up on
the field.
What is your most cherished youth football
memory?
In 2002 my Pee Wee Charger team went
undefeated and won our first state title. It had been
a goal for the team that was young and undersized
for that division. The kids worked so hard for
something that had eluded them in the past.
Why did you get involved with youth football?
I got involved because I love the game of
football and saw it as a way to get youth off the
streets and involved in a team sport. I have so
many success stories of kids coming from the
child crisis center and broken homes I could fill
three pages.
Do you use any coaching philosophies?
My philosophy is simple — put in the work
and it will pay off in the end. So many kids these
days are handed things and don’t have to work
for them. In football you have to work for your
position and you have to work to get better!
Is there something unique about you that your
coaching peers and players don’t know?
I guess that I have a soft spot in my heart for
kids. On the field and in practice I am all business
and can be tough on players. But in reality, I want
them to be successful in every aspect of their lives.
 Kenneth Arvayo
Mesa, Ariz.
Youth Team: ACYFL - Raiders (5th and
6th graders)
Occupation: Electrician
Years Coaching Football: 8
What do you enjoy most about coaching
youth football?
I enjoy coaching kids that have little
or no football experience and seeing them
develop into confident football players. I
also enjoy the progress of individual players
evolving into one team and becoming a
team player.
What is your most cherished youth football
memory?
When we won our first championship
game — I was very proud of what my
players brought to the game and seeing the
parents’ reaction to the win. That’s when I
realized coaching was a part of me and that
is what I am meant to do.
Why did you get involved with youth
football?
First of all, I have five sons and football
is a sport my family enjoys. When my son
Kenneth was 6 years old, I enrolled him
into tackle football and I began helping out
the head coach. A few years later, when my
son Anthony was of age to start football, I
decided to become a head coach. I’ve been
a head coach for four years now.
Do you use any coaching philosophies?
Yes. The key for offense is blocking, the
key for defense is tackling, and the keys to
life are respect and discipline. Discipline
is a big part of how I coach and the players
learning the fundamentals of the game.
Is there something unique about you that
your coaching peers and players don’t
know?
Coaching football is a passion that
comes from inside me. I look forward to
preparing for a game, seeing the players
in the huddle getting themselves ready
to play, and the cheers of the fans. I can
honestly say there is no other feeling
like it.
Eric Johnson
Billings, Mont.
League: Montana Youth Football
Occupation: Tractor trailer transporter,
United Postal Service
Years Coaching Football: 11
What do you enjoy most about coaching
youth football?
When you see that look in a kid’s eye
of understanding. When you just taught
him something totally new that he had no
idea he could accomplish, that’s the biggest
enjoyment. Teaching the kids and them
grasping it, and seeing that light bulb go on
and that smile on their face.
What is your most cherished youth football
memory?
We had an end-of-the-year banquet
following the league’s first year in 2005. My
son, Eric, asked if he could say something.
I said ‘sure,’ figuring he was going to say
something about his teammates. He steps up
to the podium and says how proud he was
that I was his dad and that I took the time
during the day to coach and start a football
league for youth in the community, despite
working nights. I’ll never forget that.
Why did you get involved with youth football?
The main reason I started the league is
because I saw a lack of sportsmanship and
discipline in youth sports throughout the
community. I saw that and thought, “I had it
better than this when I was a kid.” But, until
someone steps up to the plate and makes a
difference, it’s never going to happen. So, I
decided to actively do something about it.
Do you use any coaching philosophies?
I don’t put an overwhelming emphasis
on winning. To me, winning is not most
important, the pursuit of winning is. It’s trying
as hard as you can and never giving up. The
guy that never stops trying and never gives up
is the guy that will ultimately be successful.
Is there something unique about you that your
coaching peers and players don’t know?
Most don’t know I’m a health nut and
vegetarian. I just don’t fit the profile.
Editor’s Note: Eric, who played college and
professional football, is 6-foot-3, 270 pounds.
Kendrick Williams Sr.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Youth Team: McRea Area Recreation
Council
Occupation: Bank manager
Years Coaching Football: 10
What do you enjoy most about coaching
youth football?
Keeping the kids off the streets by giving
them something positive to do and developing
young men is what I enjoy most.
What is your most cherished youth football
memory?
Coaching Marcus Fitzgerald (brother
of Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry
Fitzgerald). He was a chubby kid who
played the line until he got to high school;
then he became one of Minnesota’s all-
time high school rushing leaders with over
2,000 yards as a senior. He now plays wide
receiver at Marshall University.
Why did you get involved with youth
football?
I wanted to make a difference. There
just isn’t enough discipline in these kids’
lives, especially those in the inner city
where I coach. I believe youth football
provides kids the opportunity to learn
discipline, how to work hard and work
together. Hopefully, these principles
will be the building blocks for success in
their lives.
Do you use any coaching philosophies?
Success is mental. In order to succeed
you must mentally believe you can achieve
success.
Is there something unique about you that
your coaching peers and players don’t
know?
My original career goal was to be a
sports broadcaster — a sports journalist.
That didn’t happen, but I’m still involved
with youth sports and making a difference
— that’s what is important.
To nominate a coach in your area, e-mail
Ed Passino at epassino@usafootball.com.
9
 [ ]

Rocky Freedom One

Between missions, U.S. Army soldiers deployed in Iraq endured sun and sand
COACHING CENTER

to become officials in the first certification course conducted in a war zone.

