Coaching Management 12.4

Coaching Management VOL. XII, NO. 4

P R E S E A S O N

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Concussion Research Developing Agility

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Coaching Management Football Edition Preseason 2004

CONTENTS

Vol. XII, No. 4

p. 4 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . 4

p. 29

p. 39

COVER STORY

Putting a team back together after hazing … Selected minority coaches attend a new seminar … Taking time to honor those who help … Fantasy campers take the Notre Dame field …

Indiana University’s Gerry DiNardo keeps a promise to visit every footballplaying high school in the state.

Ready For More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Thanks to high-tech helmet sensors and old-fashioned research, doctors know more about concussions than ever. But much of what they have learned differs from what they previously believed. Here’s what you should know to help keep your players as safe as possible.

The decisions made while players are recuperating between the first and second half can determine the final outcome. That’s why a halftime plan should be part of your game plan.

INJURY PREVENTION

Concussion Discussion

When Robert Morris University needed a coach to start its football program, the school looked to a retiree with no collegiate experience. Ten years later, former New York Jets coach Joe Walton has guided the Colonials through 100 games, five conference championships, and a pair of national titles.

Advertisers Directory . .

Guide to Synthetic Turf Football Field. . . . . . . .

New Technology . . . . .

Web News . . . . . . . . . .

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STRENGTH TRAINING

The Right Moves

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Training players to be fast isn’t enough. They must also be trained to be agile.

By simultaneously working coordination and strength, you can help players be quickest where it counts—on the field.

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Strength Training . . . . . . . . .

Catalog Showcase . . . . . . . .

Injury Prevention . . . . . . . . .

Training & Conditioning Aids Team Equipment . . . . . . . . .

Publisher Mark Goldberg

Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel

Editorial Assistant Greg Scholand

Prepress Manager Adam Berenstain

Circulation Director Mark Shea

Associate Editors Guillermo Metz Dennis Read

Production Manager Kristin Ayers

Prepress Assistant Steve Rokitka

Asst. Production Manager Kristi Kempf

Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend

Production Assistants Jonni Campbell Hildi Gerhart

Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Art Director Pamela Crawford Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson Art Assistant Kenny Berkowitz Dina Stander David Hill Business Manager Laura Smith Pennie Small

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IT Manager Mark Nye

Administrative Assistants Sharon Barbell Daniela Reis Amy Walton

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Climate Control . . . . .

Performance Apparel .

Uniforms & Apparel . .

Fundraising . . . . . . . .

More Products . . . . . .

Advertising Sales Associates Diedra Harkenrider, (607) 257-6970, ext. 24 Sheryl Shaffer, (607) 257-6970, ext. 21 Business and Editorial Offices 2488 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970, Fax (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com Mailing lists for Coaching Management Football are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory.

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The Coaching Management football edition is published in November and April by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada. Copyright © 2004 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved. Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Coaching Management is printed by Banta Publications Group, Kansas City, MO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852.

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COVER PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/BRIAN BAHR COACHING MANAGEMENT

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bulletin board Bouncing Back After Hazing “It was the worst day of my coaching career—worse than any losing season, worse than any playoff loss.” That’s how Art Walker, Jr., Head Coach at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, describes the Friday afternoon in 2002 when administrators came to practice to tell his team they had been suspended from the state playoffs.

Two of Walker’s players had been charged with sexually assaulting a teammate in a hazing incident during a preseason practice in August, and

“There were two ways to look at it,” he says. “I could complain, make excuses, and look for another job. Or, we could learn from the situation and use it to make our kids better, our program better, and ourselves better as coaches. And we did the latter.”

in, you’re not doing your job if you just stand by,” he says.

“Kids sometimes think hazing is going to create unity on the team. My message to them is, ‘That’s not what brings a team together—what brings a team together is working hard as a group toward a goal.’”

One big step involved establishing a zero-tolerance stance for hazing behaviors and incorporating it into a new student-athlete participation policy. Walker requires parents and players to sign off on the document. “It’s a 15-page document that outlines our expectations for their behavior,” he says. “It says that when it comes to

A new mentoring program on the team makes older players responsible for younger players in an “opposite of hazing” maneuver. “We match the freshman players up with juniors and the sophomores with seniors,” he says. “We tell the older players, ‘Your job is to help this player succeed on the team, and you’re the person they’re going to go to if they need help.’”

Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh ran to the 2003 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAAA state title game, one season after the school banned the team from the 2002 playoffs following a hazing incident.

Instead, Walker stayed and a year later, his team closed out a 13-2 season that included more wins than any other season in school history, a conference title, and a second-place finish in the state tournament.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

hazing behavior, it is not allowed in any way, shape, or form. I went as far as telling them, ‘You’re not to cut another player’s hair even if he says you can.’” And, Walker told his players, the policy extends beyond school grounds—the rules apply off campus as well as on campus.

Walker also stressed that teammates have a responsibility to intervene and report hazing if they witness it. “I tell them that if someone is in a situation they don’t want to be

Walker’s strategy was to put all his energy into focusing his team on the next season. “I told the team that we weren’t going to dwell on the past,” he says. “If a player brought up 2002, I told him, ‘Hey, that’s from last year’s situation. If you want to talk about last year, you’re going to have to go find somebody else to talk to, because this team is about 2003.’

When the fall rolled around, Walker used pre-game speeches to underscore the theme of positive team building. “Before each game, I spoke to them from the heart,” he says. “I told them there weren’t going to be any star players and there weren’t any players we could afford to disregard—we had to do this together.”

Walker knew his message was getting through when one of his players used a college admissions essay to write about the cohesiveness on the team, referring to it as a “band of brothers.” “This team went as far as we did this year because they were able to turn what happened in the previous year into an understanding of what it really means to be a team,” Walker says.

Improving Minority Coaching Opportunities As the scarcity of African American head coaches in NCAA Division I-A football receives increased attention, the NCAA and the Black Coaches Association (BCA) continue taking steps in an attempt to improve the situation. In January 2003, the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) received a $180,000 NCAA grant to start the NCAA Coaches Academy, which is designed to strengthen the qualifications of minority coaching candidates.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE PHOTO BY MATT FREED

when district officials learned that other team members had witnessed the assault but hadn’t intervened or reported it, they ended the season with the last regular-season game. Rumors circulated that Walker would be terminated or forced to resign.

Another important step in the aftermath of the incident involved initiating open communication with his school’s administration, Walker says.

The hazing incident, playoff ban, and a subsequent suit by parents who wanted the ban overturned created a local media frenzy. When newspapers and radio talk show hosts speculated that Walker would be fired or asked to resign, he refrained from commenting publicly. “Instead, I met with the athletic director and the administration,” he says. “I was completely honest with them, and they told me that they trusted my judgement, I still had their full support, and my job as coach was secure. Once I knew I had that, I started focusing on getting us back on track.”

“I just kept repeating that message over and over,” he continues. “We talked about what we had to look forward to, about not taking this new opportunity for a great season for granted. I probably threw out more cliches than any other coach in history, but I meant all of it.”

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bulletin board “Too many times, I hear that minority candidates don’t have the necessary skills to become successful head coaches,” MOIC Chair Eugene Marshall Jr., Director of Athletics at Ramapo College, said in The NCAA News. “The Coaches Academy will close the gap in the excuse-making business.”

A year later, with an additional $70,000 from the NFL, the NCAA officially launched its Coaches Academy at the American Football Coaches Association convention in Orlando, Fla. Organized with the support of the AFCA and BCA, the Coaches Academy is structured in three tiers:

“It was an unbelievable experience for me,” says attendee Rubin Stevenson, Head Coach at Frostburg State University. “It was a great opportunity to network with all these individuals, and the clinicians were very good at talking about how we can present ourselves in a professional manner and the best ways to approach the media.

I gained a lot of confidence and a lot of knowledge.”

“It was very beneficial to meet with athletic directors in a casual setting and gain some insight from their per-

in January 2005. By then, the BCA will have announced the initial results of its latest campaign to increase the number of minority head coaches in Division I. Stepping up its efforts to raise the accountability of colleges and universities, the BCA announced plans to issue an annual “hiring report card” starting in October.

“For the first time in the history of intercollegiate athletics, we will have a systematic mechanism to hold people accountable for the hiring process,” says C. Keith Harri-

■ The Advanced Coaching Program—offered to 20 current minority coaches with at least four years of coaching experience—focuses on communication skills, interview preparation, fund-raising, budgeting, academic issues, and ethical considerations.

■ The Expert Coaching Program—aimed at 10 current coaches with at least six years of experience—is designed to develop innovative coaching approaches, strengthen coaches’ relationships with players, introduce new game strategies, provide game-day coaching skills, and address off-field concerns. The first session will be conducted in conjunction with the BCA convention in June 2004.

■ The Executive Coaching Program is a year-long program that sets up mentoring relationships between five selected coaches and veteran high-profile head coaches.

At January’s three-day Coaches Academy, 20 coaches attended workshops on public speaking, rules compliance, fiscal management, and ways to build relationships with alumni, supporters, administrators, and presidents.

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Division I schools with head football coach openings from 2004-06 will be graded on: ■ The number of times they contact the BCA, with an A for four contacts, a B for three, a C for two, a D for one, and an F for none.

■ The effort to interview candidates of color, based on the proportion of interviews given to minority candidates, with 40 percent or higher counting as an A. ■ The diversity of the hiring process, based on the proportion of minority members on the search committee, with 26 percent or higher counting as an A. ■ The length of the search process, with two weeks or longer counting as an A. ■ Adherence to the school’s affirmative action hiring policies, with an A for full compliance, B, C, and D for partial compliance, and an F for total non-compliance.

Rubin Stevenson, Head Coach at Frostburg State University, was one of 20 coaches who attended the NCAA Coaches Academy in January. The program is designed to help increase the number of minority head coaches in Division I by strengthening their qualifications. spectives,” agrees Buzz Preston, Assistant Coach at Notre Dame. “Success comes from getting people to know you and making sure you’re prepared when an opportunity comes. If you can learn from these different perspectives, it can only enhance your opportunities in the future.”

Emphasizing the importance of continued professional development, both Stevenson and Preston encourage coaches to attend the next academy, which will be held

son, Director of the Paul Robeson Research Center for Academic and Athletic Prowess at the University of Michigan, who was awarded a three-year research grant from the BCA to study the hiring process for Division I head football coaches. “The scores will make people more aware and institutions more accountable.”

The BCA plans to issue report cards for three years, by which time it hopes to see that 20 percent of head coaching opportunities have been filled

by African Americans. “We’re trying to make the hiring process inclusive,” says Floyd Keith, Executive Director of the BCA. “If athletic directors follow the criteria for what we feel is the proper way to conduct an inclusive and diverse search, a reasonable number of minority candidates will surface and a good candidate will come through.

“We’re creating the environment for progress to take place,” continues Keith. “The grades will speak for themselves.”

For more information about upcoming workshops, see www.ncaa.org and www.bcasports.org.

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bulletin board The Shirts Off Their Backs When a member of the maintenance staff at Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Ill., decided to bake brownies for the school’s football team, she probably didn’t picture herself wearing a team jersey while being paraded around the field before a home game in return. But thanks to the school’s Faculty-Staff Appreciation Night program, that’s exactly what happened.

goal posts to midfield alongside the player who honored them. The staff member and the player are introduced, and the staff member is publicly thanked. “The program has been very popular with the players,” Padjen says. “It seems like every player has a favorite teacher or other person here at school, and this gives them a way to recognize that person in a way that’s really going to mean something.”

The four-year-old program has been a hit with the staff members as well. “In athletics, you understand the role you’re playing, but sometimes a teacher who isn’t involved in an activity doesn’t really understand how much of a role model they are to certain individuals,” says TF South Athletic DirecNikko Borsato, a football player at Thornton tor Robert Fractional South High School in Lansing, Ill., Mitchell. chose to honor Athletic Director Robert Mitchell “When a footduring the team’s “Faculty and Staff Appreciaball player tion Day.” Honorees wear their selector’s jersey comes up to during the school day and during a special prethem and asks game ceremony. if they would do this, I’ll tell you, it’s an ego boost. A cou“Each player selects a teacher ple of our teachers got tears or one of the support people in their eyes because they here at school—such as a hall were so flattered by it. They monitor, an administrator, a said, ‘My gosh. I didn’t realize maintenance person, or a secthis student liked me that retary—who has gone out of much.’ It’s a great bonding their way to help them in one experience.” way or another,” explains Tom Padjen, Head Football Padjen works to make sure Coach at TF South. The player student-athletes are thinking then hand-delivers a letter expansively when they make thanking the person and asks their selections so that less him or her to wear his road visible staff members aren’t jersey during school on game overlooked. “It’s important to day and to accompany him to keep an eye out for importa pre-game ceremony that ant people in the school night. whose roles might not be as obvious and to encourage During the ceremony, honorplayers to include a variety of ees are marched through the

people,” he says. “It’s worked out so that we usually have a great mix of people represented.”

Other programs at the school are picking up the idea, as are other schools in the area.

Joe Skowronski, Athletic Director at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Ill., began using it with several of his programs after taking in a pre-game ceremony when Eisenhower played at TF South. “I saw that and said, ‘Wow! What a great idea,’” Skowronski says. “It was so nice to see the faculty and staff members together with the students. It seemed like a great way for students to show respect for their teachers—or other people in the building—who had maybe changed their lives a bit.”

Making Fantasies Come True They may not wake up the echoes, but they may create enough noise to make them stir a bit. Taking a page from several Major League Baseball teams, the University of Notre Dame, in conjunction with Global Football, hosts a fantasy camp for Fighting Irish football fans.

The five-day, four-night camp, held in early July, gives fans an intimate look at what it’s like to be a member of the storied Fighting Irish football program. “It’s the greatest way I’ve seen to directly tie rabid fans into the university and the football program,” says Patrick Steenberge, President of Global Football and the camp’s organizer.

Steenberge, who played quarterback at Notre Dame in the early 1970s under Ara Parseghian, has tailored the camp so that it requires minimal effort on the university’s end. Notre Dame provides Steenberge the facilities and

access to the program’s coaching staff, as well as some marketing help in the form of alumni lists, and Steenberge does the rest.

The camp, which is in its second year, charges each participant $4,290, an increase from the first year’s rate of $3,590. “Almost all of last year’s participants told me I wasn’t charging enough for everything we provided,” says Steenberge. After expenses are paid (including salaries for coaches and staff), half of the money goes to the Notre Dame Monogram Club (a lettermen’s club), and half is paid to Global Football.

Steenberge hires both past and present Notre Dame coaches to instruct the campers. “I told the athletic department that we didn’t need the labor of any current coaches or university personnel, because I know that they all have plenty of work to do,” says Steenberge. “But when I met with Coach Willingham, he asked if we would like some of the current coaches to help out since the camp fell during their vacation time, right after Notre Dame’s youth football camps.”

Last year’s camp, the first of its kind in college football according to Steenberge, had 27 participants—25 players and two honorary coaches. “They came from all walks of life,” says Steenberge, noting that participants ranged in age from 23 to 70—with a median age of 41. Two of the participants played football at small colleges, but for most, their football experience ended with high school. “The only thing they really had in common was their love of Notre Dame football,” Steenberge adds.

This year there will be 50 participants, including 12 return-

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bulletin board ing from last year’s camp, a move that caught Steenberge off guard. “I would have thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he says.

Steenberge was also surprised that only three of last year’s participants were Notre Dame alumni.

Looking like a Notre Dame player is one thing, but playing inside Notre Dame Stadium is the camp’s ultimate highlight. Participants are taken through a series of workouts and practices, which culminate in a campending flag football game held at Notre Dame Stadium.

The players, wearing their official Notre Dame uniforms, run down the locker room stairs, and reach up and touch the familiar “Play Like A Champion” sign before hitting the field. The game, which consists of four 15minute running-time quarters,

For more information on the Notre Dame Fantasy Camp or Global Football, go to www.globalfootball.com

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From game jerseys and pants to socks and cleats, each participant receives the same game and practice gear worn

by Notre Dame football players. On the final day, each person is presented with a Notre Dame football helmet straight from Riddell. “I talk to the Notre Dame equipment manager and find out where he buys everything, and I go through the same companies,” says Steenberge. “It’s

special because you can’t buy most of that stuff unless you go through the camp or are on the team.”

is called by longtime Notre Dame public address announcer Mike Collins.

“Once the attendees hear that voice, it really hits them that they really are playing at Notre Dame Stadium,” says Steenberge. Each player is introduced to the crowd with his name, photo, and hometown flashed up on the stadium scoreboard—a great photo-op for attending friends and family members.

The game is also videotaped, with each participant receiving a copy at the end of camp. Steenberge also hires the official Notre Dame football photographer to take action shots of the campers during the game.

Along with the gluttony of memorabilia, attendees leave with a little better understanding of what it’s like to be a college football player at Notre Dame, says Steenberge. He adds that he still talks to many of last year’s participants, and that some of the contacts they made led to business deals during the fiveday period.

