PRODUCTS TO PREVENT VIRUS SPREAD

Keep Your Players Safe

Companies are making products available to high school coaches across the country to prevent the spread of the virus. Here is an example of five products that will help keep your players healthy and safe heading into the season.

SCHUTT SPORTS SPLASH SHIELD The Splash Shield is designed to offer protection for players from harmful droplets caused by talking, sneezing and coughing in close proximity. The Splash Shield will attach directly to the faceguard. Not only will the new Splash Shield fit all configurations of football helmets, but these guards are lightweight, easy to attach and clean, and inexpensive enough to be disposable. schuttsports.com/splash-shield.html

CLEAR GEAR SPRAY Clear Gear Spray is perfect for your daily routine because it eliminates odors and kills harmful bacteria. Clear Gear has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19 virus) on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, Clear Gear can be used against 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19 virus) when used in accordance with the directions for use against norovirus on hard, non-porous surfaces. Web: cleargear.com

SPORTS-O-ZONE GEAR BLASTER

This unit is a specific application unit for hard to sanitize and dry equipment and provides up to 2,000 square feet of odor reduction and significantly decreases pathogen levels. The Gear Blaster is an open system and thus should not be used with people present. The unit can run: ■ MRC and ozone at the same time or either one separately, ■ Timer runs from 1-99 minutes and can be left in a room overnight with the caveat that you allow 5 hours, after the system is done running, before entering the room

Testing done against two respiratory enveloped viruses used to mimic SARS-CoV-2 (the technical name for COVID-19). Web: sportsozone.com

SIMPSON® SM1200 SANITIZING MISTER & PRESSURE WASHING SYSTEM

COVID-19 means clean locker rooms, training facilities, busses, weight rooms, and restrooms are more important than ever. When used with Vital Oxide®, the SM1200 mist will quickly and easily disinfect most surfaces indoors and out. To tackle larger jobs, SIMPSON® offers an adapter to power three misting guns at once. For tougher cleaning jobs in stadiums, arenas, and other outdoor sports facilities, turn the dual-action metering valve to go from mister to pressure washer mode. Web: SIMPSONCLEANING.COM

SIDELINE POWER FACE MASK

Facemasksforschools.com provides custom ordering for facemasks in quantities of 500 or more. For quantities under 500, masks only available with the Sideline Power logo printed on them. The three-layer mask consists of a microfiber exterior, a cotton interior, with a filter in between. Masks are 100% washable and the ear loops are adjustable for a secure fit. When ordering through facemasksforschools.com your program can order in quantity with the price per mask decreasing as the quantity increases. Custom color and logo is available after a pre-order quantity of 70 has been reached. Additionally, $1 of each mask purchased is given back to the school. Web: facemasksforschools.com

USA Football maps out return to play for youth football The best high school football coaches work closely with their feeder programs at the youth level to provide a safer and more enjoyable pathway to their respective programs. While USA Football advises high school coaches to follow return-to-play guidelines adopted by their respective state athletic associations, the governing body of the sport has offered a series of considerations for youth leagues as they develop their own plans for a return to the field.

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

USA Football’s guidance offers a phased approach to the return of activity similar to the phased reopening guidelines from the CDC. Youth league administrators and coaches should first consult their city or county health departments to learn more about the guidelines for their respective areas phased return to play. Align ing USA Football’s sportspecific recommendations with your respective health department’s standards and phases is the first step in a youth program’s plan to resume football.

Youth league administrators are then also encour aged to consult with local school systems and other relevant organizations in their area to share information and resources. From this information, a youth league will make a determination about what phase of activity is currently appropriate in its area and the different acitivities permitted in that phase.

Prior to initiating any activities, it is advised that youth league administrators and coaches screen for virus symptoms through questionnaires and taking athletes’ temperatures. Leagues are encouraged to have players practice six-foot physical distancing in the first two phases of USA Football’s guidance before adjusting to a separation of 3 to 6 feet in Phase 3 when not directly involved in Phase 3 activities.

From a sanitization standpoint, all players and coaches should be washing their hands consistently and thoroughly. Leagues should require separate, clearly labeled footballs, drink bottles, towels and other personal items.

Face coverings are advised for all coaches and optional for players. All spectators should also wear face coverings. ■ Leagues that find themselves in the first phase should concentrate on football workouts and drills, limiting practices to 10 or fewer people (including coaches) who must stay within their groups and at least 6 feet apart. No equipment is to be shared. USA Football’s guidance offers example activities to help youth programs within each phase. ■ In the second phase, league administrators are encouraged to limit practices to up to 10 people inside or 50 people outdoors, again within the same group of five to 10 teammates in station-based activities. Individual drills are conducted either unopposed without contact or against standalone bags or soft surfaces , with coaches remaining at a minimum of 6 feet from players. All bags and sleds should be sanitized between each use.

Leagues can allow passing, kicking, punting and shotgun snaps, but hand-offs or snaps under center are discouraged in deference to physical distancing. ■ In the third phase, leagues may conduct modified flag football and 7-on-7 games as well as modified tackle practices, with up to 50 people in small groups. Player contact, including blocking, may be introduced with partners or within small groups, along with games and activities involving a limited number of players.

All such activities are consistent with USA Football’s Football Development Model for progressive play.

USA Football has followed the CDC and worked with other medical experts, including those with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the National Federation of State High School Associations, in developing its guidance. ■ A youth league’s return to regular practices and games is treated as the fourth and final phase and should only be considered once an area has no restrictions on the size of group gatherings and local public health authorities allow public facilities to reopen. Leagues should consider the continued use of preactivity screenings and travel restrictions even as local restrictions have been lifted.

Learn more about USA Football’s guidelines at usafootball.com/return and share it with your local youth programs.

Kick, Throw & Go™ Skills Challenge

NO SEASON

doesn’t have to mean no football. Let kids show off their skills while making space for social distancing with the Football Development Model’s Kick, Throw & Go Skills Challenge!

They’ll use their arms, legs, body and mind to do their best at six different skill stations – passing distance, passing accuracy, speed, agility, punting accuracy and kicking distance.

The Kick, Throw & Go Skills Challenge is the evolution of many fun games and competitions we played as kids, adding new skills and challenges inspired by the Football Development Model.

It helps kids sharpen and show off their skills at six stations. The furthest kick or throw isn’t the only key to success in a game or in this competition. Accuracy, speed and quickness matter in Kick, Throw & Go just as much as they do on the field.

A safety-focused setup has one athlete per station, making space for social distance and time for sanitizing footballs.

If your youth league is interested in hosting, visit usafooball.com/ kickthrowgo.

TWO SYSTEMS TO HELP YOU WIN EVERY SNAP

Build the most critical defensive skill within your athletes

ADVANCED TACKLING SYSTEM

Created with international and multi-sport tackling expert Richie Gray, the Advanced Tackling System focuses on fitting every element of how your team tackles together.

From execution in-game to practice planning to film breakdown and drills, this system is a comprehensive and cohesive approach that will change the way your team approaches tackling.

SHOULDER TACKLING SYSTEM

Built in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks, explore a foundational approach to tackling to develop better defenders and build a more efficient and physical defense.

This free system is endorsed by the NFL and USA Rugby. It starts with instruction, drills and coaching points to help your players with regards to Fundamentals and Leverage.