Commissioner’s Message:
As we learn more and more about the concerns of concussions in youth sports across the country and the potential harm such injuries can have if not recognized and dealt with properly, it became imperative that our league take every step possible to ensure we are providing our kids with a proper and safe environment to learn and play the game of football. To do that, the BCYFL has taken full advantage of the initiatives that are being developed nationally by organizations like USA Football. In an effort to promote safety in youth football, USA Football, in partnership with the NFL, has launched the Heads Up FootballSM Program. Heads Up FootballSM gives leagues, coaches, parents, and players access to the latest in concussion recognition and response, proper equipment fitting and Heads Up TacklingSM, a better and safer way to teach the sport’s most basic fundamental.
Created by USA Football’s team of experts, and supported by leading medical and football experts, Heads Up FootballSM educates coaches, parents and players through the best of breed programs and resources on field and online. The Heads Up FootballSM initiative was built and endorsed by the best including the NFL, members of NFL Head, Neck & Spine Committee, NCAA, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), CDC, and more—it is the gold standard in player safety.
The Heads Up FootballSM approach include the following:
• All Coaches have access to a nationally accredited coaching education program and
specific tools/resources found within our Coaches Membership
• All Coaches are trained and are required to be certified to teach Heads Up TacklingSM techniques
• All Coaches are trained to recognize concussions
• Each community in our league will also have a designated Player Safety Coach (PSC) to represent and assist in implementing Heads Up FootballSM throughout your program. The PSC will receive special training from a USA Football Master Trainer on Heads Up FootballSM at a designated Heads Up FootballSM clinic. The PSC will then educate coaches throughout their program as well as educating parents and players on proper Heads Up TacklingSM .The PSC will then monitor coaches, practice, games to reinforce training throughout the season.
Here are a couple video links describing the Heads Up Program :
Heads Up FootballSM Overview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMFGk926Cj0
American Football Coaches Association/Heads Up FootballSM Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKAnbt6Z6YU
For more information about USA Football and the Heads Up Program, I encourage you to view the information listed on the USA Football tab on our Main Menu. If you have any questions about this program or any other aspect of the league, please do not hesitate to give me a call.
Thanks and let's have a great season !!!
Dan
