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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS RIDDELL
ff Booth No. 703
Riddell has consistently attempted to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to player safety. By 2020, the company plans to have position-specific helmets, and by 2022, instrumented fully personalized head gear.
NETWORK WITH OVER 1,000 COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS | FEB. 22-24 | ORLANDO, FLORIDA | NATIONALCONFERENCE.USAFOOTBALL.COM
What You Can Learn Today
DR. PIEROTH, DR. KOESTER, DR. JAWORSKI
Get ready for a Sunday packed with high-profile speakers, chalk-talk sessions and Live Field demonstrations. Here’s a look at the featured presenters.
“STATE OF SCIENCE DISCUSSION – YOUTH SPORTS”
9 to 9:45 a.m.
Dr. Elizabeth M. Pieroth is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and the Associate Director of the NorthShore University HealthSystem Sports Concussion Program (Evanston, Illinois). Dr. Michael Koester is an adult sports medicine doctor. Dr. Carrie A. Jaworski is the Director of the University of Chicago/NorthShore Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship and previously served as Director of Intercollegiate Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician at Northwestern University.
TACKLE TUBE
ff Booth No. 321
BRIAN KIGHT 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Tackle Tube is designed to give coaches a tool that will facilitate correct tackling position and hones judgment and timing. The mobile ring is made of high density energy absorbent foam.
“COACHING AND CONNECTION”
FANBOOKS
ff Booth No. 419
Fanbooks works with leading binderies in the United States and Europe to create a consistent, high-quality soft and hard cover books that fans will treasure for years.
PEOPLETRAIL
ff Booth No. 519
Peopletrail’s background screening solution combines easy-to-use technology and human insights to help you put safety first.
Loren Johnson, who has led Highland Springs (Va.) to four consecutive state championships, will lead a seminar, “Developing Your Staff”.
LOREN JOHNSON 9 to 9:45 a.m.
Brian Kight and Focus 3 are frequently sought out for their knowledge and skill in culture development. Focus 3, the leadership company Kight’s father, Tim Kight, founded – has helped Ohio State, Washington, Boise State, Houston, SMU, San Jose State and Texas State college programs, and even the NFL Chicago Bears, grasp often-elusive intangibles.
DEVELOPING YOUR STAFF
KEN LEONARD 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
Highland Springs (Va.) High School coach Loren Johnson, who is quickly becoming one of the most decorated coaches in Virginia state history, will lead this discussion. This season, Johnson, a former Virginia Tech football player, helped Highland Springs become just the third program in VHSL history to win four consecutive state titles.
Sacred Heart-Griffin High (Ill.) coach Ken Leonard became the state’s all-time leader in coaching victories last year. His team recorded the historic win against Rochester High – a team coached by his son, Derek. Ken was the 2018 nominee for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year for the state of Illinois.
“CHARACTER BUILDING”
CATAPULT
ff Booth No. 311
Catapult offers a GPS chip that is placed at the middle of a player’s spine, from which coaches and trainers can download info to see if a player is working efficiently or in need of a break.
FEATURED SPEAKER
P.J. FLECK
10 to 11 a.m.
P.J. Fleck, 38, has a career record of 42-35 as a head coach and is 12-13 at Minnesota. In 2018, Fleck led Minnesota to a 7-6 record and regularseason wins against Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana, Fresno State, Miami (Ohio) and New Mexico State. The Gophers beat Georgia Tech 34-10 in the Quick Lane Bowl this past December. The 24-point margin of victory was the largest in the school’s bowl game history.