“For me it was a neat way to get back in touch with the university I played for,” says Steenberge. “And I’ve found that universities are always looking for ways to get people back on campus, whether it’s a reunion or a football game weekend—and this really is a perfect way to do that.”

GETTY IMAGES/OTTO GREULE JR.

Coach Finishes The Indy 311 Having coaches from NCAA Division I programs visit was nothing new for Bill Sharpe, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Jimtown High School in northern Indiana.

Jimtown has regularly produced top prospects, the usual draw for collegiate coaches. Some in-state pro-

grams, including Purdue, Ball State, and Indiana State, have a member of the staff drop by just about every year. So when Gerry DiNardo, Head Coach at Indiana University, came last May, the attraction wasn’t the novelty of welcoming a Big 10 head coach to the office.

What was new was the reason behind the visit. DiNardo was at Jimtown not to woo a hot prospect, but to fulfill a pledge he had made when taking the job in January 2002 that he would visit all 311 football-playing high schools in Indiana. Sharpe was impressed—not only that DiNardo was taking his pledge seriously, but that he took the visit seriously.

“We talked about special teams,” says Sharpe. “He showed us some stuff they do on kicks and kick-returns.

To do what he did shows that he really wants to gain the trust of the football coaches in the state.”

Koester, Athletic Director at Leo High School in the state’s northeastern corner. Koester kept a clipping of a newspaper story about DiNardo’s hiring in 2002 highlighting a quotation in which DiNardo says he’ll visit every football school whether it has a prospect or not. When DiNardo came, Koester pulled the clipping from his desk.

DiNardo signed and dated the margin next to the quote.

DiNardo estimated he put more than 13,000 miles on his school vehicle, according to the Indianapolis Star. “I think this was an important step,” DiNardo told the paper.

“When you look to the future, I feel like we have now begun the process of developing strong relationships with every high school, and I think that’s a good thing.”

“You always hear coaches make promises,” Koester says. “They promise you the Gerry DiNardo, Head Coach at Indiana sun, the moon, the University, visited head coaches at all 311 stars. And then football-playing high schools in Indiana, they never fulfill all fulfilling a promise he made when he took the promises. I the Hoosiers job in 2002. understand— coaches have to go after the prize head coach at a college who recruits. So when somebody is saying the same thing—who says that they’re going to go is doing the same thing.” to every school in your state to visit, it’s unbelievable. And DiNardo’s efforts will pay off then he did. It’s just absolutefor IU well beyond the next ly, positively unbelievable. It’s recruiting year, predicts electrifying.”

Sharpe. “High school coaches will sometimes say, ‘I really Adding to the good impresdon’t want my kids to go to a sion was DiNardo’s manner certain school,’ but I don’t during the visits, Koester think that’s ever going to be adds. “He wasn’t in a rush. It the case at IU. Instead, coachwasn’t a cameo. It wasn’t a es will be saying, ‘If my kid walk-through. And it wasn’t a goes there, I know they’ve got photo session. He made good people who care about some jokes and we talked. kids. He won’t be there just to There are a lot of high school be an athlete.’ I think Coach coaches in the area rooting DiNardo is very sincere in his for IU, and the reason is belief that college is part of a Coach DiNardo took the time growing process and athletics to visit that school. is just a part of that process.

DiNardo’s investment in gas, oil, and tires seems to be paying off in goodwill among high school coaches. That certainly is the case with Jim

“You always talk to your players about commitment, about dedication, about giving time to your sport,” continues Koester, “and now you have a

It took DiNardo a couple of years to complete the mission. According to coaches he visited, he would head to a region of Indiana, map out schools in the area, and drive.

Much of the travel was in May, during a recruiting down time but one when high school coaches would be on their campuses.

“He resurrected the Hoosier fan base for football,” Sharpe adds. “A lot of head high school coaches are now rooting for IU.”

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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Request No. 7

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Joe Walton ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

With 35 years of National Football League experience as a player, scout, and coach, Joe Walton thought he was done with football when he retired in 1991. After losing his job as Offensive Coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers when Head Coach Chuck Noll retired, Walton remained in the Pittsburgh area and decided not to pursue any offers to remain in coaching. Then, in 1993 Robert Morris University approached Walton about coaching the school’s football team. There was only one problem: The school didn’t have a football team. Nor did it have a stadium, locker rooms, uniforms, or a training facility—they would be starting a Division I-AA nonscholarship program from scratch.

Walton’s collegiate coaching history matched the school’s track record: The former New York Jets Head Coach had never coached a down of college football. Despite this, university officials were convinced he was the perfect candidate to lead the

fledgling program, and Walton accepted the offer.

Now entering his 11th season, the 68-year-old Walton has added two national non-scholarship championships, five Northeast Conference titles, and a 67-32-1 record to his storied resume. During his tenure, two players have made it to the NFL from Robert Morris.

Walton talks here about what he describes as the final phase of his career. He discusses a variety of subjects including why he returned to coaching, what it takes to build a program from the ground up, and the differences between the NFL and college football.

Why did you take the job at Robert Morris? What did you miss about the profession?

I have been in football all my life, and I had coached professionally for a number of years, but it was intriguing for me to see if I could coach college kids.

Also, it was very close to home. It just seemed like it all fit.

What was the toughest part of returning to coaching after being away for a couple of years, especially to a level at which you didn’t have any experience?

The most difficult thing was learning to deal with the younger kids. I had only coached in professional football, and I found these kids are eager to learn and fun to teach. Coaching football is virtually the same at any level—it’s teaching.

The biggest thing is that these kids are really enthusiastic about learning.

Former New York Jets Head Coach Joe Walton retired from the NFL in 1991 only to return to football in 1993 as Head Coach of a new NCAA Division I-AA non-scholarship team at Robert Morris University. Since then the team has won 67 games, five conference titles, and two national championships.

Did the time away from coaching change your perspective on the game?

I think I was ready for a change, and I think coming to this level has taken a lot of the pressure off—especially the long hours and all the things you have to go through in pro football. I have more time to spend with my family.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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Did you have to drastically change your approach?

I concentrate more on teaching good fundamentals now. We can still teach them a lot of the plays and things that I used in pro football, but I think you have to spend more time on drills and fundamentals of how to actually play each position.

What have you learned from coaching this age group that you wish you’d learned earlier in your career?

The only thing would be having more communication with the players. Since I’ve been at Robert Morris I’ve had more one-on-one opportunities with my players and I know a little more about them and what’s going on in their lives and what their families are like.

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What do you look for in your assistant coaches?

It’s a difficult situation at Robert Morris because we only have three full-time coaches: my defensive coordinator, my recruiting coordinator, and myself. Dan Radakovich, who has been my defensive coordinator since I took the job, serves as an assistant head coach. We have four graduate assistants who also coach and we lose them every two years. We have five part-time coaches who are usually high school coaches trying to get into college football so we have quite a bit of turnover as far as assistants go. We have a joke around the office that we spend more time coaching the coaches than we do coaching the players.

Does their lack of experience make you hesitant about delegating authority?

We feel like we get them prepared well enough to handle their position and handle their players. We have a lot of coaches’ meetings and discuss what we want to do. It’s like hiring any other person—if you’re not a good delegator, it gets to be overwhelming.

We have a joke around the office that we spend more time coaching the coaches than we do coaching the players.

How did you attack building a program from the ground up?

I think the key thing we did was to go to other small colleges and visit with the coaches and look at their facilities.

We must have gone to four or five small colleges and talked to the coaches. I was educating myself on how everything had to look and how it would all take place. We tried to get a feel for the kind of athletes we were going to be able to recruit. And then, I think everything just kind of fell into place.

What is the hardest part of starting a program?

In the beginning, it was tough to raise money, but we’ve been very fortunate that we’ve been able to generate enough to help with the budget that we have. For instance, I have a celebrity golf tournament that I run every spring.

I get a lot of my old friends—ex-SteelRequest No. 10

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ers coaches and players—and we raise pretty good money with that.

football education in addition to what they learn at Robert Morris.

After funding, the toughest part was getting the facilities designed and finished. Looking at the facilities at other small colleges, one of the things we came away with was that everything seemed kind of small. So we made up

What do you think the program has contributed to campus life?

I think we provide some marketing value. A lot of people had never heard of Robert Morris University until we started to win some football games. I

There are some good coaches in the Northeast Conference. If you don’t pay attention to what you are doing, you’ll get your butt kicked. I think there’s a misconception that they are so much better in pro football, and I don’t believe that’s true.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

our minds that we wanted to have a nice big locker room and bigger office space than a lot of those schools had.

Of course we had to talk the college into giving us the good office space we have now, and we made some improvements by doing a lot of the work ourselves.

When you start, you don’t have anything—not even a chinstrap. So you have to order all of the equipment.

You have to get your facilities set up— where you’re going to play your home games if you don’t have a field on campus. Those were the toughest things.

Then, the last thing was getting as many players as we could.

How many players did you start with during that first season?

We had 159 players that first year. It was quite a shock to the school president because they were budgeting for about 60 players. We had a few junior college kids that came in, but basically they were all freshmen.

How did you attract recruits initially— with no program history, what were you able to sell them?

There’s no doubt that my having been a pro coach attracted some of the kids.

But, in the same light, that might have scared some kids off. We feel that Robert Morris is a good school, and we felt like the price was right as far as tuition. We sold the fact, and we continue to sell the fact, that they are going to learn all phases of football.

Coach Radakovich and I have been around for a long time—between the two of us we’ve got over 80 years of coaching experience. So we sell the fact that we are going to give them a good

think that contributed to some of the success we’ve had.

When I first came here, the dormitories were only 50 percent occupied. Now, you can’t get a room in the dormitories.

They’ve built one new dormitory and they are contemplating building another one.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions a high school or college coach might have about coaching in the NFL? That NFL coaches are smarter than anybody else is. They may think that when a coach gets to pro ball, it’s because he’s smarter than everybody else, and it’s not necessarily true. I’ve experienced that by coaching in the Northeast Conference—there are some pretty darn good coaches here. If you don’t pay attention to what you are doing, you’ll get your butt kicked. I think there’s a misconception that they are so much better in pro football, and I don’t believe that’s true.

What kind of advice do you have for high school and college coaches looking to climb the career ladder?

The best thing is to go to as many clinics as they can. Study and read as much as they can. There are a lot of college and pro coaches who will sit down and talk to guys. I think they’ve got to gather as much information and knowledge as they can as they go along.

What’s next for your program?

One of the things we were working toward was getting our own field on campus, which will happen in 2005.

What’s next is that I would like to win another national championship.

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COVER STORY

fter watching its players score just 10 points in 30 minutes at Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh coaching staff had plenty to talk about. Although the Panthers possessed one of the nation’s most efficient passing attacks, the host Eagles had done a good job keeping Pittsburgh at bay.

Moreover, they had kept star receiver Larry Fitzgerald out of the end zone, no easy feat. Fitzgerald entered the game having caught at least one touchdown pass in 13 consecutive games and was hoping to set an NCAA record by extending the streak to 14 games. The Eagles were just as intent on keeping Fitzgerald—and his teammates—out of the end zone.

At halftime, as the Panthers coaches went over what had worked and what hadn’t, Offensive Coordinator J.D. Brookhart made his pitch. From his perch in the coaches’ booth, he noticed that whenever Pittsburgh ran a sweep play, the Eagles’ safeties charged to the line, hoping to provide as much run

support as possible. Brookhart had an idea. Why not try the halfback pass?

Head Coach Walt Harris agreed with Brookhart’s suggestion. Next came finding the right time for the play since Brookhart didn’t want to call it too soon.

He waited until the fourth quarter, after the Panthers had taken a 17-13 lead, and had a chance to put the game away.

On first-and-10 at the BC 35-yardline, halfback Jawan Walker started around the end for what appeared to be a typical first-down run. Sure enough, the safeties came up, leaving Fitzgerald all alone behind them. Walker stopped and threw a strike to Fitzgerald, who caught the ball and literally walked into the end zone with 8:13 remaining for the final points of the game. Fitzgerald had the record, and Pitt had the win.

Whole Hearted Following the Panthers’ eight-win season, Brookhart accepted the head coaching position at the University of Akron. He joins the Zips as someone who understands the value of having a solid, well-constructed halftime philosophy. Coaches have a limited amount of

time to make adjustments that had been planned as early as the first quarter, check the status of injured players, and perhaps apply a motivational foot to the players’ collective posterior. That’s why each coach needs to have a good plan for the 15 (or 12 or 20) minutes between the first and second halves.

“I think having an organized plan at the half can make a big difference,” says Billy Kramer, Head Coach at Naples (Fla.) High School. “There are so many things you can’t control in this game.

Halftime is one thing you can.”

“A lot of what you do at halftime depends on the game itself,” says Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer.

“If you need to make adjustments, you can certainly do some things that will affect the second half. Sometimes, things are going well enough that you just tell the players to give you more of the same. But I think it’s important to have a set way of getting things done, so that you can look ahead to what you’re going to do in the second half.”

One of the first things Kramer does upon arriving at an opposing team’s stadium is to check out the distance

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The decisions made while players are recuperating between the first and second half can determine the final outcome.

That’s why a halftime plan should be part of your game plan.

from the field to the visitors’ locker room—twice. Kramer will walk from the Naples bench to the dressing room two times, just to be completely sure he knows how long it will take his team to cover the ground at halftime. That way, he can tailor his intermission schedule to the last second.

“The only way to be sure is to walk to and from the locker room,” Kramer says.

Michael Bradley is a freelance writer based near Philadelphia. He is a frequent contributor to Coaching Management.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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COVER STORY

“If it’s a long walk, I’ll alert the officials, and usually they won’t start the halftime clock until we get to the locker room.”

Kramer’s pre-game ritual may seem a little over the top to some, but it works for him. “I don’t want any surprises,” he says. “It’s all about preparation and execution.”

Although other coaches may not devote that much energy to determining the distance to the locker room, many are aware that certain steps need to be taken before the game, in order to make halftime move smoothly and yield the desired results. Typically, very little prep work is needed for home games.

Coaches generally have a full plan in place that doesn’t vary from week to week. Everyone knows where the players will meet, where the athletic trainers can

ularly at the high school level, a little more improvisation is necessary.

Some teams will meet outside, because the locker rooms are too far away or too small. While the great outdoors allow for plenty of room to spread out, there are some drawbacks. Doug Ramsey, Head Coach at Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, has even bivouacked hard by the stands, though that meant opposing fans were able to hear the halftime instructions he and his staff gave to the players.

With the site properly scouted, the equipment staff and student managers can take the time to set it up properly before the game starts. Similarly, making the adjustments necessary to keep winning or turn things around also begins well before the players head into the locker room.

At Michigan The emphasis should be on problem State, Smith dirsolving, finding adjustments that can ects his assistants to spend the be implemented in minutes rather first two quarters paying close attthan undertaking a complete ention to how overhaul of the offense or defense. well the Spartans game plan work, and where the coaches will is shaping up. That gives graduate assisaddress the team. How couldn’t they? tant coaches or position instructors a It’s their home. Everything they need is chance to leave the coaching booth a litright there in the same place each game. tle early to head to the locker room.

On the road, it’s a different story.

Their job is to put information on the That’s why Michigan State Head offensive and defensive boards that Coach John L. Smith prefers to travel a coordinators can impart directly and full day ahead, the better to allow his swiftly to the players. That way, no time staff to anticipate any needs the team is wasted writing on the boards while might have. the players are in the locker room. Of “We want to map everything out,” course, some other items might be says Smith, who in 2003 brought the added after the coaches meet, but the Spartans from below .500 to a bowl main message is available immediately. game in his first year leading the team.

With few exceptions, coaching staffs “We’ll decide that the offense will meet spend some time meeting upon enterhere, and the defense will meet there. ing the locker room. This accomplishes We’ll see if we need a board to write on. two things. First, it allows all voices and Then, our equipment people will know opinions to be heard, so that a comwhat to do. plete message can be given to the play“You have to make sure the situation ers. Second, it allows the team members is workable,” he continues. “Sometimes, to begin hydration and also be evaluatwe’ll meet in the showers, with a chalked—if necessary—by athletic trainers board, just because that’s the largest and physicians. area available to us.”

As important as mid-stream adjustIn the Division I-A ranks, visiting ments are, so too is it vital that head teams can count on a fairly sizeable coaches know who will be available to locker facility—even if the shower area play in the second half and what substiis the largest part of it. They’re indoors, tutions must be made. “If there’s a probwith plenty of access to most everything lem, I want to get a report from the they’ll need. In other situations, particdoctor as soon as I walk into the locker 22

COACHING MANAGEMENT

room,” says University of Delaware Head Coach K.C. Keeler.