BY ED PASSINO

For 20 years, Fenton Moore spent his Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons and pylons to resemble players on the
officiating high school and college football games throughout Ohio. This past fall, football field and having the 16th Engineer
however, Moore found himself blowing his whistle in another world — an Iraqi war zone Brigade soldiers play a simulated flag
some 7,000 miles away. football game to give the officiating students
Despite the drastic change of scenery and ambiance, Moore, a major in the 16th a feel for actual game speed.
HEALTH & SAFETY CENTER

Engineer Brigade, still found time for America’s favorite pastime. With daily routines, “Major Moore definitely came up with
which some soldiers some interesting ideas to help us,” says
compared to the Scott Johnson, a combat engineer who
movie Groundhog participated in the program. “I enjoyed
Day, becoming a the program. I never would have thought
bore, Moore turned about becoming a football official, until
to football — more Major Moore presented it.”
specifically a high The soldiers formed four-man crews
school football and managed the flag football format as if
officiating certification it was a tackle football game. This process
program — to included identifying penalties, properly
increase the morale communicating with fellow officials,
among soldiers. coaches and players, managing the game
LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT CENTER

“I gauged the clock and using proper terminology. The

interest of the simulated game allowed the soldiers to
soldiers; some of use what they learned in the classroom
them expressed a sessions and apply them to real conditions,
profound interest, so a process that is common for military
I moved forward with Major Fenton Moore and his soldier students used silhouette service members.
the idea,” says Moore, targets taped to orange cones for their officiating clinics in Iraq. “In the Army, typically you learn
who spent 13 months in Iraq from November 2005 to November 2006. something through classroom study, then
Using his contacts back in the United States, Moore sought the assistance of the Ohio you take that concept and build upon it
High School Athletic Association and members of other officiating organizations such as with hands-on training and then you apply
USA Football’s Bill LeMonnier. it in an actual live environment,” Moore
“We sent him all the materials to conduct the certification – rule books, DVDs, everything says. “This officiating program wasn’t any
we normally use in a training class,” says Henry Zaborniak, assistant commissioner of the different; we learned through study sessions
OHSAA, who oversees all aspects of high school football officiating in Ohio. using books and videos then progressed
OFFICIATING CENTER

Certification required 30 hours of classroom study, plus additional time spent to a simulated game where everything the
conducting hands-on training. To accommodate for the soldiers’ busy soldiers had been taught came into play.
schedules, they often met twice a week for approximately two hours per It was highly important
session. that we give the soldiers
The most difficult part of the process laid in the inadequate terrain of a realistic look in the
Iraq, and a lack of manpower and equipment to perform an actual live tackle simulation game.”
football game. This quandary, however, did not present an overwhelming The entire program
problem for Moore and his students as it forced them to be innovative. took 40 days to complete as
Inventive ideas came in the form of silhouette targets taped to orange cones Moore had to temporarily

10 USA Football Magazine PHOTOS: SGT 1ST CLASS TRACY BALLOG

 delay training sessions to accommodate
soldiers who left to conduct mission
operations.
“It was definitely a great opportunity,”
says Bobbi Craigo, the lone female to
participate in the certification process while
stationed in Iraq. “I’ve always loved the
game and becoming an official is my way
of becoming part of it. I’ve never had the
opportunity to be actively involved before.”
In all, six soldiers took part in the OHSAA
certification course, the first conducted in
a war zone, and ultimately given the course
title “Rocky Freedom One” by Zaborniak.
Soldiers who completed the program are
certified Class 2 Officials – meaning they
can officiate games below the varsity level,
including youth, junior high, freshman and
junior varsity games. After two years of
officiating at the lower levels, the soldiers can
continue their education and become varsity
officials through the OHSAA.
“They all did very well,” says Moore, who
pointed out that the biggest obstacle for the
new officials was learning the nuances and
differences between the high school, college
and NFL rules and interpretations. “They
definitely exceed my expectations.”
When the soldiers weren’t participating
in the officiating program, they were
successfully carrying out their duties
throughout Iraq. According to Moore, the
16th Engineer Brigade’s mission was to buy
and secure materials to improve and build
facilities throughout Baghdad and cities all
over the country. Soldiers of the 16th Engineer Brigade were recruited to play a simulated flag football game to
“Our mission duties were top priority. give officiating students a feel for the speed of the game. A lack of grass in Iraq did not slow
Officiating always took a back seat, but I think the players or officials. Training sessions were delayed while soldiers left on missions.
it was a great diversion for us,” says Craigo,
a native of Uhrichsville, Ohio, whose Army mid-November, Moore was invited by USA With the winter months now upon us
occupation is a light wheel vehicle mechanic. Football’s Bill LeMonnier, a Big Ten referee, and the football season in the rearview
Johnson, a native of Westerville, Ohio, to dinner the night before the Ohio State vs. mirror, Moore has turned his attention
plans put his new skills to use this fall. Michigan game. While at dinner, LeMonnier to the basketball court, where he is also a
“I want to help out the local youth and his crew presented Moore and his wife, certified high school basketball official. But
program, that’s what I enjoy,” Johnson says. Maria, with “The Rock.” According to he longs to be back on the gridirons of high
“My plan is to get involved with my local LeMonnier, “The Rock” symbolizes excellence school football.
youth league and help them out the best I and hard work for the betterment of the crew. “I definitely miss being out there,” Moore
can. Maybe after a few seasons of officiating “[We] thought that Fenton [accomplished says. There isn’t anything quite like the
youth football, I’ll move up to the high this] with his efforts in Iraq both as a soldier atmosphere of a football game — whether
school ranks, but right now I see a need at and with the officiating class,” LeMonnier it’s high school or college — nothing really
the youth level.” says. “I know Fenton felt honored to be with compares. I’m definitely looking forward to
After returning to the United States in us, but it was really our honor.” getting back out there this fall.”

