USA Football Magazine Issue 14 Fall 2010

ISSUE 14 contents FALL 2010
CLICK A STORY TO JUMP TO ITS PAGE

Kickoff coaching center
USA Football Partner Shock
with USA Football Doctor Introduces Custom
Executive Director The Art of The Drive Block Mouthguard
Scott Hallenbeck PAGE 14 PAGE 24
PAGE 4 Quickhitter Grid Consider your players’ cognitive
PAGE 15 development: Vision, Challenge
and Support
Ngata and Welker have “All-
PAGE 25
Fundamentals” attributes
PAGE 16 commissioner center
Merril Hoge Joins All-Fundamentals USA Football Equipment Grants
Team Selection Committee make a difference in youngsters’
PAGE 17 lives
The Art of the Open-Field Tackle PAGE 26
PAGE 18 Commissioners energized at
2010 NFL/USA Football Youth
Meet a USA Football Member:
Football Summit
Tim Thiele
PAGE 27
features PAGE 19
Takeaway-Giveaway with Larry
USA Football Regional Managers
PAGE 28
U.S. Women’s National Team & David: Should youth offenses
USA Football Youth Football
use the shotgun formation?
Earns Gold in Sweden Rulebook Brings Leagues
PAGE 20
PAGE 6 Together
health & safety PAGE 29
USA, World Teams to Lock
Helmet Reconditioning: How to
Horns in Texas Stop Jogging: A Football Player’s
Do it Right
PAGE 8 Guide to Endurance Training
PAGE 30
PAGE 22
NFL Youth Football Fund and
officiating center
USA Football Support Players’
and Coaches’ Youth Camps Longtime Official Offers Advice to
PAGE 10 Those Just Starting Out
PAGE 32
U.S. Men Win Gold Medal At USA Football Plays Key Role in
2010 IFAF Flag Football World NASO Summit
Championships PAGE 33
What Football has Taught My
PAGE 12 Hours Well Spent on USA Football
Son: A.J. Claycomb Online Officiating Course
COVER: JOHN C. JACOB/TSS PHOTOGRAPHY PAGE 23 PAGE 34
Meet a USA Football Meet a USA What Football

Football Board Facts, Stats Football Staff Taught Me:
Member & Figures Member Pete Hexter
PAGE 31 PAGE 36 PAGE 37 PAGE 38
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kickoff
Dear Readers,
You have prepared for this moment since January.

Thirty-seven (37) Coaching Schools, 36 State Leadership Forums, nine Player
Academies, tens of thousands of successfully
completed USA Football coaching and officiating
courses and countless hours spent learning plays,
considering strategy and analyzing how to improve usafootball.com
upon your 2009 performance have brought us to
September. Executive Director
It’s time to inhale fresh autumn air, celebrate our SCOTT HALLENBECK
favorite sport and put preparation into action.

The following pages hold additional insight for
you – the people who are backbone of the sport –
USA FOOTBALL
as you journey through your 2010 schedule. Within EDITORIAL STAFF
this digital issue you’ll fine dynamic video for
coaches, players and parents, dozens of hyperlinks Managing Editor
to related information and the latest news on STEVE ALIC
America’s grassroots football community. Among Contributors:
the stories featured cover the following: JOE FROLLO, GARY DEL VECCHIO,
ANTHONY EDWARDS, DAVE FINN,
MICHAEL KUEBLER, BILL LeMONNIER,
• Standout NFL players share insight and instruction on their positions’ AISHA JOHNSON, TIM POLZER
fundamentals;
• USA Football members discuss how a unified youth football rulebook To contact USA Football: 
strengthens their leagues; (877) 5-FOOTBALL
• Coach Darren Allman of Austin (Texas) Westlake H.S. leads the 2011 U.S.
Under-19 National Team;
• Football-specific training tips help players reach their potential;
• A successful business leader explains how values gained through football TRACTION MEDIA STAFF
propelled his career.
Publisher
RUDY J. KLANCNIK
The start of the 2010 season comes off the heels of USA Football Month,
celebrated across the NFL throughout August. Every NFL team and its players saluted Editorial Director
TIM POLZER
the youth and amateur football community in partnership with USA Football by
Designer
hosting youth football scrimmages in their stadiums, awarding tens of thousands of
WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH
game tickets to youth football leagues, awarding more than $1 million in equipment
grants, airing USA Football messages during nationally televised games, painting USA Traction Media
Football’s logo on their fields and more. Editorial Offices
USA Football is the only official youth football development partner of the NFL and 7115 Tartan Trl.
the NFL Players Association, a great show of trust from the game’s highest level that Garland, TX 75044
further inspires and energizes us to go the extra yard for you – our members. Tractionmedia@aol.com
You’re just mouse clicks away (usafootball.com) from our office in Downtown
Editorial Department Phone
Indianapolis. (972) 896-8006
Best wishes throughout the rest of the season and have a great time! Custom Publishing
(972) 898-8585
Sincerely,
USA Football Magazine is published by
Traction Media, LLC©. All rights reserved.
Traction Media does not accept unsolicited
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We want to hear your thoughts responsibility for return of unsolicited
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about USA Football Magazine. Write to us
Scott Hallenbeck may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated
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USA Football Executive Director without the written permission of the editor.
4 USA Football Magazine

H HH
U.S. Women’s National Team
Earns Gold in Sweden
BY MICHAEL KUEBLER
Team USA wide receiver Rusty Sowers (21) was named to the IFAF U.S. cornerback Sharon Vasquez (8) of Pittsburgh celebrates during her
Women’s World Championship All-Tournament Team and her squad’s team’s 63-0 win over Austria in an IFAF Women’s World Championship
offensive MVP after helping the U.S. win a gold medal. opening-round game in Stockholm, Sweden.
O
n the way back to their hotel following the “It was surreal – just the whole experience,” Team
gold medal game of the IFAF Women’s World USA defensive back and All-Tournament First-Team
Championship on Saturday, July 3, the feeling Selection Alberta Fitcheard-Brydson echoed. “It was
really hadn’t set in for many members of the first U.S. just so awesome that it didn’t even seem like it actually
Women’s National Team in football. happened.”
They were world champions. Well, happen it did. The tournament’s gold medal was
“Obviously, it was amazing – kind of hard to describe,” theirs after two weeks of dedicated work that included
PHOTOS COURTESY OF IFAF (3)
said wide receiver and All-Tournament First-Team four days of practice at training camp in Texas, flying to
selection Rusty Sowers who was Team USA’s Offensive Sweden, then three games in seven days.
MVP. “I think I’m probably still taking it in. I think it’s just, The U.S. kicked off the tournament with a 63-0 victory
more than anything, hard to put into words and exciting.” over Austria. The Americans followed with a 72-0 defeat

of eventual third-place finisher Finland four days later. everybody was I thought all the teams that were there
Then after just one day off, Team USA continued its were technically sound and could play good football. I
dominating performances with a 66-0 win in the gold attribute our success to the buy-in of our athletes.”
medal game against northern neighbor Canada. The legacy of the inaugural Women’s World
“It was a pretty rigid schedule when you look at it,” Championship in American football will be written in the
Team USA Head Coach John future when its full impact can
Konecki said. “There wasn’t a be seen.
whole lot of down time. It was “What I took away from it is,
all football, football, football, obviously, we’ve been playing
and now it’s back to the probably a lot longer than most
regular workday world.” of the other countries,” Sowers
Despite having to go right said. “But I just hope there’ll be
back to football practice more teams, there’ll be more
and games in the IWFL or to competition, which I think there
work, there has been time for will be.”
additional celebration now “Women’s tackle football
that the team is back in the is still really in its infancy,”
States. The Dallas Diamonds Team USA brought home the gold medal in the first IFAF Women’s Konecki said. “There’s still a lot
had a picnic after a practice World Championship in Stockholm, Sweden. of room for growth, and I hope
for Fitcheard-Brydson and the teams when they go home
the other five Diamonds on Team USA. Sowers also was that they just continue to push and get players out to
welcomed home by family and friends with a barbecue. participate.”
“Obviously the big question is: ‘How good was For now, the Americans can let the feeling of being
the field of competition?’ ” Konecki said. “What I told world champions finally sink in.
U.S. Women’s National Team Gold Medalist

Makes Coaching History in California
Martin takes over Mission Prep JV squad, becoming the first female high school football
head coach at any level in state history
BY JOE FROLLO
Knengi Martin didn’t set out to be a pioneer, but she is comfortable in the role if it helps
other women pursue a similar path.
As the junior varsity football coach at Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School
in San Luis Obispo, Calif., the California Interscholastic Federation believes Martin is the first
female high school head football coach at any level in state history.
A member of USA Football’s Women’s National Team that won a gold medal at the recent
IFAF Women’s World Championship in Stockholm, Sweden, Martin said what little attention her
players paid to her being a woman is long over. The team is settled into a routine.
KNENGI MARTIN
“For me, I don’t think it’s ever been about that, being a woman,” Martin said. “It’s still all
about getting to know everyone and how you work with other coaches and the players. The players know I have
experience coaching and playing. We’ll just go from there.”
For more on Martin’s story, click here.
USA Football Magazine 7