2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Steelers’ Tomlin: ‘Be a Bold Advocate for the Game’ BY DAN GUTTENPLAN
P
ittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin addressed attendees of the
USA Football National Conference yesterday, encouraging them to be “bold advocates” for the sport. “I made it a priority to be here to thank you for your service to the game,” Tomlin said. “I want to share why I love football and why I’m a bold advocate for this game. If you love it like I love it, you should do the same.” The former Super Bowl champion coach related experiences he’s had through football -- from the youth level up to the NFL -- that helped mold him into the person he is today. One of the first lessons he learned through football was to conquer selfdoubt and fear, which he remembers from his role as a punt returner at the youth level. “I think of youth football strictly as a teach tool,” Tomlin said. “For me, I learned to conquer fear.” Tomlin shared the way football has touched different members of his family, including his older brother who played at the University of Maryland, and his two sons -- ages 18 and 17 -- who are still playing at the high school level. His eldest, Dino Tomlin, recently accepted a scholarship offer from Maryland. “There’s something in football for everybody,” Tomlin said. “I want to sing that, I don’t want to whisper it.” Through high school football, Tomlin said he learned to make positive lifestyle choices, in addition to developing leadership traits, teamwork skills, and a sense of community. “Gray decisions became black and white decisions,” Tomlin said.
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2019 USA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
“The thoughtful consideration of the person next to me was something I learned from football and football only.” Tomlin focused on the “unintended consequences” that a life of football has brought him and his family. He received an athletic scholarship from the College of William and Mary and has been an NFL head coach for the past 11 seasons. “I absolutely love the competition and the competitors,” Tomlin said. “We’re at the top of the world of what we do. I try to be conscious of that.” Just before opening the floor to questions, Tomlin left the coaches in attendance with a parting message. “All I ask you is this: If you love football in the ways that I do, and you’ve found ways to grow and learn a lot, when you have moments of opportunity to share with others, advocate for the game,” Tomlin said. “The game needs us.” The other keynote speaker was University of Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt, who shared his journey from elementary school physical education teacher, to high school defensive coordinator, to national champion defensive coordinator, to his current role as a head coach in the SEC. Like Tomlin, he encouraged coaches to be ambassadors for the game. “We have to promote our game,” Pruitt said. “It’s an opportunity for a lot of folks.. We also need to protect our game by teaching our guys to do things the right way.” Pruitt spent much of his keynote address sharing his defensive scheme -- a 3x1 coverage split safety. He invited all in attendance to visit him in Knoxville for further explanation. “I want to make Tennessee the most accessible program in the country for high school, junior high and youth football coaches,” Pruitt said.
W E N
Affordable Football Machine, the Aerial Attack Thousands of reps of
punts, kick-offs, pass reception and coverage at every practice
Introducing the NEW Aerial Attack Football machine that is designed for football programs on a tight budget. This unit will deliver right-footed deep spiral punts that turn over as well as end-over-end kick-offs for coverage and return practice. Plus‌ it throws both long and short passes for receiving and defensive drills. The machine pivots in any direction to challenge the defensive coverage or to instantly throw to an exact location. The two solid polyurethane throwing wheels grip the ball for a tight spiral and precise ball delivery. The Aerial Attack is easily moved around during practice or can be used with the Universal Cart Clamp to attach to any cart. Now all programs can afford to practice like the pros and make the most of every practice. P.O. Box 1529 | 2805 U.S. 40 | Verdi, NV 89439 tf 800.717.4251 | ph 775.345.2882 | w sportsattack.com
2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Champion for a Lifetime JT CURTIS SETS THE PRECEDENT FOR WINS, STATE TITLES BY DAN GUTTENPLAN
J
ohn T. Curtis ranks second all-time in wins among high school football coaches with 582 over
his 50-year career. His 27 state championships are tops among all coaches nationwide. He led a seminar for coaches yesterday afternoon titled, “Building a Successful Program and Sustaining It Through the Decades”. Curtis hasn’t slowed down yet at age 70. He won his 27th state championship in November at John Curtis Christian, the school founded by his late father. JT Curtis was a two-way lineman at the University of Arkansas before transferring to Louisiana College. But he knew since middle school that coaching would be his calling, and he inherited his father’s team in 1969 at the age of 22. In his first day on the job, Curtis had 39 notebooks put together for the player turnout he expected. However, only six boys showed up for his first practice. Curtis reported the situation to his father, who let him know that fixing the issue would be his problem alone. Curtis went 0-10 that first year but won his first state title in just his seventh season. Since then, he has put together 13 undefeated seasons.
Q&A WITH COACH CURTIS How has technology changed football?
“The speed at which information and video are available has improved significantly. It makes for a lot less work for coaches, who can rest more and spend time with family.”