G 11
 [ ]

First-rate First Aid

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for every coach and team
COACHING CENTER

BY CYNTHIA HOBGOOD

A well-stocked first aid kit is a small but critical piece of equipment for every football A sports first aid kit should
team. It is important that coaches take the first aid kit to every game and practice. By include the following:
taking time to stock and check your first aid kit in advance, you will be better prepared to
concentrate your full attention on assisting injured athletes. Adhesive bandages with gauze pads
First aid kits come in a variety of sizes and Alcohol preps
shapes and are available commercially. The Antibacterial ointment
kit should be well organized and contain the Anti-infective solution
CENTER

basic items needed for appropriate care for Antiseptic towelettes

SAFETYCENTER

emergencies specifically related to playing Arm sling

football including bruises, small cuts, strains and Bandage scissors
HEALTH&&SAFETY

sprains. (Please see checklist.) However, a coach Breathing barriers

or a team’s physician can also customize a kit Butterfly closures
that relates to a team’s specific or special needs, Cotton swabs M
as well as local policies and guidelines. Though Elastic tape
HEALTH

ice is not on the list, it is important in caring for Elastic wraps

minor injuries and should be readily available. Emergency blanket
Parents should notify coaches in writing that Eye patch
a player may require special medication (asthma Eye wash
inhaler, EpiPen, insulin, etc). Such medication Face mask removal tool
should be brought to the field by the player and Flashlight and batteries
LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT CENTER

his parent, and is not the responsibility of the coach to maintain in the first aid kit. Do not Foam padding
attempt to administer the medication unless properly trained. Hydrogen peroxide
Remember: A first aid kit is a good way to provide assistance to an injured player. Latex/nitride gloves
However, it should not replace medical attention when needed. If it does not fully address List of emergency phone numbers
the problem, call for medical assistance immediately. Moleskin
Check the kit regularly to make sure that it contains all necessary supplies. Replace any Nail clippers
items that have expired or been used. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, Nonstick wound dressing pads
be certain to consider the items listed. Petroleum jelly
Plastic bags
Plastic bags for ice/instant ice packs
WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW Powder resuscitation mask
1. Coaches should have ready access to a well-stocked first aid kit that contains Rescue breathing mask
the basic items needed for appropriate care. Roller gauze
2. Ice is important for proper, immediate care Safety pins
of many minor injuries and should be readily
OFFICIATING CENTER

Splints
available. Sterile gauze pads
3. Check the kit regularly to make sure it Tape adherent
contains all the necessary supplies. Replace any Tape remover
items that have expired or been used. Tape underwrap
4. Parents should notify coaches, in writing, Thermometer
that a player may require special medication Tongue blades
(inhaler, EpiPen, insulin/sugar, etc). Tweezers
Sources: American Red Cross; NFL Play Safe! White tape