H HH
USA, World U-19 Teams
to Lock Horns in Texas
BY JOE FROLLO
T
exas boasts that the world’s best football is
played there.
In early 2011, the Longhorn State will get a
chance to prove it.
The annual Team USA vs. The World game is coming
to Austin, Texas, as the international friendly match
between USA Football’s Under-19 National Team and a
World team spanning as many as four continents helps
kick off the new year.
Led by Austin Westlake High School head football
coach Darren Allman, the U.S. team will include 45 of
the nation’s top graduating high school seniors. The
coaching staff will be named in the coming months, and
the roster will be announced in December. The site for “There will be college scholarship players on both
the game also is still to be determined. sidelines,” USA Football Chairman Carl Peterson said.
Allman, who led Westlake to the Texas Class 5-A “That’s great for this sport – and I know that every player
(largest school) championship game in 2009, looks in this game will cherish his time in Austin and playing
forward to the football in front of great fans.”
challenge. The United States won the inaugural Team
“Representing the USA vs. The World match, 17-0, in January in Fort
United States in any Lauderdale, Fla. That came on the heels of a gold
facet is a tremendous medal last summer at the International Federation
honor, and doing so of American Football Junior World Championship in
within a sport that is Canton, Ohio.
so important to me is The World Team will be selected from the
an opportunity – and 58 member nations outside the United States,
responsibility – that including Canada, Japan, Mexico and countries
excites me,” he said. throughout Europe.
U.S. players will “In the last game, the World Team showed that
be selected by USA they can compete with the best the United States
Football, the sport’s has to offer,” IFAF President Tommy Wiking said.
national governing body on youth and amateur levels. “When we play again in 2011, with more IFAF countries
TSS PHOTOGRAPHY
Nominations are being accepted at www.usafootball. represented, we will be out there believing we can win,
com/teamusa/applications. not only compete.”

tournament. His 51-14 (.785)
career coaching record also
includes four years at his
alma mater, Permian.
In January, Allman takes
on a new challenge as he
leads USA Football’s Under-19
National Team in the second
annual Team USA vs. The
World international friendly in
Austin.
“We will be intent on winning,
but we also will celebrate the
uncommon bonds and energy
that only football can generate
in us with the World team,”
Allman said.
Allman follows Chuck Kyle
of Cleveland St. Ignatius
and Chris Merritt of Miami
Christopher Columbus as
U-19 Head Coaches. Kyle led
the U.S. to a gold medal in
the International Federation
of American Football Junior
World Championship last
summer. Merritt helped Team
USA beat The World, 17-0, in
Allman Embraces the

January.
Allman looks forward to
the task, and USA Football is
Challenge of Coaching confident the right man is in

place.
Team USA “Darren Allman personifies

everything we sought in
Team USA’s head coach,” USA
D
arren Allman has played in big games. Football Executive Director
As a high school sophomore in 1984, he helped Odessa Permian win a Scott Hallenbeck said. “Beyond
JOHN C. JACOBS/TSS PHOTOGRAPHY
Texas Class 5-A title. The next season, Permian lost in the Texas big-school his brilliant record and long
state championship. list of accolades, he leads his
Last fall, in his first year as head coach at Austin Westlake High School, Allman program with class and dignity.
led the Chaparrals to an 11-3 record and a runner-up finish in the Class 5-A state – Joe Frollo

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (right)
at his free youth camp.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY JOHNSON

NFL Youth Football Fund and USA Football
Support Players’ and Coaches’ Youth Camps
BY MICHAEL KUEBLER
T
he NFL Youth Football Fund (YFF) recently “We are pleased that the NFL supports players and
awarded $600,000 to 150 free youth football coaches who are committed to giving back to the sport
camps run by former and current NFL players and by teaching the game’s fundamentals to our kids,” USA
coaches through the 2010 NFL Player & Coaches Football Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “These free
Camp Grant program. camps exemplify the players’ passion for a game
Grant recipients included Herm Edwards, that teaches us so much about ourselves and
Ron Jaworski, Maurice Jones-Drew, Torry Holt, the values that help us throughout our lives. USA
Marvin Lewis, George Martin, Sean Payton, Football is proud to work with the Youth Football
Ray Rice, Matt Ryan, Bob Sanders, Fred Taylor Fund by providing our Coach Smart youth health
and Jason Witten. and safety course for the Camp Grant program.”
“I dreamed of this camp becoming a big The course provides information regarding
event and influencing our youth in a positive concussion awareness and management as
way,” said Rice, a Baltimore Ravens running well as heat and hydration preparedness.
back. “I’m appreciative that they look up to MAURICE JONES-DREW Adapted from USA Football’s Certified Coaching
me, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility Education Program and specifically created
to make an impact on them.” for the YFF’s Camp Grant program, this online resource
“It is the most important thing I do as a football features health and safety elements. Before a camp
player,” running back Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville begins, each coach will have taken the course and
Jaguars said. “I didn’t have an opportunity to learn from successfully completed a quiz to foster comprehension.
an NFL player when I was growing up and hear what “Initial feedback I got from the course was positive,”
they had to say about getting better and doing the right said Martin, a former New York Giants defensive lineman.
things. Football is a great game, and I want to pass my “We have told our coaches to make sure that the
knowledge on to the younger generation.” campers have fun, are always safe and well-hydrated
For the first time, the YFF is offering coaches affiliated and are encouraged to give maximum effort.”
with 2010 Camp Grant programs a free, online health and For more and a full list of Camp Grant recipients,
safety course through USA Football called Coach Smart. click here.
U.S. Men Win Gold Medal At 2010 IFAF
Flag Football World Championship
Americans take silver in Women’s Division, falling to Canada in final
BY LAUREN HICKEY, IFAF
T
he United States earned its first Cascudo was named Offensive MVP after
gold medal in flag football at throwing for 34 touchdowns. He was joined
the International Federation of on the All-Tournament Team by teammates
American Football Flag Football World Carlos Jaime (Miami) at wide receiver and John
Championship in Ottawa, Ont., as the Rooney (Leominster, Mass.) at defensive back.
U.S. men defeated Denmark, 35-19, on The U.S. Men’s team was selected from
Aug. 15 for the title. United States Flag and Touch Football League
“This is a big accomplishment,” said (USFTL) athletes.
U.S. WR-DB John Rooney of Leominster,
Mass. “We have been here once U.S. WOMEN FINISH SECOND
already in 2008 and knew how hard it The U.S. Women, who finished 6-4 overall,
JORGE CASCUDO
would be. There are a lot of really good came up one victory short as the Americans
athletes here, and it means a lot to bring it home.” lost to Canada, 31-18, to earn the silver medal.
After falling behind, 7-0, the U.S. Men scored the next The team was composed of athletes from the
26 points to take control of the gold medal game. USA Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL).
Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth Three members of the U.S. Women’s Team earned
and amateur levels, assembles and manages America’s All-Tournament honors – Chante Bonds, wide receiver
national teams in the sport. Adrienne Smith (New York City) and defensive back
The U.S. Men finished 8-0 for the tournament as Sharon Vasquez (Pittsburgh).
DESA PHOTOGRAPHY


coaching center
CLEVELAND BROWNS LEFT TACKLE JOE THOMAS (73)
The Art of The Drive Block

How to teach an offensive lineman’s fundamental responsibility
BY DAVE FINN
S
ometimes in football, the most basic skills are the two steps have got to be balanced steps. The hands
most difficult to master. have got to cock back to the holsters or the hips, and
At all levels of the game, offensive linemen then on the second step they have to strike.
won’t see the field much if they can’t grasp the drive “Everything starts with the first two steps with the
block. It’s a basic technique crucial to the running game. hands cocking and the hands striking, and the main
But for such an essential part of an offensive thing with that is they’ve got to get the feet down in the
lineman’s arsenal, the drive block is intricate and ground. They’ve got to end up making sure that they’re
requires repetition and practice. balanced with those first two steps because they have
Jim Esposito is the head offensive line coach to react in any direction since you don’t know where the
at Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic High School defense is going.”
in suburban Washington and a 30-year veteran of Joe Thomas, a Pro Bowl left tackle for the Cleveland
youth and high school football. When USA Football Browns, shares Esposito’s vision of building a quality
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLEVELAND BROWNS
selected coaches to travel to Europe in 2008 to teach drive block from the feet up.
fundamentals, Esposito served as the delegation’s “Your feet are more important for blocking, because
offensive line clinician. without your feet you can’t even think about using your
“With a young player, the first thing a drive block hands,” Thomas said. “Your feet help give you a good
needs is a great stance. You’ve got to make sure they’re base, which allow your hands to be more powerful.”
in a well-balanced stance so that they’re able to move in While it may be the necessary fuel for a ground game’s
all directions,” Esposito said. “The next thing is the first fire, the drive block requires time, talent and tutelage.
coaching center
QUICK-HITTER GRID
With members in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, USA Football recently caught up with four Commissioner members
from coast to coast. Below are their straight-ahead thoughts on football topics, including stadiums, tailgating and touchdowns.
COMMISSIONER: JAMEL WRIGHT BERNARD CORDOVA JOHN HEIDER JR.