How did you get opponent game film in the old days?
“Coaches would exchange 16-milimeter tape. You would run the tape back and forth. If the tape would break, you would learn how to splice it together. When we would play a team from elsewhere in the state, the two head coaches would drive to a halfway point, exchange tape, shake hands and see each other that Friday for game night.”
Are there are negatives to the Computer Age?
“You have to guard getting bogged down with too much information. You can get overwhelmed. You have to focus on what is pertinent and what will help you make the right call.”
What is the latest technology you are excited about?
“I fooled around with drones filming practice a bit last year, and I think it has merit, especially for wide receivers and defensive backs. It gives them a better picture of the splits, and we’re going to incorporate that more.”
How have you managed to stay motivated when you’ve already reached the pinnacle of the high school coaching profession?
“What I have is a passion and desire to make sure we improve every day. If you have not built from year to year or day to day with an eye toward improving your program a little bit, then you’re not coaching the way you need to. You’re not committed the way you need to be. I have one goal: Let’s compete for a state championship every time we walk on the field.”
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2019 USA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
THE J.T. CURTIS PROFILE TEAM: John Curtis Christian in River Ridge, Louisiana
YEARS AS HEAD COACH:
50
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
27
COACHING RECORD:
582-64-6
PROFESSION: Headmaster, Athletic Director, Head Coach and Pastor. FAMILY: Wife Lydia, sons Johnny and Jeff and daughter Joanna ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Member of several halls of fame including the National High School Hall of Fame
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2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE SATURDAY PHOTO OPPS
Gilles Colon, Conor Rhoda and Andrew Pillsbury from Prevent Biometrics
SAFE Clip’s Justin Summerville
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, Saturday’s keynote speaker
U.S. Under-17 Select Team coach PJ Gibbs of Palmetto Ridge High (Fla.)
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2019 USA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer
Scott Semel and John Carroll of SEALFIT
Var Systems’ AJ Smith
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2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 5Kount Booth 312
Q&A WITH MANAGING MEMBER BIN H. CHEN Why did you decide to showcase your company at this year’s USA Football National Conference? “5Kount welcomes this unique opportunity to meet key players within the football community and introduce our premium-quality, 100-percent USA-made football apparel and equipment. 5Kount can make any team uniform and offers custom-designed apparel.”
What should attendees expect from your company in 2019? “5Kount’s sublimated sportswear is manufactured in the United States; we do not outsource any of our design and manufacturing overseas. 5Kount has developed ‘5Kount on Demand Printing’ which eliminates the antiquated ‘minimums’ allowing teams to order sportswear and equipment with no minimums required. Team webstores are available 365 days a year, and sportswear is shipped directly to the individual, eliminating the middleman.”
What is the best way for an attendee to get additional information on your product? “Our website, 5kount.com, or email sales@5Kount.com.”
5Kount.com
Brita Cool Booth 405
Q&A WITH BRITA COOL DIRECTOR OF SALES JOHAN VAN WYK Why did you decide to showcase your company at this year’s USA Football National Conference? “We are trying to get our product in front of as many coaches and athletic directors as possible. This conference allows us to achieve that in large scale with thousands of coaches in attendance looking for technologies that would take their programs to the next level.”
What should attendees expect from your company in 2019? “We are looking at revolutionizing the way that athletes and teams view high-performance cooling in high heat and humidity environments through technology. Our goal is getting players on the field quicker and keeping them there for longer performing at their peak.”
What is the best way for an attendee to either get additional information on your product/service or place an order for your product/service after the show? “All additional information is available on our website britacool.com , or you can contact me directly at jvanwyk@britacool.com.”
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2019 USA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Britacool.com
FEB. 22-24 | ORLANDO, FLORIDA | NATIONALCONFERENCE.USAFOOTBALL.COM
SUNDAY, FEB. 23
Super Fan Fundraising Booth 306
Q&A WITH SUPER FAN FUNDRAISING NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR CORBIN GAPSKI Why did you decide to showcase your company at this year’s USA Football National Conference? “We love attending the National Conference for the opportunity to reconnect and meet our new youth football partners we help coach through the fundraiser. The best reaction is when a youth football organization or commissioner learns we will be essentially joining the board to help reach their fundraising goals!”