12 USA Football Magazine PHOTOS: CYNTHIA HOBGOOD

 Youth Training Tips
Safety, supervision, and proper instruction are keys to effective youth football
conditioning BY CYNTHIA HOBGOOD
The age of ten is a significant one for many young football • Be vigilant.
players. Games are more competitive, earning a starting position • Inform athletes of safety and emergency problems.
is more difficult, and staying healthy becomes a top priority. • Know athletes' health status.
Players, parents and coaches often decide it’s time to start strength • Monitor and enforce rules and regulations.
and conditioning and many are looking for a proper program to • Monitor and study the environment.
follow. Additionally, some 10-year-olds may be After learning the basics of supervision, correct instruction
playing competitive sports for the first time. methods must be mastered. “If you don’t have the knowledge, go get
In order to minimize the risk of injury, it,” says Barnes. “There is a lot of great information out there.”
players and parents must learn proper
training techniques and consult with an
expert in the field.
“No push-ups, no sit-ups, no weight
Michael Barnes training. You’re not even there yet; that stuff
comes later,” says Michael Barnes of the National Strength and
Conditioning Association Education Director. “Don’t treat young
kids like miniature adults. Don’t think you are going to implement
an hour-long program.”
Before getting into specifics, safety, supervision, and proper
instruction must be addressed.
Pre-exercise evaluation, preferably by a sports physician, is
recommended before training young football players. “There
might be something in the family history like asthma that hasn’t
shown up yet,” Barnes says. “There are a lot of things going on in
the body that need to be checked.”
Once medical exams are complete, proper supervision becomes
the focus. “If you are considering doing a resistance training
program for young football players, you need to familiarize
yourself with the things you need to know,” Barnes says.
According to NSCA, an estimated 80 percent of all court cases
concerning athletic injuries deal with some aspect of supervision.
Proper supervision of a young football player’s training program
is absolutely a must.
“Often you end up with someone’s older brother who plays
linebacker on the high school football team doing this type of
training,” Barnes says. “That is the worst person to have supervise
because he will likely base the training on what he does at his level.”

NSCA has basic standards for strength and conditioning

professionals that Barnes suggests parents and coaches keep in mind:
• Always be there.
• Be active and hands-on.
• Be prudent, careful and prepared.
• Be qualified.

D PHOTO (RIGHT): JOHN ARONSON 13

 [ ]

Staying Well-Equipped
Year-end equipment management and budgeting are essential for your
COACHING CENTER

program’s success BY ED PASSINO

The yard markers, footballs and pylons have been safely stashed
away, signaling the conclusion to another successful season. But
youth football administrators must not become complacent, as the
off-season is the most important time of the year.
The off-season is a time for administrators and board
members to look back at the
previous season and plan the
HEALTH & SAFETY CENTER
football players throughout Idaho. “It not only represents one of
the biggest expenses, but it also represents the biggest source of
liability. If the equipment is not maintained, if it is not certified
and inspected, participants are at risk.”
To help leagues facilitate this process, many equipment
companies offer documentation
and tracking programs. USA

agenda for the next. Undoubtedly, Football advises all leagues to

important decisions will be assign an equipment manager to
made during this crucial time work with equipment companies
that will affect the league for to maintain an inventory-
years. Chief among these vital tracking guide to insure proper
off-season actions will be the purchasing and reconditioning of
assessment of equipment. Every all equipment.
piece of equipment from helmets “It’s extremely important to
and shoulder pads to tackling establish a system,” says Schutt
dummies and thigh pads must be Sports – Circle Division President
accounted for and examined for David Drill. “Generally youth
proper condition. leagues are managed by parent
volunteers. Therefore, it is
CENTER

Tracking system
ENHANCEMENT CENTER

important that [the league] has

Accurate equipment an established reconditioning
assessment is important because program for these volunteers to
LEAGUE ENHANCEMENT

proper budgeting and spending reference.”

are essential for a successful Moore, who has spent the last
youth football program. Without 30 years volunteering his time
sufficient fiscal resources to youth football, believes the
designated to annual equipment best time to institute a tracking
LEAGUE

needs your league will fail, as process is during equipment

equipment purchasing commands return following the completion
most of a league’s funds. Therefore, of the season. This can give the
league administrators should equipment manager a solid grasp
develop an equipment purchasing of potential equipment needs for
and tracking plan to help manage the following season.
OFFICIATING CENTER

this process. This monitoring Eric Johnson, commissioner

system should include potential of Montana Youth Football in
An inspection and inventory of equipment immediately following
growth patterns, condition of Billings, recommends accounting
the end of a season can help a league accurately assess its
equipment, and certification for all issued equipment when
needs for next season. Your league’s off-season program also
and reconditioning needs of all it is returned, as it becomes
should include cleaning and maintaining equipment.
equipment. very difficult to find missing
“It is very important for a league to monitor its equipment,” equipment once the season ends.
says Jerron Moore, executive director of the Boise Optimist “We conduct equipment turn-in immediately following the
Youth Football League, the home of more than 3,000 youth final game of the season,” says Johnson. “Everyone shows up to