ORGANIZATION: Big Apple Thurston County Columbia
Youth Football League Youth Football League Youth Football League
RESIDENCE: Harlem, N.Y. Roy, Wash. Columbia, Mo.
Favorite NFL Rex Ryan Chuck Knox Tony Dungy

Coach:
Favorite Defensive 4-4 Blitz 3-3 Stack

Scheme:
Skill Most Needed Patience Patience and the Patience &

to Coach: ability to communicate perseverance
clearly
Favorite Part of Teaching the players new Seeing in the kids’ eyes Skill progression
Coaching: techniques and watching that they get it and then
them master it. watch them go and do it.
Hardest Part of Coaching youth football is The kids that are NOT Teaching fundamentals
Coaching: such a labor of love for me coachable and do not
that I don’t find any part of understand the team
it to be hard. concept
Buck, Nantz, Tirico Michaels Joe Buck

Michaels or Tirico?
Super Bowl Jets over Dallas Cowboys Repeat ... Colts over Saints
Prediction: Giants
Favorite Offensive Halfback pass Counter trey Halfback pass

Play:
Best Nickname in Harlem Jets Moose ????

Football:
Favorite USA Coaching clinics The support from Ask Coach Bass
Football Coaching the staff and on columns/articles
Member Benefit: line resources
Favorite Tailgate Burnt hotdogs Bratwurst!

Food: BBQ ribs
USA Football offers resource-packed memberships to give coaches, game officials, youth league commissioners and players
an edge. Learn more at www.usafootball.com/register.
coaching center
Ngata and Welker Have

“All-Fundamentals” Attributes
BY DAVE FINN
N
o house stands for long without a strong and routines, such as those found in the Drills Library
foundation. on usafootball.com, are designed to put all the pieces
A million-dollar VIDEO Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata together and craft
home with double-digit fundamentally sound,
bedrooms and top-of- fluid players.
the-line technology “With all these
means nothing without a drills, you have to
solid base. remain consistent and
And football players continue to practice,”
won’t have much Ngata said. “Using
success without the ladders and cone
mastering the drills will help, but you
fundamentals. can’t just do it once or
The inaugural USA Football/NFLPA All-Fundamentals twice. You have to get after it a couple times each week
Team was selected after the 2009 season to highlight – three or four times – if you’re looking to improve. When
standout NFL players who have best mastered the I started using them, I did [the drills] for three or four
essential skills and mechanics of their positions. Among months leading up to the season. Of course, even while
the players chosen by a committee including former Jets training in the NFL, we still use them today.”
and Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards and USA Football Ladders, cones, bags and other props often can
Chairman Carl Peterson be found in use when
VIDEO Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker
were Ravens nose tackle coaches run their players
Haloti Ngata and Patriots through drills at practice,
wide receiver Wes but for someone such
Welker. as Welker, food gets
Ngata and Welker involved.
both have become Pro “One thing I like to do
Bowl players through is squeeze rice. You get
countless drills based on a trash can filled with
the fundamentals. rice and sit there and get
“Reaction drills are your hands in there and
important, specifically working with a coach who moves squeeze,” Welker said. “You do some different routines
the ball from left to right,” Ngata said. “Using [plyometrics] like rotating your hands. It strengthens the hand. Then
ladders on the ground is also really important. That helped just catching a bunch of balls – just practice and get
me develop lateral mobility when I was younger. When I repetitions. Not just straight ahead but to the side,
was in junior high, that training method really developed, because that is the way you catch the ball in a game
and it improved my lateral movement, my ability to move most of the time.”
forward and backward and also my balance.” Employing USA Football’s Drills Library and eyeing
Honing the fundamentals of a certain position entails Ngata and Welker as models, three things remain for
breaking down common movements, using repetition for young football players who want to excel: practice,
muscle memory and focusing on the little things. Drills practice and practice.
coaching center
Merril Hoge Joins

All-Fundamentals Team
Selection Committee
USA Football Board Member lends insight and film study
BY TIM POLZER
M
erril Hoge, whose NFL employs his football knowledge as will maximize your skills.”
dreams began as a youth an NFL analyst for ESPN, studying A native of Pocatello, Idaho, Hoge
player, has joined the USA hours of NFL coaching film for ESPN’s set two NCAA records at Idaho State
Football/NFL Players Association “NFL Matchup” show. for receptions by a running back.
All-Fundamentals Team selection He was selected in the 10th round of
committee. the 1987 NFL Draft and went on to
The All-Fundamentals Team, lead the Steelers in rushing in four
formed by USA Football and the seasons. His 246 career receptions
NFLPA in 2009, honors NFL players rank No. 2 on the Steelers all-time
who combine fundamentally list for most receptions by a running
sound play and a commitment to back (Pro Football Hall of Famer
their communities. The 26 players Franco Harris, 306).
(11 offense, 11 defense, 4 special All-Fundamentals Team
teams) are selected for their selections are not limited to role
ability to consistently execute players or specialists. Current
the fundamentals of their position members include Super Bowl
week in and week out – gaudy XLIV Most Valuable Player Drew
statistics need not apply. Brees, NFL All-Star tight end Tony
NFL game film, drill video and Gonzalez, linebacker DeMarcus
insight from USA Football/NFLPA All- Ware and safety Troy Polamalu.
Fundamentals Team members can be “Youth players should try How will Hoge approach the
found at www.allfundamentalsteam. to emulate All-Fundamentals challenging task of helping to select
com to help youth players best learn Team players because to be the 2010 All-Fundamentals Team?
every position. successful in football you must “Tape study is the only way to
Hoge, who joined USA Football’s first be fundamentally sound at tell the truth about a player and
board of directors in March, excelled all times,” Hoge said. “The more his fundamentals. Television can
as an NFL running back for the fundamentally sound you are, the only show a fraction of what a
Pittsburgh Steelers (1987- more fun and success player is doing fundamentally and
93) and Chicago Bears you will have playing the structurally on offense or defense.
(1994) with a strong game – and there is less If you are going to study a player’s
command of rushing, likelihood of getting hurt. fundamentals, you owe it to him
PHOTO COURTESY OF ESPN
receiving and blocking “If you formulate good, and others to study tape to be fair
fundamentals. Hoge now fundamental habits, you and accurate,” Hoge said.

coaching center
The Art of the Open-Field Tackle

Geometry, speed and wrapping-up equate to defensive success
BY DAVE FINN
I
n open space, elusive ball VIDEO Open-Field Tackling Drill
carriers have room to maneuver.
The defense often is faced with
a do-or-die scenario: Make the open-
field tackle or watch your opponent
celebrate in the end zone.
It took London Fletcher, a rock of a
middle linebacker for the Washington
Redskins, years to master, but he has
made a living taking down running
backs from sideline to sideline.
“Anticipating where the ball
carrier will be is key,” he said.
“Understanding speed and knowing
how fast he’s going versus how
fast you’re going … it’s all about
anticipating the collision point to
take the right approach angle.”
Bo Condreay of Oklahoma’s Broken
Arrow Football, a youth football
program that plays within the state’s
Indian Nations Conference, teaches
his players to attack the ball carrier going to be able to make the play. So in 10 consecutive seasons. “[Work on]
at the right angles. everything that we do is full speed. getting your head across the body,
“We have a pursuit drill,” Condreay We want our kids to be at full speed having the right knee bend, and upon
said. “We’re at three levels – from the when we make the tackle.” the collision, focus in on wrapping the
linemen, the backers, the secondary Of course, getting to the ball carrier guy up and taking two steps to drive
– and we all learn at at the proper angle is one him backwards. So, head across the
an angle to have three thing, but making the body, same foot same shoulder on
different tackling spots on play is another story and impact and two steps to redirect.”
the field. The point is open- another difficult skill for “Wrapping up is a big deal. We do
field tackling is simple if young players to perfect. not like kids diving at legs or anything
you take the right angle. “For us, we have like that,” Condreay said. “We really
It’s keeping about one half- different machines to emphasize wrapping the arms up
step behind the ball carrier. practice tackling with, but violently and then grabbing cloth. And
“They have three if you don’t have machines, a lot of times kids don’t want to grab
options: run into you, get another buddy and cloth, and they’ll wrap up, not grab
BOB CONDREAY
run out of bounds or run work on what we call ‘same cloth, and kind of fall off the tackler.
back into you. I have discovered foot, same shoulder’ and getting your That’s the hardest thing – teaching the
that if a kid runs to a spot and then head across the ball,” said Fletcher, kids once you wrap up to make sure
stops, nine times out of 10 he’s not who has racked up at least 100 tackles you grab two fistfuls of jersey.”
coaching center
Meet a USA Football Member
Tim Thiele Name: Tim Thiele