Coaches can sometimes get so wrapped up in making adjustments that they forget the importance of giving the players a chance to recuperate after two quarters of action. Having refreshed and re-hydrated players is often as important, or even more important, than making the right switch in strategy, even if that means a player may miss the halftime sessions. “Sometimes, if a player is receiving fluids and getting hydrated, we may even give him the halftime adjustments on the way out to the field or even on the field,” Smith says.

Meeting Halfway Coaches’ meetings are the heart of halftime, because they give the staff its only opportunity to exchange ideas and evaluate the game plan’s success up to that point. Although head coaches speak to their coordinators during the game, they rarely have the time to discuss anything in depth. The few minutes (usually no more than five) at halftime allow for a quick assessment and then a few solutions.

The emphasis should be on problem solving, finding adjustments that can be implemented in minutes rather than undertaking a complete overhaul of the offense or defense. While coaches may feel tempted to make a 180-degree shift following a woeful first half, teams rarely abandon a game plan completely after halftime. First, it’s hard to make such a quick switch. Second, it renders a week of practice meaningless.

“When I was at Pittsburgh, Walt would get together with the coaches and ask what we wanted to run in the second half,” Brookhart says. “He’d ask, ‘What’s working in the running game and in the passing game? What plays did you save for the second half?’ We’d shorten the game plan and then take it to the players.

“The defense does the same thing,” he continues. “They look at what formations they’re having trouble with and make adjustments accordingly.”

The adjustments can address just about anything. Offensive coaches may talk about protection schemes or thirddown efficiency, anything that they may have had problems with in the first half.

But there can also be some preparation for a counterattack. Delaware’s Keeler

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recalls a playoff game when he threw a formation into the second-half plan that the Blue Hens hadn’t used all year, since the opponent would have not seen it and would have no time to adjust to it.

The few minutes that position coaches spend with their charges are vital. Not only can they relay any changes or points of emphasis, but they can also get feedback from the players about what they think is working. Keeler says that he’ll often talk to his quarterback at halftime, the better to get a battlefield view of what’s going on. “I’ll ask him what he is seeing out there and what plays he likes or dislikes against a particular defense,” he says.

There are rare occasions when minor adjustments and fixes won’t be enough. If the feedback is all bad and it’s obvious that the game plan needs scrapping, major surgery may be necessary. Now, a team that is used to throwing the ball 40 times a game isn’t going to install the wishbone, but it’s possible that the collection of plays selected for the game aren’t working, so another set can be chosen.

“We’ve all been in situations, particularly when we’ve played against a team that is a considerable favorite, when everything we’ve practiced all week is not going according to plan,” says University of Pennsylvania Head Coach Al Bagnoli. “Then you have to make major changes. Every head coach has done that.”

What To Say? Even the most brilliant adjustments are worthless unless they’re properly communicated to the players. It often falls to the position coaches to explain exactly what adjustments his players will need to make in the second half. Then the head coach will often follow by taking a minute or two to tie it all together.

In movies, this is where the “Knute Rockne” speech takes place. Rarely does that happen in real life. Few halftime speeches are scripted. They are a direct result of what has happened in the first half. Yes, there will be occasional blackboard-punchings or raised voices, but most coaches agree that the final message to a team before the second half should be a positive one that is consistent with the tone set all week during practice.

Through their words and actions, coaches can set the tone as the second half is ready to begin. At Wheaton (Ill.) College, Head Coach Mike Swider and his staff come up with a theme for each game. If the squad has been hurt by injuries, it might be “Rally the Troops.” After a loss, the motto might be “Bounce Back.” Those messages are pounded into the players’ heads at every practice and meeting for a week. So when Swider steps up to talk at halftime, he wants to bring it all back on point.

“When I go into the locker room at halftime, my purpose is two-fold,” he says. “I want to stay with the emotional plan we have devised, and I don’t want to present panic. At the same time, if the kids have not responded to the theme, then I use that time to get them back.”

Swider is right when he says that creating panic is the worst thing a coach can do. If he and his staff have just spent 10 minutes assessing problems and making adjustments, he doesn’t want to ruin things by sapping players’ confidence.

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There are still two quarters of football left, and it’s important for the players to perform properly.

Keeler takes a similar approach with the Blue Hens. “I’m trying to get the players to head in the right direction in the second half,” he says. “If we’re ahead, I might tell them ‘There’s blood in the water. Don’t let the other team breathe.’ If we’re pressing, I tell them to relax. I try to counteract what ever is going on and tell them, ‘Here’s what

we’re trying to do and how we’re going to do it.’”

While head coaches usually save their speeches until just before the halftime break ends, sometimes it’s necessary to speak up right away. This is most often done when a team is not playing well.

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players to concentrate on the messages the coaching staff will be providing. “If I’m going to give them a browbeating, it’s usually to address something like turnovers or poor tackling,” Smith says.

Most every coach has read his team the riot act at halftime, even the softspoken types, although some have had more success with that approach than others. Ramsey remembers a game against northeast Ohio power Warren Harding High School, then ranked number one in the state. Harding was winning at the half, and Ramsey was angry. Veering from his usual halftime

Most every coach has read his team the riot act at halftime, even the soft-spoken types, although some have had more success with that approach than others.

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routine, he decided to kick a Gatorade cooler to prove his point. Bad idea. He thought the bucket was empty. Instead, it was full.

Those kinds of eruptions are rare and can have a negative effect beyond a second-half limp; they can also waste precious minutes. “Anybody who has coached for a while has done some kind of theatrics at halftime,” Bagnoli says.

“It’s always done for effect.”

Sometimes, a lighter touch is more effective. When Delaware was trailing Maine by 21 points during a 2003 game, Keeler could have stormed into the locker room ready to shed blood.

Instead, he reminded his team—which would eventually win the NCAA Division I-AA national championship—that it had the ability and potential to win the game. The vote of confidence worked. Delaware stormed back to force a tie in regulation and eventually won the game 24-21 with an overtime field goal.

“Ripping them at that time wouldn’t have been good,” Keeler says. “I just told them they would get back on track if they showed poise and made the right effort. It was just an instinctive feeling I had of what was right to do.” ■ Request No. 18

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Request No. 20

INJURY PREVENTION

Thanks to high-tech helmet sensors and old-fashioned research, doctors know more about concussions than ever. But much of what

Concussion Discussion they have learned differs from what they previously believed.

Here’s what you should know to help keep your players as safe as possible.

B

randon Manning, a junior linebacker at Virginia Tech, is known for being in the right place at the right time. So his coaches were puzzled when they looked at the video following the team’s loss to West Virginia this past fall, and noticed Manning was often out of position during the second half.

Eventually, a coach turned to Manning and asked, “Brandon, what the heck were you doing on that play?”

After careful consideration, Manning answered that he didn’t know—in fact, he didn’t even remember being on the field for that play. A few minutes later, he realized that he was seeing many parts of the game for the first time.

After getting over their surprise, coaches relayed word of Manning’s

Virginia Tech linebacker Brandon Manning makes a tackle during the Hokies’ 31-7 win over the University of Miami. Manning was one of three dozen Virginia Tech players who had impact sensors placed in their helmets to help determine what kinds of hits cause concussions.

BY R.J. ANDERSON

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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INJURY PREVENTION

amnesia to the sports medical staff, who quickly went to their computers.

During the game, Manning wore one of eight helmets outfitted with the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System, a wireless, impact-measuring device.

The helmet contained six tiny accelerometers similar to the sensors used to trigger air bag deployment during automobile accidents. The sensors gathered information about the force and directionality of each blow to the helmet and transferred the data to a microchip imbedded inside the

In the future, these concussions may even be caught as they happen, instead of through video the next day. “The technology is spectacular, because for the first time it allows us to evaluate these hits in real time,” says Dr. Gunnar Brolinson, Team Physician for Virginia Tech football. “It’s an opportunity to prevent players from sustaining additional blows to the head after having sustained a concussive load to the brain.”

Hits measured in real time? Accelerometer sensors? Microchips in helmets? Concussion-reading computers?

do college athletes. The researchers found that even seven days after suffering a concussion, high school athletes still reported significant symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, and performed worse on neurocognitive tests than those who were uninjured. In the study, college athletes typically returned to near-normal levels within three days, despite suffering more serious injuries.

Other studies have called into question traditional concussion evaluation for athletes of all ages. In a study published in March of 2003, researchers led by David Erlanger found that amnesia—as opposed to “You want to find out if the player remembers what happened loss of consciousness—was the most important symptom for during the five or 10 minutes before and after the injury. Ask the measuring severity. “Self-reportathlete to remember three words. Ask them to recount details ed memory problems apparent 24 hours postconcussion … of what happened to them. We think it’s very, very important to should be a primary consideraevaluate that on the field at the time of the injury.” tion in determining an athlete’s readiness to return to competicrown of the helmet. The data was These are major changes from a time tion,” the article concluded. “Neither a transmitted to a laptop computer on not long ago when people would shrug brief loss of consciousness nor a histothe sideline, where the information off bell ringers and when displays of conry of concussion was a useful predictor was stored for future study. fusion or impaired coordination elicited of the duration of postconcussion HIT System technology was used at laughter instead of concern. Recent symptoms.”

Virginia Tech last season as part of a efforts by the sports-medicine communiA UPMC study found similar results. study to examine the types of blows ty have convinced most coaches that con“Our study showed that many athletes football players receive and which types cussions are a serious matter, as have the with mild concussions whose symptoms cause concussions. In Manning’s case, it concussion-induced retirements of severdisappeared within 15 minutes still also helped the sports medicine staff al high-profile NFL players. But when it showed significant decline in memory uncover a concussion they otherwise comes to the exact hows and whys of conprocessing and other symptoms within would have missed. cussions, even the experts have had one week after the injury, which means Examining the readings from Manmore questions than answers. they weren’t healed,” says Mark Lovell, ning’s helmet, the medical staff saw that A series of research projects have Director of the Sports Concussion Proa relatively high load had been recordshed fresh light on concussions, giving gram at UPMC. ed during the first half. They then doctors new perspective on assessing Based on the research, Lovell and matched the game video to the HIT Systhe injury and breaking new ground on his colleagues believe that the traditiontem data and viewed the impacts which treatment ideas. As a result, coaches al methods of assessing concussions led to Manning’s concussion: a helmetwho have athletic trainers at their side need to change. “You want to find out if to-helmet collision with West Virginia may hear some new terms and see new the player remembers what happened tailback Quincy Wilson, followed by procedures, while coaches without regduring the five or 10 minutes before Manning’s head hitting the turf. ular access to an athletic trainer may and after the injury,” says Lovell. “Ask To Manning, the hit seemed no diffind much of what they thought they the athlete to remember three words. ferent than any of the other blows he knew about concussions has changed.

Ask them to recount details of what had absorbed during his career. He happened to them. We think it’s very, didn’t leave the field and never reportLatest Research very important to evaluate that on the ed anything to the coaches during or As more attention becomes focused field at the time of the injury. If we can after the game. Had he not been wearon concussions, more specific knowldetect any amnesia on the field, if ing the HIT System-equipped helmet, edge is being delivered. In 2003, the there’s any detectable mental status Manning would have been viewed as a Sports Concussion Program at the Unichange, if they have a significant player having a bad day instead of versity of Pittsburgh Medical Center headache, or if their balance is off, then becoming the first person to have a conpublished several studies on concuswe hold them out for the rest of the cussion recorded by the technology. sions in high school athletes. Among contest.” the UPMC findings was information The reason assessing concussions is that high school athletes take longer to so critical was demonstrated in a study R.J. Anderson is an Assistant Editor at recover from initial concussions than conducted by Kevin Guskiewicz, DirecCoaching Management.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

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INJURY PREVENTION

tor of the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory at the University of North Carolina. The study showed that once an athlete suffers a concussion, the probability that he or she will experience a second concussion during the same season is greatly increased. The study also indicates that recovery is

research concentrates on the biomechanics involved with concussion-causing impacts. The first of these studies was directed by Elliot Pellman, Chair of the NFL Committee on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), and Team Physician for the New York Jets. The purpose of the research was to break down the impacts that caused 182 significant head Concussions are more likely to result injuries and concuswhen an impact causes the head to sions by utilizing NFL game footage. A cinemove in a straight line, rather than from matographic analysis the neck twisting. Most concussions was developed to occurred when players were hit on the determine the speed at which the players side of the helmet, on the facemask, or were moving prior to when the back of the helmet absorbed the concussion-causthe impact. ing collision. In 31 of the incidents, footage slower in players with a history of previcontaining multiple camera angles of ous concussions. The effects of multithe impact was available. These viewple concussions can also linger, as the ings also allowed the researchers to perstudy showed that players with a history form three-dimensional laboratory of three or more concussions are three reconstructions using helmeted crashtimes more likely to experience the test dummies. injury again compared to players with The results indicated that concusno history of concussions. sions are more likely to result when an Guskiewicz notes that 30 percent of impact causes the head to move in a injured players with three or more prestraight line, rather than from the neck vious concussions had symptoms lasting twisting. The footage also revealed that longer than a week, compared with most concussions occurred when playseven percent of those with no history ers were hit on the side of the helmet, of concussion. Researchers also found on the facemask, or when the back of that 92 percent of repeat concussions the helmet absorbed the impact. occurred within 10 days of the initial The Pellman study is considered to injury. be a milestone for concussion research, “This underscores the critical imporas it is the first to look at the speed of tance of making certain that athletes impact and the amount of head accelare without symptoms before they are eration that occurred on impact. With a allowed to return to participation,” says precedent now set, other groups are set Guskiewicz. “Concussed players often to carry that research a step or two furwill still be vulnerable during the first ther. One such group is at Virginia few days following the injury, but they Tech, where Manning and his teamare unlikely to sit out unless a physician mates are helping researchers gauge or athletic trainer holds them out.” the speed and directionality of the In Guskiewicz’s study, of 2,905 footblows they receive. While Pellman and ball players at 25 colleges, nearly 200 the MTBI Committee painstakingly concussive injuries were reported. A worked to estimate and re-enact the total of 184 players (6.3 percent) expeimpact in a laboratory, the medical staff rienced a concussion during that periand engineers at Virginia Tech aim to od, and 12 players suffered at least two. measure the impacts in real time as they Positions that incurred the most conoccur on the playing field. cussions were linebackers, offensive linemen, and defensive backs.

Capturing the Data While many of the recent studies The Virginia Tech project was impleexamined the effects of concussionmented at the beginning of the 2003 inducing collisions, the next wave of season. Every two weeks, the sensors

INJURY PREVENTION

were rotated to eight different players who wore them in their helmets during both practice and games. By the end of the season, 38 players had worn helmets equipped with HIT System sensors.

The sensors are designed to track a range of blows, which are measured in gravitational forces (g’s) with ranges from 15 to 150 g’s. “An impact of 120 g’s would be like a severe car accident, which you could survive while wearing a seat belt,” says Stefan Duma, Director of the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics. Half of the blows registered by the HIT System measured more than 30 g’s, while blows exceeding 150 g’s were rare, but did occur.

“We rotated the sensors because we’re trying to get a valid assessment of which position is taking what kind of blows,” says Brolinson, adding that the system captured the data from over 3,300 high-impact blows during the season. “One of the things I think is going to come out of this study is the need for position-specific helmets. We’re seeing that linemen sustain certain kinds of loads compared with defensive backs, running backs, and so on. We already have position-specific shoulder pads, why not position-specific helmets too?”

One particular finding that surprised Brolinson and his colleagues was the high number of hits that offensive and defensive linemen experience during a game. “It was not unusual for our linemen to sustain 50 or 60 significant blows during a game,” he says.

this point given the number of blows and amount of g-loading sustained over the course of a game, we want to investigate that more thoroughly.”

Brolinson also wants to continue to discover what types of hits cause concussions. “Ultimately what we want to do is predict risk of concussion based on the directionality of the blow and the load that is sustained, and then evaluate the athlete accordingly,” he says.

“We want to identify what level of blow we need to be concerned about, even in a player who retains consciousness. If a player sustains a 120-g hit, what is his risk of significant brain injury? Is it 25 percent? Is it 50 percent? Is it 75 percent? We want to identify the at-risk player based on the magnitude of the blow, and we would also like to identify the at-risk player based on the cumulative blows.”

The directionality of the blow, Brolinson stresses, is just as important in causing a concussion as the force of the impact. A player who sustains a 130-g frontal impact might walk away from the play without a concussion, while the same player could take a 70- or 80-g lateral or posterior blow that could leave him with concussion symptoms. It is one of the variables their study is exploring—using risk modeling to decode concussion-causing impacts.