14 USA Football Magazine PHOTOS: CYNTHIA HOBGOOD

 the final game of the season; this presents a great opportunity to Storage
gather all of the equipment. By implementing a return process, Properly storing equipment is important, too. Drill
you will save your league money.” recommends that equipment managers review the manufacturer’s
Johnson also advises youth league administrators to clean policies and guidelines for proper storage conditions, and learn
and sanitize all equipment during turn-in as this helps kill best practices through educational programs and peer-to-peer
many forms of bacteria and viruses that can lead to disease if left networking with neighboring leagues.
unchecked until the following season. “We go out on a regular basis to league meetings to educate the
volunteers on what reconditioning is, the dos and the don’ts of handling
Budgeting and Ordering [equipment], and how to properly fit and store equipment,” Drill says.
League boards should use the late fall and early winter “This is extremely beneficial because most youth organizations are led
months to conduct research regarding registration trends and by volunteers where there is high annual turnover.”
population growth in order to determine
budget needs.
“We start our budgeting process early,”
Moore says. “We spend time tracking
registration trends from the last season,
and come up with estimates on how much
we will grow and how many kids will need
equipment. This allows us to make good,
educated decisions.”
Conducting an early assessment of
equipment and potential players in the
program allows leagues to secure the best
rates and save on equipment purchasing.
Proper inspection and reconditioning
are actually cost-saving measures as it
is less expensive to recondition helmets
than to buy new. According to research
provided by Circle System Group, the
equipment reconditioning arm of Schutt
Sports, reconditioned shoulder pads are
25 percent the cost of new shoulder pads.
Additionally, reconditioned helmets are
approximately one-third the cost of new
helmets. Having a measurable inspection
program can also help reduce league
The proper storage of equipment such as shoulder pads can extend their longevity and keep new
insurance rates.
purchases at a manageable level. Always review manufacturers’ policies for proper storage.
Moore contends that the key to
procuring enough equipment is tracking your annual registration While equipment costs comprise a large portion of your
numbers. Research shows that leagues receive roughly 60 percent operating budget, Moore acknowledges equipment also helps
of their registrations during the initial sign-up period. Based on market and grow your league.
these projections, along with the information compiled from the “Equipment is a key element of any league and is one of the
equipment-tracking program, a league can arrive at an accurate most visible symbols of how a program operates. If the equipment
account for needed equipment. A bulk order saves the league even is kept up, in good condition, and safe, it tells current and
more money. potential participants that the program cares and does things
“Order new equipment in March or April,” advises Moore. right,” Moore says. “Conversely, if the equipment is not kept up,
“That gives you time to do things without being rushed. Also, is borderline safe, and looks bad, it tells people that the program
buying early and in quantity allows you to negotiate with does not care and can’t take care of their kids properly. Given the
suppliers before their busy time which helps you receive better expense, maintaining and really caring for the equipment actually
pricing.” saves money for any program.”

D 15
 Just
CLICK
and Coach
Chiefs receiver Eddie Kennison helps
develop USA Football’s Online Coaching
Course BY NATHAN BOUDREAUX

Only a bodysuit lined with

motion capture sensors
and six cameras could
cover Eddie Kennison’s
Kennison’
moves and translate them
to 3D animation.