Resides: Glendale, Ariz.
USA Football Membership:
T
im Thiele started his coaching career as a favor to Coaching, Commissioner
a friend. A two-week obligation has turned into a League: Arizona Pop Warner
10-year stint with the Arizona Pop Warner league. How long coaching: 10 years
Now, Thiele serves as the league’s co-commissioner Full-time job: Software analyst
in charge of coaching certifications. He also is the flag
football director. Thiele recently spoke to USA Football
Magazine to discuss his volunteer work and USA Football.
USA FB: What does the game of football mean to you? equipment. It helped me when working with coaches and
THIELE: Football is an awesome sport. To me, football leagues.
is a character-building experience to help players learn USA FB: How has your membership benefited you as a
respect for their abilities and for themselves as well as a coach?
sense of teamwork and pride in a structured environment. THIELE: As a coach, it allowed me to find new drills
It’s a passion, though it’s not for everybody. and techniques to get through to younger kids so they
USA FB: Did you play football? understand the concepts of the game. As you get to a
THIELE: I played to my first year at junior college. I certain point, some kids don’t respond well to drills. You’ve
played offensive guard and defensive tackle at Miami got to give them something new. As an administrator, it
(Ariz.) High School. helps me get coaches through the beginning and give
USA FB: How did you get your start coaching youth them the basic knowledge of what they need. They don’t
football? need to be perfect, but it’s a process going forward, and
THIELE: A friend asked me to come out and spend USA Football helps with that.
a week helping him with his young team, coaching the USA FB: What is your favorite coaching memory?
offensive line. From there, I never looked back. A two-week THIELE: I took a young man who was not the most
commitment turned into what it is today. athletic, most talented athlete, but he had a great work
USA FB: Why is youth football so important for the ethic. In a game, it was third-and-goal at 1-yard line, and I
sport? inserted him in the game much to the groans of my entire
THIELE: It builds the love of the game and teaches staff. That child provided the block that led to our winning
that the game is more than just hitting and winning. It’s touchdown. To see that child achieve was wonderful.
a learning process that develops the body physically, Then on defense, he got a sack and recovered the fumble.
mentally and prepares you for your elder years. It teaches He went on to become a phenomenal youth player and
you respect for your body, respect for others. eventually a starter in high school.
USA FB: How did you first learn about USA Football? USA FB: Would you recommend USA Football’s
THIELE: Through some affiliations through Pop Warner, resources and membership to other youth coaches?
then through (USA Football West Regional Manager) Bucky THIELE: I would. I like being able to access the
Brooks and some state forums on youth football that USA interactive playbook, some of the different tools out there,
Football conducts. the concussion awareness, equipment fitting, hydration.
USA FB: Why did you become a member? Those are the things I use for it mostly. You can only lead
THIELE: I first used it to keep connected with other coaches so far. They have to do it themselves, but these
youth organizations, to keep up on market trends for are great tools to get them there.

coaching center
TAKEAWAY-GIVEAWAY WITH LARRY & DAVID
Should Youth Offenses Use

the Shotgun Formation?
Learning the skill is key to development Not a good fit for youth football
BY LARRY CANARD BY DAVID MARCO
One of the most important tasks youth football I don’t believe there is much use for the shotgun
coaches have is teaching the basic fundamentals at the youth level. The traditional quarterback-
of the game to their players. These include stance, center exchange takes a good deal of practice
start, blocking and tackling as well as many other time to ensure that there aren’t fumbled snaps.
position-specific fundamentals, By adding an additional type
such as ball security, coverage and of snap (shotgun), I find that
the center-quarterback exchange. we use a great deal of practice
It is important to first teach the time to make the snap quick
direct snap between the center and accurate and to train the
and quarterback. However, once quarterback to retrieve it properly
the center is physically able to and then execute the play.
execute the 5-yard shotgun snap, The shotgun snap also
it is important to begin teaching increases the likelihood of
and using this in practice and in a fumble. In looking at the
games. This new tool will help young statistics of our shotgun
quarterbacks focus on their passing opponents, I find that they
keys and receivers and not focus fumbled the ball more than 2
so much on their drop and missed 1/2 times per game against our
blocks along the line of scrimmage. defense. Conversely, our offense
The shotgun gives the quarterback looks to minimize turnovers, and
more time to execute pass plays. we tend to average fewer than
It also gives youth coaches more one turnover per two games
options offensively — by formation played and one fumbled snap
and scheming to utilizing more players per two seasons.
— and thus more young players get Lastly, when the ball is
a chance to handle the football. snapped in shotgun it is
The spread offense has become extremely shown to the entire defense and your offense is
prevalent at the college and high school level, automatically starting 5 to 7 yards behind the line
and while the physical skills required to execute of scrimmage. Therefore, you have to first make up
the spread offense may not apply to the younger those yards before you can gain positive yards.
players, many of its principles can be taught at the The only time I install a few shotgun plays is
youth level. The shotgun snap is a core fundamental when I’m not required to declare if I’m punting on
in this offense, and as coaches develop young fourth down. For these situations, I have a few
players for the next level, it is important that we plays where we line up in shotgun formation and
teach all the fundamentals to prepare them. then run a play.

coaching center
3 & Out
For football coaches on any level, few things are worse than offensive drives
that consist of three plays and a punt. USA Football’s version of the three-and-out
is different: We speak to an accomplished football figure to get answers to three
pressing questions. This time, we caught up with Jeremy Gold, head football coach
at Ann Arbor (Mich.) Pioneer High School and the 2009 U.S. Under-19 National Team’s
defensive line coach.
JEREMY GOLD
USA FB: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received regarding coaching?
GOLD: Something that I use in life as well is just knowing your personnel. You always want to know your
kids, your athletes, who you’re dealing with, whether it’s on the field or off the field. I use that in life as well
with the people I surround myself with when I go to build a coaching staff to help me with these young men.
USA FB: What’s something a new football coach should expect that he or she may not see coming?
GOLD: Delegating responsibilities among your staff. Coaches need to know how to delegate and do that
early in their career because right now, going into my fourth year at the high school level as a head coach,
I’ve delegated just about every responsibility except for the major ones that I have to focus on. And I feel so
much better and happier and fresh coming into the season.
USA FB: What’s the most underrated aspect of coaching?
GOLD: The hours that you spend with these children – because it’s not just about the Xs and Os. You are
a parent at times, you’re a counselor, you’re an academic advisor, you wear so many hats as coaches. Time
spent with the children is definitely underrated in my opinion.
– Dave Finn
health & fitness
Stop Jogging: A Football Player’s

Guide to Endurance Training
COURTESY OF RETT LARSON, VELOCITY SPORTS
R
unning long VIDEO Jump-Rope and Cone Drill low hurdle, cardboard box or
distances is a strong gym bag will do.
cardiovascular Starting at one cone,
workout and definitely can sprint to the other, jumping
make your muscles start over the barrier in the
begging you to stop. process. Run back and
For football players, forth until you’ve jumped
though, this isn’t the type of the barrier eight times. Rest
lung and muscle burn that and repeat.
will make the fourth quarter For variety, try
easier. The way endurance backpedaling, shuffling
athletes – runners, cyclists, or carioca, too. Jump the
swimmers – train for their barrier multiple times with
sport is very different from each pass to make this
the way football players workout really brutal.
should train to increase Quick Tip: When you
their endurance. switch directions at each cone, always touch the ground.
When a player has to explode off the line and uproot By getting low on turns, you’ll make yourself stronger and
the opponent in front of him, his body quickly recruits more powerful at a lower center of gravity. You’ll be able to
the fast-twitch fibers in his muscle to do that work generate more force from your 3-point stance as a result.
because the slow twitch ones just can’t contract
powerfully enough to cut it. JUMP ROPE SERIES
In contrast, during a 5-mile run, the body recruits the Jumping rope is one of the best endurance exercises
slow-twitch fibers in muscles because running doesn’t for football players. The key is to add enough variety to
demand powerful contractions — it just asks for lots of make it both challenging and interesting. Try this series
them. A marathoner trains for aerobic endurance, but a on for size, performing each variation for 30 seconds:
football player trains for anaerobic endurance. • Two-footed jumps;
Put simply, long-distance running really only makes • Cross-country skier jumps;
you better at one thing – running long distances. • Slalom skier jumps;
The following are examples of endurance workouts • Double-under jumps (moving the rope underneath
to use with football players from youth football to the you twice in one jump);
NFL. Do these two to three times a week and start • Eyes-closed jumps (any kind) for 30 seconds;
steamrolling your opponents in the fourth quarter. • Two-footed jumps moving forward for 40 yards
and backward for the same distance.
BARRIER SPRINTS Rett Larson is the Director of Coaching at Velocity Sports
Place two cones 10 to 15 yards apart on a forgiving Performance and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning
surface — grass, sand, turf, etc. Specialist through the NSCA. Larson also serves as USA
Then put a barrier of some sort between the cones. A Football’s expert in sports performance training.