“Once we accumulate enough data to build these logistic models, we’ll have the ability to look at an 80- or 90-g blow, see where it comes from, and keeping in mind who it’s happening to, “We’re seeing that linemen sustain certain have an idea of kinds of loads compared with defensive what their risk backs, running backs, and so on. We already of concussion is,” says Brolinhave position-specific shoulder pads, why son. “If that’s not position-specific helmets too?” somebody with, for example, a Brolinson says he would like to use 75 percent risk of concussion, then we follow-up studies to find the effect of can immediately get him to the sideline. repeated nonconcussive blows. “We see And if the sideline evaluation indicates multiple loads occurring with linemen,” he has a concussion, then we can take he says. “They are below the level of conhim out of the game and avoid subjectcussion, but almost any linemen that you ing him to further risks.” During the talk to—high school, college, or profes2003 season the HIT System was used sional—will tell you that a lot of them primarily as a research-gathering tool, have headaches following games. We but by next season, Virginia Tech plans have previously thought these headaches to outfit 64 helmets with accelerometers were simple muscle tension headaches, and begin using the system to help diagand that may in fact be the case, but at nose concussions.

While the current cost of this technology is prohibitive for smaller colleges and high schools—equipping a team of 50 to 75 players would cost $165,000 to $195,000 says Rick Greenwald, President and co-founder of Simbex, the company that manufactures the HIT System—Brolinson is confident that over time, the HIT System will be accessible for more mainstream use. Brolinson also hypothesizes that perhaps one day, hospital emergency rooms will be outfitted with the software to read the accelerometer chips, making it unnecessary for high schools to purchase the diagnostic technology. Then, if a player takes a hit that the athletic trainer believes could be concussive, the player’s helmet can be taken to the emergency room to have the impact tested.

Brolinson feels this scenario is feasible for a variety of helmeted activities such as hockey, cycling, and skateboarding, because the sensors and chips are relatively inexpensive to produce.

Take Home Message The best news about this research is that many of the findings can be translated into new assessment techniques right now. The biggest change is a move away from the grading scales that had been used to determine the severity of a head injury.

Although Lovell played a big part in developing some of the early concussion grading scales, he no longer endorses their use. “Those scales were based on arbitrary criteria. They weren’t based on any science,” says Lovell.

“They were a best guess of everybody out there at the time.”

Instead, researchers suggest focusing more on individualized testing and using as many tools as possible. Those tools include balance testing, awareness testing, and knowing the athletes.

Virginia Tech currently uses a stabilogram, which measures a player’s balance and physical stability, and a Web-based neuropsychological exam called HeadMinder, which measures neurocognitive skills such as reaction time and memory retention. “All of that can be done on a sideline or in a locker room which allows the medical staff to make a well-calculated decision on whether or not to return that player to the game,” says Brolinson.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

33

INJURY PREVENTION

Despite all the modern tools and methods that have been developed to detect a concussion, an old stand-by remains helpful. While doctors and athletic trainers can devise objective ways to read what an athlete’s body is saying, a coach can often receive the same signals in more subjective ways. So when a rocksolid linebacker makes an incorrect read on three straight plays or a reliable receiver runs a couple of wrong routes, coaches need to realize that the player may not be suffering from a lack of concentration—he may have a concussion.

“It is very important to understand that any change of behavior can be indicative of a concussion,” says Collins.

“Things to look for include whether their behavior has changed, if they’re exhibiting any level of confusion, if there are subtle personality changes, if the athlete is not playing like they normally play, or if the athlete is a little slower to react than usual.

“The worst cases of concussion occur when you have an athlete who has a mild concussion and chooses to not

report his symptoms, goes back to play and has another injury,” he continues.

“The brain is not ready to get hit again, and when they have the second blow before the first has healed, the effects can result in more long-term types of problems—even death.”

Once a player has been confirmed to have a concussion, coaches usually defer the return-to-play decision to doctors or athletic trainers. These decisions have changed from being based on largely subjective criteria to more objective criteria obtained through testing.

Coaches also should be aware of the tools used to determine when an athlete can return to play. There are a variety of computer-based examinations available, but the basic premise of each is for the athlete to develop a baseline score based on neurocognitive factors that are affected by a concussion, such as reaction time, processing speed, problem solving, and memory. If an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, he or she re-takes the exam and the results are measured against their baseline score.

“In the high school setting, where there are more athletes per athletic trainer, I think the computer-based testing will become more and more important,” says Timothy Neal, Head Athletic Trainer at Syracuse University.

“In the college setting, I think the use of neuropsychological testing will be more of an adjunct to what people are already doing.”

Another benefit of computer-based neuropsychological testing is the message it sends athletes about the seriousness of reporting their symptoms when they are injured. “They sit down and take a baseline test that goes over all the symptoms of concussion,” Collins says.

“And at that point a coach or athletic trainer can say, ‘Look guys, this is why we’re taking this test. If you have any symptoms, let us know and we’ll manage this sensibly.’” ■

A version of this article also appears in Training & Conditioning, a sister publication of Coaching Management.

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PERFORMANCE POINTS Pre-Season Football

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Miklos Horvath, CSCS Pre-season is the critical link that connects the off-season and the regular season. Even though the pre-season follows the off-season, the training approach is quite different. Off-season football training is a time to build a general strength and cardiovascular foundation, whereas the pre-season has a more sport-specific focus. This means that athletes must train in a way that can simulate the sport as much as possible.

Instead of training simply to increase overall strength, attention should be given to the specific actions of the sport. A pre-season program should include a strength, cardiovascular and flexibility component. Here the focus is on strength.

Football is a game of repeated bouts of intense activity, so players must have strength to produce powerful movements repeatedly through an entire game. To train in this way requires the use of heavy weights (70% RM or higher), low repetitions (8 or less) and longer rest times between sets and workouts.

Performing fewer repetitions with a heavy weight recruits type IIB fibers (fast-twitch), that are important to develop strength and power. The longer rest periods are used to ensure adequate recovery. Full recovery will allow for maximal effort during each set and each workout. Recovery times between sets should be at least 90 seconds long to allow the body to replenish most of its ATP, or immediate energy source. All of these factors make up the pre-season exercise prescription.

The exercise prescription is not the only piece to the puzzle; the types of exercises performed are just as important. Preseason strength exercises should include compound movements, unilateral movements and exercises performed in a dynamic position. These three types of movements will not be the only exercises done but should constitute a large portion of them.

Compound exercises, also known as multi-joint, train entire movements as opposed to specific body parts. Multi-joint exercises are more intense due to the increase in muscle groups recruited and the higher demands placed on the nervous system. Although isolated movements need to be included in any pre-season training program, they should not be the focus. For instance, leg extension is beneficial for developing isolated strength in the quadriceps, but how often does an athlete perform a leg extension on the field? However, a compound movement such as a squat simulates a movement that is performed numerous times throughout a game.

tary press and standing dumbbell press; pull-ups, dumbbell rows and one-arm cable rows are examples of pulling exercises.

The next criterion is to train with unilateral or independent movements. Almost any athlete has strength and coordination differences between the right and left sides of the body.

Traditional selectorized machines with fixed movement arms do not allow the right and left limbs to operate independently, which can perpetuate imbalances because the dominant side typically moves more of the weight and continues to get stronger.

To balance the two halves, each side of the body must lift the same amount. This is accomplished using free weights or machines that allow independent, or unilateral, movement.

Here the dominant side cannot assist the weaker side; therefore the weaker side is overloaded and is forced to adapt and become stronger. Moving each arm and leg independently will help foster a uniform strength level between both sides.

The final key is to train in a position that is dynamic or unstable. A stable environment is one in which the body is supported, like a seated exercise. In an unstable position, such as standing, the same exercise can have a much greater effect because additional muscle groups are needed to stabilize the entire body. When standing, the core musculature the abdominals and lower back - are forced to hold the torso in a rigid position, and the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes are also required to stabilize the body. The additional muscle groups working place a greater demand on the nervous system, which translates to a higher physiological overload. The result is an exercise that is more challenging and leads to better results.

Optimal benefits from this approach to training require the appropriate sequence of exercises over a period of time. The athlete must first master an exercise in a stable position before attempting the exercise in an unstable position.

For example, the progression for a shoulder press would be seated shoulder press using a selectorized machine, seated military press using a barbell, standing military press with a barbell and finally standing dumbbell press. To go one step further, the standing dumbbell press can be performed on an unbalanced surface like a balance board. Each level requires more stabilization from the athlete. This progression occurs gradually over the course of weeks and months, not days.

Training using compound movements will prepare athletes using similar patterns of movement that will transfer much easier to a sports environment. In the pre-season it is more important to focus on functional strength than isolated strength. For these reasons, compound movements are superior to isolated movements.

It is important that football players enter the season at peak physical condition. To do this requires a well designed preseason training program that addresses the specific demands on each athlete. A successful pre-season program is one that incorporates all of the necessary components to have the athletes maximize their performance when the season is on the line.

Squats, deadlifts, leg presses and lunges are all compound lower body movements that need to be included. Pushing and pulling are the two general types of compound upper body movements. Pushing exercises include the bench press, mili-

Miklos Horvath, CSCS, is the director of health and fitness at the Healthplex Sports Club in Springfield, Penn., and a member of the Life Fitness Academy.

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Request No. 27

STRENGTH TRAINING

The Right Moves

BY VERN GAMBETTA

Training players to be fast isn’t enough. They must also be trained to be agile.

By simultaneously working coordination and strength, you can help players be quickest where it counts—on the field.

GETTY IMAGES/JAMIE SQUIRE

T

hroughout my career I have had a fascination with agility. As a young athlete, it was painfully obvious to me that the best football players were not the ones who won wind sprints during practice, but those who were fastest during the game.

Yet my football coach was always training us for straight-ahead speed.

In the 30 years since, we’ve come a long way in training for game speed.

We’ve learned that agility and quickness are usually more important than straight-ahead speed, and that the

mechanics of straight-ahead speed differ from those used for game speed.

However, there are still many misconceptions about the most effective ways to train for speed and agility—misconceptions that keep many athletes from reaching their full potential.

The most harmful misconception is that agility training beyond football skill practice is not necessary. The argument here is that practicing the movements outside the sport is contrived and will not transfer to the game. The same naysayers also say that it is impossible for a training session to duplicate

the intensity of an actual practice or game.

But the drills used in most football practices do not allow for learning a progression of movement skills. Nor do they allow for the kind of biomechanical analysis that can be made during a strength and conditioning session.

I believe that if you carefully design agility drills, your athletes will develop more efficiently, and with less chance of injury, than by working on agility only during skill practices. If you tap into the movements and motions that a player will make during a game, follow sound

Vern Gambetta is the President of Gambetta Sports Training Systems in Sarasota, Fla., and the former Director of Conditioning for the Chicago White Sox. He is a frequent contributor to Coaching Management and can be reached at www.gambetta.com.

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STRENGTH TRAINING

motor learning principles, and adapt drills to each player, you will do much more for the athlete than he experience while practicing game-like situations.

Coordination & Strength While page after page has been published about speed training, motor learning, strength, and agility, very little has been written about how to integrate them. The principles of speed development are well known, but have not been effectively applied to improving agility.

The principles of motor learning have been clearly defined, but they have not been joined with speed training. The principles of leg strength are clear, but it is not clear how to harness that strength for agility.

Without a lot of guidance on this topic, many coaches train agility in isolation. However, in my experience, we put the cart before the horse by training agility in isolation. Instead, we need to train two areas–the underlying coordinative abilities and strength–before adding in more sophisticated agility drills.

Fully developed coordination provides a range of motor skills that can be adapted to deal with the demands of specific football movements. But what makes up coordination? According to Jo’zef Drabik, PhD, author of Children & Sport Training, the coordinative abilities are: Balance: maintenance of the center of gravity over the base of support, which is both a static and a dynamic quality.

Kinesthetic differentiation: ability to feel tension in movement to achieve the desired movement.

Spatial orientation: control of the body in space.

Reaction to signals: ability to respond quickly to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic cues.

Sense of rhythm: ability to match movement to time.

Synchronization of movements: ability to perform unrelated limb movements in a synchronized manner.

Movement adequacy: ability to choose movements appropriate to the required task.

Strength is the partner of coordination in building agility. Here is a look at the different types of strength needed: Basic strength is needed for balance, body control, and awareness. It is also a prerequisite for developing concentric and eccentric strength.

Starting effectively from a standing position demands a high level of concentric strength to overcome inertia. It is the extension of ankle, knee, and hip pushing against the ground that propels the body in the intended direction.

Reducing force, which is needed to change direction, also demands a high level of eccentric strength along with tremendous joint stability and control.

To start, stop, or change direction, force must be produced or reduced in extremely short time frames, often 10ths of a second. Therefore the premium is on the rate of force development.

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STRENGTH TRAINING

Basic strength can be increased through speed strength and plyometric work. This aids in starting, acceleration, and overcoming difficult angles and vectors. It has the added benefits of teaching athletes how to better use the ground as an acceleration tool and to be explosive.

Power endurance helps athletes with complex footwork. It also helps your players prepare for the fatigue that results from repeated explosive movements. Training for power endurance typically entails using 10 to 20 reps.

An athlete can create more force and speed in stopping and changing direction through maximum strength work. This work should be done at maximum weights with just one or two reps. It is also the last step in the progression of strength training. It should not be introduced until the athlete has developed basic strength and become proficient at plyometrics and power endurance.

AREAS OF AGILITY There are five main areas of agility training to keep in mind when developing a program: Body Control & Awareness: This is the ability to control the body and its parts while maintaining a high level of awareness of those parts in relation to the goal of the movement. A simple drill is to have athletes scramble from a prone position to an athletic position.

Starting: The ability to overcome inertia is the definition of starting. Starts can be stationary or moving, or even a combination of both. Try using the wheel drill: The athlete rehearses first-step mechanics in eight different directions (like the spoke of a wagon wheel).

Footwork: Conceptually, agility is built from the ground up. Therefore footwork is the unifying thread in all agility work. The foot to hip relationship is key. Using ABC ladders develops footwork well.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

Change of Direction: This component involves stopping, and often restarting, regardless of the position of the body. It is initiated when the center of gravity is outside the base of support and the athlete must regain control and move in the intended direction. Here, I use the star drill: The athlete runs back and forth between one cone set up in the center of a circle and eight other cones that are three meters from the center. The athlete must plant and touch at each cone.

Another good drill is a slalom run in which the athlete runs through a series of flags and cones.

Recognition & Reaction: Recognition is the domain of actual sport skills. Recognition of patterns and cues key reaction.

Reaction is the ability to respond quickly to the stimulus. A good drill here is the ball drop, where the coach drops a ball and the athlete has to get to the ball and catch it before its second bounce.

STRENGTH TRAINING

The key area to focus on is developing leg strength. Without adequate leg strength there is a limit to the quality of the movement.

Beyond basic strength training, the unifying component of agility is footwork. The idea is to build strength from the ground up. Strength from the feet translates into body control, acceleration, complex footwork, and explosive changes of direction—all of which lead to great agility.

reflex, which occurs at the sub-cortical level and cannot be trained.

Perhaps the biggest shortcoming in most agility work is the lack of a reaction component. Reaction should be practiced to the dominant cues demanded by a player’s position. Consider using the following stimuli: Visual: tracking ability, narrow versus wide focus, peripheral vision.

Auditory: different cadences and tones.

Kinesthetic: pressure, pushes, bumps, and surfaces.

The final progression is incorporating fatigue. Game agility usually covers a span of two to five seconds. This is high neural demand work that must be consistently reproduced in a climate of fatigue. However, we do not start agility training in a climate of fatigue, we work up to it.

Agility work is not conditioning, it is speed development work. There is no

Proper Progression Although I’ve defined coordination skills and strength skills separately, they must be developed in a parallel manner. There is great overlap and interdependency between basic coordinative abilities and body strength, which never work in isolation. As coordination is gained, more strength work can be done. As more strength is gained, coordination drills can get more complex.

The traditional approach has been to develop strength through repetition of movement. Theoretically, as the athlete drills with more and more repetitions, he gets stronger and his movements get better. But, in reality, this does not always happen. If strength is not sufficient, poor movement mechanics develop. Faulty movement patterns then impede the formation of correct skills.

So even though the athlete completes all the drills, the transfer is negative.

A more effective approach demands mastery of fundamental movement skills that are within the strength capabilities of the athlete. As the athlete’s strength increases through a strength development program, the complexity of movements can increase. Given the large window of adaptation open to developing athletes, this can occur quite rapidly.

Once athletes have mastered this initial developmental phase, the training can include reaction and game-situation drills. These teach the athlete to respond quickly to stimuli in the game.

However, reaction elements should not be added until the athlete has developed sufficient basic strength and built it progressively into football skills.

Reaction is the response to a stimulus that initiates movement. It’s a conscious act that can be improved through training. It should not be confused with Request No. 32

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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STRENGTH TRAINING

question that athletes must be able to plant, cut, start, and stop in a fatigued state. But that is not where you begin.

Movements must be mastered before any element of fatigue is brought into the picture. Otherwise, incorrect movement patterns are learned. Add reaction, game situations, and fatigue only when the movements are mastered.