What should attendees expect from your company in 2019? “Super Fan is excited to announce Katy Youth Football sold over $50,000 with our fundraiser in 2018 and in 2019. We want to help the next group reach that mark! How? We will be launching a brand-new catalog now featuring NFL Tervis Tumblers! Last year we averaged $125 per kid in the Super Fan Fundraiser. In 2019, we expect to hit over $140 per kid.”
What is the best way for an attendee to get additional information on your service? “Please call 855-602-7990 or email info@superfanfundraising.com.”
superfanfundraising.com
FirstDown PlayBook Booth 413 Q&A WITH NFL/COLLEGE COACH CHARLIE COINER
Why did you decide to showcase your company at this year’s USA Football National Conference? “We value our partnership with USA Football, and attending the conference is a great way to interact with coaches from all over the country. In addition, the opportunity to sit down with state high school association leadership and explain our product and the benefit it brings to the coaches in their state is invaluable to us.”
Please share with attendees any information on a new service. “Our brand new 2.0 Draw and Edit Tool is completely changing how coaches teach the game of football. Coaches can now edit our 35,000 plays or draw their own. This has been something coaches across the country have been requesting for the past three years, and we are excited to finally show this to them.”
What is the best way for an attendee to get additional information on your product? “Try a free demo on our website HERE; purchase FirstDown PlayBook 2.0 Draw and Edit Tool HERE, or give us a call at 512-814-6158!”
app.firstdownplaybook.com/
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2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE Blinktbi, Inc Booth 403
Q&A WITH DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT JACKIE MCKELVEY Why did you decide to attend this year’s USA Football National Conference? “Our medical device, EyeStat, has application in all sports where head injury is prevalent. Football has one of the highest incident rates of all sports, and young children and teens are more likely to sustain a concussion and can take longer to recover than adults. Therefore, we found it pertinent to attend USA Football’s National Conference to interact with youth and high school coaches and administrators who see these types of injuries frequently.”
Please share with attendees any information on product development. “Blinktbi is currently in the process of obtaining FDA clearance for EyeStat, a Class II Medical Device. We anticipate our commercial launch by the summer of 2019.”
What is the best way for an attendee to get additional information on your product? “For more information, please visit www.blinktbi.com or email Jackie McKelvey at jackie@blinktbi.com.”
www.blinktbi.com
Custom Corporate Sleeves/ Kid’s Kompression Sleeves Booth 308 Q&A WITH VP OF SALES THERMAN BRONAUGH
Why did you decide to attend this year’s USA Football National Conference? “We have been providing Custom Sleeves for corporations for three years now. The plan for the future is to provide sleeves for the athletic community (teams, schools and youth groups).”
What should attendees expect from your company in 2019? “We launched Kids Kompression Fund Raising Program so that organizations have a healthy alternative to raising money, unlike selling cookies, doughnuts, or candy.”
What is the best way for an attendee to get additional information on your product? “Contact me at 407-535-2638 or thermanb@ customcorporatesleeves.com.”