Presented by
what football has taught my son:

A.J. Claycomb
BY JOE FROLLO
A
change of heart in high school led to a change in USA FB: What has football taught A.J.?
sports for the Claycomb family of Medina, Ohio. A CLAYCOMB: My concern when he came to Mount Union
devoted youth baseball player for most of his life, was whether he would be able to balance his academic
A.J. Claycomb switched to football midway through high work with the rigors of football. He’s always been a
school. His mother, Judy Wismar Claycomb, has watched well-meaning student but never an A student. Through
A.J. grow into a young man both on and off the field as a football, he’s learned study skills and time management.
wide receiver at University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. He’s learned to organize his time so he is completing all
A superintendent in the United Methodist Church, Judy of his tasks. I’d talk to him and he’d say he’s going to the
oversees 79 churches and 70 pastors but now finds herself library, and I’m like, “What?” He was never a bad student.
watching and learning from her son as much as any other He’d complete his assignments and his papers, but
source. Judy recently spoke to USA Football about her son. this new behavior of being ahead of the game with his
academics was a change.
USA FB: When did A.J. first become involved in football? USA FB: What has football helped teach you?
CLAYCOMB: His junior year in high school was his CLAYCOMB: Being an enthusiastic supporter of his,
first year to play. His sophomore year, he announced he it’s taught me to be patient and to embrace the team
was going out for track instead of baseball to prepare concept. When A.J. blew out his knee and had shoulder
for football. It was crushing for us because A.J.’s father, surgery, I asked him about what Coach (Larry) Kehres might
Mike, and I had been closely following his baseball want him to do. A.J.’s response was, “He’s got much more
career, but then we got the same love for football. important things to think about.” A.J. was thinking like an
USA FB: What were the hardest moments as a parent adult. It’s not about all him. The team’s goals far exceed
watching A.J.? whether A.J. plays this year. He’s now expecting to redshirt
CLAYCOMB: He separated his shoulder during his as a senior even though he’s set to graduate in May.
freshman season at Mount Union and re-injured it as His approach is: “It is what it is.” That’s not necessarily
sophomore and junior. He also had knee problems a faith statement, but for him it is. A.J. is going to help
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLAYCOMB FAMILY
throughout and wore both a shoulder brace and a knee coach the receivers. I know how difficult for him it is
brace in the 2009 season. He had shoulder surgery in not being in there running the routes, and he had the
February and couldn’t play spring ball. He finally got his choice to not even go to practices, but he chose to be an
weight-lifting regimen up to where he wanted it, and assistant. He wants to take a role mentoring other players.
then tore his ACL and meniscus in his knee in May. Now, Frankly, I’ve learned more from him than I have from
he won’t play at all his senior year. most other adults.

health & fitness
USA Football Partner Shock

Doctor Introduces Custom
Mouthguard
BY MICHAEL KUEBLER AND SHOCK DOCTOR
S
hock Doctor, Inc., the leader in Mouthguard carries
mouthguard technology, has with it a $30,000
introduced the Shock Doctor limited warranty
Custom Mouthguard, a dental-quality for dental injuries.
custom mouthguard that provides The mouthguard
athletes with the perfect fit for also can improve
increased protection and improved performance
performance. It is the first and only by making it
dental-quality custom mouthguard easier to breathe,
available in sporting goods retail communicate and
stores. focus.
As USA Football’s official “Mouthguards
mouthguard partner, Shock Doctor are essential gear, then receives his or her custom
provides mouthguards to the and a custom mouthguard provides mouthguard in approximately
players of the national governing the best fit, so it stays in place and two weeks. The suggested retail
body’s national teams, including keeps athletes protected,” said Dr. price for the Shock Doctor Custom
the recent Women’s National Team Dan Brett, D.D.S., a consultant in the Mouthguard is $149.99.
that wore the Shock Doctor Custom development of the Shock Doctor “Working with Dan Brett, D.D.S., our
Mouthguard and won the gold medal Custom Mouthguard. “In addition Shock Doctor Dental Lab and dental
at the inaugural IFAF Women’s World to protecting the teeth and jaw, expert members of our sports science
Championship. a custom mouthguard with the advisory board, we have what we
“I think it’s a testament to their optimum thickness better absorbs believe is the best fitting mouthguard
commitment to women’s football the shock from a hit, which can help available,” said Jay Turkbas, senior vice
that they wanted to provide prevent serious injuries.” president of product development
these mouthguards to the entire After purchasing a Shock at Shock Doctor. “After extensive
team,” Team USA running back Mia Doctor Custom Mouthguard kit at laboratory and on-field research
Brickhouse said. “When I first put it a sporting goods retailer or online and countless prototypes, we’re
in my mouth, it fit like a glove.” at shockdoctor.com/custom, proud to introduce a state of the art
The Shock Doctor Custom players create a custom mold at mouthguard that improves protection
Mouthguard is designed to better home and send it to the Shock and performance and is accessible to
absorb and deflect impacts that Doctor Dental Lab. Every mold and consumers at an affordable price.”
can cause injuries. Shock Doctor’s finished mouthguard are personally For a complete list of retail
patented triple-layer technology inspected by a dental professional locations where the Shock Doctor
offers 30 percent additional shock to ensure flawless construction and Custom Mouthguard is sold, visit
absorption. Every Shock Doctor Custom the best possible fit. The customer shockdoctor.com/custom.

health & fitness
Consider Your Players’

Cognitive Development:
Vision, Challenge and Support
BY MICHAEL KUEBLER
B
eing a source of positive energy is a choice for follow to ensure positive cognitive development for their
coaches – a choice that can inspire an entire players. The leadership model is derived from Lane4, a
roster of young players. high performance company that Yukelson consults with,
Dr. Dave Yukelson is the Director of Sport Psychology and consists of three interrelated components: vision,
Services for the Penn State University Athletic challenge and support.
Department and a member of USA Football’s Football Vision involves establishing what you want this year’s
and Wellness Committee with an expertise in cognitive team to accomplish. Challenge is tied to realistic goal-
development. setting while promoting ownership and accountability.
“I think the whole Support means having an
picture – it’s got to encouraging environment
be positive,” Yukelson Vision that gets the kids to
said. “When a coach Establishing what you want thrive, catching them
is positive, it’s just this year’s team to accomplish doing things right.
being excited about the It’s OK to discipline kids
upcoming season, about Challenge if mistakes are made, but
the team culture that’s Realistic goal-setting while use a positive approach.
going to be developed promoting ownership and “If you envision three
and to see what this accountability interlocking circles, now
year’s team is going to all of a sudden these three
be about.” DR. DAVE YUKELSON Support things work together. They
Cognitive Director of Sports don’t work in isolation,”
Psychology Services for
Having an encouraging
development relates to Penn State University’s environment that gets the kids Yukelson said. “When
the mental, emotional Athletic Department the three circles work
to thrive, catching them doing
and social aspects things right together, I think it’s a great
of skill development, practice model that is
such as motivation, simple and really captures
concentration, confidence, composure and social the developmental nature of what you’re doing whether
interactions. you’re working with beginners, intermediate or elite
“We label it cognitive development. You’re helping football players.”
them have a better understanding in each of those Following this model will help improve the players’
areas of what the experience means to them,” Yukelson football skills and also make sure they are developing
said. “Just helping them to feel good about their sport a healthy mind-set around the game. A positive
participation so that they’re motivated enough to want environment full of the right values, encouragement
to keep doing it.” and example-setting keeps youth players engaged in
Yukelson describes a practice model for coaches to exciting ways.

commissioner center
USA Football Equipment

Grants Make a Difference in
Youngsters’ Lives
BY DAVE FINN
E
specially in today’s economy, schools received similar packages Francisco. “Our players and staff felt
even the most well-run youth valued at $1,500. All equipment grants like it was Christmas in August. We
football leagues and high school were fulfilled by Riddell, the official have been using bags since I played
programs could use a helping hand. helmet and protective equipment here, 20-plus years ago. We can
That’s why USA Football finally throw away our six bags
and all 32 NFL teams of various colors and have a
partnered to award football wonderful complete set, all the
equipment grants to leagues same color. This grant has also
and programs throughout allowed our program to save
the country based on merit thousands of dollars and can
and need. Since 2006, the now focus on other things on
equipment grant program has our wish list.”
awarded more than $3 million Indeed, the grants
in football equipment through have freed up funds for
the NFL Youth Football Fund. commissioners and athletic
“We’re an urban, inner-city directors to allocate
program, and we have a lot elsewhere.
of under-privileged kids that “It allows us now to give
we try to service, and each 30 additional scholarships,”
year there are a number of Moffatt said. “We have 30
Riddell representative Dan Wright of Conroe, Texas, helps
kids we have to turn away,” a member of the Inwood Dad’s Club try on his new helmet
extra kids that would not
said Lyman Moffatt of the that was obtained through a USA Football Equipment Grant. normally be able to afford the
North West Cleveland Ohio The league is located in Northwest Houston. contribution and can now play
Youth Association. “We even because of the grant. Last year,
do scholarships ourselves, but partner of USA Football, and the we turned away 74 children because
because of the popularity right now NFL Youth Football Fund – a joint we had exceeded our equipment
of football, you’ve got so many kids partnership between the NFL and the limit numbers. The grant now allows
who want to play, but it’s impossible NFL Players Association – allowing us to suit up an additional 30 kids,
for us being a non-profit to suit up approximately 800 programs to earn and then if we’re able to raise a few
all the kids. We figured that we could an equipment grant from USA Football more funds to get another 15, so we
use some help to, if nothing else, get and NFL teams this season. will be able to decrease that number
more kids out there on the field.” “We were so happily surprised by nearly 45 this season.”
Each selected youth league when the FedEx truck rolled up to With the support of USA Football,
received a $1,000 package that offered our school with 11 packages of new leagues and high school programs
a variety of football equipment and practice bags,” said Mark Huynh facing similar challenges are now
uniform options to choose from. High of Galileo Academy Football in San better equipped to overcome them.