16 USA Football Magazine

Completion of the online course earns a certificate of achievement from USA Football and inclusion in the national coach registry.
W
hen he’s not catching touchdown passes in
the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs, wide
receiver Eddie Kennison does what he
can to help the development and growth
of youth football. This past off-season, he assisted
USA Football with the development of an online
coaching course designed specifically for youth and
high school coaches.
The online course is flexible for the end user
(coaches can log in and out of the course until
completed) and features cutting edge technology,
including 2D and 3D animations to explain how to
properly teach youth football fundamentals, drills
and techniques.
Kennison offered his expertise by participating
in a motion capture video shoot at a studio in
Lenexa, Kansas, where he wore a bodysuit lined with
motion capture sensors on his head, arms, hands,
waist, knees and feet. To create the 3-D animations
similar to those used by video game makers, six
cameras tracked Kennison as he performed motions
of catching, blocking and tackling.
Former NFL assistant coach Tom Bass headed
a task force of youth and high school coaches who
contributed to the content in the course, which
includes teaching fundamentals, implementing
drills and developing a scheme for offense, defense
and special teams.
“By using animation, especially interactive type
material that we’re delivering to coaches,” Bass
says. “We think they’ll be able to comprehend the
material much better and quicker.”
The course is the first of a planned four-level
program (the first two phases of the program
– level I and level II are available now), which
will cater to both youth and high school coaches.
Upon completion of each course, coaches will
receive a certificate of achievement from USA
Football and be included in the USA Football
online coaching registry.
“For the most part I think coaches learn visually,
so being able to see the animations as opposed to
just reading the material has a lot more use because
coaches actually understand it better and teach it
better,” says youth football coach Carlos Osteguin of
the Chantilly (Va.) Chargers.
Kennison agrees from the point of view of a
player and a parent.
“This coaching course adds education to
where youth football needs to be,” he says. “A
lot of coaches get involved because they love
the kids, but they really don’t understand how
the basic fundaments should be taught. I’m a
parent myself, so it’s important to me to try to
help coaches teach these kids because that’s our
future. It’s not all about wins and losses at this
level. It should be about teaching our kids the
basic fundamentals of football.”
The course also benefits administrators by
giving them the ability to implement a league-wide
coaching education program.
In addition to learning how to teach the
fundamentals of football, coaches will learn how
to develop a practice plan, formulate a coaching
philosophy and communicate with players, other
coaches and parents.
“What USA Football offers is a resource for the
youth football coach and the online coaching course
is a great teaching tool,” said Todd Casey, a youth
football coach in Vienna, Va.
To learn more about the USA Football online
coaching course visit www.usafootball.com.
17
 STATE OF
THE UNION
Inaugural Maryland State Youth Championship leads to
USA Football’s kickoff leadership forum
IN mid-October, four
commissioners of
neighboring youth football leagues
stretching from the outskirts of
Washington D.C. to Annapolis to
Baltimore came to an unprecedented
decision to conduct the first ever
Maryland State Youth Football
Championship.
The move was extraordinary, in that
it was the first time the four leagues,
which represent eight counties, nearly
1,000 teams and approximately 25,000
youth players, came to a consensus
agreement to push their differences
aside for the
betterment of youth
football in Maryland.
“It’s great for us to
finally come together.
We set aside our
egos and discussed
opportunities for a
better youth football
experience for all
involved in youth
football throughout
Maryland,” says
Mike Milani, the Sports Supervisor at
Howard County Park and Recreation.
The meeting came as a prelude
to the Maryland State Leadership
Forum, which was scheduled to have
its first official organized meeting in
18 USA Football Magazine
BY ED PASSINO
February. Will Dunmore, Howard
County Department of Recreation
and Parks youth football director,
will serve as USA Football’s Event
Organizer for the state of Maryland.
His duties include establishing
relationships with youth football
leaders throughout Maryland.
Maryland also will serve as the
launch state for USA Football’s State
Leadership Forum concept. The goal
of the leadership forum is to bring the
league presidents, commissioners and
decision makers throughout the state
for a discussion on how the forum can
work together for the betterment of the
sport statewide.
“These are exciting times, and a
wonderful opportunity for all involved
to really make a difference with youth
football in the state of Maryland,” says
Rick Peacock, USA Football’s assistant
director of national programs, who
will oversee the development of state
leadership forums nationwide.
According to Peacock, the forum
concept is part of USA Football’s
Grassroots Network Plan. The goal of
the program, which will be launched
in select states beginning this year, is
to bring unity to the fragmented youth
football community.
“Our goal is to help youth football
administrators become more efficient.
Coaching education and health and
safety, are two programs that will have
immediate impact
in the youth football
community,” says
Peacock, who also
serves as the president
of the Anne Arundel
Youth Football
Association (AAYFA)
and is a coach in the
Gambrills-Odenton
Recreational Council.
The tasks of a
USA Football Event
Organizer include coordinating the
state leadership forum and establishing
relationships with youth leaders
throughout the state and managing
multiple youth coaching clinics in
conjunction with NFL teams, college
 programs, and high school programs.
“The grassroots program will
provide support to youth football
programs throughout each state and
across the country,” Peacock says. “In
visiting with youth commissioners
and decision makers of youth football
leagues, we learned they wanted more
opportunities to come together. We
took our initial steps with Maryland.
Now we have to continue to build upon
that success nationwide.”
Judging from the 25,000 spectators
that attended the tournament games
conducted at Navy-Marine Corps
Memorial Stadium and M & T Bank
Stadium, the home of the Baltimore
Ravens, the Maryland State Forum has
already made an impact. In fact, each
of the four leagues that participated
in the initial meeting had teams
competing in the state championships.
“It was tremendous,” says Cliff
Luber, who coached the 9-to-11,
105-pound GORC Wildcats to the
championship game. “It was well
PHOTOS: CYNTHIA HOBGOOD
planned. Everything ran smoothly
and was taken care of for us
regarding logistics.
“Being where we were [at M &
T Bank Stadium], just watching
the kids play with heart — it was a
fantastic experience. Playing for the
county championship at the U.S.
Naval Academy and being on the field
where our service members play was
a thrill for the players as well. It was
more than just a tournament — it was
an experience these kids will never
forget, and that’s what youth sports
should be about — enjoyment for
the kids. I hope we can involve more
leagues and programs throughout
Maryland,” Luber says.
Western Howard County Warhawks
Coach Ed Manekin, whose team won the
7-to-9, 85-pound state championship,
echoes Luber, stating, “I think it was just
great for the kids’ confidence. Hopefully
down the road they can reap the benefits
of these experiences.”
In all, teams representing Carroll
County Football League, Central
Maryland Football League, Harford/
Baltimore County Youth Football
League and Anne Arundel Youth
Football Association participated.
According to Milani, the
hardest part of conducting a state
championship and establishing
unity was getting all of the league
commissioners to agree on a common
age and weight matrix.
“Everyone has their own beliefs
and ideas regarding age and weight,”
says Milani, who watched his
Howard County Warhawks win
the 7-to-9-year-old, 85-pound state
championship. “Hopefully with help
of USA Football, we can receive
guidelines and recommendations so
we can continue to have a unified
structure.”
Editor’s note: For information about
USA Football’s State Leadership Forums
and Event Coordinator positions check
out www.usafootball.com.
19
 PIGSKIN PORTRAITS

Dinuba Youth Football

Dinuba, Calif.
New Mexico Young America Football League
Bosque Farms, N.M.