Developing Your Program Following the above progression will ensure that your athletes learn agility in the most efficient way. The next step in developing your program is making it position specific. A guard requires a different kind of agility than a safety. Carefully examine the movement patterns of each position and look for commonalities in movements between them. Take as much guesswork out of the process as possible by using game analysis. (For a detailed Training & Conditioning article on game analysis, go to www.athleticsearch.com and type “Getting in the Game” in the search window.) That way you can be precise in the selection of

exercises to produce an adaptive response that will transfer to the game.

Like many strength coaches, I have spent too much time drilling for drill’s sake. Drills should not be an end in themselves, they should be a means to an end. The goal should be efficient, effortless, flowing movement that transfers directly to the field.

The best approach for improving agility is to design a hierarchy of exercises that lead seamlessly into football skills. This requires understanding the breakdown of the required movements. The hierarchy is: First Derivative: the actual movement done at game speed.

Second Derivative: the movement broken into its component parts.

Third Derivative: basic movements (coordinative abilities) that comprise the component parts.

Design your program by starting with the third derivative and advancing to the first derivative. Test the athlete to determine when and how quickly to advance.

One last note on developing a program involves the proper sequencing of drills. Do not mass agility drills together.

Massed practice has proven to be ineffective for optimal learning. Instead, conduct a distributed practice where a skill is practiced and recovery is allowed.

Finally, remember to provide feedback to the athletes. In the early stages, demonstrate correct movements, correct poor movements, and praise proper movements. In more advanced stages, time drills when possible. Listen to your athletes’ questions, watch their movements carefully, and examine how their progress correlates to their performance on the court or field.

Agility is the key to game speed. It not only has a performance enhancement component, but it can make a huge contribution to injury prevention.

An agile athlete will be able to safely get into and out of positions that would otherwise be problematic. This agility can only be developed through a systematic approach that has a foundation in sound motor learning principles. ■

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

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Request No. 34

Thinking Digital? Call the experts Pro-Digital Edit Tower System If you’re going to invest in digital, don’t compromise on quality.

The System Developed With The Pros • Versatile—custom for all sports • Hi-Power Pentium Processor/17” monitor • Hi-End Digital Capture—true multi-hours storage • Custom Windows “Athletic” software operating engine • Pro-Scouting Software Package— your terminology— over 200 reports—unlimited breakdown catagories • Coach’s Station Software with NFL“Cowboy” Remote • Instant “Digital”Team Viewing—computer to projector/TV • Tape-to-Tape Linear Copy Feature • “Titling” with post production software package • Print any video picture or report on system printer • Easy operation—check sheet & manual provided • Feed many VCRs through “multi-channel communication controller” • Many options available.

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Request No. 35

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Springco’s Training Training Tip Tip Springco’s for the the Month: Month: for

A

New and Revolutionary Way of Conditioning Football Players

Imagine the following: You are a responsible football coach running a quality program and you take your practices seriously. You go through the normal progression of sprints, drills, instruction, and scrimmages, requiring hard work and maximum effort. Then, after running your players for two hours during practice, you run them again for conditioning. Day after day, this regimen takes its toll on the athletes' bodies.

athlete lifts each leg in the running motion, the wings collapse, reducing total resistance. As he drives the leg downward, the wings open and lock into place, forcing the runner to overcome greatly increased resistance.

Athletes run across the pool with their shoulders above the water, providing a great power-building workout.

There is a better way. Two years ago, I came across a new product that allows running in water. It loads the lower body with more resistance than ordinary running, but without the impact on joints.

While running for conditioning must be a part of any training program, it isn't the only way to get the job done.

The product is called the Winged Water Walker, and if you have access to a swimming pool, you should be using this device. I have used it myself with large athletes, and I've had great success. It develops speed by working the whole leg, including the often-neglected hip flexors. It also works the core and upper body, letting your athletes achieve a superior fitness level. And the Winged Water Walker does all of this without wearing on the joints the way wind sprints do.

The device looks somewhat like a small snowshoe for each foot, with hinged wings on both sides. As the

Why Water Training?

1. Running in water allows for twelve times more resistance than air with minimal impact on joints.

The bigger the athlete, the more important this is.

2. The cooling effect of water allows for higher-intensity workouts.

3. In water, there is greater flexibility through a wide range of motion.

4. It's proven effective for increasing speed.

5. It's a superior way to develop general fitness and core strength.

6. It's a superior method of in-season fitness training.

The Winged Water Walker has worked for several professional athletic trainers in sports such as basketball, soccer, football, and track & field. Even if you can get your athletes in the pool just once a week, it'll be well worth it for the reduction in bodily wear and tear.

The innovative coach would be well advised to incorporate this inexpensive and easy-to-use method of training into his program.

If you have any questions, or if you're interested in receiving more information about how the device works, you can contact me at bill@springcoathletics.com.

The Winged Water Walker is especially helpful in training high-mileage athletes, like running backs and wide receivers. It's also great exercise for your linemen—we all know how hard it can be to keep the big guys in shape to play hard for four quarters.

Nothing can help get them there quite like this unique water workout.

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Coaching Management

GuideToSyntheticTur f

Researching Synthetic Turf Products More and more schools are considering the installation of synthetic turf systems for their football fields, as technological advancements have made turf a solid option in terms of cost efficiencies, performance, and safety. The following are areas to consider in evaluating synthetic turf products for your field: ▼ Evaluate the components of the turf itself.

Are the fibers made of polyethylene or polypropylene yarn? What is the length of the fibers in the surface? ▼ Study the sub-surface that is being proposed.

This sub-system below the turf may be more important than the turf itself. Ask questions about the materials being used for the sub-system, and the process by which it is installed, to make sure it’s right for your situation. ▼ Understand how In-Fill Turf Systems work.

The yarns are tufted through a backing system and stand up like grass; as opposed to previous synthetic turf, which was basically knitted into itself, more like carpet. Also, with In-Fill Systems, the fibers don’t sit on a pad, but rather on either sand or rubber or a mixture of the two materials. ▼ Ask whether the In-Fill material is comprised of sand, ground-up rubber, or a combination of the two. ▼ Ask about the characteristics of the specific turf products, including such factors as yarn density and weight, and how durable the product is.

Also, question the company on its service policies, including optional on-site seam repair. ▼ Consider the G-max characteristics of the surface. G-max measures a surface’s resiliency or shock attenuation; in other words, how hard or soft a surface is in absorbing impact. The

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harder a surface, such as concrete, the higher the G-max value. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) considers 200 G’s the maximum threshold for providing an acceptable level of protection. The ASTM recommends replacement if any part of the field (and they test six locations) measures above 200. However, manufacturers mention that a field that is too soft can also increase injuries, suggesting that buyers look for ratings from 100-140. ▼ Inquire about the company’s ability to "customize" the field to better meet your specific needs. Many companies can adjust the field color, thickness of the yarn, height of the fibers, width of the stitching of the fibers, and size of the rubber granules based on the field’s conditions and the school’s interests. ▼ Ask the company for background information: Evaluate its financial stability to make sure its potential lifetime is not shorter than the warranty it offers for the turf system. Ask the company about the security of its funding. And if the company is fairly new, ask if it was formed by individuals who have a strong track record in the industry. ▼ Check out references supplied by the prospective suppliers. These references should be tailored to your school’s needs, including the sports that will be played on your field and climate and soil conditions. ▼ Analyze the warranty being offered. How long is the warranty for? Is premature wear and tear specifically defined? Is there a warranty insurance policy, and if so, what does it cover?

Note: This information is taken from an article in the April/May 2001 issue of Athletic Management, “New Options Underfoot,” Vol. XIII, No. 3.

Guide to Synthetic Turf

Sports Technology International

A-Turf

www.sti-sports.com 724-452-3011 See ad on Inside Front Cover

www.aturf.com 888-777-6910 See ad on page 17

GeneralSports TURF Systems www.generalsportsturf.com 248-601-2200

G P

oligras 2000 (field hockey) and Poligras NF (football and soccer) are manufactured and installed to afford athletes the ultimate surfacing on which to perform.

The company’s new Poligras 2000 LSR features a new softer, more gentle polyethylene “low slide resistant” yarn that is less abrasive than previous yarns, yet still offers premium dry or wet shoe/turf interface.

Poligras NF Premier features 2.25 inch – 2.5 inch polyethylene fibers that are tufted into a durable fabric and installed on football and soccer fields around the world. This fabric is filled during installation with either a measured mixture of sand and rubber or rubber-only. Poligras NF fields have been installed with full FIFA certification.

Background: Sports Technology International (STI), a division of Advanced Polymer Technology, is a world-leader in sales, production and installation of synthetic turf, running tracks, tennis courts and resilient gymnasium flooring.

Rekortan, Spurtan, Poligras and Laykold are just some of the famous trademarked products sold and installed by STI. Recent Installations: Fort Hays State University (baseball and football), Liberty High School (Seattle, WA), Kamehameha Schools (turf and track on both Maui and Hilo in Hawaii).

Customer Quote: “The installation of Poligras on both our baseball and football fields has been a positive experience for our university. Our athletes like the sure-footing and non-abrasiveness of the Poligras product.” Mr. Tom Spicer, Director of Athletics— Fort Hays State University

Sports Technology International Request No. 45

A

-Turf’s synthetic grass is made from the highest grade fibers and tufted into the most dimensionally stable backing, forming a superior surface. The prefabricated resilient Regupol® underpad provides ideal shock absorption for athletes. Its consistent thickness and density provide a more uniform surface. Seaming materials include the industry’s highest strength urethane adhesive and extra wide (15”) seam tape. Precision quality rounded, uniformly-sized silica sand and SBR crumb rubber meet A-Turf’s demanding specifications. A-Turf’s network of certified installers provide expert installation, assuring a superior athletic field ready for play.

Background: A-Turf components include synthetic grass (Controlled Products), resilient underpad (DodgeRegupol), seaming materials (Synthetic Surfaces), silica sand (Unimin Corporation) and SBR crumb rubber (Recycled Technologies International).

Recent Installations: Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX); Hersheypark Stadium (Hershey, PA); Community Bowl (Bismarck, ND); high school fields in New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Customer Quote: “After an exhaustive technical review of manufacturers and visiting a number of installations, we concluded that the A-Turf system is the finest on the market.”—Rob Anthony, Turf Manager, SMU’s Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas.

A-Turf, a division of Surface America Request No. 46

eneralSports TURF uses only environmentally safe components in its turf systems. Each component has been evaluated for the highest ASTM standards for toxicity, flammability, water permeability and hydrolytic stability. The company’s yarn component meets the most stringent international standards for environmental safety. Its GameDay Grass brands deliver superior performance and are made by TC Thiolon USA. Thiolon’s sports grass fibers have been chosen for more athletic fields than any other in the world. At each installation, it will evaluate the performance and construction of the field against our “Zero Tolerance” standards. The completed turf installation must exceed these standards to be deemed playable.

Background: GeneralSports TURF Systems has experience in many areas of professional, collegiate and amateur sports. Its background includes: construction management, sports facility development and management, revenue generation and enhancement, design-build delivery and project financing. GeneralSports TURF Systems’ goal is to build the most professional, most reliable, most consultative company in the industry.

Recent Installations: Lafayette HS, NY; Garden City Community College, KS; Castle Sports Club, Cadillac Display at 2004 Super Bowl, Martin Luther King Jr. HS, MI; Carlson HS, MI; Thornapple Kellogg HS, MI; Lake Country Soccer Dome.

Customer Quotes: “We chose GeneralSports TURF because GameDay Grass XP is a durable, resilient turf system, which allows more teams and games to be played at our field.”—Mark Uyl, former Athletic Director, Thornapple Kellogg High School, Grand Rapids, MI

GeneralSports TURF Systems Request No. 47

COACHING MANAGEMENT

49

Football Field AMERICAN FOOTBALL SPECIALISTS 270-843-8393 WWW.PROKICKER.COM American Football Specialists offers Football Goal Posts, the latest in style, quality, and safety at a value price. All goal posts meet High School Federation and NCAA specifications.

Request No. 48

COLBOND, INC. 800-365-7391 WWW.COLBOND-USA.COM The Denver Broncos needed a cost-effective product to protect the sideline turf on their professional football field. Ross Kurcab, Turf Manager of the Denver Broncos, put EnkamatPlus, manufactured

by Colbond, Inc., to the test and declared that the decision to purchase the sideline matting was the right one. “When compared to the geo-blanket, which we installed side by side with EnkamatPlus, the difference was significant, with less damage to the grass under the tarps.

They honestly exceeded my expectations.

After a game, when we rolled them up, we saw the grass in much better shape than the grass outside the tarped area where a lot of foot traffic occurred. We were very impressed with the condition of the grass,” said Kurcab.

Request No. 49

FLOYD PERRY’S GMS 800-227-9381 WWW.GMSFORSPORTSFIELDS.COM A must for football and soccer field grounds maintenance professionals is the book compiled by Floyd Perry, "Turf Grows by the Inch and is Killed by the Foot." This spiral-bound, color pictorial guide is a compilation of the latest research, most innovative techniques and

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

contributions from the industry’s leading experts. The easy to understand descriptions and instructions simplify the most difficult tasks. Over 450 color photos show up-to date methods of efficient maintenance. Detailed forms can be adapted to meet the needs and schedules of any athletic facility. Copyright 2003/168 pages/450 color photos. $64.95 includes shipping.

Request No. 50

M.A.S.A., INC. 800-264-4519 WWW.MASA.COM Cleat Cleaner from M.A.S.A., Inc.—Finally, a solution to cleaning all athletic shoes with cleats. Cleat Cleaner quickly removes mud and dirt, improves footing and mobility, reduces injuries, and promotes cleaner dressing rooms. Whether you are pitching, fielding or running the base paths, clean, lightweight cleats give you the firm secure footing you need for quick starts and stops, particularly when playing on a muddy field.

Request No. 51

PROFILE PRODUCTS, LLC 800-207-6457 WWW.PROFILEPRODUCTS.COM PROFILE™ Soil Amendments serve dual purpose, improving clay and sandy soils.

PROFILE™ soil amendments are added to the root zones of athletic fields to promote healthy turf grass.

Made of a 100 percent natural blend of kiln-fired porous ceramic chips, PROFILE helps improve drainage, adds much needed air space, holds added nutrients, and keeps just the right amount of moisture in the soil so it is loose enough to work year after year. Profile was incorporated into the root zone of the new Soldier Field.

Request No. 52 The TURFACE line of sports field products, by Profile Products, includes TURFACE Pro League*, TURFACE MVP*, TURFACE Quick Dry* and TURFACE Red*.

Manufactured from raw clay mineral, TURFACE products relieve compaction and

prevent bad hops and rainouts on skinned infields. TURFACE Pro League* outperforms crushed aggregates by absorbing more water and conditioning the infield soil. The preferred soil conditioner of many Major League groundskeepers, Pro League* is designed to Increase safety, playability and drainage for baseball and softball infields at any level. On football, soccer and other turf-based fields, TURFACE products improve drainage and reduce compaction for superior playing surfaces.

Request No. 53

ROGERS ATHLETIC COMPANY 800-248-0270 WWW.ROGERSATHLETIC.COM Teach quick footwork by players on both sides of the ball with Rogers Zone Reactor, new for 2004. You roll the pad along a five-foot track while players master reaction skills. Our exclusive vertical action from the Lev-Sled head adds game-day realism. Offensive players master controlling the opponent by pushing the pad in, then leveraging the pad. Defenders develop quick hands, a hard strike and fast-moving feet.

Request No. 54 Explosive drives with positive ball control advance your team toward the goal line.

The PowerBlast™, from Rogers Athletic, helps train running backs to pump their legs, blast through holes and maintain balance—all while carrying the ball properly. Adjust the arms' tension, splits and angles to challenge your players. With the optional Hanging Dummy, defenders practice hit, wrap and drive. Offensive players run through the arms then hit and spin to avoid the "tackler."

Request No. 55

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Training To Win The sled is an important training tool for the development of a football team. Here’s how one coach has incorporated the Lev Sled from Rogers to create innovative drills for his players.

position. All of the players break into groups by position, and the quarterback calls a play behind the one group that’s pushing the sled. The other groups sprint behind them and then rotate in between plays to push the sled. Each group will drive the sled for approximately five to seven seconds, simulating the length of a normal play. Each group only has a 3040 second break between pushes, and they’ll work together to push the sled the length of the field and then back. It’s a great conditioning drill. The quarterback will also change snap counts on each rotation to simulate game-like conditions.

Drill #2: Lateral Blow Delivery (LBD) Line up your players in single file and

and then extending the arms. This makes the sled extremely realistic to game-like situations.

Drill #3: Sting & Tackle The players are in their position stances.

Each defensive player must deliver a blow (sting) with the proper technique to release the latch behind the pad. Then, after completing the blow, the player sheds the pad, releases, and runs through the sled to make the tackle on a simulated ball carrier. We’ll either use a tackling dummy as the ball carrier so players can execute proper tackling technique, or have a coach hold a shield and have the players hit the shield to finish off the play. From the drill, the players learn

By Mark Torgerson, Head Football Coach, Kentlake High School, Kent, Wash.