commissioner center
Commissioners Energized at
2010 NFL/USA Football Youth
Football Summit
BY DAVE FINN
C
anton, Ohio, is where football
fans flock to celebrate the
game’s rich history and
tradition, but for a few days in July, it
also was the site for a meeting of the
sport’s grassroots minds.
Youth football commissioners from
around the country gathered for the
2010 NFL/USA Football Youth Football
Summit, which included a visit to the
Pro Football Hall of Fame, from July
21-23.
“I thought that all of the sessions
that I participated in were very
informative and delivered in an easy-
to-digest format,” said Walt Lodes
Jr., president/CEO of Michigan’s
Northern Rocket Football League. “The
presentations on youth injuries and the
in-depth discussion on concussions West or inner city, and just being Football board member Merril Hoge, a
were loaded with information that able to talk and speak freely on that former NFL running back and current
every coach should be aware of.” was great,” said Steve Cooke, sports ESPN analyst, detailed what it means
One commissioner from each of manager of the Greenville County to be a football coach.
USA Football’s 36 state forums was (S.C.) Recreation District. “That was “The motivational speakers (Hoge
selected to attend the summit, which just neat to see how other folks and Blackledge) were great, and
included speeches and presentations handle issues that we have as well.” their perspective from both college
by medical professionals, decorated The commissioners had the and pro careers gave some valuable
football figures and the USA Football opportunity to learn about and insights that trickle down to the youth
administrative team as well as discuss some of today’s crucial level,” Lodes said. “We have already
discussions of on- and off-the-field youth football issues. Dr. Stan shared the concussion information
tricks of the trade during group Herring provided a presentation on with our 35 area member leagues
breakout sessions. concussion education. Dr. Lindsay and are in the process of taking all
CRAIG JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
“The way other folks run their Baker of the Gatorade Sports of the handouts as well as my notes
football and different obstacles they Science Institute spoke about head and reducing them to an information
face, whether it be a group that’s and hydration issues. Former NFL bulletin that we will circulate to all of
playing on an Indian reservation out quarterback Todd Blackledge and USA those area administrators.”

commissioner center
USA Football Regional Managers

America’s favorite sport is powered by you – dedicated youth league commissioners, coaches, game officials and
volunteers. For each of you, there is a face and name to place in your football Rolodex: your USA Football Regional Manager.
USA Football Regional Managers are current and former coaches, players and administrators working for you. Each has
the experience needed to help you make your league or team even stronger with USA Football’s resources.
Contact your USA Football Regional Manager to learn how you can kick off your free commissioner membership or to ask
about coaching certification, the nearest USA Football Coaching School, Player Academy or State Leadership Forum. Stay in
touch with your regional manager, whether it’s to share news about your league or team or to ask about member resources.
In addition, you may always contact our office, through usafootball.com or by phone at 1-877-5-FOOTBALL. Let us know
how we can serve you better.
Together we’ll ensure that teamwork and leadership continue to serve as the laces binding our favorite game.
Northeast Region
Ed Passino
Northwest Region Great Lakes Region (317) 489-4437
Bassel Faltas Central Region Scott LeVeque epassino@usafootball.com
Joe Owens (317) 489-4434
(317) 489-4426
bfaltas@usafootball.com (317) 489-4436 sleveque@usafootball.com
jowens@usafootball.com
West Region Southeast Region

Bucky Brooks Rick Peacock
South Region Mid-Atlantic Region
(317) 489-4421 Dave Fanucchi Deno Campbell (317) 489-4438
bbrooks@usafootball.com rpeacock@usafootball.com
(317) 489-4427 (317) 489-4422
dfanucchi@usafootball.com
(240) 351-7392
dcampbell@usafootball.com
commissioner center
USA Football Youth Football

Rulebook Brings Leagues
Together
BY MICHAEL KUEBLER
T
he USA Football Youth Football Rulebook One Mississippi league is ready to join other area
provides youth leagues with a clear and leagues in using the Rulebook. The Long Beach
concise set of rules and regulations that are (Miss.) Youth Football League is one of a group of
easy to understand (See example). The Rulebook leagues in the South that are adopting the Rulebook
($5.50) was written by USA Football’s Rules Committee for this reason.
with the safety of the youth players in mind. “More or less, it just lets us get more games with
Youth leagues across the outside communities, trying to
nation are recognizing these get us all on the same page,”
benefits and incorporating the Long Beach Youth Football
rules within their leagues. League President Murray Biegel
“I realized that it was said of the Rulebook.
far easier for coaches to As more leagues continue
understand and read and get to adopt the USA Football
clarifications on it because Youth Football Rulebook, youth
of the way it was written,” leagues and players across the
President of the Miami Extreme nation will be able to benefit
Youth Football League Danny from diversified competition
Martinez said. “And that really is through standardized rules and
one of the biggest reasons: the regulations. The Rulebook will
ease of interpretation of rules by help USA Football create
coaches.” USA F OO T B A a unified youth football
The league anticipates LL community.
SHOP
reaping another benefit from shop.usafo “The fact that
otball.com
USA Football’s rulebook. there’s a rulebook
Martinez hopes the Rulebook
OPEN specifically for youth, it
will allow his group to play teams from other 24/7 should be very useful,”
leagues that adopt the rules. For now, the Miami Martinez said.
Extreme League is mostly alone in its area in using “It’s good for a national
the Rulebook but is hopeful others will follow. standard,” Biegel agreed.
“Right now we’re sort of spearheading the Youth football leaders can purchase the USA
thing,” Martinez said. “After the season we play in Football Youth Football Rulebook for their leagues’
a championship with about another two or three coaches and officials online at the USA Football Shop.
leagues, and they have not adopted it from what I The Rulebook costs $5.50 for individual orders or a
understand.” group rate of $4 each on orders of 15 or more.

commissioner center
Helmet Reconditioning: Presented by
How to Do it Right
BY STEVE ALIC
A
ttaining maximum performance in anything why Riddell recommends annual reconditioning.
requires reaching full potential. “Your reconditioner has the experience and expertise
This applies to football – for the athlete, the to evaluate the state of your equipment and help your
coach … and the athlete’s equipment. program issue the best possible gear to your players.”
Putting football fundamentals into practice and Helmet reconditioning should not only include
wearing season-ready equipment bolster player safety. cleaning, sanitizing, inspection and replacement of
Helmet reconditioning is especially important to broken or over-worn parts but recertification to NOCSAE’s
protect players and to attain a helmet performance standard as
helmet’s maximum life span. well. Rejected or retired helmets
USA Football recommends should be destroyed or made
that helmets be reconditioned unusable.
and recertified annually by a “Riddell has been reconditioning
reconditioner licensed by the National football equipment at our state-of-
Operating Committee on Standards the-art facilities for over 40 years,”
for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). In Ide said. “Careful inspection,
addition, ensure that your helmet cleaning, sanitizing and repair are
reconditioner is a member in all part of a good reconditioning
good standing with the National program. Helmets are subjected to
Athletic Equipment Reconditioners rigorous testing to make sure that
Association (NAERA). they meet strict performance and
“A NOCSAE-licensed equipment recertifier and protective requirements before they leave our facility.”
reconditioner acts as your consultant when it comes to Follow the helmet manufacturers’ guidelines
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIDDELL
the performance of your football protective equipment” for helmet care and storage. Most manufacturers
Riddell Vice President of Research and Development recommend storing equipment in a temperature-
Thad Ide said. “Wear and tear on your helmets, shoulder controlled environment to avoid adverse effects of
pads and other equipment is part of the game, which is extreme heat or cold.

meet a usa football board member
USA FOOTBALL’S
BOARD OF
Mark Meana DIRECTORS
Ray Anderson
Chairman, Fairfax County (Va.)