McLean Mustangs
McLean, Va.

Minnesota Bulldogs
Minneapolis, Minn.
Prairieville Broncos
Prairieville, La.

Lawndale Falcons Carlstadt/East Rutherford Junior Wildcats

Chicago, Ill. Carlstadt, N.J.

20 USA Football Magazine

 Rosamond Youth Football and Cheer
Rosamond, Calif.

North Central Falcons

San Antonio, Texas

Temple Lil’ Longhorns

Jamaica Bulldogs JALC Temple, Texas
Jamaica, N.Y.
Hartselle Youth Football
Hartselle, Ala.

Coast to Coast Football

Gilbert, Ariz.
Mail
addr

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!

USA Football
attn: Cynthia Hobgood,
8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 625
Westlake Unlimited Football Vienna, VA 22182
Waldorf, MD E-mail: chobgood@usafootball.com

21
 USA Football’s newly designed Web site now offers even more valuable youth football resources. Visit www.usafootball.com for
up-to-date youth football information, playbooks, coaching and league aids and directories.

Coaching Guide
Click “Coaching” for instructional content for youth football coaches focused on
coaching philosophy, offense, defense and special teams including drills, tips and
techniques.

Coaches Practice Planner

Click “Coaching” to find a comprehensive, start-to-finish online guide designed to
aid coaches in planning a season. The Practice Planner includes instruction, drills and
techniques from USA Football’s youth coaching curriculum.

League Enhancement Center

Click “League” to read tips for starting and managing a league, fundraising,
equipment purchasing and maintenance guidelines, background checks, operating
concessions, field set-up and emergency action plans.

Youth Football Directory

Click “Youth Football Directory” to promote your league on the USA Football website. The Youth Football Directory lets you submit
information about your league and search for leagues/organizations in your area. This directory is open to all youth football organizations.

Officiating Center
Click “Officiating” to discover a state-of-the-art resource for officials at all levels. Our nationwide network of respected and well-
trained football officials delivers tools and resources. The content pertains to football officiating with the core elements being rules,
mechanics and philosophy. Officials can ask questions of a credible source about rules, play situations, career success, etc. Recruiting
and mentoring information is provided, along with a listing of recommended clinics and seminars. Features, news and tips will be
added weekly during the season.

Health & Safety Center

Click “Health & Safety” to read recommended information on topics such as injury prevention, emergency care guidelines,
hydration, nutrition, conditioning, equipment fitting, the danger of performance enhancing drugs and current research. An
interactive tool allows users to send questions to sports medicine and research professionals.

NFL YOUTH FOOTBALL RESOURCES

The following resources are available at www.nflyouthfootball.com

NFL FLAG is the premier A national skills competition

NFL RUSH is the official
kids site for everything
NFL. This new site
features fun games,
contests and exclusive
NFL player content,
as well as information
on youth football and
community programs.
Visit www.nflrush.com to
learn more.
youth football league for
boys and girls ages 5-17.
The program provides young players a fun
and exciting opportunity to engage in non-
contact, continuous action while learning
lessons in teamwork. Launched in 1996,
the FLAG Football program is designed to
educate young people about football while
emphasizing participation and sportsmanship.
Players learn skills and lessons that help them
succeed both on and off the field.
in which girls and boys in four
separate age divisions (8-
9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15) compete against each
other in punting, passing and placekicking in a fun
and engaging forum. The program is free – both to
organizers who host a local competition and to every
youngster who wants to participate! With more than
four million boys and girls from around the country
taking part in the competition every year from July
through January, it is one of the world’s largest
youth sports participation programs.

22 USA Football Magazine

 Mark your calendars for an exciting summer brought to you by USA Football

Play Football Campaign – Summer 2007

Registration Month - June 2007

Be sure to register your kids to play during this
exciting celebration of youth football.

USA Football Jamboree - August 2007

The inaugural USAF Jamboree will feature fun for the entire family. Join us Safety Awareness Month - July 2007
for a celebration of football in a festival atmosphere. The event will feature Get helpful tips on keeping young football
football scrimmages, NFL player appearances, clinics, skill competitions, and players cool and hydrated throughout the hot
a Football 101 class just for moms! summer months.