It has been my experience that players on your team, whether they are on offense or defense, will benefit greatly by using sleds as part of their practice work. We use the Lev Sled from Rogers Athletic Company and it is a multi-functional piece of equipment. We use the sled to teach proper blocking technique, improve the conditioning of our athletes and work on blocking schemes.

Without tools, the Lev Sled converts from drive sled to leverage sled.

Listed below are some of the drills that we do at Kentlake High School involving the Lev Sled.

have them shuffle down the length of the sled, delivering a blow sufficient to release the latch behind the pad, then lifting the pad to properly finish the block.

As one player moves to the next pad, the next player begins—as a result it is a very rapid pace. Each player must push the pad back six inches or the latch won’t release. The LBD is even more effective when you have position challenges, such as offensive line vs. defensive line. You can make these position challenges even more competitive by giving a point to the opposing position when a player on the other side isn’t able to release the latch by using proper technique.

Drill #1: The Drive Drill The varsity linemen, linebackers, running backs and quarterbacks do a conditioning drill with the pad locked in the drive

The Lev Sled is the only one with the special release mechanism so that players learn the proper way to block by exploding through the defender, rolling the hips

We have a five-man sled, and it gives us a great deal of flexibility. We can reconfigure the equipment in two-player stations, or one three-man station and one two-man station. If your program has budget constraints, you can buy a smaller unit and then add more stations in future years.

to keep their head up and look straight ahead.

Drill #4: Zone Drill The drill is designed for two offensive linemen and/or tight ends to double team a pad on the sled, executing proper zone blocking footwork and upper-body technique. On the coach’s cue, one lineman releases up to a linebacker standing behind the sled; the linebacker is holding a shield so that the lineman can complete the block sequence. This drill teaches each player to keep his head up and look downfield while zone blocking, and to communicate in order to determine which one releases to the linebacker.

For information and a free Training Video on the Lev Sled, call Rogers Athletic at (800) 248-0270.

New Technology B.W. SOFTWARE 888-752-9625 WWW.BWSOFTWARE.COM B.W. Software offers TD Video, a MacIntosh-based system which contains all of the key features available from a top video-editing/scouting software program: the ability to get zero rewind and fast forward times, instant access to any play in a game, and flicker free slow motion. And you can do cutups, checkerboards, and scouting reports. The entire system costs just $895. Plus, TD Video utilizes firewire technology, which makes the transmission from the video camera to the computer or projector screen much clearer than other systems.

Request No. 56 B.W. Software also offers Playermaker, an easy-to-use drawing program that can make it much easier for a coach to create and distribute plays to staff and players.

This program will enable you to draw the players much better and faster than you can do by hand. The plays can be shown with animation, and you can invert the plays from the one side of the field to the other in seconds. This system is sold in one affordable package. Plus, B.W. Software provides a free 30-day, money-back guarantee.

Request No. 57

COACHCOMM 800-749-2761 WWW.COACHCOMM.COM Make the Connexion! CoachComm Connex is the new standard in headsets.

If you’ve wanted a hands-free system for years but couldn’t get a system with the performance you demand to fit your program’s budget, Connex is it.

Crystal clear com-

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

munication, quick setup and simple operation make Connex the new standard in headset systems for high schools and small colleges. Compare it to anything on the market in this price range and the answer to your sideline communication needs is clear: CoachComm Connex.

Complete systems start at $2,395, call today and let CoachComm configure a system for your specific needs and budget!

Request No. 58 SportsEdit, from Pinnacle Systems Team Sports and CoachComm, is one of the most powerful and affordable digital video editing systems available. It’s powerful because it is based on Pinnacle Systems software used by most professional and NCAA teams; it’s affordable because it is compatible with most standard computers and can be used in multi-sports.

SportsEdit stands above the competition with features like: custom filter tool, fourway sorting, import statistics (from DigitalScout & other sources), quickie stats reporting, multiple views, post production (add voice over, text, graphics, etc. to your video), screen size control, capture DV quality video from a DV source directly to your PC and much, much more.

SportsEdit—Powerful, Affordable and Easy to Use—Contact CoachComm and take your game analysis to another level.

Request No. 59

COACH’S OFFICE SOFTWARE 513-424-1091 WWW.COACHSOFFICE.COM Coach’s Office offers major enhancements to its current suite of programs. It is also now compatible with two major digital editing systems. Take cut-ups from your games and play them back within the Playbook or Slideshow module along with the diagram of the play. Coach’s Office is the only product of its kind that can print play/scout cards directly from a practice script saving you hours each day. The

Chalkboard drawing tool has more features to make drawing your play easier.

The Playbook module offers predefined page templates, page numbering, word processing, resizing of plays to fix in a box. Paste text, tables and graphics on a page from other applications. Attach your PC or laptop to a projector and use the SlideShow module for training and presentations.

Request No. 60

COMPUSPORTS 800-691-4555 WWW.COMPUSPORTS.COM The new version of Easy-Scout XP, from CompuSports, combines offense and defense, and adds new capabilities. EasyScout XP is the newest and most powerful member of CompuSports Easy-Scout family of scouting software.

EasyScout XP “scouts” both Offense and Defense in one product and incorporates all of the design features that have made Easy-Scout a trusted name with football coaches for nearly two decades. A trial version that provides access to all of the Play Entry and Reporting capabilities of Easy-Scout XP is available from the CompuSports Web site. A number of affordable upgrade options are available to existing Easy-Scout users.

Request No. 61

GAMEPREP SOLUTIONS, LTD 937-545-1561 WWW.GAMEPREPSOLUTIONS.COM DepthChartPRO, from GamePrep Solutions, is the only product on the market tackling the issue of Special Team Management.

Built in checks and balances catch assignment glitches before you ever take the field. Player and Team Reports provide detailed summaries for quick analysis when faced with an injury or required substitution. Developed by a fellow football coach and tested on the practice and game fields prior to release, ensuring “coach-friendly” software. Affordably priced at $149.

Request No. 62

New Technology LRSSPORTS WWW.LRSSPORTS.COM 888-LRS-0001

PROSCOUT VIDEO 330-781-1400 WWW.PROSCOUTVIDEO.COM

U.S. SPORTS VIDEO 800-556-8778 WWW.USSPORTSVIDEO.COM

Ultima™ Coach’s Station, all new for 2004, offers coaches exactly the functions they need. Each Ultima Coach's Station provides intuitive, easy-touse access to video cutups, scouting reports, and data.

Coaches can create, save and share cutups and reports.

They can create presentations with images and video by using Ultima Coach's Station's integration with Microsoft® PowerPoint®. Ultima Coach’s Station works on a network PC or a laptop that can plug into the network and unplug to go with the coach.

Request No. 63

Proscout Video provides a complete video indexing and scouting software solution for even the most demanding programs!

Break-down your game film, analyze opponent tendencies, inner-cut multiple angles, as well as print reports and/or video frames. The software also provides telestration, text overlay, and even a playbook generator that incorporates your game film. Proscout Video is a powerful tool at an affordable price. And its new affiliation with The National Football League Youth Football Fund, means greater things are yet to come.

Request No. 65

U.S. Sports Video offers the Eagle-Cam Skyhawk, a unique and patented remotecontrolled, portable, elevated video acquisition system. It includes: a custom-built, all-aluminum modular tower unit that sets up in seconds; a remotecontrolled camera built into a Riddell football helmet; a robotics-controlled command center module that allows control of camera pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and iris; a high-resolution nine-inch color action monitor; and an electronic interface system.

Request No. 67

The FieldEdit™ option for Ultima™ and Gamer™ systems, by LRSSports, helps you get way ahead of the game by eliminating all the time required for capturing and marking up video. Camera operators mark clips by pressing the pause button on the DV camera to save marked-up clips on a portable hard drive. You transfer those clips to your Ultima or Gamer video editing system in a fraction of the time required for capture.

Shoot, import, enter data, and analyze.

Request No. 64

SCROLL STAT 802-879-7283 WWW.SCROLLSTAT.COM Scroll Stat is an efficient, easy, and fun way to compile offensive football statistics.

It allows one person to record plays on the field during the game, and then input the plays into a computer.

The computer program then does all the math and prints out offensive statistics. The Scroll Stat system features a small, light wooden box that has a paper scroll of 34 football fields graphically depicted.

Request No. 66

Digital editing has become the trend for breaking down game tapes, and U.S. Sports Video has drawn upon its years of experience in sports video editing to offer unmatched technology and service in this emerging field. U.S. Sports Video can assist your athletic program if you are an existing customer considering an upgrade or someone who is considering options for a new digital editing system. The company’s digital edit systems and digital camera systems are based on the same careful research, development, and testing that has produced all the other successful products enjoyed by its sports video customers over the years. U.S. Sports Video offers 24-hour, seven-days-a-week technical support, and 100 percent of its business is sports video.

Request No. 68

Web News ON-LINE CATALOG AVAILABLE FROM CHO-PAT Cho-Pat’s updated Web site provides site visitors with descriptions, pictures, and sizing information for all of their sports-medical products. This on-line "catalog" gives any customer a comprehensive review of each product to determine what device might be appropriate in each user’s situation. In addition, comments and testimonials from other users give any site quest added background on the purpose and success of Cho-Pat’s products. Visitors can purchase on-line or contact information is readily available for more detailed questions, comments, and purchases. www.cho-pat.com

NEW TRAINING PRODUCT ON TURFCORDZ WEB SITE Check out the entire line of innovative TurfCordz high-level resistance training products at www.nzmfg.com. New to the website is our TurfCordz Super Bungie Kit, designed for the extreme demands of professional athletes. The company offers free UPS ground shipping with all website orders (some restrictions apply). TurfCordz is manufactured by NZ MFG LLC. www.nzmfg.com

COACHING MANAGEMENT

53

Strength Training CORMAX 701-845-3986 WWW.CORMAXSTRENGTHPOWERSYSTEMS.COM

Increase your athlete’s power and minimize the risk of injury with the Cormax Strength Power Systems.

Cormax systems control the eccentric load to a safe level eliminating the need for spotters. This system’s ability to train the Stretch-Shortening Cycle {SSC} allows your athletes to focus on rate of Force Development—the key to converting strength to power. To see the system in action please visit the company's Web site.

Request No. 70 Has the risk of injury stopped you from performing squat jumps, cleans, explosive pressing movements or overhead press?

Cormax Strength Power Systems offers four machines that can train your athletes with more intensity and more safety than you thought possible.

The Cormax Systems control the eccentric load to a safe level of your choosing eliminating the need for spotters. Please visit the company's Web site to see this system in action.

Request No. 71

HAMMER STRENGTH 800-634-8637 WWW.HAMMERSTRENGTH.COM One of Hammer Strength’s most popular pieces of equipment, the Jammer, is part of the innovative Ground Base line.

The highly versatile machine is ideal for athletes to train explosive movements. To maximize athletic performance, users train with their feet on the ground, promoting total-body stabilization and better balance that will transfer to movements on

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

the playing field. In the standing position, the athlete’s body is able to respond naturally to the exercise exertion and gravity, spurring strengthening of corresponding muscle groups and enhancing coordination.

Request No. 72 Hammer Strength recently introduced an 8-foot Olympic Heavy-Duty Power Rack ideal for athletic fitness facilities.

Following the Hammer Strength heritage of simple, durable construction with the highest-quality components, the unit is constructed with heavy-duty 9gauge, 3-inch-by-3inch steel tubing. The Adjustment Rack, which supports the Bar Supports and Bar Catches, is numbered for quick and easy position identification. It also is equipped with a non-slip spotter stand, and multiple grip positions are provided for pull-ups and chin-ups. The Dock 'N Lock bench-locking system lets the adjustable bench lock into place quickly and ensures the bench is always aligned properly in relation to the rack.

Request No. 73

JUMP STRETCH, INC. 800-344-3539 WWW.JUMPSTRETCH.COM Jump Stretch, Inc., offers six sizes of heavy-duty continuous-loop rubberbands (Flex Bands®) for strength training, flexibility work, rehab, and even powerlifting. By combining the bands with the company’s customized pipe arrangements (for resisted walking/running and weighted abdominal exercises) and patented tubular steel bases (for squats and squat thrusts), Jump Stretch can help you make the most of any available space in your workout area.

Request No. 74

POWER SYSTEMS 800-321-6975 WWW.POWER-SYSTEMS.COM Some products stand the test of time.

The Power Systems Power Chute is one

of those products. The best running chute on the market, you get resistance running and over speed training in the same run. The Power Chute enables you to improve two key elements of speed: stride length and stride frequency. This unique training product offers diversity and motivation for you while improving a key aspect of your football training program.

The Power Chute comes in four sizes to accommodate all training levels. The Power Chute Instructional Manual and Video are also now available.

Request No. 75 The Power Toss Football, from Power Systems, is a great training tool for quarterbacks, centers and receivers at all playing levels.

The football shaped weighted ball provides greater resistance than a standard football (standard football weighs 1 lb.) for throwing, option pitching and long snapping. The Power Toss improves arm and grip strength. It is made of molded latex and is available in 2 lb. and 3 lb. weights.

Request No. 76

POWERNETICS 800-829-2928 WWW.POWERNETICS.COM Powernetics offers a line of strength training machines that develop power by providing a consistent ratio of speed, resistance, and intensity. The Dominator builds strength in one unbroken line from the feet to the hands. The machine’s groundbased torquing motion works both sides of the body, as well as providing an explosive chest punch. The unit will more than double strength in the 90degree torso rotation.

Request No. 77

Strength Training Powernetics also offers other products for the strength-training of your basketball player, including the Bulldog and Attacker.

The Bulldog isolates the hamstring and glutes without stress on knees and back. It also offers an explosive hack jump exercise that develops power in the hamstrings, glutes and quads—all from one exercise. The Attacker allows the athlete to fire and roll his hips while moving up and out into a full hand separation. Because of the explosive movement, power is developed from the feet through the hands.

Request No. 78

SAMSON WEIGHT TRAINING EQUIPMENT 800-472-6766 WWW.SAMSONEQUIPMENT.COM The Samson Power Stand combines the features of conventional half racks at a fraction of the price. This compact design is complete with plate storage, bar holders, adjustable cups and safety catches.

The Samson Power Stand is ideal for most straight bar exercises while taking up a minimal amount of space.

Request No. 79 Samson’s new Twist Lock Step-Up has all the benefits of common step up boxes with the convenience of attaching to your existing equipment without the cost of buying a separate piece of equipment. It is designed to attach to all Samson Power Racks, the Twist Lock Step-Up can also be custom built to fit any rack on the market.

Request No. 80

SPRINGCO ATHLETICS 800-383-0305 WWW.SPRINGCOATHLETICS.COM The Winged Water Walker, offered exclusively by Springco Athletics, is a necessary

component of any serious training program. Coaches from across the country have begun using this device with great success.

Once you try a pair, you will realize how much time you have been "wasting" in the pool training without the Winged Water Walker. You will also realize that you can do many of the same drills and exercises you normally perform on the field, but with greater range of motion and loading if desired.

Request No. 81 The JAMMER RACK, made by Nebula Fitness and offered by Springco, is the only triple articulated Jammer device available today.

Made with 11 gauge steel tubing and highgrade sealed bearings at all joints, the design ensures durability. Free form Iso movement simulates a dumbbell exercise via free-floating actuator arm systems controlled by heavy rubber bumper stops.

There is simply no better device to train the explosive action required in today's sports—professional or collegiate.

Request No. 82

VERTIMAX 800-699-5867 WWW.VERTIMAX.COM No matter what kind of lower body strength and speed training you are doing, it will fall into one of three categories: (1) Heavy Resistance, (2) Plyometrics, or (3) Low-Load VelocitySpecific training (the VertiMax). If Heavy Resistance were 10 on a scale of 1 thru 10, and if plyometrics were 1, VertiMax would be a 5. It's plyo with overload—the best of both worlds. Maximum transfer to the sports field.

Request No. 83

"Only the VertiMax V6 incorporates upper body loading into an already highly effective explosion training device. Training the upper body to improve the lift aspect of vertical jump is a giant breakthrough.

You can use it for arm action in the running phase, jam techniques, or combine all resistance bands for run into jump maneuvers. I can say without hesitation, this device is of great importance in any training program."-Garrett Giemont, Professional Football 2002 S&C Coach of the Year Request No. 84

Catalog Showcase POWER SYSTEMS, INC. 800-321-6975 WWW.POWER-SYSTEMS.COM Since 1986 Power Systems has been a leading supplier of sport training, health and fitness products. The company prides itself in being the one resource for all of your training needs. Its new 2004 catalog has a new look with better graphics and photos.

Included areas are core strength, medicine balls, speed, plyometrics, agility, strength equipment, strength accessories and flooring.

