2011 ESSP Flag Football End of Season Presentation

This presentation is designed to promote points of emphasis for the 2012 season based on observations from this past season. There are three sections: Administrative Concerns Rules Clarifications Developmental Imperatives

Administrative Concerns My goal is to conclude the season on the first Saturday in November, allowing for a three week round robin within networks, network playoffs, and adequate time between city playoff games to arbitrate protests. Time is of the essence due to weather and daylight, so the earlier we start the season, the better chance we have to finish the season on time. Many things must take place regarding the formal start of the program but I encourage coaches to start to organize your team within a day or two of the start of school, whether you are Track E or Regular Track. You can start practice if you have a roster on file with your network manager, or with Sports Administration. To start the official season though, you must be formally registered with your network manager. 1. The Season

Administrative Concerns I am finding that many coaches are taking for granted the importance of updated and accurate rosters. These documents are very important for our administration and for the academic accountability for the program. Hence, for every game in 2012, the coaches should meet at midfield with the entire team positioned in a single file line facing the other and conduct a roll call of the opposing team. With a max of 17 players this process takes 3 minutes or less. The coach should ask the player to state his/her name in order to be checked off of the list. If the name is not there, that player is ineligible. If there is a discrepancy, especially if a student recognizes an opponent as a name different than one listed, the roster should be submitted as evidence for protest. Some networks have implemented a policy of “no roster, automatic protest”. Policies such as this will be supported and complete details will be worked out foe each network. In regards to the city tournament, roster integrity will be strictly enforced. 2. Roster Integrity

Rules Clarification 3.Jumping Currently, there is no stipulation for when a runner, while advancing the ball, jumps into the air. Everyone knows that it is just illegal. For 2012, I will stipulate that the ball is dead where the runner jumped. 1.Length of the Playing Field This was confusing to some – the playing field is to be 80yds with (2) ten yard endzones for a total of 100yds. The minimum field width is 35 yards. 2.Formations A legal offensive formation has 5 players on the line of scrimmage. A legal defensive formation has one player 5 yards off the LOS, and if you cover the center, you must allow for a 2 yard (6 feet) halo.

Rules Clarification 4.Blocking As I mentioned in the rules meetings, we are working to eliminate the use of hands for blocking. Another goal of mine was to make it more feasible (by rule) to pass the ball. I allowed for the use of hands at the LOS, and for pass protection. I did notice at the games that I attended, that there was a natural pocket behind the center and guards and with a decent snap there was sufficient time to throw the ball, for many teams. However, a better interpretation of the rule of positioning would lead to the conclusion that a defender cannot “run over” an offensive man who has established position. This would mean that as long as there is a center-guard-tackle, etc., pressure to the QB would have to come from the outside. If this rule is enforced, then all the more a natural pocket would be established without actually changing the rules. Edge offensive players would still be allowed to use hands to pass protect. We can talk about this more at next year’s meeting.

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Developmental Imperatives 1.Snapping the ball I understand that there are a lot of things to teach with limited time. My expectations of actual football development for the students is modest, and my hope is that your primary investment is in their character. Nonetheless, I urge you to instruct a number of students how to snap the ball so that you can execute plays out of shotgun and help beat the defensive pass rush. I have included a link on snapping to help you. You can find much more online. Actually, the trick is just practice, not a magic technique. 2.Capturing the Flag I know that some of you practice capturing the flag because I saw students make great plays on the flags of ball carriers. I encourage you to continue; hand-eye coordination and good body position are skills that carry over to all sports and aides the athletic development of the students.

Thanks for your help to the CPS System this year and best wishes until next year. Feel free to comment on the wiki.