USA FOOTBALL COACHING SCHOOLS

USA Football’s Youth Coaching School, which will be offered in 15 cities Buffalo Bills March 17
across the country in 2007, is designed to prepare youth football coaches with Indianapolis Colts April 14
the ability to teach the game of football and create a positive experience for Minnesota Vikings April 21
their players, parents and assistant coaches. Pittsburgh Steelers May (TBD)
The one-day school offers youth coaches the best techniques to St. Louis Rams May 19
communicate with players, coaches and parents, teach the fundamentals Tennessee Titans June 2
for every position, organize their season with practice planning, establish Carolina Panthers June 9
the best drills for individual, group and team periods and develop a better Chicago Bears June 16
scheme for offense, defense and special teams. Seattle Seahawks June 16
The curriculum is designed specifically for youth coaches teaching the Denver Broncos June 23
game to players between the ages of 7-14. The clinicians from each Youth New Orleans July 7
Coaching School will be made up of successful area high school coaches with ALL DATES AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TO LEARN
MORE ABOUT USA FOOTBALL COACHING SCHOOLS, PLEASE CALL
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23

Ambassador of the Game
Former NCAA and NFL coach
John Mackovic takes American
youth football abroad
John Mackovic’s impressive
coaching resume does not
include the official title of
international ambassador, but it
could. During
his 35 years
as a coach,
including terms
as the head man
of the Kansas
City Chiefs and
four college
programs,
Mackovic has
packed his
whistle and
playbook for
several overseas
adventures in Japan and Sweden.
He’ll add a third trip to Japan
to his passport in 2007 when
he coaches the United States
national team in the 3rd World
Championship of American
Football in Kawasaki.
“The Japanese people have a
passion about American football,
and they are serious about learning
everything,” Mackovic says.
Mackovic took a break from
his travel itinerary to discuss his
start in coaching and the lessons
he has learned on the field.
What made you want to be a
football coach?
I did not set out to become
a football coach when I went to
college, but I started assisting
with the high school team in the
summers before going back to
school and liked the challenge
24 USA Football Magazine
John Mackovic
of teaching. After college I had
no real plans until my college
coach asked if I would like to try
it. Two weeks after graduation
I was headed to Oxford, Ohio
to enroll at Miami University.
I spent one year obtaining a
masters degree and coaching
under Bo
Schembechler.
Why do you
enjoy most about
coaching?
Practice time
is the best part of
coaching since
we get to teach
and experiment
at times to see
how plays and
strategies might
be working. I
like to talk with the players and
ask for their opinions about
blocking assignments and pass
routes since they were the ones to
execute them.
What was your first coaching job?
Without realizing it, I was
coaching from an early age.
When we chose sides on the
playgrounds, I seemed to be on
one side organizing our team to
play the others. As for getting
paid, my first assistant’s job was
at San Jose State where I coached
the quarterbacks, running backs
and wide receivers.
Do you recall a game or instance
in your career that made you
believe you could be a good
football coach?
While doing my graduate
work at Miami, I was assisting
with the coaching of the
freshmen (freshmen were
ineligible) team. I incorporated
some plays from my own
playing days and they were
very successful. The freshmen
coach was quite supportive and
encouraged me to coach.
What is the greatest challenge
any college football coach faces?
All coaches, whether in
college or not, come to the game
with the understanding that
winning is important. How one
wins is the measure of the true
coach. Playing by the rules all the
time sounds easy, but many good
coaches have lost their way or
slipped into complacency. Before
long they find themselves out of
coaching. It requires a relentless
passion to succeed and help
others succeed along the way.
Which values and experiences
does football offer to young men?
When a player leaves a team
at any level, it would be great if
he could take some lessons of
life that will make him a better
person for himself, his family
and his community. The value of
competition during practice and
games will always serve someone
well in life. We learn that we do
not always win, but the proper
way to prepare is by working
together toward a common goal.
After players leave your program,
how do you want them to
remember you?
I hope that players can
appreciate that my approach to
them was always in their best
interests, even when they had
a difficult time seeing it. We
stressed integrity both on and off
the field. I always believed that
every player should get his college
HEAD COACH
TEAM USA
degree, and I wanted players to
learn how to make their own goals
and find a way to pursue them.
Did you play football at the
youth level?
My first football team was
when I was in the fifth grade, ten
years old. We played six-man
football so everyone got into the
action on offense and defense.
I loved practice and could not
wait for the games each Saturday
morning. My first team was
undefeated, untied and un-
scored upon. I guess it was all
downfield from there.
Do you remember a coach who
impacted your youth?
Eugene Snyder and Fred
Cardinal, who taught me in
junior high school, were great
role models for me and others.
I cannot ever remember them
raising voices to us for not
performing up to the level we
desired but were unable to
produce. Instead they took each
day as a unique opportunity to
teach us something about football.
Do you have any advice to offer
youth coaches?
Coaches are teachers first
and should always approach
the on-field experience as if in a
classroom with any other subject.
I would advise all youth coaches
to learn as much as possible
about football and the area of
expertise they will be coaching.
While winning is important,
winning at any cost is not.
Teach the proper lessons of life
right along with the blocking
and tackling. Most of all, be a
good example of how to handle
winning and losing.
TOM HAUCK/ICON SMI
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