Exec. V.P., Football Operations
National Football League
Youth Football League Jason Belser

Senior Regional Director
NFL Players Association
BY JOE FROLLO
Joe Browne
Helping steer USA Football’s mission as the sport’s Senior Advisor to the Commissioner
national governing body on youth and amateur
levels is its 16-member Board of Directors. The board Jon Butler
Executive Director
includes leaders throughout the football community Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
who share a deep appreciation for America’s favorite
Tom Cove
sport. This issue of USA Football Magazine introduces you to USA Football Board President & CEO
Member Meana, a youth league chairman in Virginia who works in the Office of SGMA International
Inspector General at the National Railroad Passenger Corp. (Amtrak). Carl Francis
Director of Communications
USA Football magazine caught up with Meana as the new season starts to discuss
his experience and his involvement with USA Football.
Alexia Gallagher
What impact did football coaches have on you? Director, NFL Charities &
My first and most profound experience coaching youth football came as an Youth Football Fund.
invitation to coach from a local a policeman who was extremely successful. He National Football League
sought kids who were hanging out on street corners and in shopping centers with Bob Gardner
Executive Director
nothing to do and probably headed in the wrong direction. He encouraged these kids National Federation of State
to play football, and the results were absolutely amazing. Through that experience, I High School Associations
realized the influence a youth coach has on kids is huge. Roger Goodell
Why are people drawn to volunteering as youth football coaches and Commissioner
administrators?
Most people want to coach football to be nearer to the game, have a direct Merril Hoge
NFL Alumnus and
influence on a team and achieve positive results. Volunteer coaches realize that ESPN NFL Analyst
through their leadership, kids improve in basic football skills, self-esteem, teamwork
Mark Meana
and more. Watching players improve in all aspects of the game during the course of a Chairman
season is exciting and drives you to get better and more involved. Fairfax County (Va.)
Youth Football League
From your perspective as a youth football commissioner, what makes USA
Football valuable? Brian Mitchell
Former NFL All-Star
The environment we live in today doesn’t allow spare time to be wasted. The NFL Alumnus
challenge of managing family sports participation with many double-income homes
Carl Peterson
demands the best in technology and equipment. USA Football provides the tools to Chairman
be the best coach, administrator and official in teaching/learning fundamentals, drills, USA Football
sportsmanship, safety education and keeping up with current events. Easy access DeMaurice Smith
to these programs through usafootball.com allows youth coaches access at their Executive Director
convenience, fitting their schedules.
What resources at USA Football and usafootball.com do you use? Grant Teaff
Executive Director
The Fairfax County Youth Football League values its association with USA Football. American Football
It’s all about the credibility of our league. We mandate the Coaches Certification Coaches Association
Program, the Officiating Training Program, Background Checks through NCSI and Deborah Yow
Athletic Director
support the State Forums and Player Academies. These programs are imbedded at
North Carolina State University
the foundation of our league.
officiating center
Longtime Official Offers Advice

to Those Just Starting Out
Veteran high school football official Gregg Buchner has helped many young
officials get their starts in the business.
BY JOE FROLLO AND DAVE FINN
Gregg Buchner has been a high For new officials

school football official in Illinois for trying to work some
30 years, overseeing 50 postseason ball games, one of
games and two state finals. He has the things I always
worked as an Illinois High School tell them is you
Association (IHSA) clinician since need to join local
1999 and has served with Illinois’ officials associations,
Inter-Association Council of Athletic where you have the
Officials for more than 20 years. opportunity to make
contacts and learn from
How did you get started as an experienced officials
official? about how you should
Over 30 years ago, as a head call a game, how you
coach, I was ejected from a church interpret rules and get
league fastpitch softball game for the opportunity to meet
arguing balls and strikes. My parting these guys and make
shot to plate umpire Del LaGow was a favorable impression Gregg Buchner has been a high school football official in
something like: “Even I could do with them. Maybe Illinois for 30 years. He got his start after telling another ref he
a better job than you!” Del calmly they’ll ask you to work could do a better job, then learned how difficult the role is.
replied “Okay, Buck, you’re going a ball game with them,
to become an IHSA umpire, and I’m and that way you’re to take care of it. The game won’t
going to be one of your getting experience with proceed until it is settled.
sponsors.” experienced people.
I took him up on his How do I know I’m ready to take
challenge and quickly How do you deal the next step up?
learned it wasn’t as easy with fans, parents and As the new official goes on, he
as it looked. But it was coaches who become or she can contact their assigning
fun. I was soon officiating unruly? chairman for feedback. They will get
three sports: football, You never deal directly reports back from coaches, whether
baseball and softball. I with fans. You need to talk they did well, whether they want him
found I liked officiating with game administration or her back. There also are college
GREGG BUCHNER
football the most. before the game to know assigners that will stop by and
who they are. That may be the coach watch games and tell officials they
What’s the best way for people from the home team. If there is a are ready to move up.
to get started? problem, you need to ask the coach For more on Buchner, click here.

Bill LeMonnier is a veteran Big Ten
referee and USA Football officiating
consultant.
USA Football Plays Key Role in

NASO Summit
LeMonnier joins other officials in discussing rights, responsibilities and risks
COURTESY OF NASO
F
or the third straight year, USA Other speakers were NFL line breakout session a highlight of the
Football demonstrated its judge Jeff Seeman, Southeastern entire Summit for officials.”
commitment to the sport by Conference referee Marc Curles and Mano said USA Football’s
providing sponsorship to the National Big Sky and Arena Football League presence on site added to the
Association of Sports Officials (NASO) referee Steve Strimling. prestige of the event.
Summit. This year’s event was Barry Mano, president of NASO, “The Summit is the ‘industry event
conducted July 25-27 at the Marriott expressed gratitude for USA of the year’ for officiating. To be able
City Center in Minneapolis. Football’s support and participation to count USA Football among the
USA Football sponsored a in the Summit. supporters and participants in the
90-minute breakout session “For the third year in a row, Summit simply puts an exclamation
specifically designed for football we asked important officiating point on that statement,” he said.
officials. Bill LeMonnier, a veteran organizations in respective sports to “With the assistance of associations
Big Ten referee and USA Football take the lead in presenting the Summit like USA Football, we not only
officiating consultant, used film sport breakout sessions,” Mano said. explored those topics in depth, but
and personal experience to relate “The groundwork we laid in 2009 we helped sports officials to better
the importance of eliminating rough with four associations sponsoring fulfill their promise. The problems and
play from the game. sessions blossomed into all seven issues that officials in every sport
PHOTO COURTESY OF NASO
The topic was especially relevant sessions being sponsored in 2010. face are common, and the Summit,
considering the theme of the Summit: Even before that, the representatives with the support of USA Football,
Rights, Responsibilities, Risks: The of USA Football were involved in the helped not only explore those issues
Shared Responsibility of Officiating. Summit. They have made the football but work for solutions.”
officiating center
Hours Well Spent on USA Football

Online Officiating Course
Hundreds of hours of preparation have helped hundreds of youth football officials
BY TIM POLZER
L
ong hours of preparation by
USA Football consultants and
staff members have helped
hundreds of youth and high school
football officials prepare for the
2010 season.
It took a pair of USA Football
experts – Bill LeMonnier and Tony
Michalek – hundreds of hours to
create the curriculum that is the
USA Football Online Officiating
Course available on USAFootball.
com. And they couldn’t have done it
without the help and contributions
of countless USA Football officials
and members.
“Tony Michalek and I put a year’s
work and preparation into creating
this online resource. We spent
hundreds of hours talking to youth
The USA Football Online Officiating Course helps officials be in the right places to make the
and high school officials across correct calls.
the country to learn about their
‘best practices’ and mechanics,” “I’m a baseball umpire who is adopted the course as required
said LeMonnier, a Big Ten official. officiating my first football game – a instruction for their officials.
“The rules were the easy part. We JV scrimmage – so the course was “We’re all visual learners, so
wanted to create a program that a big help,” Boyce said. “It was very this program maximizes that
gave officials the best chance to be informative. I particularly focused opportunity,” LeMonnier said. “We
successful.” on the two-man and four-man analyzed more than 100 hours
John Boyce, a rookie official from mechanics. The video simulations of high school football video to
Roebuck, S.C., who took the field were also very helpful.” find play examples that could
for the first time in September, felt The visual elements of be good resources for showing
better prepared for his debut after the course, including rule some of the best officiating and
taking the course. Boyce was able interpretations, quizzes, animation some officiating that needed
to absorb the course’s instruction and video, are designed to help improvement.”
for two-, three, four or five-person officials learn and retain more The video examples and the
crews at his own pace, using the instruction – reasons why many philosophies they project are easily
convenient save option. youth football organizations have discussed during an official’s

officiating center
preparation off the field or even on animation of signals required said. “I liked looking like Ed Hocholi
the field during games. LeMonnier to play the role of a [NFL] and Ron Cherry [ACC] in the
“The course was based on videogame official. animated signals. I’m ended up
accepted philosophies about “The animated signals for looking pretty buff.”
the game of football ... With creating the course
the accepted calls of the behind him, LeMonnier
game, what to do in tough remains proud of the course’s
‘when in doubt situations,’ ” quality and relevance of the
LeMonnier said. “The course education symbolized by the
also creates discussion course certificate each official
between officials, crews receives upon completion.
and local associations. “When you get down to it,
Steel sharpens steel, so For more on the benefits of becoming a the course is a reflection of
having the officials share USA Football Officiating Member, click here. some of the most successful
this experience with other officiating practices that you
officials makes everyone a better referees required me to fly to could find anywhere,” LeMonnier
official.” Kansas City to put on a black suit said. “Officials need to be lifelong
The course’s visual components with sensor balls and then perform learners, so having a resource like
also reinforce signals and over 50 signals and announcements this is a great tool and asset for
mechanics, whether officials used during a game. This took a any official looking to be the best
are rookies or veterans. The 3D full day of video filming,” LeMonnier they can be.”