kidskompressions.com
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2019 USA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
SUNDAY, FEB. 23
FEB. 22-24 | ORLANDO, FLORIDA | NATIONALCONFERENCE.USAFOOTBALL.COM
Sunday’s Schedule USA Football National Conference (SCHEDULE AND SPEAKERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE) HIGH SCHOOL THEMES 9 TO 9:45 A.M. Loren Johnson, “Developing Your Staff” 9 TO 9:45 A.M. Van Malone, “Teaching Aggressive Man Coverage” 9 TO 9:45 A.M. Dr. Pieroth, Dr. Koester, Dr. Jaworski, “State of Science Discussion – Youth Sports” 10 TO 11 A.M. Keynote: PJ Fleck 11 TO 11:30 A.M. High School Alliance Session
LEARN MORE AT NATIONALCONFERENCE.USAFOOTBALL.COM/SCHEDULE
12:45 TO 1:30 P.M. Ken Leonard, “Character Building” 12:45 TO 1:30 P.M. Ken Smith, “Hazing, Bullying and High School Football” 12:45 TO 1:30 P.M. Rick Jones, “Empty Formation RPO’s” YOUTH THEMES 9 TO 9:45 A.M. Chuck Kyle, “Youth Practice Planning” 9 TO 9:45 A.M. Danny Shields, “Finding Officials”
11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. Brian Kight, “Coaching and Connection”
9 TO 9:45 A.M. Dr. Pieroth, Dr. Koester, Dr. Jaworski, “State of Science Discussion – Youth Sports”
11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. Sherman Armstrong, “Double-Goal Coaching”
10 TO 11 A.M. Keynote: PJ Fleck
11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. Classroom Chalk Talk with Jay Graham
11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. Brian Kight, “Coaching and Connection”
11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. Ruth Nicholson, “Assess and Improve Your Club Operations” 11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. Sherman Armstrong, “Double-Goal Coaching” 12:45 TO 1:30 P.M. Walt Lodes and Matt McKinnon, “Anti-Discrimination” 12:45 TO 1:30 P.M. Ken Smith, “Hazing, Bullying and High School Football” FLAG THEMES 9 TO 9:45 A.M. Chris Curd, “Brand Integrity and Marketing” 11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. Austin Bradshaw, “Retention: How to Keep Kids Coming Back”
Get It Right provides 3D animations in a Madden Football® format coaches can use to explain rules to their players. Designed by football officials, coaches can also understand how officials mentally process an act to determine if an infraction has occurred. Administrators can use the program to train officials and educate parents. Programs are available that include NFHS, NCAA, TASO/UIL, and IFAF rules. Find us online at
GetItRightTraining.com 11
2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
5
Jim Ballard led a Live Field demonstration for coaching quarterbacks yesterday.
Takeaways from the Live Field
BY DAN GUTTENPLAN
Jim Ballard, who played quarterback professionally for 13 years and is an inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame, gave a Live Field demonstration yesterday titled, “Mental and Physical Attributes for a Successful Passer.” While at Mount Union, Ballard broke numerous school, conference and NCAA records en route to leading the Purple Raiders to their first ever Division III National Championship in 1993. Here are our five takeaways.
1
Simplify the game by making it black and white. Ballard recommended that coaches require their quarterbacks to draw up plays that will work against specific opponents. He also urged coaches to stress red zone rules (no sacks, penalties or turnovers).
2 3
Ask three questions before each play.Ballard says
quarterbacks must know where they are on the field (yard line, hash mark, etc.), the down and instance, and the remaining time in the quarter and timeout count.
Give the quarterback three keys in scouting the opponent.Ballard believes the quarterback must
know the identity of the opponent (i.e. head coach, defensive coordinator, defensive tendencies), how they play (4-3, 3-4, zone, blitz, etc.), and which defensive players can make the biggest impact.up to 10 playmakers.
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2019 USA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
4
Give the quarterback cheat codes. Make a
wristband for the quarterback with simple reminders. Collaborate with the quarterback and offensive coordinator to determine which two or three plays the quarterback likes each week.
5
Teach perfect footwork.In order to get the best
results from your quarterback, you need to be specific with the steps in his drop-back. Put all steps on an imaginary clock (i.e. “Step to 10 o’clock.”). Ballard always asks his quarterback to step to 5 o’clock in the quick game. He does not teach the punch step. The front ankle sets the shoulder’s position, and the hips drive the passing motion.
FOOTWORK DRILLS RAPID FIRE: Six receivers line up across the line of scrimmage. A center snaps the ball to the quarterback as one receiver runs a specified route. The quarterback throws the ball to the receiver, and immediately prepares for the next snap. He throws one pass to each receiver (six total passes) in succession. WAVE DRILL: A coach signals a direction for the quarterback to shuffle while remaining in a passing position. Once the coach claps, the quarterback fires a pass to the coach. MIRROR DRILL: A coach moves and the quarterback mirrors the motion while keeping his eyes downfield. Upon the coach’s clap, the quarterback passes. OBSTACLES: The coach throws padding at the quarterback as he prepares to throw so the quarterback can learn not to flinch when pressured.
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