You will find the catalog full of hundreds of new products and dozens of products available exclusively from Power Systems. The company has also lowered some prices to enable the customer to get premium products at great prices. Go online or call Power Systems to request a free 2004 catalog today.

Request No. 85

COACHING MANAGEMENT

55

PRODUCTS DIRECTORY

DCVTEO RR T IYS E R S D I RPERCOT D OUR C YTS DIRECTORY A D V E R T I S E R S D IA RE CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

PAGE NO.

11. . . . A-Turf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 21. . . . Adams USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 1. . . . Advanced Polymer Technology . . . IFC 23. . . . American Wave (AWI) . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 39. . . . Aqualift/Sports Innovations . . . . . . . 59 10. . . . B.W. Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 2. . . . Bassco Sporting Goods . . . . . . . . . 2-3 33. . . . Coach’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 8. . . . CoachComm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 22. . . . Colbond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 17. . . . CompuSports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 15. . . . Cool Draft Scientific. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 28. . . . Cormax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 20. . . . Cramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 24. . . . eFundraising.com (World’s Finest Chocolate) 34 12. . . . Floyd Perry’s GMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 5. . . . Gagliardi Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 38. . . . GamePrep Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 3. . . . Gatorade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 26. . . . Hammer Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 31. . . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

PAGE NO.

14. . . . LRSSports Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 29. . . . M.A.S.A. Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 13. . . . McDavid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 9. . . . Miller Group Multiplex . . . . . . . . . . 16 7. . . . Nike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 40. . . . Powernetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC 19. . . . Proscout Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 34. . . . Ray Guy Kicking Academy . . . . . . . . 44 16. . . . Rogers Athletic Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 32. . . . Samson Weight Equipment . . . . . . . 43 25. . . . Schutt Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 6. . . . Scroll Stat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 30. . . . Smart-Hurdle (Train To Play) . . . . . . . . . 41 4. . . . Spalding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 36. . . . Springco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 37. . . . Turface Athletics (Profile Products) . . . . . 8 35. . . . U.S. Sports Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 41. . . . Under Armour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC 18. . . . Vantage Products Int’l . . . . . . . . . . . 26 27. . . . VertiMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

For Quicker Response, Request Information From Advertisers On-Line at

MomentumMedia.com.

Circle No. 38

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

PAGE NO.

95 . . . . Adams USA (chin strap buckle) . . . . . . . 58 94 . . . . Adams USA (facemask) . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 48 . . . . American Football (goal posts). . . . . . . 50 96 . . . . American Football (kicking shoe) . . . . . 58 103. . . . American Wave (Cold Weather Gear) . . . 60 104 . . . . American Wave (One-Piece Super Suit). . 60 102 . . . . Aqualift/Sports Innovations . . . . . . . . 59 57 . . . . B.W. Software (PlayMaker Pro) . . . . . . . 52 56 . . . . B.W. Software (TD Video). . . . . . . . . . . 52 111 . . . . Bassco (jerseys) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 110 . . . . Bassco (spirit pack). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 60 . . . . Coach’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 58 . . . . CoachComm (Connex) . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 59 . . . . CoachComm (SportsEdit) . . . . . . . . . . . 52 49 . . . . Colbond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 61 . . . . CompuSports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 100 . . . . Cool Draft Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 71 . . . . CorMax (4 machines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 70 . . . . CorMax (Strength Power Systems) . . . . . 54 101 . . . . Cramer (Coil Cool) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 87 . . . . Cramer (ProShox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 118. . . . eFundraising.com(chocolate sports discs) 64 117 .. . . eFundraising.com (Online Fundraising). . 64 50 . . . . Floyd Perry’s GMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 120 . . . . Gagliardi Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 62 . . . . GamePrep Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 90 . . . . Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 97 . . . . Gear 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 72 . . . . Hammer Strength (Jammer). . . . . . . . . 54 73 . . . . Hammer Strength (Power Rack) . . . . . . 54 112 . . . . JET Sportswear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 116 . . . . Joe Corbi’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 74 . . . . Jump Stretch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 64 . . . . LRSSports Software (FieldEdit) . . . . . . . 53 63 . . . . LRSSports Software (Ultima) . . . . . . . . 53 51 . . . . M.A.S.A. (Cleat Cleaner) . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 105 . . . . McDavid (Body Shirts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 106 . . . . McDavid (Microfiber Shirts) . . . . . . . . . . 60 121 . . . . Miller Group Multiplex . . . . . . . . . . . 64 122 . . . . Mueller Sports Medicine . . . . . . . . . . 64 107 . . . . Nike (Pro Compression) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 108 . . . . Nike (Pro Vent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 91 . . . . OPTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 85 . . . . Power Systems (catalog) . . . . . . . . . . . 55 75 . . . . Power Systems (Power Chute) . . . . . . . 54 76 .. . . Power Systems (Power Toss Football) . . . 54 78. . . . Powernetics (Bulldog and Attacker) . . . . 55 77 . . . . Powernetics (The Dominator) . . . . . . . . 54 52. . . . Profile Products (Soil Amendments) . . . . 50 53 . . . . Profile Products (Turface) . . . . . . . . . . . 50 65 . . . . Proscout Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 119 . . . . Racine Danish Kringles . . . . . . . . . . . 64 55 . . . . Rogers Athletic Co. (PowerBlast) . . . . . 50 54 . . . . Rogers Athletic Co.(Zone Reactor) . . . . 50 114 . . . . Russell Athletic (football uniform) . . . . . 61 113 . . . . Russell Athletic (Stretch Mesh jersey/pant) 61 79 . . . . Samson (Power Stand) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 80 . . . . Samson (Twist Lock Step-Up) . . . . . . . . . 55 89 . . . . Schutt Sports (DNA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 88 . . . . Schutt Sports (Face guard removal tool) . 57 66 . . . . Scroll Stat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 98 . . . . Spalding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 82 . . . . Springco (JAMMER RACK) . . . . . . . . . . 55 81 . . . . Springco (Winged Water Walker) . . . . . . 55 92 . . . . Train To Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 68 . . . . U.S. Sports Video (digital editing) . . . . . 53 67 . . . . U.S. Sports Video (Eagle-Cam Skyhawk) . 53 109 . . . . Under Armour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 99 . . . . Vantage Products Int’l. . . . . . . . . . . . 58 83 . . . . VertiMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 84 . . . . VertiMax (V6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Injury Prevention CRAMER PRODUCTS, INC. 913-856-7511 WWW.CRAMERSPORTSMED.COM

SCHUTT SPORTS 866-4SCHUTT WWW.SCHUTTSPORTS.COM

Professional Fit. Maximum Protection.

ProShox’s unique, professional fitting system provides the same fit and protection from oral head injuries as a dentistdesigned mouth guard.

The ProShox professional fitting system uses a dental tray to ensure proper fit and ultimate comfort. It also works as a protective carrying case. The mouth guard is constructed out of a Dupont shock-absorbing material that helps prevent jaw-related concussions, TMJ dislocation and dental trauma.

Request No. 87

Innovation in their product line has always distinguished Schutt Sports as the leader in football protective gear. Case in point: its Face guard Removal Tool, which easily cuts loop straps for quick face guard removal in injury situations. In these circumstances, immediate response is critical, with fast access to airways being the priority. The Face guard Removal Tool is a reliable, no-nonsense way to ensure a player gets the attention he needs without the hassles associated with other faceguards.

Request No. 88 Schutt Sports "pads" its record for smart innovation and rewrites the code for helmet protection and comfort with the

Schutt DNA™, featuring advanced military-proven materials, a new look, and easy custom fitting that requires no additional components. The helmet, a 2004 Sports Product of the Year Finalist, has new-to-thegame SKYDEX™ shock-absorbing technology that is used to cushion the decks of Navy SEAL boats and the soles of Nike's Tuned Air™ shoes. SKYDEX allows Schutt to exceed industry shock absorption standards with protective padding that is thinner than traditional foam pads. The extra room allows for more comfort cushioning, which provides an overall better feel for the athlete. The helmet is in a pilot launch and may be available for sale by next season. For more information, contact Schutt Sports, The Gear That Makes The Game™.

Request No. 89

Training & Conditioning Aids GATORADE 800-88GATOR WWW.GATORADE.COM Gatorade Thirst Quencher’s optimal formula contains electrolytes and carbohydrates. It is based on more than 30 years of scientific research and testing.

Nothing rehydrates, replenishes and refuels better than Gatorade® Thirst Quencher—not even water. REHYDRATE—Gatorade has the flavor to keep your athletes drinking—and a six- percent carbohydrate solution that’s optimal for speeding fluids back into their systems. No fluid is absorbed faster than Gatorade. REPLENISH—If your athletes don’t replace the electrolytes they lose when they sweat, they risk becoming dehydrated, which can take them out of the game. By putting electrolytes back, Gatorade helps athletes drink more, retain fluids and maintain fluid balance.

REFUEL—Unlike water, Gatorade has the right amount of carbohydrates (14 grams

per eight ounces) to give your athletes working muscles more energy, help athletes fight fatigue and keep their mental edge.

Request No. 90

comes with a newly updated stretching guide with over 28 illustrations for the hamstrings, quads, inner and outer thighs, back, sides, chest and arms.

Request No. 91

OPTP 800-367-7393 WWW.OPTP.COM

TRAIN TO PLAY 608-824-0068 WWW.TRAINTOPLAY.COM

OPTP is now the exclusive distributor of the Stretch Out™ Strap. The patented Stretch Out Strap delivers the benefits of PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching without a partner.

This type of stretching combines isotonic, isometric and prolonged stretch.

Alternating a stretch with a “relax phase” while using the Stretch Out Strap allows for maximum flexibility and decreases risk of injury. The Stretch Out Strap has a double stitched series of loops for hands and feet that allow users to work progressively into a stretch. Each Stretch Out Strap

Introducing the NEW SMART-HURDLE™ SYSTEM, from Train To Play, that features four different training hurdles for improving mobility, agility, strength, and power for all sports. The SMART-HURDLE™ features: Four different sizes, two that are adjustable in height; Threepoint basing for improved stability on all surfaces; Bright yellow and black makes hurdles stand out; Durable, yet light for easy carrying, folds flat for storage.

Request No. 92

COACHING MANAGEMENT

57

Team Equipment

Football video editing solutions for every level LRSSports has the video editing solution for Division I programs, high school programs, and everyone in between. Gabe Haney and John Amabile are just two of the customers who have seen value in our products.

“After an away game, FieldEdit™ for Ultima™ helped us get way ahead of the game because all of our coaches were able to grade out their film on the flight home. It was a smashing success in that regard. The Coordinators looked at the wide on laptops with their staffs and the Line Coach looked at the tight on his. My coaches were ecstatic, because after getting in at 4 a.m., they were able to sleep in on Sunday as opposed to dragging in at 7 a.m. to grade film.”

Gabe Haney, Video Coordinator University of Tulsa “It’s the best bang for your buck! We have been using the LRSSports football software since 1997. It is the most comprehensive video editing system you can use. It is like having another coach on your staff. Instant access to video allows any play to be retrieved instantly; individual plays or group of plays can be accessed by different criteria, e.g.- specify formation, backset, play or any other category you want to use, an individual game, several games can be used. Simply put, it’s the best bang for your buck!”

John Amabile, Head Football Coach St. John Vianney High School Aberdeen, NJ

ADAMS USA 800-251-6857 WWW.ADAMSUSA.COM Adams USA has introduced the Pro-Guard “Plus” Football Facemask. There are 10 styles available for the backs and six styles for the linemen. Adams offers three XL styles and two youth styles. There are also seven Titanium styles available. The Pro-Guard “Plus” features extra thick bonded Annotek® Polyethylene Powder Coating. It is offered in black, white, gray, royal, navy, scarlet, maroon, light gold, dark green, kelly green, orange, and purple.

Request No. 94

WWW.LRSSPORTS.COM

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

SPALDING SPORTS 800-SPALDING WWW.SPALDING.COM

Adams USA has also introduced a new High-Impact Plastic Chin Strap Buckle.

The buckle is stainless-steel encased in highimpact plastic. It allows for better uniform wear—no snagging with buckle edges. It is available in black and white with additional colors now available. Patent no.

6,481,066.

Request No. 95

After 45 years of leading the pack in competitive play footballs, the Spalding J5V, is back.

Constructed with Top Grain Horween Leather and Performance Grip Composite Laces, the latest version of the J5V delivers the performance you'd expect from a legend.

Request No. 98

AMERICAN FOOTBALL SPECIALISTS 270-843-8393 WWW.PROKICKER.COM

VANTAGE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL 800-244-4457 WWW.VPISPORTS.COM

Are you searching for a square-toe kicking shoe? It’s right here in black and white.

This “original style” square-toe kicking shoe, from American Football Specialists, has a leather upper and lower (sole) with detachable cleats. Half and full sizes are available in both black and white colors.

Request No. 96

Vantage Products International has introduced a new helmet rack that fits through doorways and you don’t have to hunt for ear holes. The newest helmet rack available is easy to use and can roll outside to your players. It will hold 60 football helmets with masks. It is constructed of 1” O.D. chrome-plated steel tubing and has four heavy-duty 4” swivel castors, two with locking mechanisms. Dimensions: 24”W by 61”L by 64”H. Weight 61 lbs.

Request No. 99

GEAR 2000 800-527-1988 JAGEAR@RURALTEL.NET

LRSSports 888-LRS-0001 (888-577-0001)

product’s benefits first-hand. "The lighter weight of Gear 2000 Z-COOL pads is a big factor in the quickness and mobility of our offensive linemen," says Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. The Z-Cool pads offer superior ventilation and cooling because of the multi-layer 3-D Drying Energy System and Air Release® Clavicle Pads. "I particularly like the AC Notch-Out feature and the lighter weight of the pads," says Iowa Equipment Manager Greg Morris.

Request No. 97

The Z-Cool, from Gear 2000, has earned recognition as the most innovative shoulder pad in football, and the University of Iowa is one program that has seen the

Climate Control COOL DRAFT SCIENTIFIC 866-676-1636 WWW.COOLDRAFT.COM Product Categories: Cooling Fans, Misting Fans Product Advantages: For 2004, Cool Draft Scientific is launching the long-awaited Evolution line. You can now afford the same high quality systems used by NFL and college teams. Cool Draft Evolution is a complete line of highpressure misting fans designed for sidelines and practices. The Evolution was built to meet the needs and budgets of high schools. We have also upgraded our Cool Draft portable misting fan, making it our most popular and effective to date. For details and information, visit Cooldraft.com.

Special Programs or Services: We offer 18 shipping locations throughout the United States, saving our customers time and money.

Request No. 100

Your First String Defense Against Dehydration Accept No Substitutes.

The Generation II Aqualift* the original Hydration System from Sports Innovations

CRAMER PRODUCTS 913-856-7511 WWW.CRAMERSPORTSMED.COM Product Categories: Hydration Systems Product Advantages: The Coil Cool is an economical, efficient source for dispensing cold drinking water. A copper coil inside the cooler carries drinking water from the water potable hose attachment to the drinking hoses that hang on the sides of the cooler. Just add ice to the cooler, attach your water potable hose, and crisp cool water is available through four adjustable drinking nozzles.

Request No. 101

• 500 lb capacity • All aluminum frame

• 10 gallon insulated beverage container

• 4 fully adjustable PVC • Multi-unit stacking feature labcock drinking valves • All terrain maneuverability • Adjustable pressure cut off switch

• Dual power supply • Easy filling & cleaning

SPORTS INNOVATIONS 800-288-3954 WWW.SPORTSINNOVATIONS.COM Product Categories: Portable Drinking Systems Product Advantages: Every sports team needs WATER and Aqualift Portable Drinking Systems DELIVER--from children on the playing field to the professionals of the NFL, everyone who needs water needs the Aqualift. The finest hydration system on the market, made from the highest quality materials, Aqualift continues to be the choice of professional, college, and high school athletic teams throughout the world. The unit comes with 10 gallons, four drinking hoses, stacking, complete with battery and charger.

Special Services: Bid specifications are available at www.sportsinnovations.com or by calling 800-288-3954.

Request No. 102

1-800-288-3954 www.sportsinnovations.com PROUD TO BE MADE IN THE USA *The Aqualift Portable Drinking System is proprietary property of Sports Innovations, Ltd. and is protected by U.S. and Foreign Patents issued and pending.

Request No. 39

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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Performance Apparel What athletes are wearing underneath their uniforms.

By Dale Strauf, Athletic Equipment Manager, Cornell University, and President of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association You don’t want to purchase any type of undergarment until you have had an opportunity to field-test it. In conducting the field-test, evaluate the garment in the following areas: O O O O

Does it perform the way it is supposed to on the athlete?

Does it hold its shape during use?

Does the fabric appear to be durable?

Are the seams finished off and reinforced so that they’ll hold over time?

O Is the waistband stitched enough so that it won’t be abrasive to the athlete?

O Does it hold its color when you wash it?