football facts, stats & figures
22
BY MICHAEL KUEBLER AND JOE FROLLO
16
12
Equipment Grants 12
11
USA Football’s Equipment Grants benefit youth and awarded more than $3 million worth of football equipment
27
high school football players across the country every through its equipment grant program with support of the
year. Assistance with the grant program comes from NFL’s 32 teams. Youth leagues and middle schools receive
Riddell as well as the NFL Youth Football Fund, a non- $1,000 worth of equipment with their grants while high
profit foundation created by the NFL and NFL Players school grants are valued at $1,500. Here is a breakdown of
Association in 1998. Since 2006, USA Football has the grant packages awarded in 2010:
Top 5 most popular youth grant packages selected: Top 5 most popular high school grant packages selected:
Chart 1 Chart 1
20 Attack 8 Revolution
other Youth Helmets other Speed Helmets
18% 27% 22%
31%
10 Helmets, 10
16% 12 Shoulder Revolution
15-piece 16 Evolution 11%
Pads 16% Helmets
blocking 11% Shoulder
shield set 12% 12% Pads 12% 12%
30 Shoulder Pads 30-piece blocking

Voucher for game apparel 10 Stock Power
shield set
Untitled 1 Untitled 2 Untitled 3 Untitled 4 Shoulder
Untitled 1Pads Untitled 2 Untitled 3 Un
Untitled 5 Untitled 6 Untitled 5 Untitled 6
America’s Passion
Harris Poll: Football is America’s Favorite Sport by Far
O
nce again, professional football claims the top spot as America’s favorite sport, extending that streak to
45-straight years.
In its most recent survey, Harris reports that pro football is the favorite sport of more than one-third of people (35
percent) – an increase of 4 percent over last
year. That is more than the combined total of AMERICA’S FAVORITE SPORTS
the next three professional sports – baseball 10% 20% 30% 40%
0 10 20 30 40
(16), auto racing (9) and men’s pro basketball
(5). In fact, when combining pro and college Pro Football 35%
football, the sport’s “favorite” figure jumps to
47 percent, nearly three times greater than Baseball 16%
the No. 2 sport (baseball).
In addition, professional football has
College Football 12%
gained in popularity more than any other
sport since 1985 with an 11 percent increase
in popularity during the past 25 years (from Auto Racing 9%
24 to 35 percent). Pro football moved ahead
of baseball as the fans’ favorite for the first Men’s Pro Basketball 5%
time in 1965.
Meet a USA Football Staffer
Michelle Reuter
Membership Services Coordinator
You joined USA Football’s staff this summer.
What excites you most about your position?
I’m excited to be a part of an organization that
gives so much back to kids and families through
something so positive and powerful as football. In my
role as Membership Services Coordinator, I interact
with members on a daily basis and hear first-hand
how what we do helps them perform at their best for
their players.
What are your primary responsibilities?
I serve our large and growing membership by
answering incoming calls and help desk inquires to
ensure the ultimate level of customer service. I also What is your favorite part of serving USA Football
help in day to day operations of the Membership members?
Services department, working closely with our eight Working with members across the country you see
Regional Managers and the rest of the Membership the impact that USA Football makes on people from
Services team. It’s an exciting and rewarding all different areas and backgrounds who are united
position. We take pride in knowing our members and through the world’s greatest team sport. We share
go the extra yard for them. an uncommon passion and level of dedication for the
game with our members – we identify with them. And
it’s very rewarding to hear from our members from all
50 states who value their relationship with us – and
that feeling is mutual. We’re all making a difference
through football.
Have you or members of your family been
involved in youth football? If so, how?
Yes, my dad played football growing up and was
involved with coaching youth football for many years.
How do you spend your free time away from the
office?
I love to spend time with my friends and family and
my dog, Marley. I enjoy participating and attending
sporting events, going to concerts and trying out
new restaurants.
Was football a part of your life before joining USA
Football?
Yes, I’ve always been a football fan. I grew up
attending high school games with my family and
PHOTO: ANTHONY EDWARDS
friends. I also enjoy attending Colts games (I’m an

Indianapolis native and resident) and meeting up with
friends to watch NFL games on TV.
What Football Taught Me
Pete Hexter, BRAX partner
BY JOE FROLLO
Growing up in New Jersey, Pete Hexter always enjoyed football. As a player, he took the lessons he learned from
the sport and applied them to his everyday life.
It wasn’t until he got out of college, though, that he really understood what football meant to him. As a coach on
both the high school and college level, Hexter learned from other coaches as he taught players of his own. When he
left for the corporate world after 10 years on the sidelines, he already had a head start on building a good team.
He sought the same qualities from workers that he saw in his teammates growing up and in colleagues in the
coaching world – hard-working, consistent, unafraid to take on challenges.
Hexter talked recently about his growth as a player, as a coach and as a man during an interview with USA
Football Magazine.
F
ootball has given to Pete Hexter throughout his Hexter played youth football in Hopewell, N.J.,
life. before going on to Hunterdon Central High School
Through the BRAX Spirit Cup program, he hopes and Dean Junior College in Franklin, Mass. A running
he can give a little something back to the game he loves. back and linebacker, he was called to coaching after
Hexter, 65, a partner at BRAX, the completing his college career at
official fundraising partner of USA Ohio Northern.
Football, played high school and “When I got out of college, I had
junior college football before a 10- found the most impactful people in
year coaching career that included my life were the ones who coached
stops at Norwood High School and me,” Hexter said. “Coaching at Mass
Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Maritime, I had the opportunity to
He took the lessons he learned work for a great head coach, Don
during those years and applied them Ruggeri, who taught me several
to the business world. things. Preparation. Daily effort.
“Keep things simple. Repeat and Discipline. I took a lot of the things I
execute to perfection,” Hexter said. learned and used it in business.”
“Do that and you’ll beat 80 percent of Those lessons continue to pay off
the competition. for Hexter.
“You do the same thing in business “We were fortunate to get involved
as you do in football. Recruit the right with NFL and USA Football as part of
talent, get people in the right positions our business path,” he said. “It’s great
and execute the game plan.” PETE HEXTER to be part of winning people and
The BRAX Spirit Cup fundraising winning programs.
initiative has been the exclusive fundraising partners with “We wanted to find a way to reconnect ourselves to
USA Football since 2007. Through a licensing agreement youth sports. We believe that all those people in the
with the NFL, NCAA, MLB and others, BRAX offers sport- field of youth sports are making a great contribution to
themed 3-D heavy gage plastic cups which youth groups society. Our ability to help those people is important is
can sell and keep a percentage of the profit. so many ways.”


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ISSUE 14 contents FALL 2010

CLICK A STORY TO JUMP TO ITS PAGE

Meet a USA Football Meet a USA What Football

You have prepared for this moment since January.

favorite sport and put preparation into action.

4 USA Football Magazine

6 USA Football Magazine

U.S. Women’s National Team Gold Medalist

USA Football Magazine 7

8 USA Football Magazine

Allman Embraces the

Challenge of Coaching confident the right man is in

Team USA “Darren Allman personifies

USA Football Magazine 9

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY JOHNSON

12 USA Football Magazine

USA Football Magazine 13

CLEVELAND BROWNS LEFT TACKLE JOE THOMAS (73)

The Art of The Drive Block

COMMISSIONER: JAMEL WRIGHT BERNARD CORDOVA JOHN HEIDER JR.

Favorite NFL Rex Ryan Chuck Knox Tony Dungy

Favorite Defensive 4-4 Blitz 3-3 Stack

Skill Most Needed Patience Patience and the Patience &

Buck, Nantz, Tirico Michaels Joe Buck

Favorite Offensive Halfback pass Counter trey Halfback pass

Best Nickname in Harlem Jets Moose ????

Favorite Tailgate Burnt hotdogs Bratwurst!

Ngata and Welker Have

Merril Hoge Joins

USA Football Magazine 17

The Art of the Open-Field Tackle

Meet a USA Football Member

Tim Thiele Name: Tim Thiele

USA Football Magazine 19

TAKEAWAY-GIVEAWAY WITH LARRY & DAVID

Should Youth Offenses Use

20 USA Football Magazine

Stop Jogging: A Football Player’s

22 USA Football Magazine

what football has taught my son:

USA Football Magazine 23

USA Football Partner Shock

24 USA Football Magazine

Consider Your Players’

USA Football Magazine 25

USA Football Equipment

26 USA Football Magazine

USA Football Magazine 27

USA Football Regional Managers

West Region Southeast Region

USA Football Youth Football

USA Football Magazine 29

Helmet Reconditioning: Presented by

30 USA Football Magazine

Chairman, Fairfax County (Va.)

Youth Football League Jason Belser

Longtime Official Offers Advice

Gregg Buchner has been a high For new officials

32 USA Football Magazine

USA Football Plays Key Role in

Hours Well Spent on USA Football

34 USA Football Magazine

USA Football Magazine 35

30 Shoulder Pads 30-piece blocking