Player health part of game plan for Highland Lakes youth football
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — Injuries and other health concerns are always major players in the game of football, even at the youth association level.
And officers and coaches of those associations have taken steps to address medical-related issues by attending clinics and watching online videos on the proper way to tackle and the signs of dehydration and concussions.
“That’s really a hot topic to try and prevent,” said Jeff Kuykendall, vice president of Llano Youth Football.
Bobby Shirley, the president of Burnet Bulldogs Tackle Football, attended a clinic hosted by USA Football’s Heads Up program where attendees learned about proper tackling, dehydration and concussions.
Tests were given in order for attendees to get certified.
“USA Football has members of the NFL teaching the class,” Shirley said. “It’s neat to sit through something and learn. It’s a pretty detailed deal. There are eight or nine different courses you can take to get more knowledge of it.”
Other courses included learning how to determine correct helmet sizes, quarterback-receiver drills and the proper way to take care of equipment.
While association officers say attending clinics is not a requirement to coach a team, each said their coaches are required to watch videos and expected to teach proper techniques. No one has to remind them that a player’s safety and health comes first, they said.
Chess Long, president of the Marble Falls Youth Football Association, said officers and coaches sit in on seminars featuring doctors and referees hosted by Mid-Tex Youth Football, the league of which his association is a member.
Sarah Godfrey, the president of the Kingsland Youth Football/Cheer Association, which is also a member of Mid-Tex Youth Football, said education is the key.
“We’re very aware and very cautious,” she said. “(Health issues) can sneak up on them so quickly.”
To teach proper tackling techniques, her association is building a chute that forces players to go low and keep their heads up. It’s based off the same equipment used by most high school and middle school teams.
“If they (stand too high) up, it’ll hit them on their heads,” Godfrey said.
All the officers say they want their associations to serve as a place where young athletes learn to love football in addition to learning the proper way to play the sport. But none of that matters if the players are not safeguarded.
“These kids are your babies,” Shirley said. “You want to protect them.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com