AMERICAN WAVE INT. 866-434-0692 WWW.AMERICANWAVE.COM Product Name: Cold Weather Compression Gear Features: Poly Pro is comfortable and warm.

Compression increases speed, power, and endurance. Seven needle flat stitching ensures comfort and durability.

Fabric Content: 90% polypro, 10% spandex Styles Offered: Long sleeve shirt in mock or crew neck and long pants—available in black or white. One-piece suit with zippered crotch in white only.

Single-layer or multi-layer construction?

Single-layer Perspiration Wicking Qualities: Wicks sweat away from skin. Breathable and comfortable. Quick drying and odor resistant.

Team Discounts: 20% team discount Request No. 103 Product Name: One-Piece Super Suit Features: The One-Piece Super Suit is the next generation of compression and protection.

The 10 removable pads are high tech H.D.P.E., tough, and lightweight. One piece fits like a second skin. Seven needle flat stitch for comfort.

Fabric Content: 20% Lycra, 80% Nylon. Pads are lightweight, high density polyethylene.

Styles Offered: Comes in short sleeves and legs or long

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

You should field-test the garment by letting one of your more active players—someone who’s really going to give it a lot of punishment—wear it during workouts. It’s best to conduct the testing right after the season is over during conditioning workouts. Have the athlete wear it for a minimum of two weeks to properly test it.

You shouldn’t have any problems getting companies to provide you with product to field-test. The companies that are really confident in their product will have no problem giving you a sample to test. Let the company know that you will return the sample back to them at their request.

If the undergarment holds up to its claims during the fieldtestings, and the price and features meet your needs, then you know you are purchasing the right undergarment for your athletes.

sleeve and legs. Five pocket girdle also available. Black or white.

Single-layer or multi-layer construction?

Single-layer with pockets for pads.

Perspiration Wicking Qualities: Super Suit wicks sweat away from skin and spreads it evenly on the outside of the material where it evaporates. Keeps athletes cool and dry.

Chemical Treatments Used: None.

Team Discounts: 20% team discount. The suit can be made in team colors for quantity orders.

Request No. 104

MCDAVID SPORTS/MEDICAL PRODUCTS 800-237-8254 WWW.MCDAVIDINC.COM Product Name: McDavid Body Shirts (hDc Performance Apparel) Features: Long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless (mock/crew) Fabric content: 85% nylon, 15% spandex Styles Offered: Nylon/spandex construction with hDc Technology offers premium compression support Single-layer or multi-layer construction?

Single-layer

Perspiration Wicking Qualities: hDc is a permanent compound that absorbs moisture and disperses it into the fabric evaporating moisture quickly.

Chemical Treatments Used: Ultra hDc, hDc Request No. 105 Product Name: Microfiber Shirts (hDc Performance Apparel) Features: Long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless (mock/crew).

Fabric content: 100% micro polyester Styles Offered: Microfiber loosewear is an ultra light micro polyester that provides maximum comfort.

Single-layer or multi-layer construction?

Single-layer Perspiration Wicking Qualities: hDc is a permanent compound that absorbs moisture and disperses it into the fabric evaporating moisture quickly.

Chemical Treatments Used: Ultra hDc, hDc Request No. 106

NIKE WWW.NIKETOWN.COM Product Name: Nike Pro Compression Features: Nike Pro Compression is featured in sleeveless, long sleeve, mock, and tees, as well as shorts and tights. Nike Pro Compression provides cool, lightweight support for your workout. Made with

Performance Apparel stretch Dri-FIT technology designed to keep you dry and comfortable while enhancing athletic performance.

Fabric Content: 62% polyester, 22% nylon, 16% spandex Styles Offered: Nike Pro featured in a sleeveless, long sleeve, mock, tee, short, and tight.

Single-layer or multi-layer construction?

Single-layer Perspiration Wicking Qualities: Made with stretch Dri-FIT technology designed to keep you dry and comfortable while enhancing athletic performance.

Chemical Treatments Used: In addition to fiber construction there is a wicking chemical finish.

Circle No. 107 on Reader Inquiry Card Product Name: Nike Pro Vent Features: Nike Pro Vent is featured in a sleeveless, long sleeve, and short sleeve top. Nike

Pro Vent provides cool, lightweight support for your workout.

Strategically placed vents are laminated to Dri-FIT fabric to improve air flow and keep you dry and comfortable while enhancing athletic performance.

Fabric Content: Body: 82% polyester, 18% spandex Mesh: 86% polyester, 10% spandex, 4% other Styles Offered: Nike Pro Vent is featured in a sleeveless, long sleeve, and short sleeve top.

Perspiration Wicking Qualities: Made with stretch Dri-FIT technology designed to keep you dry and comfortable while enhancing athletic performance.

Chemical Treatments Used: In addition to fiber construction there is a wicking chemical finish.

Circle No. 108 on Reader Inquiry Card

UNDER ARMOUR 888-4-ARMOUR WWW.UNDERARMOUR.COM Product Name: HeatGear®, TurfGear®, ColdGear™ Features: Under Armour®, the original performance apparel, delivers the ultimate Moisture Transport System in garments that fit like a second skin to keep your body dry and your game tight.

Wear HeatGear® when it’s hot, ColdGear™ when it’s cold, and for game time, there’s TurfGear®, deisgned to keep you cool and dry while protecting your arms from cuts and abrasions.

Styles Offered: HeatGear, ColdGear, AllSeasonGear™, LooseGear™, and TurfGear.

Request No. 109

Uniforms & Apparel BASSCO SPORTING GOODS 800-250-4929 WWW.BASSCO.COM Contact Bassco Sporting Goods for football Spirit packs delivered in 14 days. Bassco’s XTREME spirit pack includes a heavyweight 100% cotton t-shirt, deluxe tricot mesh football short and a pair of cotton practice socks. The tshirt and shorts include a one, two or three color screen print with your school’s custom design. Allow Bassco’s art department to create a unique design just for your program or provide them with your existing artwork. T-shirts and shorts are available in 13 colors, size S through 3XL. Request No. 110 Bassco Sporting Goods offers custom lettered game jerseys in 14 days. Choose from the company's stock game jersey offered in 10 team colors or the limited option game jersey

where you select the body, insert and cuff color. New for 2004 is optional piping that borders both edges of the side insert.

Request No. 111

JET SPORTSWEAR INC. 866-JETWEAR WWW.JETSPORTSWEAR.COM JETWear: Moisture management through and through. It’s not that tight stuff; it’s the right stuff! Stealth compression base-layer garments are unlike polyester “wickwear” that use chemicals for moisture management. Stealth styles use exclusive fabrics with moisture migration engineered into the fabric that NEVER washes out and improves with laundering. EXCLUSIVE anti-microbial properties minimize locker room smell that also degrades fabrics. Available in long-, short- and sleeve-less shirts and shorts, pants and girdles. Certain garments are available in select team colors.

Request No. 112

RUSSELL ATHLETIC WWW.RUSSELLATHLETIC.COM In the 2002 Rose Bowl, the Washington State Cougars took the field in a uniform styled like this Dri-Power Stretch Mesh jersey and pant.

Made with stretch, this lightweight fabrication fits tightly to help players avoid tackles and get those extra yards. This state-of-the-art, high-profile uniform features Dri-Power moisture management technology that keeps players cool and comfortable during the heat of the battle.

Request No. 113 This football uniform, by Russell, is tough enough to last through an entire season of trench battles and blind-side sacks. Made with a 100% nylon tricot mesh, this heavyweight fabric makes this one of the most durable uniforms on the market. The uniform also features contrasting nylon/spandex side panels on both the jersey and on the lightweight custom pant. The fabric in the pant is treated with moisture-wicking Naturexx.

Request No. 114 COACHING MANAGEMENT

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www.gssiweb.com

To maximize performance, football players must train their bodies for speed, power, and strength — and their minds for focus. To train and compete successfully, athletes must also keep their bodies well fueled with the right foods and fluids.

Fluids: Staying Hydrated

How to maintain peak performance

Water is a key component of the working body, making up 60 to 65 percent of total body weight.

Football players, especially those who train exceptionally hard during 2-a-days and generate extra heat from wearing heavy uniforms and equipment, can stay hydrated by:

0 If athletes lose too much fluid in sweat without replacing what they’ve lost in both fluids and important electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), they risk becoming dehydrated.

0 Dehydration can diminish energy and impair performance. Even a 2-percent loss of body weight through sweat (i.e., 3 pounds for a 150-pound player)1,2 can put athletes at a disadvantage. Some football players, however, lose more than a gallon of sweat during a practice, game, event or workout, especially in hot weather.

Not all beverages are created equally Here’s how they stack up: Ingredients per 8 oz

Carbohydrate Calories Sodium Potassium Carbonation (grams) (kcals) (milligrams) (milligrams)

Gatorade®

14

50

110

30

No

Water

0

0

0

0

No

Powerade®

19

70

55

30

No

Capri Sun® Sport™ 23

83

59

36

No

Orange Juice

26

112

3

496

No

2% Milk

12

122

122

376

No

Nutritional information provided by USDA database and manufacturer’s label *Powerade is a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company. *Capri Sun Sport is a registered trademark of Rudolf Wild GmbH & Co. KG

0 Remember fluids throughout the day. This may be as simple as grabbing a sports drink first thing in the morning, then using fountains, coolers, and cafeteria beverages as triggers for drinking throughout the day.

0 Hydrate 2 to 3 hours before practices, games, and events. Athletes should aim for at least 16 ounces (2 cups) of fluid at this time and an additional 8 ounces (1 cup) 10 to 20 minutes prior to getting on the field.

0 Drink at regular intervals (15-20 minutes) during workouts or games. Sports drinks like Gatorade® can help ward off dehydration and muscle cramping because they help replenish electrolytes (i.e., sodium and potassium) lost in sweat without overdrinking.

Athletes should know their sweat rates.

How much weight they lose Since sweat rates during exercise (in ounces) can vary based on the individual, How much fluid they consume weather, and during exercise (in fluid ounces) intensity of exercise, athletes should The amount they SHOULD drink to replace sweat losses measure:

+ =

Foods & Fluids Series, Volume I, FOOTBALL is one in a series of six sports science articles written by Susan Kundrat, M.S., R.D., L.D., an expert in sports nutrition. Any of these articles can be reproduced for educational purposes to distribute to athletes, students, parents or to post in the athletic training room, locker room, or weight room.

Foods: Pre-Workout Fuel

Pre-Workout Meal Ideas

Athletes should fuel their bodies 2 to 3 hours before practices, events, and games with a high-carbohydrate meal or snack (see “Pre-Workout Meal Ideas”).

This will give their bodies enough energy to make it through the workout.

Menu #2

Menu #3

Spaghetti with meat sauce

Turkey/veggie sandwich on whole grain bread

Grilled chicken breast

Italian bread

Mashed potatoes Fresh fruit salad

To do this: 0 Team leaders can organize pre-game meals for the whole team, including high-energy foods like breads, bagels, cereals, pasta, potatoes, rice, fruits, fruit juices, and vegetables — as well as lean sources of protein.

0 Athletes should fill 2/3 of their plates with highcarbohydrate options for quick energy — and the rest with grilled skinless chicken breast, turkey, or lean roast beef to build and help repair muscles.

Menu #1

Salad with lowfat dressing

Oatmeal cookies

Green beans

Fruit juice

Sports drink

Applesauce Skim milk

Sample Plan for Football Meal

Sample Menu

Breakfast

0 Athletes should also salt food to replace the sodium they lose during sweating — especially if they’re heavy crampers.

Scrambled eggs and toast Cereal and lowfat milk Banana Orange juice

Lunch

0 Athletes shouldn’t leave the house empty-handed. They should take easy-to-pack snacks like sports bars, sports drinks, fruit juices, trail mix, etc.

Ham sandwich with veggies Corn chips Grapes Frozen yogurt Apple juice

Pre-practice/ pre-game snack

Gatorade® Energy Bar Granola bar Apple Gatorade®

During practices/games

Gatorade® Water

Post-practice/ post-game snack

Peanut butter sandwich Gatorade®

Evening meal

Roast beef Baked potato Salad /dressing Steamed broccoli Fruit salad Lowfat milk

Evening snack

High-energy shake with ice cream, strawberries, and milk

Foods: Post-Workout Fuel Athletes burn a lot of calories during a workout. Their bodies’ muscles lose the energy that’s been stored for exercise. That’s why it’s important athletes: 0 Get energy back to the muscles as quickly as possible (within 30 minutes and again within 2 hours) to help rebuild muscle energy stores for the next workout.

0 Have snacks like cereal mixed with peanuts and raisins, a high-energy beverage, or a bottle of 100 percent fruit juice handy to refuel fast.

0 Consume another meal within 2 hours to continue storing energy in the muscles.

0 When looking to gain lean muscle mass, add 500 to 1,000 additional calories per day combined with proper nutrition and a solid strength-training program.

1

Gisfoli, C.V. and D.R. Lamb. Perspectives in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine: Fluid Homeostasis During Exercise, Chapt 1 pp. 1-38, 1990.

2 Gopinathan, P.M. et al. Arch Environ Health, 43:15-17, 1998.

CONTACT: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE GATORADE SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTE (GSSI) LOG ON TO: www.gssiweb.com or call 1-800-616-GSSI (4774).

Fundraising Products JOE CORBI’S 888-526-7247 WWW.JOECORBI.COM Joe Corbi’s offers the leading pizza kit and cookie dough fundraising program in the United States. Joe Corbi’s programs are extremely profitable for sports teams— earn up to $7.00 per pizza kit sold, and up to $6.38 per tub of cookie dough sold. There are no hidden fees, such as delivery or case break charges. A company representative will send the Fundraising Start-Up Kit with everything you need, and establish your sale/delivery dates. Product will arrive at the date and time you request. It’s that easy—from start to finish all it takes is three-four weeks.

Request No. 116

eFUNDRAISING.COM 866-825-2921 WWW.EFUNDRAISING.COM Try eFundraising’s new Online Fundraising Program—a new way to raise money quickly

and easily! With your FREE personalized web site, complete with magazine store, your supporters can purchase magazine subscriptions online and 40% of each purchase amount will go back to your group! Simply enter and send emails to friends and family across America inviting them to visit your online store and buy, renew or extend their magazines subscriptions to help support your group.

They’ll save up to 85% off the newsstand prices on over 650 magazine titles while you’ll earn 40% profit!

Request No. 117 Raise up to 50% profit with delicious chocolate sports discs, available from eFundraising!

Everyone loves the rich, creamy taste of these candy discs. Your team will love the huge profits! Personalize the label by send-

ing us your team's logo with your order and we'll customize the discs for you!

Request No. 118

RACINE DANISH KRINGLES® 800-432-6474 WWW.KRINGLE.COM Danish Kringles, from Racine Danish Kringles®, are the secret ingredient for a successful fundraiser. The Kringle is a unique and tasty alternative to traditional fundraising fare, as it’s a special treat that people can’t purchase regularly. Racine Danish Kringles will make the fundraising process easy for you. They provide free sales support materials, inside tips on selling the Kringles, and friendly, expert assistance from the moment you call right through delivery of your order— baked fresh and delicious from our bakery.

Made from an authentic recipe for danish dough, Racine Kringle boasts only the finest ingredients. With a program this sweet, the hardest part of your fundraiser may be resisting the Racine Danish Kringles yourself!

Request No. 119

More Products GAGLIARDI INSURANCE 800-538-7061 WWW.INSURANCEFORSPORTS.COM

THE MILLER GROUP 800-325-3350 WWW.MILLER-GROUP.COM

MUELLER SPORTS MEDICINE 800-356-9522 WWW.MUELLERSPORTSMED.COM

With over a decade of service, Gagliardi Insurance Services has grown into a forerunner and one of the most respected providers of specialty insurance relating to

Get your athletes' attention without saying a word! Whether you're posting schedules, awards, team photos or other information, there's no better way to command attention than with a Multiplex display from The Miller Group.

Choose from a wide range of free-standing and wall-mounted displays from its free catalog.

Contact the company or visit its Web site to view the company's full line and to request a catalog.

Request No. 121

Mueller's patented No Glare™ Strips give athletes that extra edge when competing in bright stadium lights or in the sun. Test results show that No Glare Strips are more effective than grease in reducing light entering the peripheral area of the eye, and No Glare Strips Premium are significantly more effective. The strips are pressure-sensitive, will not smear or sweat off, are easy to use and remove, and won't stain uniforms. Athletes can towel dry with no greasy mess.

Request No. 122

sports and entertainment. Its staff is highly dedicated to satisfying the needs of the client by providing you with only the highest quality of carriers and products, supporting you with excellent customer service. The company welcomes the challenge and opportunity to demonstrate to you its commitment to excellence. When you need insurance for special or sports related events or programs, think of Gagliardi Insurance Services first. Please contact the company by calling its toll free number and a customer service representatives will gladly assist you, or visit the company's Web site.

Request No. 120

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Request No. 40

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Request No. 41

Request No. 41